Spring Is Here Early! Seriously, Austin and Bantam Springs are for sale.

Posted on March 15, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

A seller, calling the birth place of the Bantam home, has listed some essential parts for our little cars. If you are putting a car together, you know you’d like to have some new springs that otherwise may seem like consumables. This seller has throttle pedal return springs and clutch finger springs. I will be placing my orders tonight if there are some left. (save some for me)

Pedal return springs:
Note the seller has two spring variations reflecting the differences between Bantams and Austins

Click here to see the springs: American Austin – American Bantam throttle return springs Sold for: 18.00

Clutch springs:

Click below to see the seller’s offerings:

Set of 3 springs: American Austin – American Bantam (set of 3) clutch finger springs “mousetrap” Sold for: 28.00

Single springs: American Austin – American Bantam ONE clutch finger springs “mousetrap” Sold for: 10.00

A nifty vintage photo:

Posted on March 12, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

The little American Austins and Bantams seem to have been very photogenic cars. A remarkable number of photos exist in consideration of the relative few cars that were actually built. Today, a vintage photo came onto ebay featuring an American Austin coupe and a Chris Craft boat. The seller makes it look as though it may be the beginning of a romance, however, who knows the true story. Besides the potential story that may surround the photo, I’m curious about whether other cars were allowed on the docks at the time, or if the Austin was a special exception.

Here are a couple photos:

To have a chance to make this photo your own, click here: 931 Chris Craft 1930 Austin American Guy in Boat Trying His 1930's Pick Up Line

Tuesday Morning Updates: Austin Badge, flywheel cover, and Bantam Handles

Posted on March 10, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

1940 American Bantam Hollywood / Riviera Trim

Click here to see the listing on ebay: 1940 American Bantam Hollywood / Riviera Trim

American Austin Radiator Badge

This badge has some nice patina, however, please note that the rear of the badge is missing the retaining clip in its entirety.

Click here to see the listing on ebay: American Austin Radiator Badge Sold for: 66.00

American Austin and Bantam Flywheel Cover

Click here to see the listing on ebay: Austin / Bantam Flywheel cover

American Austin Car Company Flat Rate Manual

Click here to see the listing on ebay: American Austin Car Company Flat Rate Manual

American Bantam Handles

Click here to see the listing on ebay: American Bantam Closed car door exterior door handles Sold for: 29.00

1930-1935 American Austin Radiator Badge: Piston2

Posted on March 6, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

Well polished and glossy brass is something I like. Especially when it is trimmed with red cloisonne and inset into the black painted portion of an American Austin grille shell. Piston2 in New York has made available a nicely presenting brass American Austin badge. The rear of the emblem appears to have most of its retaining portion left. The cloisonne appears to have some damage under the rooster tail, but it is a good looking piece overall. I think this tops the nicest one I have for my car, but mine is good enough. Actually, if you want to see something odd. Last spring, I picked one of these up which had actually been chrome plated over the brass while not affecting the cloisonne. It’s a strange looking one and I’ll have to post some photos when I see it next.

Click here to see the badge: American Austin Radiator Badge Sold for: 82.79

More offerings from JoeGingerichJr, including a very nice Bantam speedometer!

Posted on March 2, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

For the past few weeks, JoeGingerichJr has been populating eBay with a steady stream of Bantam parts. Last night, he listed a nice rebuilt Bantam speedometer for sale with a face having a nice amount of patina. If you need one, this could be a great opportunity for you. The bezel even looks great!

Bantam / BRC speedometer

Click here to see the eBay listing: Bantam Speedometer- Rebuilt Sold for: 660.00

Taillight Bracket 1:

From the angle of these photos, it’s difficult to determine what the first bracket actually fits. From the pitting, I would venture to guess it is an original part, but the photos don’t allow us to see whether the cross-section of the stalk is u shaped. From the length, this look like it could be a bracket for a 34 Austin or a 38-40 Bantam roadster, but I am not sure. At 10, it may be worth trying to pick it up.

