Old Trials Special

[Charles P]

I like the quick release steering wheel

Not that quick to be fair. It's a fine thread.


Charles

[Michael D]

Nice project .... 'Don't bite off more than you can chew' they say.. I hope you have some serious chewing capacity. .... My first 'AHA-erlebnis' was: Lotus 7-style but of course Lotus 6 is more like it. Fibreglass bodies do turn up in classifieds now and then but unless you're sure what body will fit your chassis..... it's a gamble. So do your homework but it seems you're someone who likes delving through archives. Anyway: Be careful to keep (and refurbish) that Cambrigde head and Dante inlet manifold.

[Zetomagneto]

Michael D only 2 things to keep? It’s got loads of nice parts on it!

[Reckless Rat]

It's the first time I've seen an A7 special with a "proper" 4 into 2 into 1 (the last bit is missing) exhaust.

[Michael D]

OK Zetomagneto... I stand corrected....... keep everything .... the whole hog.....

Michael D only 2 things to keep? It’s got loads of nice parts on it!

["Slack Alice" Simon]

Looking at it from the new camera angle, I reckon the thermosiphon has a chance of working.

[Lowespeed]

Hi James,
I just wondered if the pre production Dellow you mentioned was on of the ones with an Austin 7 chassis, or the tube type.

[JonE]

It looks more a candidate for "properly" fitting aluminium to the existing skeleton over the dash and perhaps a nice nosecone, and simple alloy panelling - without compound curves - elsewhere? (a la Speedex 750) It seems businesslike enough not to need touches of cafe racer.

[James Fraser]

Thanks to all for the advice on the bodywork. I think an aluminium skin that doesn't completely hide the framework sounds appealing. As luck would have it I work for CKL Developments (down near Battle) and we have a fantastic panel beater who usually repairs D types and the like so this might make a fun alternative for him! I just need to tell him that the budget is obviously a lot less...
On the mechanical side we have just appointed a new apprentice so what better way for him to learn about old cars than to get stuck into this one?
I will keep you updated with progress. 
Best
James

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Hi Lowespeed
I believe the Dellow is the last prototype built (the 5th one I think?) and has the first tubular chassis frame - although with some differences to the production cars. It has a 1939 Ford chassis number and is described in the log book as a Ford-Dellow. The car originally belonged to a chap called Merrick - reg number EDE384. Haven't really got the space for another project but it is fun doing the research on it!
Best
James

[Mike Costigan]

... I just need to tell him that the budget is obviously a lot less...

James

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I think the phrase you are looking for is 'the budget is fluid - preferably frothy!'