Messages

166

428 Frua Forum / AC 428/ Cobra ~ UK Bespoke Windscreens ?

« on: February 26, 2008, 08:15:45 »

Hello Classicus.
   One of the great benefits of the 428 is the ready availability of parts for the engine, transmission - in fact, the entire drivetrain. Kirkham makes high quality suspension parts that will readily adapt to the Frua - and are stronger, lighter and better than the originals. The pesky bits are trim, body panels badges, switches, glass, rubber etc.
   Too bad no one has the body panel bucks, with which properly sized and shaped replacement parts could be made.
   I have seen a laser mapping device used to create a three dimensional CAD image of any object. That 3-D wireform map can then be used to create an exact replica of any portion of the original object - like a modern day pantograph or whatever the term is for the machine used by engravers to duplicate sculptures or create dyes for minting coins.
   This technique is used to create toys, motorcycle parts - products of all sorts.
   Problem is; who would do this, or pay for it?

167

428 Frua Forum / Restored 428 Frua Pictures!

« on: February 26, 2008, 07:45:21 »

It certainly appears that my car has escaped alteration by corrosion, accidents or intentional modification. It differs in some respects to yours, Emmanuel, as we discovered in side-by-side comparison. Your car has improved routing of the fresh air ducts, which I would like to adopt.
   CFX29 seems to have been shipped to Canada (?) originally, and then entered the U.S.A. as a 1970 Ford. It benefited from life in a dry climate, and shows virtually no rust. So it is a good example of the state of build at the time it left the factory in August 1969 (I believe that's the date Andy Shepherd found in his archive).
   If photos of my car would be of help to others, I'd be glad to share them.

168

428 Frua Forum / AC 428/ Cobra ~ UK Bespoke Windscreens ?

« on: February 25, 2008, 08:22:09 »

I'd like to revive this thread -
   Our cars were assembled with components available off-the shelf at the time the cars were designed. The anticipated production run was small, and the budget was tight.
   The problem we face is identifying the origin of the components.
   For example, there are some correct tailight assemblies for sale on Ebay. They are Carello, from an Alfa Romeo. Ebay item number 140022821852. I bought a pair of NOS lenses from the same seller, and they are perfect.
   It's a very reasonable assumption that the windshield is also borrowed from an Italian suppliers parts bin.
   On another thread, someone was trying to locate a boot latch. I know I've seen the identical item on another automobile - I just can't recall which, when or where I noticed it.
   So keep your eyes peeled. It's entirely possible we can keep our cars correct and stylin' with a little observation and co-operation.

169

428 Frua Forum / Identifying Frua parts!

« on: April 08, 2007, 05:09:05 »

Regarding Glass for Frua 428's, it appears that a company named V.I.S. made the glass on my car. I think that might be "Verres Industriels SA" (Switzerland).  If so, the company is still in existence. They might still have the molds.
   
   The company name is above the "Securit" logo, which is, I think, the name of a patented heat-treating process for manufacturing shatter resistant glass.
   
   Another name comes up as well. "Pilkington", who seem to make glass for Maserati. A logical step. They have branches all over the world.
   Pilkington is a UK company, based in Merseyside.
   
   Another name is Saint-Gobain Sekurit International (France). They made glass for Alfa Romeo and other Italian cars.
   
   I'm posting this to find out if V.I.S. is the name on everyone's glass.
   
   Jeff Jones

170

428 Frua Forum / Identifying Frua parts!

« on: April 03, 2007, 07:36:20 »

I'm contemplating having new pedal rubber made up, and vent (front quarter light) window seals. Anyone else interested in these?  After nearly 40 years,my originals are pretty shabby. Anyone installing a new manual transmission (Emmanuel) will need a new clutch pedal.
   
   Or, if anyone knows where these items can be found, I'd certainly be interested in hearing about it.
   
   I'd also be interested in new rear quarter (vent) window glass. Mine is cracked (right side of the car).  I could also use a new windscreen.  I've written Andy, but haven't heard back from him as yet.  No rush, but I'd like to know.

