Wheels and tyres

The big problem with the original wheels is they are 18" and any reasonably proportioned racer special the wheels need to be smaller preferably 15". I decided on 16" as road going tires start at this size or so I was told. I got Barry Brown in Fife, Scotland to make my wheels. A friend lent me a drawing for the wheels he had made for his special.

The ideal size of tyre would be 165 x 70 x R16 but the only one I could find close to that was a 50 profile. Not a wonderful size for a vintage racer however adequate for my first hill climb.

Here is an Index page for the build

 

 

Taking stock

The challenge in my mind has always been the Bo'ness hill climb,  my entry is now confirmed for this year Sunday 4th September 2016.

The things still to do are considerable.

* Finish welding the roll over protection bar and install seat belt mountings.
* Petrol cap wire
* Tow point labels
* Front bonnet and side panel fabrication (a lot of work).
* Fuel gauge calibration
* Attach the bodywork and floor properly
* Get tyres and tubes for wire wheels then fitted
* Steel wheel nuts


Oh dear what have I done?

Here is an Index page for the build

Shock absorbers

I decided to keep the original friction shock absorbers. They suit the period implementation of a Super Accessories Special from the 1950's. I can always fit hydraulic dampers at a later date.

Front

Rear

The devices are totally restored and in the case of the rear, remanufactured parts were obtained. Painted in red to highlight them against the suspension.

Update 4th Aug 21

The front shock absorbers have been replaced with independent stainless fabrication and was instrumental in the performance improvement I see today. 

Here is an Index page for the build