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Info regarding Fabric Saloon - VO 3659

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Info regarding Fabric Saloon - VO 3659
mk1ruby Offline
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Joined: Nov 2024 Posts: 5 Threads: 1
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Location: UK
Car type: Austin 7 Ruby
#1
05-02-2025, 10:46 PM
Hello all! My brother and I recently purchased a Fabric Body Austin 7 and I was wondering if anyone out there had some additional information regarding the original colour etc.

We're debating whether or not to do a full restoration, a sympathetic one, or something in between.

Attached are a couple of photos of the car in its current state.

What we do know is that it's going to be a fun challenge getting it back on the road!


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David Mawby Offline
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Location: Nottingham
Car type: Rosengart
#2
05-02-2025, 10:59 PM
It is on the Fabric Saloon register as being black, please contact me directly, so I can update the register with your info. 
Regards David Mawby (Fabric Saloon Register)
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AustinWood Offline
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Location: Scottish Borders
#3
05-02-2025, 11:37 PM
The original records for it probably are available from The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. A few survive for around 1930.
We have a similar car dating from March 1929.
Jim
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Charles P Offline
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#4
06-02-2025, 12:37 AM
That’s a full restoration in my book
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Howard Wright Offline
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Location: Llandrindod Wells
Car type: 29 Special, 30 RK, 28 C Cab
#5
06-02-2025, 08:13 AM (This post was last modified: 06-02-2025, 06:23 PM by Howard Wright.)
Hi

I’d agree with Charles. Full resto. Looking at the beaded edge bumpers it’s a very late RF probably early 1930?

Good luck and continue with the excellent photos as you progress.

Cheers

Howard

Bumpers?? wings of course
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Chris KC Offline
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Location: Darkest Bedfordshire
#6
06-02-2025, 12:41 PM (This post was last modified: 06-02-2025, 12:43 PM by Chris KC.)
Inclined to agree. 
I'm the last person to advocate replacing original parts, but there comes a point where there is little alternative. On the plus side, it seems a fairly complete car so you'll have plenty to guide you.
People are often tempted to use "the best" of everything when restoring, but I'd much rather you tried to replicate the character of what's there - that word "sympathetic" is key.
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Terry McGrath Offline
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#7
06-02-2025, 01:34 PM
My RF has the original exterior fabric on all except the roof. It's tatty but saveable with boot polish, subtle patching, flexible filler and water repellent shoe spray. If you do decide to keep the fabric it will save you about a year's work.
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AustinWood Offline
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Location: Scottish Borders
#8
06-02-2025, 03:32 PM
Whereabouts are you? Our car is in The Scottish Borders and very similar.
Jim
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mk1ruby Offline
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Location: UK
Car type: Austin 7 Ruby
#9
06-02-2025, 04:40 PM (This post was last modified: 06-02-2025, 04:45 PM by mk1ruby.)
(05-02-2025, 10:59 PM)David Mawby Wrote: It is on the Fabric Saloon register as being black, please contact me directly, so I can update the register with your info. 
Regards David Mawby (Fabric Saloon Register)

Hi David, I'll send over a PM shortly!
(06-02-2025, 03:32 PM)AustinWood Wrote: Whereabouts are you? Our car is in The Scottish Borders and very similar.

We're down in Dorset, so a fair distance away!
Just want to say thanks to all that have replied so far, it's been super helpful! Smile
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Ivor Hawkins Offline
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Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,685 Threads: 24
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Location: The village of Evenley
Car type: 1934 Austin Seven RP Deluxe
#10
06-02-2025, 05:18 PM
What a cracking car!

I think a pretty comprehensive restoration may be the only option, but it can be done sympathetically in as much as the mechanics and running gear may respond to a deep clean and a rebuild as necessary, but the body itself may require the magic of Martin Prior.
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