Topics

1

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / AC Bristol, Vancouver 1962-1963 approx

« on: September 07, 2012, 19:24:30 »

This was the car that started my love of the AC's and the Cobra. I was only eight years old at the time my Sisters Boyfriend drove this AC Bristol around Vancouver BC. Red in color, at one time it sported a small competition type windscreen on the drivers side. Not sure why he replaced it with a full windshield, but I bet my Sister may have had something to do with it..lol
   
   
   
   
   A couple of old pictures, of what I believe is an early AC Cobra, that ran at Westwood racetrack around the same time, 1962-63.
   Anyone recognize #59?
   
   
   

2

General Forum / Princess Blue, vs Viking Blue..etc

« on: March 21, 2011, 20:01:31 »

I have been seriously contemplating painting my roadster a lighter color than I had initially planned. I love the dark green, but worry about the maintainability it will require to keep it looking good. Dark color paint is not very forgiving to any slight body work flaws as well.
   
   I have seen the rare picture of a Cobra painted, what was called Princess Blue. To confuse matters I have also seen what appears to be the exact same color called Viking Blue. Then there is another similar one called Portofino Blue. Are these all the same colors, by a different name?
   
   Does anyone have a picture of one painted the Princess Blue they could please post?
   
   I had this picture I googled up, which I thought was called Viking Blue, but now it has been suggested it is actually Ford Brittany Blue.
   
   
    I would be interested in comparing any of these colors to help decide my choice, if anyone has any they could post.
   
   Thanks, Bill

3

General Forum / AC Bristol, or AC Ace Bristol?

« on: October 12, 2010, 16:07:56 »

As I mentioned in one of my first posts after joining the forums, that my interest in these cars began with my sisters boyfriend owning an AC Bristol.
   He reffered to the car as an AC Bristol, and I have always thought of them as being named as such, until I read several posts in these forums.
    Here they always appear to be reffered to as AC "Ace" Bristols, rather than simply AC Bristol. Why the addition of Ace is included I am not sure. Was there actually some models that were called AC Bristols, and others that were known as AC Ace Bristols..[?]

4

General Forum / License tags?

« on: October 12, 2010, 15:53:32 »

Curious about the license tag system in GB, and the UK.
   
   When a vehicle is initially registered for the road and is assigned a plate number, does that plate number then stay with the vehicle for life, regardless of transfer of ownership?
   
   I ask this as I noticed in pictures of an AC Ace, that it has the same plate number currently, as it did back in the early sixties.
   IF this is in fact the case, are new plates issued from time to time, even though they are the same number? I ask this, as I also noticed on the pictures, that the actual shape of the plate has changed slightly.
   
   It may well be that the current plate on the car, is actually a replica vintage plate that the owner had custom made, using the original plate numbers the car was issued with back in the day.
   
   Just curious..thanks

5

General Forum / AC Cars VIN tag script?

« on: September 17, 2010, 07:58:54 »

Do the AC Cars VIN tags have the serial, and engine numbers, punched into it, or are they hand scribed?

6

General Forum / Emblem (Badge) History?

« on: September 09, 2010, 15:15:43 »

I have seen cars with different badging, and wondered if anyone knows the history of them? IE which years/models had what..?
   
   There are some AC badges that are solid round ones, while others are just the AC letter script. I see some of the CSX cars with an AC badge on the rear, and a Cobra badge on the front, others have the Cobra badge front and rear.

7

General Forum / Windshield strength

« on: August 31, 2010, 07:22:30 »

I finished installing my windshield today, and quite frankly was suprised at how little actually holds it in place.
   
   My windhield has four tiny screws that go through the side support bars and into this thin strip of brass that's inserted in the windshield frame. There is only about two or three threads of these small screws holding them in place. Apparently you can easily strip this brass strip if you overtighten the screws, but as well can actually cause the glass to crack if threaded in to far.
   