Click here to see the eBay listing: Austin / Bantam Tail Light Bracket Sold for: 27.99

Austin Taillight with Bracket (Bantam) and license plate bracket

If you look closely at this photo, you will see the curve I mentioned in the above post. I was under the believe that all Austin and Bantam stalk style tail light brackets have some degree of a curve. This one more closely resembles what I have seen on some cars. This style may be what you’re looking for; please check your application.

Click here to see the eBay listing:Austin Tail Light and Bracket Sold for:

A pair of Austin Headlights

This pair of lights looks fairly complete minus the lenses. Note, the rims should have circular holes for the retaining screws at the bottom.

Click here to see the eBay listing: Austin Headlights Sold for: 102.50

Austin / Bantam Clutch parts

Click here to see the eBay listing: Austin / Bantam Clutch Sold for: 198.00

Not all parts interchange: 1932-1933 Auburn Dash

Posted on March 1, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

When I bought my 1931 American Austin roadster, it was a barn find survivor that was driven into the barn. From what I understood, although it moved under its own power, it was getting a little tired. The last time the car was actually on the road and registered was in 1956. It had been patched and adulterated so that new owners could keep it on the road. The last time it was driven on the street, the owner bought it thinking it would be a sprightly little roadster but found it to be a dud. Interest lost, he traded the car for a guitar and they parted ways.

Includes original early style 3 bow top irons

Somewhere between 1931 and 1956, the car had a new dashboard grafted into it. In order to graft it in, the dashboard panel had to be cut out. Due to the size of the car, the new panel had to be cut to fit. I noticed the panel when I first went to look at the car, and it took me a little bit to realize what it was. The panel wedged into my car was out of a 1932-1933 Auburn. This coveted instrument panel had been stripped of all of its gauges, the bottom switch panel, and painted orange (followed by pink). A set of ford gauges took the place of the sleek early 30’s Aurburn gauges.

As you can see, the Auburn panel doesn’t fit all that well.

Readying the American Austin for restoration meant that this panel needed to be removed. Carefully removing the assembly I began learning more about it and had to make my mind up as to what I would do with it. Always keeping the thought of a ’27 T roadster hot rod in the back of my mind made me think I’d keep it with my DeSoto hemi, in the ‘someday’ parts pile. However, the way this panel is cut, it’s perfect for most hotrods especially the 1932 Ford.

Patches and holes in floor more visible. Dashboard has been cut out, but a spare coupe dash may be included to be patched in.

If you want to install one of these panels into a 32 Ford, you either have to cut down the panel or lengthen the dashboard. The lengthened dashboards aren’t very slick and it hurts to cut the switch panel off of an instrument panel you just paid $5,000 for.

Here is your best option, an Auburn panel that was customized back in the late 40’s or 50’s. If you’re looking for period correct, here it is.

Slick custom Auburn panel

Click here for the eBay auction: 1932 1933 Auburn Instrument Panel

For Model T people: 1913-1914 Model T Carbide Generator

Posted on February 27, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

I’ve been trained to look for a carbide generator for a 1914 Model T for so long, that I actually forgot my Dad bought one a few months ago. It’s missing a few of the brass fittings, but at least we finally have a generator. I would say I’ve been looking for one for 20 years, so basically since I could put those two words together and have an understanding of their meaning.

So, when I found this one today on eBay, I was excited until I realized the search is over. If you need one, this unit looks pretty complete. Happy bidding:

Click here to see the carbide generator: 1913-1914 Model T Carbide Generator

American Austin parts!

Posted on February 26, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

Also, I almost missed all of these great parts from Sneezer out in Wisconsin. Some of the engine parts are also applicable for Bantams! Don’t miss out, the auctions end very soon.

