Hi,
I am looking for a Bradford van to use for my company (which is Bradford based).
I have been to look at two vans (1951 & 1952) which are being sold together but would need completely taking apart and rebuilding. I am quite experienced in the pitfalls of rebuilding other old vehicles. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on who could do such a rebuild, what the pitfalls are with these vans and how scarce or costly the vans are to buy in running/good order.
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Bradford Van Advice
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Hendrik Moulds
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:19 pm
- Location: Burley In Wharfedale
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Keith Andrews
- Posts: 941
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:11 am
- Location: New Zealand
- Contact:
Steel work
Scuttle, fenders etc are the normal mig/rebuild rust, simple and just time
The rear top side and top rear panels make sure they are in rebuildable condition, or know someone who can roll up new ones.
Woodwork:
Often previously rebuilt wood work is in correct in shape. Unfortunately as far as I know there are no profiles/pattens avalible. Thu the is still some old orginal rooted peices around to take pattens off...
The A , door frame pillar, door/window frame have to done as matching pairs to get good door gaps/alignment. Same for the rear 1/4 uprights.
This can be done by mounting scuttle and front steel, the tack welding doors in place the shaping frame to fit.
Running gear:
look at the cleavis pins...brakes, clutch etc for wear
Assuming the interals of the gear box are ok, look for wear in the thrust bearing rod bushes each side of the bell housing.
Wear in the carb butterfly bushes.
Wear in the brake linkage piviot point bushes front and rear.
Wear on the steering box shaft and locator pin (rebuilding and lubrication covered in other posts )
Wear in the rear bearing of the gearbox causing the driveshft to have side movement.
The usual wheel bearing wear, and buckled rims (covered in other posts)
Worn kingpins
Electical: The Brafford is a very basic wiring diagram, If using orginal traFficators plus front rear indicators a little re thinking of this circuit has to be done. Other than that the usual insulation wear, detoriation.
On the short term like most restos the resto of a Bradford is not worth the effort. Long term I believe the Bradford has a great potentual as an investment.
As a company Van for just around the local town it is still reliable and a great little work horse, easy to park in small spaces...I use mine in this way for hauling computers and IT stuff. Suprisingly even in winter its is a warm vechile (note we dont have snow here)
Scuttle, fenders etc are the normal mig/rebuild rust, simple and just time
The rear top side and top rear panels make sure they are in rebuildable condition, or know someone who can roll up new ones.
Woodwork:
Often previously rebuilt wood work is in correct in shape. Unfortunately as far as I know there are no profiles/pattens avalible. Thu the is still some old orginal rooted peices around to take pattens off...
The A , door frame pillar, door/window frame have to done as matching pairs to get good door gaps/alignment. Same for the rear 1/4 uprights.
This can be done by mounting scuttle and front steel, the tack welding doors in place the shaping frame to fit.
Running gear:
look at the cleavis pins...brakes, clutch etc for wear
Assuming the interals of the gear box are ok, look for wear in the thrust bearing rod bushes each side of the bell housing.
Wear in the carb butterfly bushes.
Wear in the brake linkage piviot point bushes front and rear.
Wear on the steering box shaft and locator pin (rebuilding and lubrication covered in other posts )
Wear in the rear bearing of the gearbox causing the driveshft to have side movement.
The usual wheel bearing wear, and buckled rims (covered in other posts)
Worn kingpins
Electical: The Brafford is a very basic wiring diagram, If using orginal traFficators plus front rear indicators a little re thinking of this circuit has to be done. Other than that the usual insulation wear, detoriation.
On the short term like most restos the resto of a Bradford is not worth the effort. Long term I believe the Bradford has a great potentual as an investment.
As a company Van for just around the local town it is still reliable and a great little work horse, easy to park in small spaces...I use mine in this way for hauling computers and IT stuff. Suprisingly even in winter its is a warm vechile (note we dont have snow here)
My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'
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ian Howell
- Posts: 963
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:46 am
- Your interest in the forum: From 1962 to '63, CA Bradord LLG 125 (Repaired and used).
