quote:
Originally posted by aex125
Thanks guys and I have to say this has probably been the most enjoyable car I have done. Although you cannot pick up a catalouge and order the parts you need, I have enjoyed pouring over pictures to determine what was needed and then making the parts (sometimes 2 or 3 times) to get them right. I have also been enjoying it since the upholstery has been completed and have gone through a couple of tanks of petrol so far. Luckily the weather in Southern California will allow me to enjoy it year round.
John, The rear end is still Ace and the 289 is a mild version so hopefully I will not have problem. I do not necessarily baby foot it, but I also have not done any hard launches which is where I would expect problems to surface.
Keith,
You ask a very interesting question on 1078 and it is one I am currently struggling with. Like 125, 1078 was converted to a V8 earlier in its life (and also had many other mods performed), but the quality of the work is very poor as evidenced by the following pics showing the bodywork. One of the biggest problems in trying to bring it back to its original configuration is sourcing an engine and gearbox on this side of the pond. AC engines are tough to come by (do I need a CLB or will a CL version be OK?), are expensive when they do come up (last one I saw was$10k and needed a rebuild), and the current exchange rate makes sourcing engines from your side of the pond a very expensive proposition. If I had an AC engine it would be an easy decision to make but since I do not I am not sure what path to take. My initial thought was maybe trying to find a 2.6 engine and use it, as maybe it would be easier to source and find parts for, but I am still struggling with what to do on the power train. For the body my plan is to get the rear body changed back to original from the wide hips it currently has, and the front needs to be fixed, but if I use a 2.6, should I go with a 2.6 front end or back with an original? Just not sure right now. I will say that while I am far from being a purist, I do try and retain the feel of what my cars were in their early life while balancing that against my wallet. I will probably be starting numerous threads in the near future on this very subject (2.6 availability/maintenance, thoughts on conversion to rack and pinion steering, sources for rear brakes drums to replace the cobbled together disc setup, etc)and based on the input I receive, decide how to proceed.
Again thanks to all for the positive comments and I am going to continue getting 125 out on many outings.
Jay
1078 body work photos. I think it was a beginners first job......
Jay
Bristol 100D or 100D2 are hard to find, accumalting the parts and building a reliable unit will cost you £20K plus ( subject to parts availabilty .... could add another £5K, £6K or more
Slightly cheaper to source the parts and Build a AC lump..... However
Corrosion is a killer so again your budget will be £12K / £14K plus.
More power, Easier to obtain parts and semi correct AC spec ....
Ford 2.6 lump with triple Webers and Mays head, coupled to a Volvo Amazon gearbox = Ingrediants for a trully torquey, reliable and
great touring combination.
I know some will cringe at the Volvo box, but this well proven route means the car is up and running, being used and enjoyed months if not a year or two earlier than with the Bristol or AC power pack.
Good luck with the rebuild. .. .. Can possilbly put you in contact with a couple of ACOC members in the UK who just happen to have 2.6 lumps spare and the odd Amazon Box surplus to requirements......
No, I'm not a trader, just a AC enthusiast who believes in net- working and using his Ace all year round.
Keith
