Front wheel arches protector mesh and fixtures template?

[SpqrEddie]

Hello!
i would need to make the front wheel arches protector mesh and fixtures, as they are currently inexistant.

Wich would be the mesh type most similar to the orignial? what was the shape? it had a metal frame ? how it was fixed to the body and where?
anybody has a patter/model to be copied?

Thanks!
Eddie

[nicksonsticks]

Hi Eddie,  I started to look into this a while ago but not finished yet.... got a bit busy doing other things!
I do have some info which may help a bit and if you need a template I'm happy to draw round mine and post it to you.
Some dimensions which may help:
All made from Ally, frame diameter 4.5mm, mesh thickness 1.5mm, mesh hole size 5.0mm x 5.0mm.
I found a company online but never got any further , their details in attached image.
Let me know how you get on.
Kind regards Nick

[SpqrEddie]

Thank you Nick!
this is so useful! thank you!!!
yes would be good to have a template, or even just some photos.
Currently i can only see only the old fixin points inside the wheel arches but nothing more. So i need to start from scratch!
All Ally, you mean that both the frame and the mesh are made of aluminium?
Thanks!

I would like to fit them as i am afraid even a small rock will be able to damage the aluminium skin and the dent will be visible from the top.

Thanks!
Eddie

[AC Ace Bristol]

Eddie

Inner wing protection panels are available from ... Classic Autos Ltd  Tel : 01923 62994
Kings Langley. Hertfordshire. WD4 8HB

Keith

[SpqrEddie]

Thank you Keith!

Will call them on monday.

Edmondo

[Aceca289]

FYI - Here’s a pic of a pair of OEM stone guards that my father obtained from the AC Works back in the early 80’s. To answer  your question about construction both the mesh and the frame appear to be aluminum.  Note that they also came with a bunch of aluminum fender washers to secure them in place. I’d get you some dimensions, but they have finally been installed in my car so they’re a bit hard to measure. Hopefully Keith’s source works out for you.

Best Regards, 

John

[AC Ace Bristol]

..
Edmondo .

They are still made and available from Classic Autos  ...   Malcolm Thorne bought a set for BE216 within the past 6 weeks.

Keith

[SpqrEddie]

FYI - Here’s a pic of a pair of OEM stone guards that my father obtained from the AC Works back in the early 80’s. To answer  your question about construction both the mesh and the frame appear to be aluminum.  Note that they also came with a bunch of aluminum fender washers to secure them in place. I’d get you some dimensions, but they have finally been installed in my car so they’re a bit hard to measure. Hopefully Keith’s source works out for you.

Best Regards, 

John

Thank you! Very interesting.
I will call Classic Autos on monday.
And if somebody has the time to take a pictuire, i would be really interested in see how they are mounted under the wheel arches!
Thanks!
Edmondo

[SpqrEddie]

Hello,
I have contacted Classic Autos, the panel they make are probably more suitable for Cobras and later models.
They are different from the original posted by John.

I will try to reproduce them by myself.

John, when you have time would be great if you could take some pictures and rought dimensions on how they are installed.

The fixture and the large washers seems to be still in place, so i should be able to use them.

I am not beeing able to find alloy wire mesh. If anybody know a source for 5x5 mm net, please share!

thanks,
Eddie

[nicksonsticks]

Hi Eddie,  did you manage to find a supplier for the ally mesh?
Kind regards Nick

[SpqrEddie]

Hello Nick,
not yet.
They all seems to carry steel meshes in 0,5x0.5, but not alluminium. I have contacted many suppliers.

i am planning to call this company in the US: https://weavealloy.com/woven-wire-mesh/
They seems to be able to make them.
i will report as soon as done.
Eddie

[SpqrEddie]

Hello,
it seems i have found a supplier, and in am about to order the mesh.

Nick, but mesh tickness 1.5mm you meant the tickness of the wire? or the mesh (two layers at the crossing of the whires)?
It seems there are two wire gauge avilable, for a woven alloy mesh with 1/4 pitch.

https://www.mcnichols.com/wire-mesh/square/aluminum-al-370447
Wire Diameter/Wire Gauge: 0.047" Thick (18 Gauge), 1.2mm
wich has the 0.2030" x 0.2030" (5mm) openings.

https://www.mcnichols.com/wire-mesh/square/aluminum-al-370463
Wire Diameter/Wire Gauge: 0.063" Thick (16 Gauge), 1.6 mm
opening size 0.1870" x 0.1870" ( 4.75 MM)

Wich one you think is more similar to the original?
With the info at hand, probably the first type?

Thanks!
Edmondo

[SpqrEddie]

Hello!
Photo from the very informative page ac2litre of Ian Strange.
I dont think that the factory used two different type of wire gauges on the saloon and the sports cars. Therefore i belive now that  0.047" Thick (18 Gauge), 1.2mm is the way to go.
Thanks!
Edmondo

[nicksonsticks]

Hi Eddie,
I would probably go for the second option.
I've doubled checked the measurements on mine, the thickness of the wire ranges from 1.41mm to 1.53mm and the square opening at the smallest is 4.89mm.
However I also agree that it is unlikely that AC would have used different spec for different vehicles, unless perhaps they changed supplier during production?
In reality you'll probably be ok with either option.
Hope this helps a bit and really appreciate your efforts in tracking down a supplier, I'll order some for mine too!
Kind regards Nick

[SpqrEddie]

Thank you Nick for having taken the time to measure again.
Probably at the factory the made the screens with what available at the time of production, who knows...
i know that some other 1959 cars had 0.047" Thick (18 Gauge), 1.2mm wire. So i think i would go for this dimension.
So the screen will be lighter and the car faster!
Eddie