   I'm dumbfounded that there is so little support for it in a car that can cruise at 100mph plus. The wind resistance must be quite high, as the windscreen isn't angled back enough to be very aerodynamic.
   
   Has there ever been an issue with this, IE; windshield ripping off the posts? How the heck do they stay put? I added some locktite to the screws, hoping that this may help, a little anyways..

8

General Forum / Emblems. retainer pins or tape?

« on: August 11, 2010, 19:08:01 »

My AC emblems came with pins, although not with the underside keepers. I can likely find the correct sized keepers, but worry about the difficulty of removing them at a future date, when I take my car in for final painting. (I lean towards this method) Is there a simple trick to removing the keepers without damaging the mounting pins?
   
   
   Tape could be easier to remove, but it may have it's downsides as well. Easier for someone to steal the emblems, emblem sits up higher due to the thickness of the two sided tape, and it may damage paint if removed in the future (for example, if someone breaks the emblem trying to steal it).
   
   What method is your preference?
   Thanks, Bill

9

General Forum / Mirror mounting locations

« on: August 11, 2010, 18:58:40 »

I have studied several pictures of the roadsters, and it seems there are many different mounting locations chosen for outside rear view mirrors.
   I have been led to understand that the view from them mounted in the rear fender area, leaves a lot to be desired. Some have mounted them to the side windscreen post, some further forward on the fender, others I've seen are even mounted on the door.
   I have heard that the convex mirror can help, but there may be some question of legality if it's used on the drivers side.
   
   Is there a "best" place to locate them for good rear visibility?
   Any opinions, or suggestions welcome.[]

10

General Forum / Grille construction question

« on: July 30, 2010, 18:14:02 »

Can anyone please describe to me how the original grills on the Aces, or Bristols were constructed? Even better if you have any pictures, or links to good close up pictures showing this!
   
   I am curious as to how the horizontal and vertical slats were fastened to the outer rim, as well as how the grille itself was fastened to the body. Also wondered at what point the outer rim ends were joined togeather, how the vertical and horizontal slats were bound togeather, or cut to fit, also any sizeing for the slat widths, etc..
   
   I am going to attempt to fabricate one for my vehicle and although the size will be different, (427 mouth) I hoped to get it similar in appearance to the original style.
   
   Any help in this matter appreciated. Thanks, Bill

11

General Forum / New member introduction

« on: July 29, 2010, 19:12:01 »

Hi folks. Not sure if this is the place to post this or not, but I didn't see a new member, or off topic area..so I hope I'm not breaking any rules with my first post..[]
   
   I live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
   My interest in the AC Cars started way back in the early sixties, when my older sister dated a fellow who owned an AC Bristol. I used to love going for a ride in it, and always cherished the look of the car. Of course when Carrol Shelby brought out the AC Cobra, that became my dream car. After nearly 50 years of dreaming..I realisedmy income would never catch up with the price of an original. AC Bristol's, or Ace's were rare as a hens tooth around here, and the ones that were here rarely came up for sale, and they weren't cheap either!
   I finally bought a Factory Five Racing Roadster kit, and have been working on completing it for the last two years. If anyone is interested in reading my build chronicle it is available at this site.
   http://mustangcanada.com/forums/general-mustang-tech/7276-turning-fox-into-snake.html
   
   Knowing the history of the Cobra, and AC Cars, I felt it was only proper to give tribute to the orgins of the vehicle. I will badge my front and back with the AC logo only, as well the steering center cap will be adorned with it. Rather than having the typical "Powered by Ford" fender emblems, I am installing the Union Jack plaques. If I can get my sister that lives in East Grinstead to send my a GB decal for the reat, that would be added as well.
   
   I hope this may stimulate some enquiries by viewers of the roadster. I think many people in N. America are ignorant of the true orgins of these cars, and hopefully will educate a few. The true AC buff though will know, and probably wonder why my 427 body is badged more like a slabside model..[]