Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

davedale · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

I am thinking about buying an Austin 7. One of the things that I have noticed since joining the club is that all of the engineering firms that specialise in the Austin 7 are all quite a distance from where I live - North West London. Presumably that is because premises are cheaper away from London. If I get an A7 and it needs to go into a workshop, I have three choices : I can drive it ( if driveable ) but slow speed, bad weather etc. may make this a miserable proposition.
I can get my day car fitted with a towbar and get a trailer for the A7
I can find a trustworthy engineer who can work on Austin 7's not too far from my home.

My preference is the third choice. Can anyone please recommend someone near North West London ?
Alternatively, can anyone suggest another alternative ? Thank you.
Dave Dale

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

Welcome along, what cars are you interested in, have got or had?

If it is a one time trip, then you could always get someone with a transporter to deliver it, plenty of people around that do this.

Can't help with people down your way as have only been to London a handfull of times, and they were over 10 years ago.

Cheers

Dave

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

The Austin Seven is one of the easiest cars to work on ever. All the parts are available and there are thousands of other enthusiasts only too willing to give advice.......oops! just thought, you do mean a pre-war seven don't you?
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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

Keith D · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:18 am Post subject:

Dave,

I am also presuming that you are referring to a 1922-1939 Austin Seven.

Spares are plentiful and service is available.

The London area is well served by the Austin Seven Owners Club (London) I would suggest that you have a chat with these learned people who are into Austin Sevens up to their necks! They will tell you who can fix up Sevens in your neck of the woods!
Secretary - 01634-865598
The Club's website is:- www.austinseownersclub.com

I own one of them (1932) and they are great little fun cars to drive and also to work on! They also do incredible journeys!

Keith

Keith D · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:21 am Post subject:

Sorry Dave. I messed up on the website.

Try this one:- www.austinsevenownersclub.com

Regards - Keith

davedale · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

Thanks guys for the advice and encouragement.
buzzy bee - I have owned a 1953 Bristol 403 saloon for about 10 years. Been everywhere in it - wonderful ( except for the petrol consumption ! ) but quite a handful in London. You have to drive past 10 parking places before you find one long enough. I'm not selling the Bristol but I've always wanted a pre - war A7. I also have a Mahindra CJ3 jeep.
Keith D - I joined the club last week. I hope to get to a meeting soon.
Thanks again.
Dave Dale.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22779 Location: UK

Which 7 takes your fancy - tourer or saloon, chrome rad or later?

Rick
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Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4850 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi Dave

Mog · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 663 Location: Sydney

I had an A7 Ruby , I think about 1936, they are easy to repair, the con rod decided to jump out of the crankcase due to a loose big end bolt. It was a cast big end and was going to cost a lot of money, to fix. I was a poor under paid apprentice. The solution was to hit it with a big hammer until it looked straight. I put it back in , patched the hole in the crankcase, and it was still running when I sold it. This is a true story....

davedale · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

Rick - I fancy a saloon. 32,33 or 34 RP with a 4 - speed box would suit me , from what I have read so far. Not sure about the rad. What is the significance of a chrome rad ?

Penman - >>I'm keeping my eyes on you, just to make sure>> How did you get that photo of my Bristol ?? !! Was at the 2008 concours I think. Very clever.

Dave

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4850 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi Dave
Yes it was at Quenby.

I have a complete album of the event on http://bristolcars.info/forums/album.php?albumid=24

Being a member I went searching on the BOC site to see if you were there.

After all if you and you car hadn't been known to us, we would have wanted details.
_________________
Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

Keith D · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

Dave,

The chrome radiator cowls came along in mid 1929. they were nickel before that.

The Long wheelbase box sedans came out in two models which were very different, although they looked very similar from the outside.

October 1931 - September 1932 was the RN sedan.
October 1932 - June 1934 was the RP Sedan.

RN 3 speed crash gearbox - RP 4 speed gearbox (initially crash, then sycro on 1st and 2nd in August 1933).
RN Petrol tank on firewall (bulkhead) gravity feed - RP AC type pump on side of engine, petrol tank under back of car.
RN Chummy type dashboard and steering wheel - RP Ruby type dashboard and steering wheel
The RN and early RP's had no trafficators. The later RP's had external boxed trafficators either side of the firewall in front of the doors.

There were many minor differences, but these were the major ones.

There are Registers of both models and the Registrars are extremely helpful. Contact the Austin Seven Clubs Association for details.

Regards - Keith