Topics

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Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Worm&Sector Cobra Ball joint Boot Dimensions

« on: March 28, 2021, 16:47:39 »

Greetings from California! As a last resort, I can dismantle one of my “ball joint” ends and measure the the diameter of the small and large openings, but I was hoping that one of the forum members either know these dimensions, or have access to an original Lockheed rubber boot that they might measure. The boots I found are very similar in shape to the Lockheed’s ( alas, I can’t seem to source NOS, which I would pay dearly for). These boots have a 10mm small and 24mm large hole. Many thanks in advance for any assistance offered! I’d be thrilled if you referred me to a spares provider with 6 NOS Lockheed’s!!! Hope springs eternal!!! Best! Bob

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Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Do Ace and Acceca FRONT Rotors fit early Worm&sector Cobras?

« on: June 27, 2019, 18:25:37 »

Folks: The early Worm and Sector Cobras used front Rotors that were the same as the AC Bristols. Are these also the same as those used on the Ace and Acceca?
Thanks for any help offered!

3

General Forum / Can Anyone Tell me what Happened to Lockheed Company?

« on: May 18, 2019, 20:22:28 »

Folks: I continue to search for exact replicas or NOS Lockheed tie rod end (joint) dust cover boots for the Worm and Sector AC Bristol (late model) or early AC Cobra. I believe the Brit's call these ends ball joints, but we use that term in the US for the lower suspension point on the Rack and Pinion 289 and 427 Cobras. The original dust covers (boots) have "Lockheed", "Made in England", and a part number on them. If Lockheed is out of business, I'm wondering if I can re-produce these boots with their name embossed on them, just like the originals. I'm NOT making the actual suspension end---just the rubber boot that keeps the grease contained. I have searched repeatedly for these, but have failed to locate any. Thus, I'm thinking of re-creating them for sale to recover some of the cost. Any help or thoughts is most appreciated!!
Bob

4

General Forum / Can Anyone ID This AC Bristol Photo?

« on: April 26, 2019, 18:31:46 »

Folks,  There is a neat photo of an AC Bristol, race-prepared car, on EBay-USA. It is item number: 372658172328, and is offered by a “aherl”, in the Neatherlands. She is the daughter of a well-known European photographer, who was active in my areas, including Motorsports.
Based on the cars in the background, the photo appears to be taken in the States, presumably down in LA somewhere. However, that is just a guess. The two gentlemen in the photo look like Brits to me, but that is also another guess.  I have contacted Amy Herl, who is offering the photo for sale on EBay USA, and she has no details to offer. I would greatly appreciate any ideas the forum might have on this photo. I would think it would have to be more than just a local club racer in the early days of the SCCA( Sports Car Club of America).
Thank you!  Bob Beede

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Bristol-production-cars-press-photograph-automobile-car-pre-Ford-Shelby-Cobra/372658172328?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180816085401%26meid%3D1fb7bd818db441c1b47c6deb13a7e242%26pid%3D100970%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D372658172328%26itm%3D372658172328&_trksid=p2481888.c100970.m5481&_trkparms=pageci%3Aaff872a1-6878-11e9-afce-74dbd1804883%7Cparentrq%3A5beb6db916a0aa669398f506fffb87b5%7Ciid%3A1

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Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Help verifying original AC windscreen hardware

« on: May 21, 2017, 22:19:54 »

Readers: As you know, there is a bracket in the middle and bottom of the windscreen frame which secures the frame to the cowl of the car.  My recollection is that the original fasteners were chromed, round headed, slotted machine screws about one inch in length.  I am asking readers to confirm or correct my recollection, as well as tell me:
   
   1. The size of the screw
   2.  What type of nut was used? Simple hexagonal, or a small aerotight nut?
   3.  Was there a washer employed? If so, was it a simple flat or lock washer?
   
   I need to source this hardware, as well as some other BSF nuts and bolts that have gotten sufficiently buggered up over the years that they are unsightly and difficult to remove.
   
   Your kind assistance would be MOST appreciated!
   
