[PJS]

In earlier models, including the 16, the whole distributor did move with the vacuum advance. Distributors on later versions of this engine (e.g. A70 Hereford) had internal movement in the distributor to allow for this,

[PJS]

Leo,

It’s neither an ‘A’ or  ‘B’ series. It’s effectively a predecessor to both.

The ‘A’ series engine was first used in the A30, and the Devon/Somerset 1200cc engine was developed into the later ‘B’ series, used widely by BMC and later BL.

[PJS]

Ken,

My recollection was that I had to remove the entire front cowl, and first of all remove the radiator. The grilles could then be removed backwards from the cowl. A straightforward enough job, but time consuming…

[PJS]

I’d proceed with some caution when uprating the fuse – if the old one had blown, then there was presumably some sudden increase in current that caused it. If that current flows through a wire with a rating of less than 20A then it, instead of the fuse, will burn assuming the original short is still a problem.

 

[PJS]

I’d suggest that as you’ve already re-tightened the head and done 7,000 miles without incident, that provided you keep an eye on the condition of the cooling system, including the condition of the radiator, and making sure that you’ve used the correct thermostat, you should be OK.

The best advice sometimes is ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’.

[PJS]

Hello,  I think we may have spoken some time ago at the NEC Classic Car Show. If you’re the same person, I believe our late Spares Secretary Ray did email you about these a while ago. Can you advise who you emailed in the club and didn’t get a response from please?

I’d be interested in seeing a list of parts you have, and possibly in purchasing the running boards, dependent upon cost. Please email me at  editor@austincounties.org.uk

Thanks.

[PJS]

It’s certainly not a vehicle that would have come out of the factory like that, and it’s been heavily modified, presumably by an enthusiastic owner who simply wanted to keep it on the road.

I’ve seen similar modifications done to our cars in places such as Cuba, and Malta, where partly out of necessity, partly out of skill, and partly out of invention, cars continue their working lives long after they might normally have been expected to be scrapped.

[PJS]

Is it possible that the car has had a replacement engine from an A40 Devon or Somerset at some point?

A40 Sports are quite rare, so you may well struggle to find both the correct manifold and carburettors.

[PJS]

I don’t have anything specific to the A70 or the Sixteen, but the specs for the Healey 100 engine, which is very similar, are:

Big end caps (piston rods) are 50 ft-lbs
Main Bearing Caps 75 ft lbs.

[PJS]

Are you looking to replace the whole internal headlamp with a separate unit? I’ve seen something similar done on a Sixteen and to be honest it didn’t look very good.

Have you thought about simply replacing the bubs with halogen bulbs? You could also consider LED bulbs – though there is some doubt it seem as to whether or not the latter are legal.

Here’s a supplier of bulbs who might be able to help – http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffybulbs.htm

I’m sure other suppliers could help too.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by PJS.

[PJS]

As stated above, you’l need to undo the nut at the end of the steering box. You will also have to cut through the ‘olive’ that sits behind the nut in order to withdraw the centre of the wheel complete with the stator tube.

You’ll need to find a replacement olive – try plumber’s merchants – as the olive is there to keep the oil in the steering box.

[PJS]

Hello Brian,

According to the latest member list we have a total of  3, including yours, if you include ‘Woodies’.  There may be others, but they’re not registered with the club.

[PJS]

The club parts catalogue shows N5 for the GS2 Devon, with N8 for the GS3 Devon and for the Somerset.

I’ll mention to Ray Dawes that there is some contention over this –  the parts list might be wrong.

[PJS]

I also found this explanation of the ‘Astrachrome’ process

https://astrachrome.co.uk/en/what-we-do/

and

https://astrachrome.co.uk/en/faq/

As I say, I can neither recommend, nor discourage, use of the process – it would be interesting to see if anyone else within the club or beyond can offer any personal insight – but it does look to be worthy of investigation.

[PJS]

I found this page from another ‘chrome’ sprayer. https://invictaspraychrome.co.uk/what-we-do

I don’t personally know of anyone who has tried this process, but, having seen it done on a couple of TV restoration programmes to some not very good bits of Mazak metal trim, the results looked very impressive – and certainly cheaper than traditional chrome plating.

[Author]

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