rear plates and woodwork dimensions
These from Chris Gould, which may help new restorers. Click on images for larger, or download: Continue reading rear plates and woodwork dimensions
Category: detail
discussion of car detail useful for restoration for original specification. Remember to click ‘older posts’ at bottom of screen to scroll more posts.
Jack mount & boot fittings REVISED
Brian Gibbons’ recent photographs: Chris Gould’s book outlines the construction details of four of the original wooden blocks which were screwed in place to hold toolkit items. This 1933 drawing details their use: However, at the time there was no … Continue reading Jack mount & boot fittings REVISED
Maroon cars
This discussion of Cherry red has brought up Maroon in its closeness to the shades of the darker Cherry. Here is a comparison between the original sample match on the Gould Nippy and a Cherry red car: Chris Gould: … Continue reading Maroon cars
Red and Maroon forensics
We discussed some of the evidence for cherry red here. Frank Curry’s 1934 Nippy is presently having restoration work done – a car which he has owned for nearly 60 years. Looking at the stripped body today, it was interesting to see the forensic evidence for colours on the metal. This bright colour has been on the car since he first knew it, but it has a grey primer underneath which looks suspiciously un-thirties. We thus cannot trust this red as we do not know its origin. Chris Gould suggested looking at the metal backing for the dash, and this … Continue reading Red and Maroon forensics
Nippy wing marking stamp codes
Mark K has just got wings of a ’65’ body back from the sandblasters and noticed some letters stamped on the both front wings. There are 2 very small letter ‘k’s and a large letter ‘Z’ on each. Do these … Continue reading Nippy wing marking stamp codes
Nippy 3 bearing engines – REVISED
These were pictures of an engine 262214 for sale in August 2017. (It may be still available so make contact if interested): The 3 bearing crankshaft came in at engine number 249052 Engine number, chassis 247765. The 3 bearing crank on … Continue reading Nippy 3 bearing engines – REVISED
a late 65 – EP 5802 body 328
EP 5802, a 1934 aluminium car originally registered in Montgomeryshire, was alerted to the archive. The previous owner passed away and new owners Janet and Steven Swallow would like to appeal to anyone who knows more about its earlier life … Continue reading a late 65 – EP 5802 body 328
interior trim panel examples – appeal!
Please could you send images of trim panels which could add to this post as examples which are original or you know have been copied directly from the original. Rear panels round hood frame and back of cockpit: Here are some from Chris Gould: The Nippy trim panels were copied from what I think were originals except for the door panels. The “originals” were on my car and they had been recovered over the original trim. They had wood worm and I stupidly threw them away after copying. I saved some of the original covering, but over the years that … Continue reading interior trim panel examples – appeal!
underbonnet wiring runs
This post has been in drafts for over two years and continues from this post! Easiest to post now and alter/develop/clarify further in response to owner comments. Thanks to all who have participated with this so far… The wiring runs … Continue reading underbonnet wiring runs
bonnet rest rubber section
Austin literature and press images for new cars did not appear to show ANY sign of rubber for the bonnet rest area. The first cars photographed by the factory did show a rubber. This was used for the Light Car road test of the 65 in June 1933. This section was found on a car which must have been once-restored, and is wrong! This is the proper section, and please make contact if you have original examples, or wish to propose a different hypothesis! It would be helpful to know who has this in stock currently; please add a comment. … Continue reading bonnet rest rubber section
Late Nippy Petrol Gauge
Following on from my parts list comparison, I thought I would take a look at the gauges for my dash panel restoration. When I looked at the lists it suggests that from chassis number 239165 the petrol gauge that was … Continue reading Late Nippy Petrol Gauge
Austin Seven ’65’ & Nippy horns
Charles Holford writes: I am fortunate to own an early 1935 Nippy. I have looked at a number of others at shows and rallies. No two are the same but perhaps that is to be expected, as not one is … Continue reading Austin Seven ’65’ & Nippy horns
Original sports front axle
Information from David Howe and the Friends forum has confirmed the Austin factory produced the Sports front axle from a standard forging; hence they have 1A numbers forged on them; they ‘stretched’ them in the re-forging process so that they are … Continue reading Original sports front axle
another early dash top emerges!
This car surfaced for sale in the US. It is an early car, chassis 177458, and the former CZ 3705 has the same knife-edged scuttle/dash top as we discussed here. The car is shown here in Pensylvania. If anyone is close … Continue reading another early dash top emerges!