From 1966 to '67 Black deLuxe Javelin LDF 738 (Scrapped with broken chassis)
From 1967 to '87 Black de Luxe Javelin MKC 1 (later 6469TU). (Sold as non-runner with tons of spares, 1987)
From about 1980 to '87 ex WD Jowett stationary engine. (Sold on)
From 1966 to present, 1930 Long Four Fabric Saloon, Dark Blue / Black.
Taken in a part-repaired state to the 2010 Centenary Rally, returned to a roadworthy state by 2013. - Given Name: Ian
- Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England
- Contact:
Just a note of caution!
If you get that far, the studs that hold on the 'lid' of the gearbox also secure the bushes for the selector rods!
If you don't get them to grip, the rods push out the bushes at the ends and on mine in the early 1960's, pushed one into the clutch operating gear.
Very noisy - no gears apart from 2nd, wet night, wrong side of Liverpool, not funny!
Have fun with your Bradfords - keep the left-overs for your retirement!
If you get that far, the studs that hold on the 'lid' of the gearbox also secure the bushes for the selector rods!
If you don't get them to grip, the rods push out the bushes at the ends and on mine in the early 1960's, pushed one into the clutch operating gear.
Very noisy - no gears apart from 2nd, wet night, wrong side of Liverpool, not funny!
Have fun with your Bradfords - keep the left-overs for your retirement!
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Hendrik Moulds
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:19 pm
- Location: Burley In Wharfedale
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PAUL BEAUMONT
- Posts: 452
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2006 1:57 pm
- Your interest in the forum: Bradford Registrar and club Chairman
- Given Name: Paul
- Location: South Yorkshire
Jowett Bradfords
Hendrik, are you a member of the Jowett Car Club? You really need to be because the JCC is one of the best sources of spare parts for Jowetts.
Further I would like to receive details of the vehicles that you have bought so that I can keep the Bradford register up to date. If you send me your address I will send you copies of the JCC vehicle registration form.
thanks!
Further I would like to receive details of the vehicles that you have bought so that I can keep the Bradford register up to date. If you send me your address I will send you copies of the JCC vehicle registration form.
thanks!
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Hendrik Moulds
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:19 pm
- Location: Burley In Wharfedale
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Tony Fearn
- Posts: 1743
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:33 pm
- Your interest in the forum: Early pre-wars. Owner of 1933 'Flying Fox' 'Sarah Jane, and 1934 Short saloon 'Mary Ellen'.
- Given Name: Anthony
- Location: Clayton le Moors, Lancashire, the Premier County in the British Isles!!
Jowett Bradfords
Welcome to the Club, Hendrik. It won't take you long to realise that it was money well spent. There is a strong following in the Northern Section around the Bradford area, so help, if needed, shouldn't be too far away. Perhaps we will see you at the National Rally in Cheshire next May BH weekend. All the best, Tony.
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Alastair Gregg
- websitedesign
- Posts: 757
- Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:43 pm
- Your interest in the forum: E2 SA 922 HKY 770
D7 CB 6079 CVG 166
E2 PD 22113 MVU 377 - Given Name: Alastair
- Location: Corrie, Isle of Arran.
Congrats on buying the Bradfords.
Well done Hendrik. We have just had a post from Bill Jowett who is interested in a 1947 car/van. He says he is not technical and would need help in any restoration. So if you find somewhere for your Bradfords to be restored then Bill may well be interested. Can I suggest you have a chat.
Best Regards
Alastair
Best Regards
Alastair
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Keith Andrews
- Posts: 941
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:11 am
- Location: New Zealand
- Contact:
Just need to find someone who can do the work!
I just posted this in another thread
http://jowett.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1349#1349
I just posted this in another thread
http://jowett.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1349#1349
My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'
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roger young
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2006 7:53 pm
- Location: marston herefordshire
bradford woodwork
hi if you get to herefordshire get in touch with me i have re-framed several bradfords and i have kept all patterns and jigs from all the framework that i have done
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Hendrik Moulds
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:19 pm
- Location: Burley In Wharfedale
Bradford woodwork
Many thanks Roger.
I am not sure exactly what woodwork the vans need. It will probably be everything, although they have both been undercover since they came off the road. I shall have to see when I have transported them to my place.
I am not sure exactly what woodwork the vans need. It will probably be everything, although they have both been undercover since they came off the road. I shall have to see when I have transported them to my place.