Having spent the last two years attempting to restore a Longbridge BN4 to
original condition, I can tell you that it's a significant challenge. There
are many unique parts to this model that are difficult to locate or no
longer available, such as, the glass windshield washer water bottle, the
left hand locking door handle, the correct single windshield washer nozzle,
the windshield washer pump, the sidecurtains (including the star shaped nuts
that hold them down), the top frame, etc.
Although there's certainly no financial payback for restoring a Longbridge
BN4 to original condition, as there would be for other short-run models
(tri-carbs), I've taken it as a challenge, scavenger hunt, or quest for
historical correctness to do so anyway.
I have a copy of the Concours Guideline and the Anderson/Moment book and am
still hazy on the details of how the door seals and furflex should correctly
be installed. The pictures are too small and fuzzy and the descriptions are
just a little too vague. Don't get me wrong, those particular resources
have been invaluable on other parts of the car, but the details of the door
trim remain a mystery to me. I've been to half a dozen Austin Healey meets,
and have yet to find an original condition Longbridge BN4 to copy. Is
anyone out there in posession of one that is willing to share a few pictures
with Patton, Gordy, & me?
Mick Vander Ploeg
'57 BN4
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich C" <richchrysler@quickclic.net>
To: "Patton Dickson" <kpdii@earthlink.net>; <ggilliam@usol.com>;
<healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: Door trim kits, again
> Patton,
> Well you could buy the guidelines. It would be money well spent. Between
the
> Guidelines, the Anderson/Moment restoration book and this list, I suppose
we
> can get you through this.<grin>
> It really boogles the mind when I realize the number of things we've
learned
> and observed about these cars over the years and yet we have a constant
> influx of relatively new people getting into these cars that know very
> little.
> That's where this list and our club chapters are so very useful.
> The knowledge is out there, we just have to get it into the hands of the
> people who need it....and much of the time they don't even know they need
> it!!!!
> Ask questions, then ask more questions. I for one am always glad to help
> anyone who shows that they care and have a willingness to "get it right".
> I certainly don't know it all, but if I can't help you, among us all on
this
> list we can usually find someone who can.
> Rich Chrysler
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Patton Dickson" <kpdii@earthlink.net>
> To: "'Rich C'" <richchrysler@quickclic.net>; <ggilliam@usol.com>;
> <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 5:41 PM
> Subject: RE: Door trim kits, again
>
>
> Short of buying the concours guidelines does anyone have a list of the
> differences. I love my BN4 and want to keep it as close to "right" as
> possible. The detail trim on my car was never done, so I had know idea
> about the dash fuzzy or the boot trim (both are missing on my car)
>
> I do have the right motor, seats, doors w/locks, tonneau bar, top for the
> BN4. I know I need the shut faces and the single jet washer setup still!
>
> Thanks
> Patton
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