Thoughts on Nippy boot lid retaining straps
Charles Holford reports: Nippys are owned by a great variety individuals who have differing views on the importance of originality. Some are enthusiasts for it and will go to great lengths to find original components and materials. Others are happy to modify their cars for a variety of reasons, often to improve safety and drivability. Let it be said there is room for all on this matter but as for myself if there is an area of my car that may easily be put back to, or close to, its original state when it is known I tend to do … Continue reading Thoughts on Nippy boot lid retaining straps
Plans and measurements – appeal
Arie Roest recently passed on these rough notes and drawings to the Nippy archive. They were used during the restoration of his (then) early 65 chassis 177467, and may be of use to others. You might have similar from a past restoration which you may wish to lodge here? However sketchy, they may yield some nugget for someone! Continue reading Plans and measurements – appeal
Original sidescreens
There is now evidence from two late cars – 1937 – that suggest that Austin screens were to this pattern, in two folding pieces. Very different to the other, more common, pattern parts from aftermarket suppliers, as they were designed only for use with the wind deflectors also fitted to 1937 cars. Many cars have been retrofitted with side screens as per the other post here – fitting in the entire space between hood, door and windscreen. Can you add more information to support the hypothesis? It is suggested that all other patterns are aftermarket, and that cars prior to the … Continue reading Original sidescreens
bonnet rubber clamping plates
Here are two re-created clamping plates for the bonnet rubber from bodies 821 and 866 respectively. My own holes for a missing plate are about 34mm wide; another plate measured is definitely different to this. Does anyone have an original, or evidence of measurements from their own bodywork? Using a hand nibbler to recreate the rubber clamping plates: Continue reading bonnet rubber clamping plates
Steering column cover plate
The 65/Nippy steering column cover plate screws onto the floorplan near the pedals, and is specific to the model. The pressing is the same basic shape as the one found on the earlier Ulster (below) but the angle is different, the pressing deeper and the upper rim longer. Chris Gould created a wooden mould to re-create an Ulster one and by removing its angled base, the greater depth of the 65/Nippy one could be hammered out in a sheet of thin mild steel screwed down to the hardwood former. This is the comparison of the results with the base to … Continue reading Steering column cover plate
Ruby to Nippy seat conversion + DIY inflatable bags
The Nippy inflatable seat bag is covered in Gould’s book and pictures are elsewhere on this site. The inflatable bags degrade and 2016 prices were over £120 per seat bladder. Many Nippys have been ‘Rubified’ over the years due to … Continue reading Ruby to Nippy seat conversion + DIY inflatable bags
Rear wing type, position and fit
The Austin factory plans are valuable documents, despite some shortcomings and errors in these original plans identified by Chris Gould when researching the Ulster and in the ‘EB Nippy’ plan above – i.e. the trafficators are mounted 90 degrees out … Continue reading Rear wing type, position and fit
Cherry Red paint
65s and Nippies have always been available in cherry red as a stock colour. But what exactly was cherry red? It’s not a simple answer, as when the 65 was released, there were no colour cards in the 1932 Belco … Continue reading Cherry Red paint
65 on the assembly line
An images from an Austin 7 Clubs’ Association magazine of 1978. What details can you spy? And what images have YOU got on file that should be on here for the benefit of others? Continue reading 65 on the assembly line
Austin Sports colour Atlantic Green – an update
The re-creation of Atlantic Green was initially considered here. The process using original Austin Motor Company printed material for Atlantic Green resulted in the RAL Design colour signified by code 150 60 30. With the acquisition by the Austin Ten Drivers Club … Continue reading Austin Sports colour Atlantic Green – an update
65 floor pan structure
Nick Boorman’s early 65 restoration now nears completion, but these two photos show the extra strengthening members connecting the rear with the main floorpan very well. Ian Williams notes: remember that with the 65 the upper part of the body, above … Continue reading 65 floor pan structure
Hood evidence
The discovery of this picture from the late 1936 Paris Motor show clarifies some of the non-Austin designs that have crept into Nippy usage. The presumably 1937 model car – one of the last – clearly shows the same style of hood seen in the 1933 technical drawing. The two images of the same car (below) shows what has happened through time, with a lovely comparison (perhaps taken in the 1960s and the 1990s?) of what looks like a new hood uppermost, flap provision for side screens, and a curved door line. The lower picture shows a later hood replacement, … Continue reading Hood evidence
Ash framing in boot floor
Matthew Myerscough’s car has recently shown an alternative construction for the boot floor region, and the photos present what looks like a tremendously original Nippy beneath many layers of paint. There are differences here to the details found in the … Continue reading Ash framing in boot floor
Lucas Junction box
This is an early Lucas junction box, which have often been replaced by later models with ‘Lucas’ and ‘Birmingham’ written either side of the central screw. It is not specifically Nippy but below, seen on quite an original car. Its … Continue reading Lucas Junction box
