Bristol alternatives.

[Des]

The 3 litre Rover suggested already, I found to make an excellent substitute
for at least the 2 litre Brizzers.
I've recently been overhauling one, to keep me occupied while I give up the
fags, and it's the first time I've been really up close to one, and many
things have surprisingly impressed me, (I'm surpressed) reminded me of my first
intimate moments with Bristols.
Set the tappets today, were left loose while running in, a right old inlet
over exhaust clusterfeck, but now the thing emulates a sewing machine, a very,
very quiet one, the distributor can actually be heard running. Now it occurs
to me that there's nothing I would want to change or modify about the Rover,
I can't say the same about the Bristol.

Best rear window opener setup I've ever seen would be late 80's 2 door
Nissan Sunny, 2 levers just behind handbrake, accessible by front or rear
occupant, operated hinged glass via cables, brilliantly simple.

In the 403 the heater is not much use unless a window is open. It is hard
to believe that the cabin is that airtight, but letting air out
considerably improves the flow coming in. This is particularly important
when the demister is needed. Perhaps, like Ashley, I have been too
effective in closing gaps in an effort to reduce noise. It is also
difficult to close a door if all windows are closed. The rear side windows
provide the best escape route for air, as this allows the warm air to pass
through the cabin. Opening these is a struggle from the driving seat, and
that is why I rarely open them.
Has anyone devised a "throughflow" system like modern cars have, which would
not involve visible bodywork changes?

Mike Davies.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by ynysd

Has anyone devised a "throughflow" system like modern cars have, which would not involve visible bodywork changes?

Mike Davies.

Yes, Bristol did on the 411, with barely noticeable bodywork changes. That's what those two vents are for on the rear wings. There are lightly spring loaded flaps behind those. That's also why there are two wire mesh grilles in the rear parcel shelf. The holes beneath them are not, as this picture shows, for the seat belt to pass through!

Edit: Photo added to show where the seat belt should go. Also photo of vent on inside of rear wing.