Messages

31

428 Frua Forum / 1969 Frua Coupe for sale

« on: September 29, 2012, 08:41:35 »

Agreed, Brett.
   I am sure the owner of the "perfect" drophead would change his tune if he had to.
   The lack of MOT's here in the U.S. does prevent easy access to valuable information about a car's true history.
   I thought the previous sale of CFX28 10+ years ago was interesting.
   Maybe the car was "restored", the engine rebuilt and the speedometer refurbished, reset or replaced.
   Seems odd to go to the trouble of rolling the odometer back so slightly. What real positive difference could it make? It only serves to make the car suspect, unless theres a legitimate, disclosed explanation.

32

428 Frua Forum / 1969 Frua Coupe for sale

« on: September 29, 2012, 07:44:13 »

another note about CFX28.
   It was, apparently, a California car for a good portion of it's life.
   Car + Southern California = no rust.
   
   Here's CFX28 in the past inventory of Heritage Classics. They sold it in 1999- 2000, I believe.
   It didn't have the nose badge then, either
   
   http://www.heritageclassics.com/past-inventory/detail/132-ac-428-frua-.html
   
   Not to get all uppity, but I know of a green LHD drophead that the owner (reportedly) refused an offer of $325,000 for several years ago.  Last I heard, the price was firm at $375,000 - and the owner was not really interested in selling it even at that price. The Owner DOES sell cars, but he's keeping this one under wraps. The car is very close to "perfect".
   
   Hmmmmm....  What's the "market price"?  Depends, apparently....
   
   How much do you lust for one, how soon do you need it, and how deep are your pockets?
   I hope they remain "affordable" and get used on the road.

33

428 Frua Forum / 1969 Frua Coupe for sale

« on: September 29, 2012, 03:32:16 »

(quote)
   "Wow! I have seen Hyman on TV on "What's My Car Worth" on the Velocity Channel (not sure if you get that show in Europe) and he seems to be quite the wheeler dealer. That is a huge price jump and looking to be a bit optimistic on his part!"
   
                        *********************************************
   
   A little history about the dealer-seller of this car:
   
   This is not the first AC 428 Frua to pass through Mark Hyman's hands.
   
   Remember CF62? It was the subject of an earlier thread. He sold that one, so I'm sure his eyes are wide open in pricing this one.
   
   Emmanuel has been offered (speaking of eyes) an eye-watering all cash price for his car - FROM A DEALER! (NOT Mark Hyman) - and his car is still in pieces!
   
   Rarity, exclusivity, performance and CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION!
   
   It is thought by many that the lack of an "in-period" racing history for Frua's is a liability in calculating value and desirability. Seems to me that's not actually true.
   
   Maybe it's the glow of the "AC" badge.
   
   Maybe it's the "story" of it's heritage in light of the "big-block" coil-sprung Cobra. Want a Cobra (in disguise) you can actually USE? In relative comfort?
   
   Maybe it's because there are so few of them, and, though flawed by a lack of development, they can be "improved" with adjustments and "in-period" or contemporary go-faster parts.
   
   Want to be one of the few to have a real car that can squash the competition, yet still be economical and fun to run and maintain?
   
   I'm sure Mr. Hyman knows what he's doing. And the price is not out of line for the potential audience of well-heeled collectors.
   
   Considering the deferred or botched maintenance that has affected some of the 428's over the period they've languished in value, it's a good thing they're being bought by individuals who can (presumably) restore them properly.
   
   As tempting as it might be, this is not a time to be greedy. Quality and satisfaction of ownership counts. Only good cars should sell at these levels - my opinion...
   
   (sorry about all the quotation marks and parentheses. Just trying to be "expressive")

34

428 Frua Forum / seat belts

« on: September 01, 2012, 02:09:51 »

Shep: I think the original switches (for the later cars) might have been from Bertone/Lucas. Oddly, I did run across such an item a while ago on Ebay. I did not buy it, as it was not correct for my car. Here's something similar - a lucas window switch for Ferrari:
   
             http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ferrari-Maserati-Switch-Lucas-Window-OEM-/160672835246?hash=item2568d8e6ae&item=160672835246&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
   
   Here (below) is a current replacement rocker-type window switch for Bertone/ducellier. As you may remember, Emmanuel discovered an exact, bolt-in replacement for his window lift motor and armature unit, sourced from Maserati parts (Indy, I think). They (Maserati) also used Bertone window lift switches. Here are links to the modern replacements, sold through Maserati club international (MCI) (I don't know if they are identical; they appear to be, but....
   
           http://www.maseratinet.com//pc-10700-371-window-switch.aspx
           http://www.maseratinet.com//pc-10700-551-window-switch.aspx
           http://www.maseratinet.com//pc-22475-441-chrome-switch-frame.aspx
   
   Here is an "alternate" bertone replacement switch:
   
           http://www.maseratinet.com//p-10687-window-switch-bosch.aspx
   
   These are not "American" switches - No doubt they were made in Europe (or China, or somewhere) can be purchased in Europe or the UK. Possibly they may be seen and measured "in person" to determine if they look and fit as per the originals.
   
