Greetings! New owner from India

[prithvitagore]

Hi everyone, 

I wanted to acknowledge the help received in obtaining parts that have come in so far and are with me.

Hugh Barnes for the cylinder head
Tristan Williams for another cylinder head
Stuart Gilks for the Lucas wiper motor
David Cochrane for almost all the engine parts
Tony Betts for the new crankshaft, matching set of rods, handbrake cover, gear box cover and propshaft cover 
Paul Bonewell for the rebuilt camshaft
Jamie Rogerson for new main bearings (RHP angular contact and NKE rear), DK4A distributor bits, new exhaust and muffler
David Wilkinson for the Rist horn

David Shepherd for 2 x 19 inch wheels, Lucas AT201 tail lamp, Lucas D20 dash panel lamp, oil gauge, amp meter, SM5 switch panel, gas and ignition assembly, levers, linkages and tube and for keeping track of other parts. He alerted me on a freshly listed Zenith 22 FZ bronze carb on eBay and I bought it.

Phil Robins for 3 x 19 inch wheels, gear lever top cover

Steering Wheel Restorations (Myrtle) for the excellent rebuild of the steering wheel

I've asked Willie McKenzie for a few reproductions parts which should work out soon

Wayne from Australia has arranged for an original pair of Lucas R47 headlamps

Chris Clark is refurbishing the instruments and switch panel 

And Ian from Oxfordshire Sevens is helping with the twin pivot front dampers and templates for the body tub

It's been a fantastic journey with the A7 community till now! 

We are now set to give the engine components to the machine shop and start on the rebuild! 


Regards,

Prithvi

[falcott]

It seems that excellent assistance was offered by all! Very well done. 

[prithvitagore]

Hi everyone.

The steering wheel I bought on eBay UK and sent to a steering wheel specialist in the UK, has now reached me and looks fantastic.

I bought an oil pressure gauge and SM5 switch panel with the amp meter from David Shepherd in the UK and had it sent to Chris Clark for restoration. The outcome is exceptional!

As purchased and after restoration of steering wheel and instruments attached.


Steering as purchased with splits

   


Steering after as received 

   


Instruments as acquired

   

   


After restoration by Chris Clark with speedometer 

   

   

[Tony Griffiths]

Great progress indeed - at this rate, after another few months it should be back on the road. I do hope that the pictures I sent are useful.

[prithvitagore]

Hi Tony,

Yes of course, the photos you sent me are so detailed and good, that they will be of immense help as reference during the restoration. I'm hoping that by the end of this year, we will have the AG on the road again.

[prithvitagore]

Hello everyone. 

I was reading with interest a thread on the forum about the original finish of the dash panel on the AG tourers and was surprised to see that some of them had a 'crackle' finish and so I decided to take of the patent plate on my car's dash panel today and, well, I too found a crackle finish!

My question now to the gurus is - how do I replicate this finish?

Have a look at the pic of the finish behind the patent plate on my car's dash panel.

   

Regards,

Prithvi

[Mike Costigan]

As you say, the correct finish is a crackle paint. I was able to replicate it on my AG with an ancient tin of 'Miller's PANL Air-Drying Crackle' paint which I inherited from my late father. I think it was used on pre-War radio sets, so it might be worth investigating a modern source via radio enthusiasts. Failing that, I still have the tin of paint which I can't see ever being of use to me in the future, so you are welcome to it - but be aware it is probably now the best part of ninety years old! Although described as air-drying, the crackle finish is improved by drying in a domestic gas oven for perhaps half-an-hour; I think the moist atmosphere helps!

Alternatively, you should be able to source an aerosol can of wrinkle-finish paint which was used, amongst other things, on MGB dashboards - not a perfect match, but an easy solution.

   

   

[Howard Wright]

Hi 

I used an aerosol can (well two actually). But it took about three attempts.  It worked best when I put the freshly sprayed dash in bright warm sunshine!

Cheers

Howard

[prithvitagore]

Very interesting! Thanks Mike and Howard. Both dash panels look really cool.

I'd be very happy to take that tin of paint. I'll pm you Mike. Thanks!

[Dave Wortley]

I doubt there are many car clubs who offer so much help to fellow owners. When so much is wrong with the World at the moment this is so good to see.