Project 2
Project 2 is the Riley 12/4 chassis that has been converted to TT Sprite spec. That means the chassis has been underslung, (passes under the backaxle instead of over), and has the rear chassis members drawn inwards to follow the contour of the TT Sprite style bodywork. The engine & gearbox mountings have been moved backwards in the chassis so that the radiator will sit above the front axle, and the driving position will be just in front of the back axle.
Now, I have no intention of building a TT Sprite replica. I don`t like the idea of a direct copy that could later be passed off as the genuine article. … I will build a special that looks period, but dosn`t resemble a TT Sprite too closely.
I have examined this chassis closely and I am very happy with the standard of workmanship. The steel used for replacement cross members is good and the welding is first class. …………….. However, the wheelbase of a TT Sprite is 8 foot 2 inches, and I`m pretty sure this is considerably shorter. I reckon about 7 foot 10`ish. I will be able to measure accurately when I have front and back axles fitted. … (May be a little too short for my liking).
I have decided to try to advance this project at the same time as building project 1, which has a much more standard set up. … To this end I have spent today fitting a 12/4 engine and gearbox to the chassis, which has been cleaned, de-rusted and painted black. ….. When I aquired this chassis it had a dismantled 12/4 competition engine, but many of the components had been allowed to rust, so I am fitting a fairly standard 12/4 engine that I aleady had. … It was rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago, so is in exellent condition. It is mated to a preselect gearbox that has also only done 10,000 miles since rebuild. It it has a 2nd type clutch, which most people believe is the best of the three clutch options offered. (When a competition engine is fitted it is planned to dispense with the clutch altogether. Relying on the gearbox brakebands to deliver drive to the back axle). Something I will explain in greater detail later. ……… The competition engine can be restored & and fitted at a later date. Perhaps after the car has been run for a season and the “bugs ironed out”. …. The competition engine has special, lightened and balanced conrods that are much superior to the standard rods, A re-sleeved block and reground crank. Main bearings have been re-metalled, the special rods accept MGB big end shells, and it has a lightened flywheel. It also has high compression pistons, (Triumph Boniville pistons that have been rendered unusable by damp storage conditions). The camshafts have also suffered from rust but may be ok for hardmetal spraying and reprofiling. It also has a lightened and balanced flywheel. It will make a powerful competition engine when I get to sort it out!
As you will see from the pictures, the engine in project 1, has no water pump or fan assembly. Whereas the engine in the Sprite-like chassis has these fittings. What to do about this is a problem to be dealt with later. I hope to look at some alternative solutions to avoid fitting the standard Riley parts. This way I may be able to squeeze the radiator further back on project 1, so that the car looks well balanced in profile. (The further forward the rad, the worse the appearence in profile).
I intend getting the front axle fitted to the Sprite spec chassis soon too. It is rebuilt and ready to fit. I also intend restoring and fitting the steering column too. … I havn`t decided what to do about back axle and torque tube yet.
Just before finishing this article I must mention the new front shock absorbers now fitted to project 1. … I bought them from Graham Brown, (Croydon). Expensive, but lovely!! Have a look at the pics. Graham specializes in vintage & and classic shockers and carries many types. A good man and pleasant to deal with. Very knowledgeable.
The "cooking engine" in the Sprite spec chassis
Sprite spec chassis, (project 2, grows an engine & preselect gearbox
Note the "cooking engine" has waterpump, fan assembly & standard, crank driven dynamo
Engine in project 1, without waterpump or fan assembly.
New sprite spec shockers from Graham Brown
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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.
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E-mail: philsmith432[at]hotmail[dot]com