Topics

16

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Bristol Engine new Crank, Conrods, Pistons, Cam

« on: March 24, 2012, 20:21:41 »

Hi all and Greetings from NZ,
   
   The work on BE1175's gearbox, suspension, brakes and steering is progressing well.  I have missed getting back on the road for the NZ summer but we are just coming to the end of the worst summer in the last 25 years so its not been a major loss.
   
   Once the currrent work is completed I am also looking at doing the engine.  Its going fine at the present time but I am looking at doing a full overhaul to include the following:
   
   1) New crank - the only one I am aware of is Farndon in England at GBP1800.
   2) New conrods - available from Frandon as well at GBP180 each.
   3) New pistols
   4) New camshaft
   
   BE1175 is used on the road and not raced - I am interested to see where others are sourcing these parts from new (anywhere in the world is fine).
   
   I am also keen to hear from anyone that has used a Farndon crank to check that they have been happy with it.
   
   I would also be interested in hearing from anyone that may have purchased these parts new (for example bought for a project that did not proceed) and may be wishing to dispose of them.
   
   Glen Smytheman

17

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Bristol 2 litre engine and gearbox for sale

« on: August 14, 2011, 04:59:57 »

Sale includes all major items such as engine block (85 series, number 1279), head (85c, number 1857), sump, crankshaft, camshaft, conrods, pistons etc.  I believe that this engine was originally fitted to a Bristol 400 saloon.
   
   The block has just had new liners fitted which are ready to bore for pistons. Block has been pressure tested and painted.
   
   Also included is an approximately 75% complete Bristol gearbox (early non-overdrive model).
   
   Treat all items (except the block) as requiring restoration/renovation.  Engine is approximately 75% complete and the block has already had the usual water jacket work completed.
   
   I have a list of all items included detailed by Bristol part number that I can email/fax on request.  I can also email photos of the engine/gearbox.
   
   I have a great local freight company that can pack and freight anywhere in the world at buyers expense at reasonable rates. Freight quotes are not a problem.
   
   Price is New Zealand $7200 (approximately 3700 English pounds, US$6,000, Euros 4,200, Australian $5,800)
   
   Contact Glen Smytheman as follows: Email: kiwiacebristol@hotmail.com phone/text/sms +64 274 924 251 (New Zealand is currently 11 hours ahead of GMT.
   
   Its no problem if you want to view in person (or have someone look at it on your behalf - Rugby World Cup visitors most welcome!).  I am only 15 minutes from central Auckland and am happy to collect.
   
   I look forward to hearing from anyone interested in the above.
   
   Regards
   
   Glen Smytheman

18

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Removal of AC Ace wisbone suspension pins& bushes

« on: July 02, 2011, 08:19:13 »

Hi all from NZ.  I am pleased to say that BE1175 completed over 400 miles in its last week before being taken off the road.
   
   The original overdrive gearbox came out fine last weekend and is about to go out for reconditioning.  I can now confirm that an Ace gearbox can be removed relatively easily with the engine still in place.  Definately much easier to do with two people than one!
   
   My Dad Lane(47 years of Bristol ownership) is now taking front suspension to pieces getting ready for the box of bits coming from Brian Eacott (new shocks plus bit for steering, suspension, brakes ....).
   
   We would like some advice on the removal of the front suspension pins and bushes which seem HIGHLY reluctant to move and the rubber is hanging on strongly!!  Our thought is to get a brass bush made up to fit inside a ~2 foot long bar and use this to hammer on (to the end of the pin) in order to remove. Lots of lubricant has been applied. Any other bright ideas greatly appreciated.
   
   The back looks to be an even bigger challenge but it will take a few weeks to get there!
   
   Regards
   
   Glen

19

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Ace Bristol brakes gearbox removal, wheels tyres

« on: May 20, 2011, 21:16:33 »

Hi all and Greetings from New Zealand...
   
   For those of you that know BE1175 it is still going really well, having travelled from Paihia in the North of NZ to Invercargill at the bottom of the South Island in the last 3.5 years since I have owned the car.  It goes much better with use!
   
   I am giving BE1175 a 51st birthday present over the Southern Hemisphere winter and would really appreciate some assistance on the following topics:
   
   1) Overdrive Gearbox removal.  Does anyone know if you can remove an overdrive gearbox with the engine still in place?
   
   2) Replacement disc rotors.  I have looked through past posts in the forum and cannot find one that confirms that Triumph TR3 disc rotors are able to fitted an Ace. Can anyone confirm this.
   
   3) Wheels and tyres.  I am looking for a set of new 72 spoke 16 inch wheels. Likewise I am looking for a set of matching tyres (car currently fitted with a set if michellin X 175R 16inch tyres that look great but unknown age).  Any recommendations of supplers (anywhere in the world)greatly appreciated.
   
   4) Brian Eacott - I have been trying to contact for the last week for some other parts but his fax/answerphone is not working, and his mobile is not answered.  Anyone know what the story is here.
   
   5) Instruction manual - I have the Ace Bristol operating instructions booklet, but wonder if anyone knows if a more detailed parts/maintenace manual is available for the Ace (something like what Bristol produced for the 2 litre cars).
   
   Many thanks in advance for anyone that can assist with the above.
   
   Regards
   
   Glen Smytheman

20

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / AC Ace curved winscreen and steering wheel require

« on: March 20, 2008, 18:39:27 »

Hi all and greetings from New Zealand,
   
   My 1960 AC Ace Bristol chassis BE1175 has just arrived back from a trip right round NZ with 16 cars from the Bristol Owners Club of the UK.
   
   My car has now done just over 5000 miles in the 6 months that I have owned it – not bad as it had only done 3000 in the previous 20 years! It is running much better now that it has a few miles on it.
   
   Two things have come to light during the trip that I need to replace as follows:
   
   1)   Windscreen (curved).  Mine got  2 inch long crack along the way and the best price I can find is UK pounds 166.  Also interested in anything I need to look for in selecting a new screen for an Ace.
   
   2)   Steering wheel. One of the six “spokes” on my wheel has a hairline crack which I will repair, however I thought I would investigate alternatives.  Looks like you can get them new from Moto Lita in the UK at about pounds 172 each.
   
   If anyone can provide any other alternatives to the above I would be very appreciative of hearing from you.  Would be happy to hear from people anywhere in the world as the parts need to come back to New Zealand.
   
   I wonder  if the ACOC will ever make it out this way??
   
   Happy Easter to all
   
   Kind Regards
   
   Glen Smytheman

21

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / AC Ace Bristol Chassis BEX272 for sale

« on: July 03, 2007, 13:01:53 »

For Sale: AC Ace Bristol, Chassis number BEX272 (1957)
   
   BEX272 was originally sold to Dr Marvin E Mann in Chicago and competed in the SCCA racing series in Chicago in the late 1950's.  I purchased BEX272 from the estate of John E Farmer in Florida some 5 years ago and imported it to New Zealand.  BEX272 has been in storage for some 30 years but is substantially complete. Has Bristol engine and BWCR12 gearbox. The car has dents and scratches from its racing career and time in storage and needs restoration, however it is a great starting point.  Ace Bristols in this timewarp condition are very rare today. For further details including photos, condition summary and sumary of US race history contact Glen Smytheman on +64 274 924 251 or email kiwiacebristol@hotmail.com (note that NZ is 11 hours ahead of GMT if calling).  Photos have been loaded onto the following website.
   
   http://www.ClassicCarsForSale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/20579