Engine Rebore recommendations near Sandhurst

[AndyDRZ]

Hello,

I was in the process of swapping to a large valve head on My Austin A35 and I spotted one of the pistons is disintegrating .

I think a bit of ring broke off and caused a few dents and damage. Oddly the bore still looks scratch free as did the combustion chamber in the head.

Anyway, I'm 50-50 on whether to just bung a second hand piston in that cylinder with new rings (Maybe Cords) I'd fit the new rings to all 4 pistons as I'm assuming if one has gone, the rest will be close behind.

The sensible part of me says this is possibly just throwing good money after bad so perhaps I should cut my loses and go straight for the rebore now.

In which case, anyone have any recommendations on places near Sandhurst? I see Classic and Modern in Bracknell look good but are fairly expensive (Are they worth the premium? Let me know!)


For those who don't know the A35 uses an inline 948 A series (Like some Morris Minors and Sprites and Midgets) so if you guys know of a A series specialist that is worth a little extra travel, let me know too.

Thanks, Andrew.

[Jagmanv12]

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

[Vixpy1]

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

this

[AndyDRZ]

Great, thanks! I'll give them a call.

Anyone else?

[Grumbly]

Roe Engineering have just moved from Kings Road Fleet to Redfield Stables in Church Crookham, if Rolly is too far.

[RONV]

Hi, try the Austin a40 farina FORUM someone will know of one. Ron.

[chippy348]

Not in your location but these guys are very good and about 1hr away according to google maps

http://www.gosnays.co.uk/acatalog/

[Huntsman]

If for any reason you find yourself needing a 948 engine, drop me a line as I have one you can have.

[Phil74]

Vixpy1 said:

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

this

You should get through to Steve or Mo.

Just be prepared if you get through to Roley though

I think that Charlie would probably concur.

[Phil74]

Oh, I see that this is with regards to an A series. (Not sure if the variant in the A35 is the same as in a Mini?)

Steve has done some serious work on Minis in his time so should be a thoroughly safe pair of hands for this if they are similar.

[AndyDRZ]

Very similar. Majority of the parts are interchangeable.

Thanks everyone.

I'll call around today and come up with a plan once I know estimated costs.

[ukkid35]

Phil74 said:

Vixpy1 said:

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

this

You should get through to Steve or Mo.

Just be prepared if you get through to Roley though

I think that Charlie would probably concur.

Hope it worked out well for the OP.

I used Roland Alsop 18 months ago after seeing Charlie's recommendations on PH, they did a superb job when my awkward AJP8 heads needed a skim.

(But be prepared for Roley, he is a little eccentric)

[Vixpy1]

ukkid35 said:

Phil74 said:

Vixpy1 said:

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

this

You should get through to Steve or Mo.

Just be prepared if you get through to Roley though

I think that Charlie would probably concur.

Hope it worked out well for the OP.

I used Roland Alsop 18 months ago after seeing Charlie's recommendations on PH, they did a superb job when my awkward AJP8 heads needed a skim.

(But be prepared for Roley, he is a little eccentric)

a little ?

[Total loss]

Vixpy1 said:

ukkid35 said:

Phil74 said:

Vixpy1 said:

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

this

You should get through to Steve or Mo.

Just be prepared if you get through to Roley though

I think that Charlie would probably concur.

Hope it worked out well for the OP.

I used Roland Alsop 18 months ago after seeing Charlie's recommendations on PH, they did a superb job when my awkward AJP8 heads needed a skim.

(But be prepared for Roley, he is a little eccentric)

a little ?

Is this Roley in one of the units on Longcross Charlie ?

[e600]

Jagmanv12 said:

You could try Roland Alsop in Chobham. I've used them for years.

Good shout Jagman. Roland has done several E Type rebores and cranks for me over the years. Before approaching him learn the unwritten rules.

[e600]

[quote=Total loss

Is this Roley in one of the units on Longcross Charlie ?
[/quote]

No, he is on a farm/ horse riding stables on the Windlesham - Chobham Road just after a row of houses. Approach as one would a large dog of unknown temperament . It is worth the effort.

[Total loss]

e600 said:

No, he is on a farm/ horse riding stables on the Windlesham - Chobham Road just after a row of houses. Approach as one would a large dog of unknown temperament . It is worth the effort.

Ok, thanks, I know of that place, I used to pass it every day, just didn't know a name.

P. S. Ukkid35 , hi Paul , long time no see, hope you still have your 928, still go to the Bracknell TVR meet ?

[ukkid35]

Total loss said:

P. S. Ukkid35 , hi Paul , long time no see, hope you still have your 928, still go to the Bracknell TVR meet ?

Indeed, so long that my memory has completely failed me

Haven't been to the Bracknell meet for some time, hopefully now it's getting lighter...

928 is still going strong, it fills in when the Cerb is sulking, this is from 18 months ago