Restoring a Pre-war Riley Special

Back axle musing

I wrote earlier about having a wide track back axle for the narrow track chassis, (the Sprite-like, modified chassis). … Well, this last few weeks I`ve been thinking about back axles and what I can use that will fit this chassis and “do the job”.

…. I`m sure I have heard somewhere that early MGB banjo type back axles will fit. The wire wheel variants have a 42mm splined hub that will take the pre war Riley 18″ wire wheels. This axle also has the advantage of having various diff ratio`s available. On the downside, it has hydraulic brakes, where the pre war cars have a mechanical system. Also, I`m not sure how this plays with VSCC eligibility.

I also remembered that I had seen a late Riley 9, (Merlin), back axle amongst the rusty pile in the corner of my lock up garage. There is every chance that it may fit.

I noticed in the latest issue of the MG Owners club mag a banjo type MGB back axle casing, (no diff, hubs, brakes, etc), going cheap. So I bought it just to try it on the chassis to see if it matched up with the rear spring locating points. … AND IT DOES!

I also dug out the rather rusty Merlin axle, AND IT ALSO FITS!! …. SO, do I get the parts to complete the MGB axle and use that. Which will mean converting the car to hydraulic brakes, with all the subsequent work involved in that. … Or do I fit the Riley Merlin axle. Which will mean staying with all pre war parts and a mechanical braking system. (I havn`t got brake drums for this axle, but I`m sure I can locate home). … I probably prefer the pre war merlin axle option, but will ponder a little longer before making up my mind. I will be returning to this subject at a later date. … Whichever option I choose, it will lead to other complications with the torque tube/prop shaft. (Who said “whats a torque tube”?). … Another subject for a future blog!!

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

About the Author

Phil Smith is a vintage car enthusiast with many years experience of owning, restoring and using vintage, PVT and classic cars. A longstanding member of The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC), The Riley register and The MG Car Club. Makes he has owned include Alvis, Bentley, Lagonda, MG, Talbot and Riley, of course. Now retired, Phil satisfies his 'old motor urges' by competing in the MGCC Luffield Speed series in MG Midgets from the 60's and 70's. This blog will chart his return to vintage/PVT cars.

Categories

• Chassis & running gear (2)
• Engine, gearbox and drive train (1)
• General (3)
• Getting started (1)
• Thats how it all began … (1)
• Uncategorized (21)

Archives

• February 2011
• December 2010
• October 2010
• July 2010
• May 2010
• April 2010
• March 2010
• February 2010
• January 2010
• December 2009
• November 2009

Contact

E-mail: philsmith432[at]hotmail[dot]com