Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristolian
Hi fellow Bristol owners
Please do not see BODA as a split in the BOC. Our intentions are to provide services that are not available within the BOC.
John Lawley
BOC Member
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John, your statement above is a little at odds with the text on the home page of the BODA site, which says;
"
We will be providing and organising the full range of club services, including Technical Assistance, Spares Information, a Magazine/Newsletter, various functions/meetings and of course an annual Concours."
On the surface, one of the main differences between BODA and BOC appears to be BODA’s willingness to commission manufacture of parts, but given who your Secretary is I find this rather surprising.
Early in 2001, I was looking at manufacturing some parts which were either no longer available from Bristol. I also had some discussions with Bristol about the possibility of manufacturing specific parts in Australia which they were currently having manufactured in the UK at a very high price. Initially we were looking at stainless steel wheel nuts which would fit the Avon Safety wheels and the Blenheim wheels. I could get these made considerably cheaper in Australia, to the specs supplied to me by Bristol, however I couldn’t get enough commitment from Bristol Cars (they wanted samples) or Bristol owners to warrant going into production.
Despite this particular project not getting off the ground I had some discussions with Clyde Lennon and a few other BOC members in the UK about parts manufacture with a view to getting the BOC involved, with Bristol’s blessing. As far as I am aware Clyde had discussions with some of the BOC committee and Toby Silverton.
Then in the Summer 2001 issue of the BOC Bulletin a lengthy sermon appeared from the Secretary (Michael Barton), which was clearly designed to kill off once and for all, the idea of the BOC getting involved in parts manufacture.
Here are a few excerpts from Mr Barton’s article;
“
when I’ve spoken to Brian Marelli of Bristol Cars and asked “How many of your customer cars are off the road for lack of parts”. I get a simple answer “None”. “
“
We are in the most fortunate position that Bristol Cars continues to survive and thrive and has a stated policy of continuing to support owners by the manufacture and supply of parts wherever possible even for the oldest cars.”
He went on to list the reasons why the BOC should NOT become involved in any type of parts manufacture – I will
précis for brevity;
- Lack of finance
- Bristol owns the rights to designs etc
- Lack of storage facilities or funds to procure such
- Product liability
- Quality issues (no testing facilities)
- BOC run by volunteers
- No requirement.
Have these issues all disappeared now?
PS. I did get exhaust manifold "barrel nuts" made to Chrysler specs for the 411 S4, S5 and 412 S1. I still have some for sale if anyone is interested
