Discussion
Ambleton said:
A40 mk2 Camgears steering box (this was the bit that was eluding me for so long so glad I've managed to source one)
Awesome thanks for the update, glad to hear the renovation is still on the cards!As an aside, does anyone have anything to clarify/substantiate the above being an upgrade over the Camgears steering box fitted as standard?
Many thanks!
When I was searching and rummaging around online, according to the racers, the A40 camgears box is the same ratio (12:1) but is stronger. Whether this refers to materials used, bigger bearings, better tolerancing or just larger internal gearing I don't know.
I know the Rae Davis cars have A40 mk2 steering boxes...
I too would like to know what the technical differences are!
I know the Rae Davis cars have A40 mk2 steering boxes...
I too would like to know what the technical differences are!
Ambleton said:
Sorry, just seen the recent replies!
As ever life gets in the way. I still haven't made space in the garage... I still have other projects on the go.
However it IS still stored at my wife's parents place - they've asked if I can make space before winter properly sets in... let's see...
I spoke to my MiL last weekend about originality and that I had already started to accumulate parts to upgrade it, a better gearbox, better brakes, a slightly bigger engine of the same type....
It then came to light that in the 60s it had been given an engine out of another 948 A35 and its gearbox and back axle arent the originals either. She seemed pleased that I wanted to sort the steering and brakes out as she said they never were up to much, even back then
I think she's softened a bit over the last few years and she now just wants to see it back on the road and if that means upgrades and safer driving then all the better for it.
I have, however, now finished collecting all the second hand bits I wanted for it. Anything else can be purchased new easily enough.
List of parts accumulated-
Ital 1275 A+ engine (needs rebuild)
Midget ribbed gearbox (will send away for recon)
Midget rear axle with hardened half shafts (hydraulic drums)
Additional Midget 3.7 diff
Midget front ARB
Midget front hydraulic discs and suspension
A40 mk2 Camgears steering box (this was the bit that was eluding me for so long so glad I've managed to source one)
The Midget rear brakes, diff and half shafts will be built into a spare a35 axle that's loitering at the back of the shed at my MiLs house. The spring hangars are in a different place so you can't just do a straight swap for a midget axle.
a friend of mine is the technical expert for the A30/A35 and its worth having a chat with Neil as if he doesnt know about it regarding these little austins no-one does!As ever life gets in the way. I still haven't made space in the garage... I still have other projects on the go.
However it IS still stored at my wife's parents place - they've asked if I can make space before winter properly sets in... let's see...
I spoke to my MiL last weekend about originality and that I had already started to accumulate parts to upgrade it, a better gearbox, better brakes, a slightly bigger engine of the same type....
It then came to light that in the 60s it had been given an engine out of another 948 A35 and its gearbox and back axle arent the originals either. She seemed pleased that I wanted to sort the steering and brakes out as she said they never were up to much, even back then
I think she's softened a bit over the last few years and she now just wants to see it back on the road and if that means upgrades and safer driving then all the better for it.
I have, however, now finished collecting all the second hand bits I wanted for it. Anything else can be purchased new easily enough.
List of parts accumulated-
Ital 1275 A+ engine (needs rebuild)
Midget ribbed gearbox (will send away for recon)
Midget rear axle with hardened half shafts (hydraulic drums)
Additional Midget 3.7 diff
Midget front ARB
Midget front hydraulic discs and suspension
A40 mk2 Camgears steering box (this was the bit that was eluding me for so long so glad I've managed to source one)
The Midget rear brakes, diff and half shafts will be built into a spare a35 axle that's loitering at the back of the shed at my MiLs house. The spring hangars are in a different place so you can't just do a straight swap for a midget axle.
Ambleton said:
When I was searching and rummaging around online, according to the racers, the A40 camgears box is the same ratio (12:1) but is stronger. Whether this refers to materials used, bigger bearings, better tolerancing or just larger internal gearing I don't know.
I know the Rae Davis cars have A40 mk2 steering boxes...
I too would like to know what the technical differences are!
Good to know thanks for clarifying!I know the Rae Davis cars have A40 mk2 steering boxes...
I too would like to know what the technical differences are!
Chunkychucky said:
Awesome thanks for the update, glad to hear the renovation is still on the cards!
As an aside, does anyone have anything to clarify/substantiate the above being an upgrade over the Camgears steering box fitted as standard?
Many thanks!
ChunkyChucky - not sure if you're one and the same Chuck as posted on the A30/35 facebook group (it's awfully coincidental if not). But Claire has just given a comprehensive explanation... to the differences. Thought I'd share it here too as it may be of interest to others.As an aside, does anyone have anything to clarify/substantiate the above being an upgrade over the Camgears steering box fitted as standard?