   As you know, what is "right" depends on whether your car is an early or late car. The late cars used rocker-type switches. My early car had a lever-type window switch. At least, that's what was fitted when the car came to me. I found some old Lucas window switches that look to be the same as those I have now. (of course, I can't find them at the moment. They've been stashed somewhere). These require a surround for mounting (as is fitted to my present window switches). Here's a link to the (possible) similar lucas switch:
   
          http://www.ebay.com/itm/140497720077?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
   
   I have not changed my existing window switches, as they still work well. Unfortunately, the rubber boots that covered the lever (when I got my car) have perished. I don't know if they were "original", but they were certainly "old" and torn.
   
   As a side-note, MCI have the small, circular decals for identifying the function of early-type 428 dash switches.
   
   http://www.maseratinet.com//p-10137-switch-emblem-decals.aspx
   
    Those same switches were also used by Maserati as well as Monteverdi, Rover (and others). I have purchased several original in-the-box two and three position dash switches over the years as spares. (they too, are stashed somewhere - don't know where).Here is a similar early-type dash switch on Ebay.
   
          http://www.ebay.com/itm/MASERATI-MISTRAL-GHIBLI-LAMBORGHINI-400-LIGHT-SWITCH-/120759448421?hash=item1c1dd2f365&item=120759448421&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
   
     Emmanuel has a trove of rocker-type dash switches, I believe sent him from Australia. Ahhhh the Interwebby-thing! So useful for finding the "impossible-to-find"!
   
   Sorry; None of the above has anything to do with seat belts. But they could possibly be useful for the 428 parts list, of which Andy is the curator, in addition to his many voluntary club duties.

35

428 Frua Forum / 2013 ACOC International in USA?

« on: July 21, 2012, 19:40:27 »

a suggestion for a worthwhile stop. In case the route includes Seattle, ending up in (or starting with) Vancouver/Seattle.
   
   http://www.salishlodge.com/

36

428 Frua Forum / 2013 ACOC International in USA?

« on: July 21, 2012, 09:23:28 »

Good work, Gus!
   Proceeding North to Vancouver (or vice-versa) is a good thought.
   
   Here's a link to "the Lost Coast Highway". I've done it, and it is spectacular! And pretty much deserted. The road can be very rough in sections, but passible. This is a tough drive, an adventure. And a real test of how well your car has been maintained. It's not for everyone, and it's not fast.
   
   http://www.takemytrip.com/07orcal/07_13a.htm
   
   Some of route 1 gets very twisty. Great scenery, though sections of it can start to wear on your nerves and your passengers stomach. It's really worth it, however.
   (the last time I did it, a landslide closed the road, and we had to take a long detour. That section of the road was closed for a year)
   
   Some of the best roads in California are in the Gold Country.
   here's an example of some excursions:
   http://www.localgetaways.com/2011/04/top-5-scenic-drives-in-northern-california/

37

428 Frua Forum / 2013 ACOC International in USA?

« on: July 08, 2012, 08:09:51 »

I might add here, that Shawn Thomas has (or had, I haven't been in contact with him for a while) his workshop at Infineon. Shawn is a Bristol specialist, and has two large trailers full of original Bristol parts. The Bristol factory used to buy parts from him!
   Years ago, someone set up a Bristol dealership network (I think Shawn said it was in Sweden), and laid in a full supply of parts. It folded, and eventually the parts supply was auctioned off for pennies. He bought the entire stock and shipped it to the USA.
   Anyone bringing an AC Bristol to California need not worry they'd be "stuck" if their engine  goes Ka-BOOM! Same thing would be true for Bristol Cars, near relations in many respects.

[and]

38

428 Frua Forum / 2013 ACOC International in USA?

« on: July 08, 2012, 07:54:18 »

Sounds good to me as an outline of a plan. The route you suggest, John, is less than 1,000 miles (actually 723 miles, according to Google), not accounting for refinement. Theres so much to choose from!
   Things to consider: lodging, great food, wine "tasting", scenery, variety, good roads less traveled, side trips of interest, a race track for Andy (maybe Infineon, for example http://www.racesonoma.com/raceway/rental/ ) and a hospitable and understanding local constabulary.
   On the California Mille, we usually had several stops at vineyards for lunch or dinner.  That was not an excuse to get tanked (a very bad thing in California), but to eat well in beautiful surroundings. (and then fill the boot with a couple of cases, if that's your pleasure) Making arrangements for a group is fairly easy, with enough notice.

