RP smoker's hatch

[Graham O]

                In 1977! when I removed the 1950s metal roof cover I found the framing for a smoker's hatch - but no hatch.  I have since acquired a hatch and am about to fit it. Also in the box of remaining A7 bits there were wood pieces that seemed to accurately match holes around the hatch opening.
So my quandary is this: Should the hatch sit on a raised surround?  A bit fiddly to seal but worth doing if correct.
Also should the hatch open to the rear.  I think so but can't find definitive photos.
Also I have included a photo of some marking on the underside of hatch cast frame for those interested in detail.
Any comments welcome
Graham

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Sorry about the repeat photo - it resisted all removal attempts
Graham

[Peter Naulls]

Hi Graham,

This looks identical to our Ruby one. It sits flush with the surface of the roof, so the hole in the frame needs to be large enough to accommodate the vertical lip on the inside. Yes it opens to the rear.

I had to drill a couple of little drain holes to allow the water in the gutter part to exit outwards, otherwise it sits full of water and some spills inwards when you are driving. I can take photos if you need them.

[Mick Hobday]

The square logo with the lion and "WB" relates to the manufacturer, Wilmot Breedon, who supplied various parts to Longbridge. Presumably M13 is Wilmot Breedon's part number.

[Oxford Jack]

I may be absolutely incorrect so do not take this as gospel, I was under the impression that the smokers hatch was fitted to fixed head bodies as a ventilation aid. In the case of sliding head there would be no need of the additional hatch. The opening should face aft inorder to avoid becoming a rain scoop, but that is conjecture on my part rather than from actual experience.
Now heading for the hills to avoid the incoming!

[Ivor Hawkins]

You are absolutely right Jack, I think Graham’s is shown mounted in a full length infill panel and the smokers hatch is mounted on top rather than flush.
I too shall await a response from the oracle.
Sorry I missed you at Moreton Jack, Rosie and I tootled up during the week...

[Tony Griffiths]

To be 100% original, as you drive along, some smoke needs to be coming out. How about one of these - triggered at the appropriate moment? https://store.enolagaye.com/p/wire-pull-...gJJQvD_BwE

[39Jet]

I think they should open to the rear - to extract smoke from the interior, rather than blow air in.
A friend of my mother's told me how she used to throw fire-crackers out of her Ruby's hatch, causing dismay and confusion amongst following motorists. They would hurriedly pull over to investigate the loud bang.
Releasing fireworks would be easiest if the hatch opened to the rear.

[Ivor Hawkins]

Looking at a photograph of an original it looks like the smokers hatch should sit proud on a frame rather than flush with the top...I’ll see if I can find a better photograph.

[Peter Naulls]

Here's a fairly original looking Ruby, photographed post-war. Ours was /is just the same, with the flange with the screw holes sitting directly onto the fabric panel. These cast metal ones seem to have been fitted to late Rubies, most of the earlier cars I've seen had similar looking versions but made of pressed steel. I guess it depended what was available at the time.

   

[Graham O]

Many thanks everyone for your helpful advice.
I have just found the remnants of the original roof cloth and it clearly shows the screw mounting holes for the raised wood parts, and additional holes to mount the hatch, so the hatch on my standard RP was raised. Now to work out how to seal it all properly.

When 5th November comes around I will stock up on the necessary incendiary devices - come to think of it, I've got some outdated smoke flares for our boat...

Regards
Graham