Many thanks!
Edited by Ambleton on Monday 27th September 16:32
BryanC said:
In my teenage years, I own up to rolling my mate's mother's A35 - probably due to attempting a 90 degree corner at 30 ish mph. Ended up nose down in a ditch.
We were able to roll it back upright, pull the grass out of the wheel rims, polish the grass stains off the grey bodywork and delivered it home without suspicion.
A guy coming the other way stopped to help and said ' ..bet you thought you'd had it that time eh ?...'
Taught me an early lesson in driving prudence. Great little car.
Still smile today, same corner, this time in my Caterham.
Go back to around 1976, I was 23, a friend recently passed his test at the age of 17 bought an A35. Cheap Japanese tyres removed from his brothers car as they were rubbish fitted onto the A35 rims (this is before the days of decent Bridgestones/Yokahama etc) and off he went, the 90 degree corner at the end of his street was a regular on two wheels, I've never been so frightened and yet laughing at the same time.We were able to roll it back upright, pull the grass out of the wheel rims, polish the grass stains off the grey bodywork and delivered it home without suspicion.
A guy coming the other way stopped to help and said ' ..bet you thought you'd had it that time eh ?...'
Taught me an early lesson in driving prudence. Great little car.
Still smile today, same corner, this time in my Caterham.
Ambleton said:
ChunkyChucky - not sure if you're one and the same Chuck as posted on the A30/35 facebook group (it's awfully coincidental if not). But Claire has just given a comprehensive explanation... to the differences. Thought I'd share it here too as it may be of interest to others.
I’ve been rumbled! Thanks for the effort of censoring, it’s a ‘throwaway’ account anyway.Edited by Ambleton on Monday 27th September 16:32
Yeah it’s good to know the difference, don’t think I’ve got any tight spots/bearing play on mine from when I stripped it down before putting back in the car, so will see how it feels once I start testing the car. Good to know for future reference regardless!
austina35 said:
I have an A40 mk2 steering box in my spares. I seem to recall that they were slightly shorter than the A35 ones so that the steering wheel sits closer to the dash.
Interesting to know, thankyou. I've had to source a sizeable boss and even consider a 'quick release' system to try and bring the wheel further back. Marginal gains though seeing as the column doesn't adjust, so the further back the wheel comes the higher it goes..!
Theyre lovely little things and so so affordable. A ropey usable one can be had for a few grand, even pretty good ones are only £5-6k.
Most people would baulk at the idea of spending serious time, effort and money on one, ultimately its never going to be worth very much.
But (and I'm sure this sounds crazy to a lot of folk), it may as well be a 250SWB or a DB4GT lightweight because basically priceless to us, therefore cost is largely irrelevant. I'm glad it's not a super rare, expensive car though, because that would mean parts, spares and insurance would be through the roof.
Oh also I've listed one of my other cars for sale so maybe, just maybe, it'll sell and the little A can be here before winter.
Most people would baulk at the idea of spending serious time, effort and money on one, ultimately its never going to be worth very much.
But (and I'm sure this sounds crazy to a lot of folk), it may as well be a 250SWB or a DB4GT lightweight because basically priceless to us, therefore cost is largely irrelevant. I'm glad it's not a super rare, expensive car though, because that would mean parts, spares and insurance would be through the roof.
Oh also I've listed one of my other cars for sale so maybe, just maybe, it'll sell and the little A can be here before winter.
21st Century Man said:
One of these passed me today in Matlock Bath, pale green running on white minilites with polished rims, it looked to be sitting a touch lower and wider than standard. It was in super condition. I quite fancy one, or an A40.
You didn't get its number did you? I'm trying to find the whereabouts of my wife's grandfather's palm green A35. That was sold in Leek in the late 90s, so not a million miles from Matlock.
It's reg was 802RRF
Ambleton said:
Ta, don't think there are THAT many palm green ones about.
Black was by far the most popular colour
Must admit you don't see P Green often - I had my heart set on a Speedwell Blue car, but when mine came up for sale 17 years ago not too far from my dad's, the rest is history... Quite glad of the colour now, have definitely grown fonder of it with age.Black was by far the most popular colour
Ambleton said:
21st Century Man said:
I'll check my dashcam footage tomorrow for the number.
Ta, don't think there are THAT many palm green ones about. Black was by far the most popular colour
I've seen it a few times so will probably see it again and I'll get the number.
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