171

428 Frua Forum / How many 428 Frua left?

« on: February 12, 2007, 07:21:46 »

And Andy Shepherd's car, Luigi. What's the number, Andy? - That's 9 confirmed, so far

172

428 Frua Forum / How many 428 Frua left?

« on: February 12, 2007, 07:15:05 »

and the two silver fastbacks one sold and one for sale @ Hurst Park. Chassis numbers unknown (to me). And Tim Isles reported convertables CF 81 and CF 17 known to him in the 70's (still around?). CF 19, a fastback - might be one of the Hurst Park cars(?), or not. Total of 8 so far, with 3 additional possibles (81, 17, 19)

173

428 Frua Forum / How many 428 Frua left?

« on: February 11, 2007, 09:52:57 »

CF 27 was just sold by Wolfgang Rudolf. CFX 28 was or is owned by Michael Hart (California). My car is CFX 29. All three are Fastbacks. CF 14 is owned by Jim Feldman (Oregon), and CFX54 is owned by Emmanuel D - both are Dropheads. So that's a little better than 6 percent of the total production accounted for.

174

428 Frua Forum / How many 428 Frua left?

« on: February 06, 2007, 09:14:13 »

Thanks to Tim Isles for the input on how many 428's were actually manufactured. I too have heard that some 428's were rebodied as Cobras, though it (now) seems a pretty silly thing to have done.
   A white Fastback was offered for sale in Hemmings Motor News (USA) months ago (perhaps July or August 2006) - it looked pretty forlorn in photos, but was supposedly intact. I imagine if the body is really too far gone to be salvaged, the temptation to rebody it as a Cobra would be hard to resist. Cheaper and easier than trying to recreate a Frua body.
   My own car (CFX29) has apparently been unaccounted for since it left the factory in 1969 - at least Andy Shepherd has no record of it. I'm happy to report that it is in really excellent condition, with a recorded mileage of 43,000 miles. No rust or accident damage to be seen, but you could certainly fry an egg on the transmission console after 20 minutes on the road. I'm going to fix that with dynamat, some sheet metal and devising an escape route for hot engine air. And an A/C unit. I certainly have no need of a heater.
   I've diverged from the thread, but has anyone seen a sucessful A/C installation in a 428?

175

428 Frua Forum / Wiring loom for 428

« on: February 28, 2014, 16:41:42 »

It's possible this question may have been asked and answered sometime in the past, but here it is:
   I'm considering repainting my fastback in it's original color. If I do, then I'd also consider replacing the wiring loom (and all the rubber gaskets, bits and pieces).
   Does anyone know if it's possible to locate a new loom? Where? If anyone has done this, was the loom correct, or did it need modification?
   I have no idea if AC made up their own looms, or if they contracted the work to a specialist supplier. If they did buy them in, the original supplier might have the plan.
   So... information? Andy? Anyone?

176

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Ace/Bristol for sale in USA

« on: July 05, 2012, 21:41:04 »

Posting this for informational purposes only. Beautiful car.
   
   http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/1246-AC%20-Ace%20Bristol-2.0%20Litre%20Inline%206-Cylinder?utm_source=AC+Ace+Bristol+of+Marco&utm_campaign=UA-4290955-1+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fantasyjunction.com&utm_medium=email

177

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Ace Bristol for sale

« on: November 20, 2010, 19:38:07 »

I spoke to Jim Feldman (ACOC US Registrar) today, and volunteered to post this for him.
   Jim does not have a computer or email, and only communicates by telephone, FAX or regular mail.
   
   He has a 1957 Ace Bristol for sale. He acquired it about 10 years ago as an incomplete restoration, and has done nothing with it since then.
   
   It has a 100D engine (out of the car), the body has been stripped but it apparently is not missing anything. The previous owner purchased the car in 1962.
   
   Jim can be contacted by telephone: 1 (503) 643-3225
   FAX: 1 (503) 646-4009
   
   His address:
   11955 SW Faircrest st
   Portland, Oregon 97225
   USA