Stefano Pasini

BRISTOL 403 #1404, JUNE 2013

10 June 2013: a good steam cleaning

The engine bay when the 403 arrived: not very tidy (April 2013)

The original idea was to keep the 403 'as it was' and using it to test the mechanicals for a while. In fact, I couldn't drive such a beautiful car before having it restored, so there was a change of plans and we decided to dismantle it all. First step: cleaning the muck accumulated in 60 years. A good pressure wash with a cleaning product changes radically the situation (10 June 2013). Now you can see the components of the 403 WAY better

Underside of the front section before cleaning, April 2013

A much cleaer view of the front crossmember, steering rack, ENOTS system etc, after steam cleaning

14 June 2013: engine and gearbox removed

The 2-Litre engine is surprisingly compact

The original gearbox needs to be rebuilt. Please note the 'porridge stirrer' lever. I am looking for a remote control leverage/conversion, if anyone has one of these systems for sale please let me know....

The engine bay shows more troublesome areas now that the drivetrain has been removed

Floor panels were removed for easier access to the gearbox

Brake pump

The heater boxes after the removal of main radiator

Unpleasant-looking gunk in the bottom radiator hose

Two British classics: my 2007 Bonnie faces my 1953 Bristol

18 June 2013: back to the body shop

Nightmare....

What is this pushbutton?

The single fan, on the driver's side, for the internal heating system and demisting

The driver's side heater radiator removed, its duct now open for inspection and repair

The radiators of the heating system are not in a very good condition and must be recored, but the original labels are fascinating and will be preserved