AC 428/ Cobra ~ UK Bespoke Windscreens ?

[Classicus]

Found this useful looking English windscreen manufacturer (link below) last week, additionally with an interesting Autokraft/ Cobra replica background, that might hopefully be able to help 428 owners wanting new windscreens ?
   
   I had sent them a long e-mail last week about the general situation on here, but only discovered an hour ago from their website that most unfortunately the father/ owner has just died. So whilst his family looks like they will be carrying on, things naturally are going to take a while to sort out.
   
   My apologies and sincere condolences to the Shrubsole family.
   
   Paul/ Cass
   http://www.cobra-windscreens.co.uk/index.html

[Emmanueld]

It seems to me that they make the chromed brass ring around the Cobra windshield. They are not in the glass business.
   
   Emmanuel

[Robin A Woolmer]

If you go on there site & open the price list you will see both!
   
   Robin

[Emmanueld]

I see but it is still flat glass and I am sure they don't make them themselves, tons of companies make Cobra glass.
   
   The Frua windshield is much more involved, it is curved in both directions, horizontally and vertically! Let's ask anyway!
   
   Emmanuel

[Classicus]

Reply received this pm (21/1/08) from "CCS Windscreens" in Chelmsford, Essex, UK. (Links below.)
   
   Re. AC 428 Windscreens:
   
   "We are able to supply these screens but we are unable to arrange delivery/export. The cost is £285.87 plus VAT for each screen and we would be able to supply ONE for the end of February and further ones for the end of March. We would need payment for each glass prior to us ordering as they would all be special orders, and once placed would have to be honoured, in full.
   
   We are based in Chelmsford, Essex.
   
   If this is of interest, please do not hesitate to contact me.
   
   Emma.
   For and on behalf of:- CCS Windscreens Ltd."
   
   Freephone 0800 770 880"
   
   1. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/pages/contact.html
   
   2. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/pages/vintage_windscreens.html
   
   3. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/index.html

[Emmanueld]

Great! can they supply the rubber too? How do we arrange for shipping?
   
   Emmanuel

[J Jones]

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.

[Classicus]

Hi
   
   It's an excellent idea however I've been wondering if and how it could all best be incorporated into the Forum's layout ?
   
   Whilst I'm clueless mechanically I would have thought one idea to take things forward would be to have the 14 items listed below (copied from a spare parts catalogue !) to have a separate thread each ?
   
   I don't know if there's the useful "Sticky" facility available to Admin. but if there is, rather than then have them all eventually scattered at random perhaps several pages back and a pain to find, they could be permanently locked into place at the top of the Forum itself. In other words not continually moving down the page every time a new topic was posted.
   
   Then as a final quick back-up option, providing each spare part's entry was clearly described, it shouldn't be too hard to also locate it by using the Forum's own search engine displayed on the top bar.
   
   For what it's worth.... []
   
   Paul
   
   AC 428 - ENGINE
   AC 428 - FUEL SYSTEM
   AC 428 - IGNITION EQUIPMENT
   AC 428 - COOLING SYSTEM & HEATER
   AC 428 - CLUTCH
   AC 428 - GEARBOX
   AC 428 - REAR SUSPENSION/AXLE & PROPSHAFT
   AC 428 - STEERING
   AC 428 - FRONT SUSPENSION
   AC 428 - BRAKES
   AC 428 - BODY INCL. PANELS & TRIM
   AC 428 - WHEELS & TYRES
   AC 428 - ELECTRICAL
   AC 428 - MISCELLANEOUS

[Emmanueld]

We could have one thread for each component listed above!
   What do you think? This would be really useful for all owners.
   
   Emmanuel[]

[Classicus]

Something along those lines perhaps. The idea needs to be kicked around quite a bit beforehand though.
   
   A rough example :
   
   AC 428 - ENGINE
   AC 428 - FUEL SYSTEM
   AC 428 - IGNITION EQUIPMENT
   AC 428 - COOLING SYSTEM & HEATER
   AC 428 - CLUTCH
   AC 428 - GEARBOX
   AC 428 - REAR SUSPENSION/AXLE & PROPSHAFT
   AC 428 - STEERING
   AC 428 - FRONT SUSPENSION
   AC 428 - BRAKES
   AC 428 - BODY INCL. PANELS & TRIM
   
            Tailight assemblies:
   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.
   
   Windscreens
   CCS Windscreens in Chelmsford, Essex, UK.
   "We are able to supply these screens but we are unable to arrange delivery/export. The cost is £285.87 plus VAT for each screen and we would be able to supply ONE for the end of February and further ones for the end of March. We would need payment for each glass prior to us ordering as they would all be special orders, and once placed would have to be honoured, in full.
   UK Freephone 0800 770 880
   1. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/pages/contact.html
   2. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/pages/vintage_windscreens.html
   3. http://www.ccswindscreens.co.uk/index.html
   
   AC 428 - WHEELS & TYRES
   AC 428 - ELECTRICAL
   AC 428 - MISCELLANEOUS

[J Jones]

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?

[Classicus]

Hi
   
   Seem to remember they used a laser mapping device to start with at Kirkhams in Poland as well ?
   
   I was also thinking along vaguely similar lines too concerning a possible CAD designed prototype MK II AC 428 after glancing through the first two interesting websites below.
   

quote:Although design studios may now have large CAD walls to visualise developing vehicles, it is also possible to work on the design of a car from a single PC.

   http://www.cardesignonline.com/design/modelling/cad/index.php
   http://www.cardesignonline.com/
   
   Also refer my original AC 428 prototype Forum topic:
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=820
   
   I understand precious little of it, but your laser mapping device/ 3-D wireform point sounds as though it might be part and parcel of this CAD programme as well ? If it is perhaps putting the two ideas together might be one exploratory  way forward at little cost ?
   
   Two birds with one stone…. ?
   
   Paul  []
   
   Edit: Further thought perhaps Kirkhams might be able to help !! [8D]