Bristol 401 Restoration

[Geoff Dowdle]

Many or possibly most Aerodynes in Australia have some rust in the lower door frames and rear supports for the spare wheel carrier, similar to these photos but not to the same extent. It is a usual part of the restoration process here to repair or replace these frame areas.
The rust does not usually extend to the chassis or outriggers from the chassis .

Geoff D

[Geoff Kingston]

Geoff D,
That's interesting as I thought you would have been free of the dreaded rust certainly a MK Vi Bentley I saw some years ago at the Real Car Company was exceptional in terms of its structural condition having just been imported.
I have never liked the way the supports and side panels to the spare wheel carriers were constructed, putting two pieces of mental back to back like that in that position is asking for trouble in fact its not a good idea on anywhere on any vehicle over here as owners of many land drovers and range rover classics would confirm. On the 401/403 then after repair or if sound on acquisition it seems like its a good idea to waxoil those areas first.
Geoff K.

[mikebro]

Yes an excellent set of photos. Very similar to my experience in the UK with my 403. All six outriggers needed replacing or repairing, along with the one spare wheel carrier mounting that had not already been replaced. I did the work myself with a MIG.