Arnolt Bristol

[Arnolt57]

Sir:

First, as stated previously, I am not the brightest bulb in the closet when
it comes to computers and did not realize that on THIS forum, the E mail
for each person posting appeared in the header. There has been so much
vitriol on this board in the recent week or two that I wanted to get across
that I was not trying to re-hash any of the past. As it turns out, the
results were better than expected, with three other members offering to help
answer my questions.

First, I have an early model Arnolt Bristol Bolide. The serial number is
3016. I bought it in 1963, not too far from where it was originally sold
in Southern California. I don't know if I am the second or third owner, but
if I dig hard enough can probably find the original bill of sale.

I am in the process of restoring the body and interior. I bought what was
supposed to be a correct lower windshield rubber and trim piece, however,
it is not even close to the rubber piece that came with my car. Since the
car showed no sign of being wrecked, and unfortunately, no sign of race
history, I assume (hate that word) that my windshield lower rubber molding is
as delivered from the factory. The trim piece that fits in a slit in the
rubber was either missing, or discarded. I have a hard time remembering what
happened over 45 years ago.

If your car is not together, I would greatly appreciate a photo of the end
of the rubber molding and the end of the trim piece for the windshield.
Obviously, I would not ask or expect you to take your car apart to get these
pictures. I also need an EXACT measurement of the depth of the barb on the
trim piece. I need both the total depth and the depth from the back of
the trim piece to the inside of the barb, where it contacts the groove in the
windshield rubber, holding it in place.

I have contracted with a local rubber company to make an exact duplicate of
my original windshield rubber, but since this is fairly expensive, I want
to make sure it is correct. My minimum purchase is 250 feet, which would
be enough to fit the entire remaining fleet. I have a few people who are
interested in sharing the expenses, if I can get it right. Since it appears
that no two Arnolt Bristols are the same, this has turned out to be quite
a problem. (My right hand door is 1 1/2 inches wider than the Driver's
door and my grill opening is two inches narrower than Kenneth Andren's car.

I have been told that later model Arnolt Bristols used the same lower
molding as an Alfa Sprint. However, the Alfa has a lower windshield frame, so
the rubber piece would have an extra flap, which would be superfluous on an
Arnolt which has no frame.

My second question involves the grill mesh. I obtained a piece of
original grill mesh from Sweden, or some place close to there. It strongly
attracts a magnet, so although it is shiny, it will rust as soon as exposed to
the elements. I have seen grill mesh painted in different colors, and some
that have a dull chrome like finish and some that appear to be chromed. I
also have heard that the Deluxe had a different finish than a Bolide. This
part does not concern me, since my car is a bastard to start with. What
sort of finish do you have on your grill mesh?

Best Regards and thanks for your offer of help

Jim McQuay
West Linn, Oregon
_Thumpermcq@aol.com_ (mailto:Thumpermcq@aol.com)