Getting a 412S2 Ship Shape

[t_bollox]

I recently acquired a black 412S2 from Andy Blow.
Car runs well but requires a little sorting.
First job, fix the blower motor. Blower motor removed and motor rebuilt but only lasted 5 minutes. So does anyone know where to get a motor from or a complete blower. Motor by Smiths Industries model FHM2202/02B.
Next job to tackle, interior lighting.
Also does anyone know who makes the dashboard rocker switches?
Thanks, Happy Bristoling

[geo]

Originally Posted by t_bollox

First job, fix the blower motor. Blower motor removed and motor rebuilt but only lasted 5 minutes. So does anyone know where to get a motor from or a complete blower.

These motors are not at all sophisticated and any good firm that rebuilds these should be able to do so. In my experience with similar motors, the secret behind a reliable rebuild is to replace more parts than those that are essential purely to make it turn again i.e. bring it fully up to spec.

Originally Posted by t_bollox

Next job to tackle, interior lighting.

I found this pretty straightforward on mine although some of those contacts within the overhead lamp units required careful cleaning and a smear of gloop to stop any further corrosion.

Originally Posted by t_bollox

Also does anyone know who makes the dashboard rocker switches?

I did not manage to find any new replacements for these (other than one from Bristol), but I did find that if you disassemble them and clean the switched contacts within, then they function as good as new. An awkward job on reassembly trying to prevent those little springs and balls from liberating themselves, but worth the effort and at zero cost.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by t_bollox

First job, fix the blower motor. Blower motor removed and motor rebuilt but only lasted 5 minutes. So does anyone know where to get a motor from or a complete blower. Motor by Smiths Industries model FHM2202/02B.

A complete blower unit would probably only come from another Bristol but the motor was probably used on other Smiths heaters. However, I would suggest simply taking it back to whoever rebuilt the motor for you and ask them to do it properly this time

You could always give Bristol Cars Services a call and see if they have one on the shelf. They will probably have the switches but I think they are quite expensive.

[t_bollox]

Getting through the jobs on the car. Purchased a Bosch motor of approximately the same dimensions and now I have an operational blower. Motor cost only 80 GBP and works great, more blow so to speak. Bosch model no. DPD 12V 140W.
One the switch front, some similar switches are available from Lucas but not ones without pictures on them.

[t_bollox]

Lots of things going on, managed to hit two cars in the company car park with the 412, as you can imagine must more damage to the cars that were hit than the Bristol.
Fitted a very cool Parrot rki8400 i-pod based, blue tooth stereo and even uploaded the Bristol logo for the front panel. Next job, fit an amplifier and some rear speakers.
Some questions, I need a new rubber for the sun roof as it leaks water a little and I need some recommendations for some tyres.
Apart from all that Bristoling is still the only way to go.

[Kevin H]

At about 16 ft long they can be a bit awkward in a car park

I have thought to fitting rear parking sensors to my 411, (once I have a few other more fundamental issues sorted), the only problem is I don't know how it could be done elegantly with the hefty chromed bumper.

[Rubbond]

I thought the last thing I would ever need was a TomTom, but they are
fantastic!
Andrew.

[t_bollox]

Dear All, I forgot to mention that the car park I was attempting to drive around was a sheet of ice.
However on a recent high speed run, a stone cracked the drivers sode headlamp lens, does anyone know where one can get these from?
Also what other cars had the same model, Bosch 1 305 620 141 and 142?
Regards
Tim

[Peter.Kent]

Nearly 20 yrs ago I sourced these (had to replace both as my 412 had been briefly in Germany and they were LHD) at the local GM garage. They were from the Opel Record D, 1972-7. (Possibly the same on the Commodore of that era). I wonder if still available. They needed a slight modification which was easy with new and old side by side. Can`t recall what it was though. P

[geo]

Originally Posted by Peter.Kent

Nearly 20 yrs ago I sourced these . . .at the local GM garage. They were from the Opel Record D, 1972-7. They needed a slight modification which was easy with new and old side by side. Can`t recall what it was though. P

Alas, neither can I, but the one I replaced some decade ago was most definitely from an Opel of the the 1970s. Curiously, the Bosch, Hella etc. catalogues did not have anything listed as suitable. You do have to be careful that they dip to the left as it is much easier to acquire units that are designed for driving on the right.

As you probably know, the rear lights are Lancia Beta, but no longer easily available, in fact someone from the Lancia club claimed that they had been buying them from Bristol!

Geo

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by t_bollox

However on a recent high speed run, a stone cracked the drivers sode headlamp lens, does anyone know where one can get these from?

