406 headlights

[desmolloy]

Hi everyone, from a quiet member with a long way from going, engineless 406. This is a project that will probably reach the front of my 'to do list' in a couple of years ... but in the meantime I want to keep my eyes open for things I will need in the future. For instance my headlights and rims are rusted. Are Marchal E2 109 replacements available from anywhere? Do people carefully prise the light unit apart and get the reflector re-silvered and recrimp? Are the little amber roof-top repeaters available or similar replacements?

Due to the likelihood of finding a 2.2l motor and gearbox here in New Zealand being probably impossible, I am looking to repower with either a 2.5l Daimler or 3.5l Rover motor. Although that is only a plan and I am not committed to it and may find another option comes my way before I seriously get into the restoration which won't be an easy project.

There are a couple of interesting things about my car which I think is an early 406 (number 5?). It has the mesh grill not the bars, has the fog and driving lamps in the 'mouth', has no over-riders on the bumpers (shame as I like the look with them) and has a Bristol emblem on the boot like the ones on the side of the car. Elsewhere I have read that there is no insignia on the rear of the car and I haven't seen photos with this in place. Are they around? What finish should the badges be? There is no sign of flaked off chrome? Were they nickel plated which has just worn away?

I'd love some input

Thanks

Des Molloy
Golden Bay
New Zealand

[Bristolian]

Hi Des

Well, I finally found time to reply to you. I have owned a Bristol 406 for 35 years which does not make me an expert but I have seen a few in that period.

Yes, you do have a very early car. The front aperture grille was changed very soon after the launch of this model. This was due to a pronounced whistle emanating from this particular bar styled grille. These early cars also had the Pegasus badge on the boot although I have never seen one.

I have answers to most of your questions re engines, lights, etc. Also possible availability/sources of parts/alternatives. If you wish to discuss this further you can email me on johnlawley@bristoloda.com.

I have delayed my response to your queries as I was working with others to set up Bristol Owners & Drivers Association Ltd (BODA) the new association for Bristol car owners and now things have been finalised, I feel free to declare my involvement.

John Lawley
Spares & Technical Assistance
BODA

[Bristolian]

Originally Posted by desmolloy

Hi everyone, from a quiet member with a long way from going, engineless 406. This is a project that will probably reach the front of my 'to do list' in a couple of years ... but in the meantime I want to keep my eyes open for things I will need in the future. For instance my headlights and rims are rusted. Are Marchal E2 109 replacements available from anywhere? Do people carefully prise the light unit apart and get the reflector re-silvered and recrimp? Are the little amber roof-top repeaters available or similar replacements?

Due to the likelihood of finding a 2.2l motor and gearbox here in New Zealand being probably impossible, I am looking to repower with either a 2.5l Daimler or 3.5l Rover motor. Although that is only a plan and I am not committed to it and may find another option comes my way before I seriously get into the restoration which won't be an easy project.

There are a couple of interesting things about my car which I think is an early 406 (number 5?). It has the mesh grill not the bars, has the fog and driving lamps in the 'mouth', has no over-riders on the bumpers (shame as I like the look with them) and has a Bristol emblem on the boot like the ones on the side of the car. Elsewhere I have read that there is no insignia on the rear of the car and I haven't seen photos with this in place. Are they around? What finish should the badges be? There is no sign of flaked off chrome? Were they nickel plated which has just worn away?

I'd love some input

Thanks

Des Molloy
Golden Bay
New Zealand

Hi Des

Well, I finally found time to reply to you. I have owned a Bristol 406 for 35 years which does not make me an expert but I have seen a few in that period.

Yes, you do have a very early car. The front aperture grille was changed very soon after the launch of this model. This was due to a pronounced whistle emanating from this particular bar styled grille. These early cars also had the Pegasus badge on the boot although I have never seen one.

I have answers to most of your questions re engines, lights, etc. Also possible availability/sources of parts/alternatives. If you wish to discuss this further you can email me on johnlawley@bristoloda.com.

I have delayed my response to your queries as I was working with others to set up Bristol Owners & Drivers Association Ltd (BODA) the new association for Bristol car owners and now things have been finalised, I feel free to declare my involvement.

John Lawley
Spares & Technical Assistance
BODA