Early Austin Speedos
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- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
I didn't know any minis had a trip meter? The rest of it looks exactly like my Traveller's.
Tim
Tim
1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
I have 3 trip speedos in my collection, a silver 90 like the one shown, a NOS 100mph Cooper one and a 120 Cooper S one. I would be interested to know if they made any KPH trip speedos for mk1's.
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
I have to say, that I don't know much about the Trip Meter being fitted, though I have seen a couple of others in my time.
Nick, do you know if it was offered as an option, or an SPO, or just how it was that there are a few about? I think they did some for some of the Works Cars as well.
Nick, do you know if it was offered as an option, or an SPO, or just how it was that there are a few about? I think they did some for some of the Works Cars as well.
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
I have not been able to find out when and why they were fitted to standard cars.I understand why works cars had them but why 850's ? I know of a black 90mph with trip that Will Grant had, plus I foolishly sold a cream Austin one with a trip. It may be coincidence but 2 of mine actually came from Canada. Maybe Craig or one of the other Canadians can shed some light.
Mk 1 speedos offer huge opportunities for research as I have found.
Mk 1 speedos offer huge opportunities for research as I have found.
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
Thanks Nick. Since my last posting, I did have a look through a number of our local parts books (some dating way back) as well as some early UK ones and even the ST Brochures, I didn't find them listed nor any reference to them at all.
Why in an 850? Damn good question. The 850 that that came out of was a full import here. According to Heritage papers, from the factory, it was dispatched directly to Nuffield Exports, it would seem to come out here. There has been a few suggestions and hints that this was one of 4 bought in to the country by our local factory for them to 'play around with' prior to local production starting, so it may have something to do with that. This is not confirmed though.
I was also sent this photo a short while ago, it's only a bitsa though;-
Why in an 850? Damn good question. The 850 that that came out of was a full import here. According to Heritage papers, from the factory, it was dispatched directly to Nuffield Exports, it would seem to come out here. There has been a few suggestions and hints that this was one of 4 bought in to the country by our local factory for them to 'play around with' prior to local production starting, so it may have something to do with that. This is not confirmed though.
I was also sent this photo a short while ago, it's only a bitsa though;-
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
Interesting, I wonder where the shaft for resetting it stuck out of the binnacle?
Tim
Tim
1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
Well, this is the back-side of the 850 speedo
I'll ask him were the reset actually was.
edit> Tim, I seem to recall that this one came around under the pacel tray. It's a cable type that you'd need to turn to reset, not like these modern push types. I think the MGB ones were also like this.
I'll ask him were the reset actually was.
edit> Tim, I seem to recall that this one came around under the pacel tray. It's a cable type that you'd need to turn to reset, not like these modern push types. I think the MGB ones were also like this.
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
There were six 850 works cars built in 1959 and used on the 1959 RAC rally and 1960 Monte amongst other events. 3 Austin's and 3 Morris's. Maybe they could have had them fitted.I have not been able to find out when and why they were fitted to standard cars.I understand why works cars had them but why 850's ?
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
Trip meter Smiths speedos were fitted to lots of cars, Jags, Triumphs, Wolsleys etc. lots on Mini speedos too, including the works cars. I have not seen one factory fitted to an Australian Mini, but I am sure they were available.
I made one a while ago for my "works" Riley Elf, its not perfect but it will do.
I made one a while ago for my "works" Riley Elf, its not perfect but it will do.
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Re: Early Austin Speedos
Gary, pics of my speedo;
It needs a new chrome bezel, but have seen them on ebay at £15. Someone has wrote 'reversing light' next to the green light. It might come off with some careful cleaning. I've not tested it but it looks to all move freely.
It needs a new chrome bezel, but have seen them on ebay at £15. Someone has wrote 'reversing light' next to the green light. It might come off with some careful cleaning. I've not tested it but it looks to all move freely.
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