Classic Car Parts

[BlueBolt 156]

So...

 

I'm starting out doing a few jobs here and there and I've just been asked a really random request!!

I'm looking for a part for a proper classic car, the kind that makes our own classic cars look extremely new!!

 

It's a Vanden Plas. 4 litre.

 

Where the hell do you start looking for parts for something like that??? I know google will be full of companies who no doubt have bits at general price for general public... But I'm looking for someone a little more local to me (Kent area) who can supply me at trade prices. Anyone got anyone they use, or can suggest, or recommend??

[welshpug 1,657]

depends what you need!

[BlueBolt 156]

Heater matrix

 

ebay is a no go as the only one on there is an old knackered looking one... Although listed as "Good used condition" I'm not convinced by the tape around the pipe...

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

My old man has a fair few contacts in the classic car world, ill ask him.

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Farmer should be able to help.

[BlueBolt 156]

Thanks JT, that would be good.

 

I'll PM Farmer and see what he says, thanks Chipstick

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Saw two of those cars on Sunday at Goodwood Nd one the week earlier commuting into London, more times than a 205!!

 

Try practical classics forum.

[BlueBolt 156]

Will have a look, have already tried the Vanden Plas forum...

 

 

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Would it not be easier to get a specialist to make one for you?

 

That's what we did with our XK140

[BlueBolt 156]

Easier?? I'm on a comparrison for price quote at the moment and have a feeling this would blow me away with cost... I've just been thinking about a few companies I know locally who do resto work who I will give a shout tomorrow...

 

Where did you go for your one made?? What kind of pennies are we talking about for it??

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

If I recall, the same firm from Coventry sorted us with the Radiator and Matrix and it was about a grand.

[BlueBolt 156]

F**k!! That's some money!!!

 

Guess if they are not available anywhere then that's the thing to do, but I'll keep my fingers crossed

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Welcome to the world of old cars, my dad has a couple of cars pre 1958. Parts aren't readily available for one to the point that he had to cast a new water pump! Prices!!!!

[TooMany2cvs 65]

VdP 4litreR is a bit of a parts-bin special, A99 Westminster with a Rolls-Royce military engine - so things like the heater matrix may well be fairly common BMC parts.

[Jemehan 3 1 Cars]

Wee bit off topic but curious. Where abouts in Kent are you?

[BlueBolt 156]

Wee bit off topic but curious. Where abouts in Kent are you?

I'm based in Walderslade. And say that as I refuse to say Chatham lmao

The VdP (as called above) is based around Dover I think, owned by a bloke at work who has his fingers in many many pies... So I wanna make some money out of him hahaha

I work and live around Maidstone area mainly though... You local then??

 

Yea know what you mean about it being a parts bin special, lovely motor but not my cuppa tea... The bloke who's it is bought it without thinking about the size of it and it won't fit in his garage. He has had to rent another one to fit it in haha

 

Ill look into what you said though and see what's what with it. The only thing listed on the bay though is an original looking item that doesn't look the best condition

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

There was one reviewed in practical classics magazine in the last few months. They always list specialists / clubs etc.

Find a copy!

[Ryan 99]

If I recall, the same firm from Coventry sorted us with the Radiator and Matrix and it was about a grand.

 

Who was the radiator specialist out of interest?