39

428 Frua Forum / 2013 ACOC International in USA?

« on: July 07, 2012, 09:11:12 »

I'd certainly welcome an event like this. California! Colorado! The West! (not Florida! Flat, bugs, uninteresting in my opinion - unless what you really want to do is go fishing and play Golf every day)
   
   California has some great roads, excellent weather most of the year. Places to see!
   We've got Mountains (Big, beautiful Mountains, and smaller rolling green hills in "The Gold Country")
   Deserts! Care to test your English cooling system in Death Valley? (It's actually quite beautiful in the Spring!
   The Pacific coastline is spectacular.
   Lakes! - Lake Tahoe! (gorgeous, AND there are Casinos)
   Palm trees, Redwoods, vineyards (Sonoma valley, Alexander valley, Napa),
   Excellent food, depending on where you go.
   The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Sedona. Gold Country. The "lost Coast Highway". And, yes, racetracks.
   Take your pick!
   Go fast? Tour? There's so much to choose from!
   I've done the Amici Americani delle Mille Miglia (the California Mille Miglia) several times (rest in Peace, Martin Swig). 1000 miles in 4 days - easy and fun. Something like that could be arranged. (Our Fruas are too new for the Mille - 1956 or older)
   But come on over for the Copperstate 1000. Requirement is for cars of 1973 or older. I don't think there's ever been a single 428 entered - and the 428 is PERFECT for this event. The rarity of 428's improves the chance of being accepted.
   
   http://www.mensartscouncil.com/cs/
   
   Or, make our own route and arrangements. (not an "easy" task, but certainly not impossible)
   There are quite a few Brits who ship their cars for these events. Not to be missed! (easy for me to say - I live here).

40

ACOC News and Events / NEW ACOC CHAIRMAN

« on: May 03, 2012, 08:51:01 »

Congratulations Andy!
   
   Thank you for your service to the club, and my personal thanks for the service you've rendered to me and my 428 Frua.
   
   Jeff

41

428 Frua Forum / Door rubber

« on: April 09, 2012, 21:54:56 »

Clifford - Did you check Maserati or Alfa rubber profiles against an original door seal? I found window channel felt, guides and the seal for mounting vent window glass to the frame at a Maserati parts organization.
   
   http://www.maseratinet.com/  is one. The parts are organised by model, so look for models
   that were produced in the 1960's. Ghibli is a good bet, and Mistral.
   
   I used an Alfa parts company in Texas, who ordered the rubber from their supplier.
   
   The actual rubber is manufactured in Italy by a specialist outfit. Once you know what you're looking for, it can be ordered. It can take a while, but this mystery manufacturer seems able to supply almost anything. Perhaps they were the original manufacturer, or have the tooling. Don't know....
   
   Parts used by Frua for 428's were sourced mainly from Alfa and Maserati, or so it seems. I'm inclined to think that Mr Frua rummaged through existing parts to paste together the extremely low-volume 428, rather than design and manufacture discrete parts. I'd love to know where the windcreen, windscreen gasket and chrome finisher came from. It might be specific to the 428, but I'm inclined to think it's not.
   
   As an example, Emmanuel bought a window lift for his car on Ebay. It was from a Maserati, and identical to the non-functioning one on his car.

42

428 Frua Forum / How to trace the Unknown 428s ?

« on: March 09, 2012, 05:54:14 »

Paul - Good job!  How many have been rebodied as "Cobras" out of the total? Do you know?

43

428 Frua Forum / Classic cars are too small

« on: February 11, 2012, 21:37:43 »

Ha! This is my problem as well. My solutions:
   1) AC 428 Frua (a bit tight in the headroom department, but I can live with it)
   2) Jaguar XK150 Drophead, with the "head" dropped.
   3) Talbot Lago T26 GSL (lots of room, but was too scarey)
   4) Bristol 406 E (this was great, but the Bristol engine had to work very hard to move that much weight)(but did reach 100 mph with two on board plus 200 lbs of tools)
   5) Bristol 404 - once inside, plenty of legroom and fun to drive.

44

428 Frua Forum / Badges on 428s

« on: January 22, 2012, 02:12:31 »

Today, Emmanuel and I saw a steering wheel on an XKE (that appeared to be) identical to CFX13's.

45

428 Frua Forum / Badges on 428s

« on: January 19, 2012, 19:03:33 »

Thank you Brett!
   As an example: My car came to me with Koni shocks, not Armstrongs.
   In order to mount the Koni's, there was some alteration done at the mounting points.
   Was the alteration done at the factory, or afterwards? It's hard/impossible to know.
   The shocks themselves were identical to those used on Cobras. Period-correct orange Koni's. So "original" that, when I replaced them, they went onto an "original" big-block Cobra being restored at Mike McCluskey's shop.
   So why did I change them?
   The springs and shocks were appropriate for the lighter Cobra roadster. They weren't properly rated for the weight of 428 to begin with.
   But the koni shocks were period-correct items. It's just as hard (and illogical) to believe  that they were retrofitted as it is to believe that the car was sold originally with the koni shocks installed.
   Might AC have used koni shocks left over from Big-Block production? Might they have been specified in the original build? Maybe... who knows?
   In the absence of records, careful "archaeological" examination tells the story.
   I could go on, but I'll restrain myself.