axle filler plug
The axle filler plug was fitted on Nippies as the clearance was reduced by the proximity to the petrol tank. It seems to have been fitted for access from the offside. Sizes measured from an original on Chris Gould’s car: … Continue reading axle filler plug
Austin LHD Nippy – body 525
A fine database of images of 214096, an early steel LHD car with remains of an Austin body tag. It has plenty of original detail and some features different to RHD cars we are familiar with. The gearbox is stamped … Continue reading Austin LHD Nippy – body 525
Mirror restoration
Chris Gould reported: “I have never seen one before, but have been given one that needs a bit of work. I can see that it is correct as it is a Lucas one and the diameter is about the length … Continue reading Mirror restoration
leather loom clips – restorers’ Chinese whispers
Restoration of cars is beset with good but misplaced intention. This is recent evidence of Nippy loom clips below the cutout, photographed from a 1937 car: This information echoes the findings from Chris Gould’s 1936 car in the 1970s. The … Continue reading leather loom clips – restorers’ Chinese whispers
Discussions on Nippy wiring loom variation, May 2017
This discussion post is made in light of variation in the front light wiring runs and junction box use in Nippys and later 65s. Please compare your own car and provide feedback (on loom position and extra loom holes) as … Continue reading Discussions on Nippy wiring loom variation, May 2017
front to rear wiring run
The understanding of the front to rear wiring run is easier than the main loom; there are less variables throughout the production run 1933-37. These images show a 1937 car and the start of armoured wiring leading from the under-dash … Continue reading front to rear wiring run
Battery, earth and battery cable position
Looking at evidence from early photos is the only way to determine original specification – unless one is absolutely sure an extant car is ‘untouched’. The 1933 magazine reports on the 65 are ambiguous as they provide tantalising evidence of … Continue reading Battery, earth and battery cable position
Starter pull and cable type
Re-assembling bits during restoration, the cables present for choke/strangler and starter did not seem to fit with the steering column bracket, forcing a few questions to the experts. Was this metal “grommet” unoriginal and to be removed?Interrogating the car’s photo … Continue reading Starter pull and cable type
scuttle to lower panel gusset/strengthening plates
These pictures show gusset plates on an early 65. With restorer’s guide books like Rinsey Mills – its featured 65 is ironically a very late one – some early 65s have lost these plates, perhaps as presumed unoriginal, to be … Continue reading scuttle to lower panel gusset/strengthening plates
Dating an early car with no history
A very interesting car has emerged in South Africa. Rod and Greig Smith’s car is undoubtedly a 65 body from the evidence of an alloy skin and no holes in the front wings for sidelights. A Bluemel wheel is also … Continue reading Dating an early car with no history
door retainer strap and ends
An archive image from Dave Adams’ 65 seems to show an original placement for the door strap. Note the position of the strap ends to ensure that the strap doesn’t pull across the aperture. Can anyone else confirm or provide … Continue reading door retainer strap and ends
markings on front wing to chassis irons
These discovered and sent in by Matthew Myerscough, currently researching and restoring his Nippy. Can anyone else provide images of marks they have found? (Three replies so far – a 65 and two Nippies – with nothing to report. Keep … Continue reading markings on front wing to chassis irons
interior rubber mats
The photos below seem to show a 65/Nippy specific transmission tunnel rubber mat on a very early 65. Can anyone provide any more evidence for transmission tunnel covering or mats in the footwells that could be original, either physically or … Continue reading interior rubber mats
body number
One of the primary contributors to originality of the 65/Nippy is the body and its stamped body number, and yet many car owners do not know of its presence, probably because of the confusion with the car number and its … Continue reading body number
Rear light
Modern regulations have required retrofitting of rear reflectors and many fit two lamps either side of the number plate to better cope with modern traffic conditions. However, new cars were supplied with a single rear light; there were no attachments … Continue reading Rear light
1930s and 1940s images
Photographs from the first 15 years of cars’ lives are more likely to show original detail. Click on images to access larger slideshow. New cars: Cars from old-ish photos: September 1935 picture of Robert foreman’s father John at Randall’s Garage, … Continue reading 1930s and 1940s images
Zenith 30VE1 downdraft carburettor
from the handbook for the ’65’: from the handbook for the Nippy and Speedy: For a more general consideration of Zenith downdrafts that can be used when the VE1 cannot be found, see here. Continue reading Zenith 30VE1 downdraft carburettor
Wilmot Breeden door locks
Some images from Ian Williams whilst stripping, repairing and recreating a Nippy door lock: This picture has good detail of the correct bakelite handle: Ian had contact with Bill Hughes who created the Morgan Series One website here, (see Interior> Door … Continue reading Wilmot Breeden door locks
bonnet studs