I know this might be a rather radical suggestion, but you could try Bristol Cars Services 020 8995 0350

[TLF799R]

Admin note: As this post triggered a more general discussion about Bristol parts supply, I have copied it to this new discussion thread.

I have certainly seen 412 lights in the factory when picking up the car before. But I imagine they keep scarce items like that for those that get their cars serviced with them...
Philippa

[JLucy]

I acquired some new lights for my Beaufighter from Bristol Cars. What's more
they were personally delivered to me at the Bristol Concours by Toby
Silverton, and had been brought there in the very limited luggage space of
an Arnolt Bristol. They weren't particularly cheap, but neither are lights
for modern cars.

James

[Kevin H]

For general comments or discussion about Bristol's ability or willingness to supply parts for our cars, please use the new thread in "Bristol News & Other Bristol Discussion" forum which can be found here http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/b...ts-supply.html

[t_bollox]

Working through the 412S2 issues; fixed the clock, getting the dashboard wood restored, picked up some overmats from Coverdale, fixed the windscreen washer and now the brakes are giving trouble.

I need either a complete new master cylinder or a rebuild kit. Before I approach Bristol cars with my life savings, does anyone know if this is an general AP item or is it specific to Bristol models? And any recommendations to where to buy?

I also have to recommend the "Furniture Clinic" leather repair and colourant kit, the seats are beginning to look fantastic and one can even maintain the patina (depends on how hard you rub as with a lot of things).

Regards and Happy Bristoling.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by t_bollox

I need either a complete new master cylinder or a rebuild kit. Before I approach Bristol cars with my life savings, does anyone know if this is an general AP item or is it specific to Bristol models? And any recommendations to where to buy?

It's probably a Girling part. However, I would suggest having it reconditioned / rebuilt. I had the same done with the master cylinder on my 411 last year. There are no doubt numerous places in the UK that will do this, but I noticed an ad in The Automobile magazine for these guys www.pastparts.co.uk who specialise in this and re-sleeve the bore with stainless steel.

Was the car standing for a long time before you bought it. If so your brake calipers might need doing as well ...

I had my front calipers rebuilt locally using stainless steel pistons which I bought from a guy who supplied them for Aston Martins in the UK (the 411 uses same Girling caliper as DB6).

Knowing Bristol's habit of using the same parts for decades across several models of car it is likely the 412 S2 has the same brake parts as the 411.

[David Olivant]

Try:- powertrakbrakes.co.uk I received an overhaul kit for my 408 from them.

David

[ozy]

Originally Posted by Kevin Howard

It's probably a Girling part. However, I would suggest having it reconditioned / rebuilt. I had the same done with the master cylinder on my 411 last year. There are no doubt numerous places in the UK that will do this, but I noticed an ad in The Automobile magazine for these guys www.pastparts.co.uk who specialise in this and re-sleeve the bore with stainless steel.

Was the car standing for a long time before you bought it. If so your brake calipers might need doing as well ...

I had my front calipers rebuilt locally using stainless steel pistons which I bought from a guy who supplied them for Aston Martins in the UK (the 411 uses same Girling caliper as DB6).

Knowing Bristol's habit of using the same parts for decades across several models of car it is likely the 412 S2 has the same brake parts as the 411.

As Kevin says, if the master cylinder is a 411 part then my 411S3 has an early Range Rover V8 master cylinder.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Kevin H]

I need to correct myself - the Bristol 411 calipers are not the same as the DB6 - all the internals are the same, but the caliper body is different.

I have a Girling parts list for 1966-70 which lists 10 variations of the 17/3P front caliper body. One caliper type is unique to Bristol and another type is used by Bristol and Jensen. However, the service kit, pistons, bleedscrew, pad retaining pin & pin retaining clip are the same across the range of Girling 17/3P front calipers, used by AC, Aston Martin, Austin, Daimler, Jaguar, Jensen, Lotus, Mercedes, Reliant, Rover, Wolsley and TVR.

Similar story re the rear calipers and handbrake assemblies.

I would imagine that there are fewer variations of the master cylinders, meaning there may be many different contemporary cars that use the same master cylinder.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if someone who specialises in rebuilding brake master cylinders and calipers has reconditioned units available for exchange.

[Nick Challacombe]

Kevin,
Past Parts are very good, they are based in my own town, Bury St Edmunds and has supplied me with New Old Stock and reconditioned stainless steel brake parts.
The chaps are very knowledgeable with loads of old catalogues etc. My 407 is easy as it has Dunlop brakes as on Series 1 E type etc. The Master Cylinder is Lockheed but slightly modified for the Bristol.
I do not know what yours are except Girling but they must have been fitted to a Brit car or the era as Bristol tended to buy off the shelf for these items.
Kind regards,
Nick