[tavistock]

I did fit a pair of these to an Atlantic, originally for a BN1 Healey:
From SC Parts
‘replaces bronze thrust washer in the top trunnion. Complete car set
MG MGB (1962-80) • MGC (1967-69)

This amazing little invention replaces the bronze thrust washers in the top trunnions to reduce friction and give an almost power steering feel to your car without any major alterations to your vehicle. Makes the heavy manoeuvring of your classic a thing of the past. Very high quality and not to be compared with cheaper alternatives available on the market’.

[tavistock]

I always use an exhaust paste when assembling at the manifold end. I have found modern repro exhausts to be not exactly right (or rather way out) so fitting is made doubly difficult. Not sure about the Somerset, but I jack the downpipe into position which allows you a pair of hands to fit the clamp.

[tavistock]

John, I’m not even a Counties owner but I’ll try and answer your question based on the A30. The A30 was also introduced in Coronation colours (Windsor Grey, Buckingham Green etc) in April 1953 and ran through to October 1953. Perhaps the 2 tone paintwork is a later addition. Later A30s could be ordered with a different colour roof, as to the Queen receiving a car I don’t know. Incidentally the yahoo austin counties site is quite active!

[tavistock]

Might be worth asking the club spares contact. Have you tried http://www.renold.com/products/sprockets-and-accessories/ or

Lancaster Vintage & Classic Spares or

http://www.kipmotor.com/Catalogs/ORPHAN5A.pdf

Might be worth comparing the tensioner and sprockets with other engines. The Nash Metropolitan had the 1200 engine but it might be a B series, these people in the USA sell the timing gears:

http://metropolitan-restoration-service.com/metropolitan-parts-catalog/catalog

[tavistock]

On my Atlantic I used ‘taxi’ tyres, these are 175/80/16 and are relatively inexpensive. They do make the steering a bit heavier, but the concept of having some roadholding is a welcome relief.

[tavistock]

I hope you get an answer to your query, but the Westminster is probably a rarer car than the Atlantic! Couldn’t you consider using the diff from a convertible Atlantic, this was a 3.66/1. I know you are in Australia, but it might be worth asking Heathrow Transmissions if they can help. http://www.heathrowtransmissions.co.uk/

[tavistock]

You can get all the Austin colours from http://www.carrestorationpaints.co.uk/ They specialise in Austin/BMC colours. Failing that you could clean up a sample of the bodywork (internal metal trims are often not faded) and get that matched at a local paint supplier.

[tavistock]

I fitted a Luminition system about 10 years ago and it has performed faultlessly, unlike one of the cheap ones on fleabay that broke down on its first drive in another car! Some systems are only for positive earth. The points/condensers in our cars will always be a weak point; but when working well, I’ve never noticed any significant difference between the standard system and electronic ignition.

[tavistock]

Is there one that fits, does the MGB harmonic balancer fit?

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