The addition of chromed bonnet studs on either side of the hinge allows the bonnet to be opened and rested fully back onto the other side without damaging paintwork (but must exert pressure on the flat plane of the bonnet … Continue reading bonnet studs
Seats
These pictures from Bertie Fowler’s restoration of a later 1936 car show the original seat base layout with inserted steel plate (here remade in 20swg steel) protecting the seat base bag – to which the inflatable cushion was added. The … Continue reading Seats
Mirror bracket
Chris Gould knows of several people wanting Nippy mirror brackets for either of the sides of the car. He has the equipment for making them but not the time. A friend of his made several, subsequently giving Chris the equipment … Continue reading Mirror bracket
Battery retainer brackets
This picture (left) is from a 1933 article on the new 65, and is drawn from a LHD car. This 1935 car (below) shows the Lucas battery which has integral lugs/flanges to connect up with the retainer post on either side … Continue reading Battery retainer brackets
radiator cowl brace
The cowl brace protects the brass radiator cowl from distortion brought on by the weight of the headlamp supports and front wings. Many have been lost or replaced with badge bars across of the front of the car. The bar … Continue reading radiator cowl brace
Engine
Use Chris Gould’s Nippy/65 book as a first point of call, but post any questions here that need answering for benefit of all. on Nippy Head gaskets A member sent Chris Garner an A7 Spares list from Witham’s Motors of Balham, … Continue reading Engine
Rare parts: Nippy dash carpet set
from a 1933 ’65’ from an early 1935 Nippy; the brown matches the wood dash. from a 1936 car (carpets screwed or riveted down) Continue reading Rare parts: Nippy dash carpet set
Hoods, Sidescreens and mountings
Some period images of cars when near new: Chris Gould notes: To quote from the book “The Austin Seven”: The Nippy was in fact a new name for the 1933 “65” sports model and the only difference in the outwards appearance … Continue reading Hoods, Sidescreens and mountings
Nippy Folding Screens and Wind deflectors
1937 Nippies had wind deflectors and Robert Foreman’s image of an export Nippy (presumably from the wheel/tyre specification) clearly shows these, perhaps on a new or near-new car. Gould’s book shows details of folding screens and several recent images have … Continue reading Nippy Folding Screens and Wind deflectors
Downdraft Zenith carburettors
The Bill Williams book on Austin 7 Specials notes: “for simple general purpose layout with adequate performance, there is very little to beat the single downdraft carburettor. Many well know Austin Specials have performed most creditably with a downdraft Zenith … Continue reading Downdraft Zenith carburettors
65/Nippy exhaust alignment
The 1933 road test car photo is a good example for the alignment of the Nippy exhaust, coming below the radius arm and then running straight to the back of the car. Chris Gould’s book details the dimensions of the … Continue reading 65/Nippy exhaust alignment
Windscreen rubber for Nippy & 65
June 2016 Update: This is the new rubber that Chris Gould sourced from a tiny section of his original rubber and has now had manufactured.
Here is a period drawing of the screen rubber in a 1933 roadtest. It appears to be flat rather than curved, and coming from the centre of the attachment profile. Any thoughts on choices from the selection of modern profiles listed below? What have you used? Continue reading “Windscreen rubber for Nippy & 65”
Windscreen
There are variations in the size of windscreens, in addition to the shape of the mounting stanchions which are well documented in Chris Gould’s guide. The earliest cars seem to have a glass height at the very centre of the screen of … Continue reading Windscreen
Nippy and 65 engine bay wiring
These images act as a developing set of sources for locating the original wiring routes around the engine bay. Original cars are best if they can be found, but the restored cars featured are used for the strength of their own … Continue reading Nippy and 65 engine bay wiring
Nippy and 65 O/S wiring loom run
These images act as sources for locating the original wiring routing down the driver’s side (RHD) to the rear of the car. Click images for larger slideshow. Send images if you have anything which adds to the material here. 1933 car … Continue reading Nippy and 65 O/S wiring loom run
Lucas dip switch conversions for Austin 7
The original Lucas dipswitches now command huge sums on ebay. In 2014 Tony Betts produced a finely crafted and very reasonably priced replica with the correct long body (still available). If you want to make something yourself, the shorter £20 … Continue reading Lucas dip switch conversions for Austin 7
Early 65: knife-edge dash top
Nick Boorman is restoring an early 65; especially intriguing as it is in the first 15 or so cars still in existence on the Survivors’ Register, but it was not registered until 1934 – towards the end of the 65 … Continue reading Early 65: knife-edge dash top
The arcane world of the American Pre-Focus APF fitting
The APF fitting is common as the Seven Workshop replacement headlamp unit uses it. However, the options for replacement bulbs are not great, should you wish to tinker; especially if you are sticking to 6V electrics. Getting to the bottom … Continue reading The arcane world of the American Pre-Focus APF fitting
Austin Nippy Chassis & Body Blueprints
Images are now up on the A7CA archive:
There is also a Speedy body drawn on 3rrd November 1933.
The hawked images available elsewhere on the web are pretty poor – these are slightly photoshopped to improve what is available online. Click for larger images. Continue reading “Austin Nippy Chassis & Body Blueprints”
Austin 65/Nippy Archive 