New 403 owner

[dave dale]

Hal,
If you have got plenty of money, there is another alternative. Recently there are new heads being made for the Bristol 2-litre block. Stewart Banks designed them and has apparently already sold four. They are being sold by Jaye Engineering and they are about GBP 7100 + vat including valves and springs. They are designed to be used with hot camshafts etc. to cope with 160 bhp, but nothing to stop you selecting a cooler camshaft. Stewart Banks is +44 1604 830879 and Peter Jaye is +44 1908 551467.

IN racing ( Ian Nuttal Racing ) is producing a new block of 2.5 litres. This will mate with Stewart Banks' new head or a standard Bristol head. Will be about GBP 8000 + vat. Speak to Peter Jaye.

These details are accurate as far as I know. I wish I had the money to buy these as a present fo my 403 ! Good luck.
Dave Dale.

[RGSchmitt]

Hi Kevin -

Thanks for the references. One primary consideration before doing
any work on any old car should be "motivation". Should we take on a
project because we really like the car? To make a profit? Some combination?

When a car can't be driven and a prospective owner has no experience
with the marque, it's very hard to know if it will be "liked" when
it's done. My Frazer Nash was totally inoperative from the day I
first saw it in 1975 until I drove it in 2005 (almost exactly 5 years
ago this week), so I never knew if I would like driving it until
then. I do! The entire expense of storing the car during that time,
having work done at various shops, shipping the car to NZ, etc. was
somewhat a concern, but my only rationale during that period was to
break even or not be too far "underwater". Over that period, I was
encouraged by the Bristol Owners Club, the Frazer Nash Club and
various new books that my car had some support and recognition in the
universe of cars - much different than in 1975, when my friends
thought I overpaid for a strange car and was otherwise a dreamer - it
would never be finished.

I think the same is true of any "odd" car; but a prospective owner
should still weigh their real affection and goals for the car against
the reality of much work and/or costs. Other cars I've owned,
improved, and sold were mostly driveable when bought and during all
the work. If ever took on a car like this Bristol, I'd probably try
to get an engine in it as quickly as possible to learn about the
potential enjoyment of driving it.

It's all a little crazy, isn't it?

Bob


Bob, it was on here (Clyde aka 460Special). He talks about his car
(Bristol 406) in these threads.

http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/6...istol-6-a.html

http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/6...ice-parts.html

---Quote---
PS My car was in MUCH worse condition when I found it, so don't give up.
---End Quote---
Yes, but your fully restored Frazer Nash is probably worth ten times
what a 403 would be worth!

[Hal]

Thanks guys for your replies.

Kevin:
The problem is that i've already bought a car. If i'd have engaged my brain and did what sensible people do, which is research before a purchase, then yes, buying a good one would have been the way to go.

But thats not necessarily a problem, as the restoration could be an interesting project and an excuse to learn some new skills, if i can persevere.

But as you say knowing that you could lose large amounts on the restoration before the work has even started, is difficult to stomach.

Greg:
I really like the idea of turning the 403 into a 402, and if this is half way possible, then this may well be the best reason, financially and from an aesthetic point of view.

If there's anyone you know that has had this done, or any coachbuilder that could do the conversion, i would love to hear.

[dave dale]

Hal,
Andrew Stevens from London has turned his 403 ( or was it a 401 ) into a convertible - and it looks superb. I'll attempt to attach two photos but if I fail and you would like to see them let me know via email and I'll make a web album so that everyone can see it.
Dave Dale. bristol @davedale.co.uk

Originally Posted by Hal

Greg:
I really like the idea of turning the 403 into a 402, and if this is half way possible, then this may well be the best reason, financially and from an aesthetic point of view.

If there's anyone you know that has had this done, or any coachbuilder that could do the conversion, i would love to hear.

[GREG]

The pictures of that conversion look superb!

How much do you want for the 403 Hal ?

Hope the guy I sent you on email can help. Richard James has a good name and Bristol experience as well.

Greg

[Hal]

Dave,

Thanks for the photos, thats an awesome looking car. However, it does look as if its had some major major work, and clearly converting over isnt a simple process.

Greg,

Sorry matey, its definitely not for sale, now that i've seen that conversion !.
And thanks for sending me details of that chap, i'll be getting in contact with him.

[Des]

Well now you have an objective you don't need to worry about cost effectiveness, rationality etc. these concerns have no place, it should be more an emotional thing.
I'm keeping my 403 standard, but only because that's the state I found it in and it's the easiest option, having said that I've been faffing around with it for about 7 years and haven't made huge progress. I actually bought a second (engineless) one last year, don't know what I was thinking of, but I have gazed into the empty engine bay dreaming of what might fill the gap. I would think a 'period' engine a folly, I don't think there's much that wouldn't leave the car nose-heavy, and / or gutless. It probably has to be something 4 cylinder as I doubt there's many sixes other than the Bristol short enough to fit without butchery.
The type 9 gearbox used in Sierra / Capri is a pretty strong box, bellhousings are available to give quite a few engine choices, even some wildcard FWD lumps.
Speaking of FWD, I have an old Saab Turbo I've owned for 20 years and can't bear to part with, it crossed my mind that it has a fairly compact engine gearbox unit, I didn't get the tape measure out but I think the Bristol would have to lose a couple of feet of chassis so perhaps not, although, 170 BHP, equal length driveshafts equate to a non FWD lack of torque steer.

[Hal]

Originally Posted by dave dale

Hal,
Andrew Stevens from London has turned his 403 ( or was it a 401 ) into a convertible - and it looks superb. I'll attempt to attach two photos but if I fail and you would like to see them let me know via email and I'll make a web album so that everyone can see it.
Dave Dale. bristol @davedale.co.uk

Dave,

Would you know how to get in contact with Andrew Stevens, and do you know who did the conversion for him ?

thanks Hal

[Lawnmowerman]

Hi I seem to have gone a little further down the same road as you,nice car no
engine and not really interested in expensive engine options just drivability
and reliability.If you want a chat phone work on 01617639714 Â.