Parts searching continues

Since the last post, winter has plodded on. We only had one day above freezing and we have had three big snowstorms.

Inside this non-descript “shed” lives Old Biddy. After two weeks, I thought would finally go out to visit her. But getting to her was a challenge.

 

 

I dug a path through the snow bank and raised open the door. Her coverings were rolled back and this picture was snapped. She was happy to see me! But now everyone can understand why I have not been working on her much.

 

 

Although I am not working “on” her, I am working “off” her. I finally received the NOS Lucas No. 41A mirrors. They took a couple days longer to receive due to the snowstorms but I knew that when I bought them, so it was not a worry. Instead, it was worth the wait! They look awesome!!

 

Next, my attention focuses on getting a pair of new inner door fuzzy felt weatherstrips. The original strips are 26 inches long. I cannot find where to get these…anywhere!!

 

They are the exact same strips that are on “Joe”, my Midget, except the ones I need are 4 inches longer. Moss Motors and Victoria British do not carry any long enough (or longer, so I can trim them to size). So for now, I will scratch my head and ponder this dilemma.

 

Only four more weeks until spring arrives! Until then, I will keep searching for the fuzzy strips and a rear view mirror. If anyone knows where I can get the fuzzy strips, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment. There are only a few bits and pieces left to get on the “parts needed” list. It has mainly dwindled down to just fasteners and hardware…and that is a good feeling!

Thanks for visiting.

Toddy

Reflecting upon mirrors

While cleaning my cellar workshop this week, I found a box of old original parts that I tucked away behind another box and (after seven years) forgot where they were. I remember setting these aside for the later stage of the restoration so I can match them with replacements or restore them. I mentioned a couple of them in the last post.

The Wingard rear view mirror is in terrible and unusable condition. The metal holder rod is good. It just needs to be repainted.

 

These were once very common as they were also used on many other cars such as Morris Minor, and Mini, etc… But try to find one now and they go for ridiculous amounts of money. I saw one at the auction site sell for over $100 dollars!! That is just stupid and in my opinion, uncalled for!!!

 

 

I found the original driver’s (left) side Lucas No. 41A fender (wing) mirror. The original one for the right fender was just a chunk of rust with no mirror, so it was scrapped. And, this one is also not restorable and cannot be used again. I am glad I saved it, though.

 

Since these mirrors will be looked at as an accent piece, I did not want to get the “Lucas style” reproductions. I found and bought a NOS pair at a reasonable price. I hope I am happy with them when they arrive.

 

 

I also found the original sun visors and clips! They seem to be in good shape and only need a good cleaning and reconditioning.

 

On Sunday, the temperature went up to a whopping 45’F, so I reinstalled the horns. I did not hook them up to test them but, it sure felt good to turn wrenches on Old Biddy again. Lots of snow coming this week so we will wait and see what gets accomplished.

Thanks for visiting.

Toddy