BRISTOL 403 #1404, 2013
The search for new parts, or for specialist refurbishing the old worn out ones, begins....
I love the look and 'feel' of those classic Smiths instruments. I'll send my clock to Mike Eck, he did a sterling job overhauling the clock of my 409 and I can only recommend his service
Lucas distributor apparently has number DX6A403456 (W6710-53). Does this make any sense for Lucas experts?
Top view of the original distributor
Engine looks very original but will be cleaned thoroughly. I understand that the original engine paint is Speedcote 2 French Grey BS 3630 (thanks to Derek Hughes)
The horrible grinding noise that I heard during the first hundred yards of 'testing' was due to the rear bearings being completely shot. A couple of replacements bought on eBay for £20 cured the problem for good
I need this water hose (maybe n. 704171?) for sure
I am looking for a pair of spring gaiters (R.H. n. 422011, L.H. n. 422051) that protect the leaf spring of the front suspension
The rear Konis (please note the original 'vintage' Koni winged emblem) are still working fairly well but I shall have them overhauled and repainted, and I shall need new front shocks anyway. The BOC Wiki proposes these alternatives.
FRONT:
Spax 170/120G or G761-AS ??, Henderson 11170-W22-A99, max 480mm min 305mm
Koni 80.1149
N.B. ?????? Max 425mm Min 305mm, Comp & Rebound 70-90 lb both directions
Spax G6LL, or G120/7545 ref R Leffler
REAR:
N.B. Comp 200-240lb, Extension 300-350lb
Spax G6.5SL (or G4.5SL)
Koni 82.1087
Monroe Max 510mm, Min 315 mm
Any experience with those 'alternatives' would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The original silencer is rusty and the pipes and hoses are not looking so well too. Mr Bartoli, in Faenza, has been asked to manufacture a new stainless steel system
I think that both these 403s are simply stunning. I'd love to think that my 403 could be as nice as either of them at the end of its restoration...
(Those 2 beautiful cars are listed in the BOC archives but there is no e-mail contact for their owners, so I couldn't ask them if I could put these pics on my my site. Please let me know if anyone has any objection to the use of these pictures; I found them Googling but I have no idea if they are protected by copyright. In this case I'd remove them immediately.)