   Cheers!  Bob Beede

6

Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Need stub axel kingpin bushings for early Cobra

« on: April 24, 2017, 08:21:01 »

Anyone have access to new kingpin bushings and thrust washers for an early worm and sector Cobra? There was an old thread on the forum about a New Zealander who modified the bushings on his 11/16" kingpin axels for improved grease distribution. I have searched for it, but cannot find it again. I would appreciate a member sharing the link, if they know of it, because I wanted to find out the results of the modification.
   The bushings in the early Cobra's are about 22mm OD and 19mm ID. There are no holes or grooves in them. I do not know if they are sintered bronze with steel backs.
   Any help would be most appreciated!
   
   Bob

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Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Still need NOS or reproduction of tie rod boots

« on: April 24, 2017, 07:15:20 »

I am still hunting for the original Lockheed, Made in England, dust cover boots for the tie rods used on the late Bristols and early worm ans sector Cobras. Does anyone have a source for these? Do you know if Lockheed still has the original mold for casting them?
   
   Thanks, Bob

8

General Forum / Parts I need for AC Car

« on: June 23, 2007, 19:35:23 »

Folks,
   
   On June 2, I posted two messages regarding need to source a fellow who has some remanufactured tie rod ends for the Worm§or cars, and a petroflex oil pressure line that connects the engine to the copper tubing of the mechanical guage. About 60 people read my message, but no responses.
   
   Was the lack of reponse indicating none of you could be of help, or did I forget to use my deodorant??
   
   Thanks,
   
   Bob

9

General Forum / Need NOS Smiths oil pressure line

« on: June 02, 2007, 20:52:03 »

Folks:
   
   I am hunting for the steel braided oil pressure line that goes from the engine block to the copper tubing of the the Smiths oil guage. The line is about 8" long (20 cm). The engine connection is a pipe thread and the connection to the copper tubing is a compression nut with an olive inserted over a piece of tubing crimped to the end of the steel braiding. The original brand was Petroflex, and there was a small yellow band on one end of the braided hose indicating this.
   
   I have seen them on Austin Healy 100M's, and I believe they were also used on late Bristols and early cobras. Mine now leaks, and makes a mess of the engine bay.
   
   I have photos I can send via email if anyone has mercy on me and thinks they can help.
   
   Thank you!!
   
   Bob Beede

10

General Forum / Need new worm & sector tie rods

« on: June 02, 2007, 20:31:20 »

Good Day, Folks:
   
   I wrote a while back inquiring about sourcing the Lockheed dust boots for the worm and sector tie rods used on the late Bristols and early Cobras. Someone responded and mentioned a fellow in your club who had complete tie rods remanufactured to orginal specs, but the only way to contact him was via phone or by regular mail. He had (probably wisely!)elected not to join the computer revoulution.
   
   I had this precious piece of information on my hotmail site, but during the time I was occupied with my mom in hospice (home health care for terminally ill), the Hotmail folks cleaned out my mailbox due to lack of use.
   
   Hence, I now write with hat in hand, asking for assistance in re-identifying this individual, finding NOS Lockheed dust boots, or complete NOS or exact remakes of the entire tie rods. I will eventually probably need them,although mine seem quite tight at present. The fellow who originally communicated with me was an active racer of either an early Cobra or a Bristol. I believe it was he or one of his mates that directed me to the tie rod fellow.
   
   I would be very indebted if anyone could help me out. I beat myself nightly for not having written the information down, since it was so priceless to me. However, I hope you can understand how I got diverted and failed to  followup promptly.
   
   Thanks in advance for any help. Thank you also for this great club site dedicated to preserving the great history of AC cars and reminding people of its importance to both British and automotive history. The Hurlocks were great guys, and I always wished as a kid to visit the factory. Alas, money and time never permitted me. I have been an AC owner since 1967.
   
   I would love to come over to your side of the pond sometime to meet up with some of you AC lovers and attend an event or two. Cars are always more fun when you share your enthusiasm with others! My father's family originates from the Island of Mann, and my mother (a McPike) is Irish and British. One of my best friends as a teen was Ira Walsh. What a great fellow!
   
   Looking forward to hearing from one of you with hopefully good news of the "lost" tie rod contact!
   
   Cheers,
   
   Bob Beede