American Austin Chromed Headlight Rim

Click here to see the eBay listing: American Austin Chromed Headlight Rim

American Austin Headlight Buckets:

Click here to see the eBay listing: Headlight headlamp housings buckets American Austin 1930 – 1935 Sold for: 149.00

Intake manifold American Austin and Bantam

Click here to see the eBay listing: Intake manifold American Austin and Bantam Sold for: 32.65

American Austin Transverse Generator Mount 1930-1933:

Click here to see the eBay listing: Fan/generator mount AMERICAN AUSTIN 1930 -1932

Fan cooling American Austin 1930 – 1935

Click here to see the eBay listing: Fan cooling American Austin 1930 – 1935 Sold for: 14.99

Flywheel cover American Austin and Bantam 1930 – 1940

Click here to see the eBay listing: Flywheel cover American Austin 1930 – 1935 ??

More parts have arrived! This time with some more Austin parts.

Posted on February 25, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

This is a good time to be restoring an Austin or a Bantam. Over the couple of years I have been stalking eBay looking for parts, there have been plenty of dry spells. I don’t know how long this deluge will last, but we have several sellers listing items and hopefully more will join. The more the merrier!

Take a look at these new offerings in Tennessee. The parts are primarily for Austins, but there are some great Bantam pieces peppered in there as well.

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL CRANKCASE – 1930-35

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL CRANKCASE – 1930-35 No Sale

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – VALVE GUIDE – 1930-35

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – VALVE GUIDE – 1930-3 Sold for: $4.00 each

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – 1930-1935 – PISTONS, RINGS, PINS, AND VALVES SET

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – 1930-1935 – PISTONS, RINGS, PINS, AND VALVES SET No Sale

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL GEAR SHIFTER COVER PLATE

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL GEAR SHIFTER COVER PLATE No Sale

1940 American Bantam Hollywood / Riviera Trim

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: 1940 American Bantam Hollywood / Riviera Trim

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – DRAG LINK – 1930-35

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – DRAG LINK – 1930-35 No Sale

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL CRANKCASE FRONT COVER – 1930-1933Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL CRANKCASE FRONT COVER – 1930-1933

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL WATER INLET 1930-33

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL WATER INLET 1930-33 Sold for: 20.00

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL FAN PULLEY & SPINDLE – RESTOREDClick here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL FAN PULLEY & SPINDLE – RESTORED

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – GAS CAP SIMILAR TO ORIGINAL – 1930-35Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – GAS CAP SIMILAR TO ORIGINAL – 1930-35

AMERICAN BANTAM & AMERICAN AUSTIN WATER INLET – 1934-35, 1938-40 – PART 2318Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN BANTAM & AMERICAN AUSTIN WATER INLET – 1934-35, 1938-40 – PART 2318 Sold for: 29.00

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – FAN BELT – 1930-33 – NEW

Click here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – FAN BELT – 1930-33 – NEW

AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL VALVE INSPECTION COVER – RESTOREDClick here to see the Ebay Auction: AMERICAN AUSTIN BANTAM – ORIGINAL VALVE INSPECTION COVER – RESTORED

1965 1966 Ford T-5 Emblems

Posted on February 24, 2015 by rg171352 under Uncategorized

If you’ve been following along, you’ll see that most of the items posted here are related to the American Austin and American Bantam cars. However, if you’ve been tuning in since the beginning, you’ll know that one of the first posts spoke about Betsy, my 1965 T-5 which I’ve owned seemingly forever. If you’ve ever wondered why this site isn’t “Richard’s Helpful Bantam Links” or “Bantam Car ‘n’ Parts” it’s because there are some other cars I would also like to help people with along the way. One of these offshoots of cars is the German Mustang, the T-5. Once I have finished developing the Austin/Bantam area of the website, I’d like to construct something for the folks with T-5’s as well.

The T-5’s were built in small numbers, and not that many have survived over time. Each T-5 built, though, was far superior to every other production mustang built. Beyond upgrades made to the cars to ensure better handling on rough European roads these cars are fantastic. Rather than just succumbing to the whim of the factory workers, each T-5 was inspected with a fine tooth comb before it was able to be marked as a T-5 and shipped abroad. The goal of the inspections was to make sure that the cars were not only within tolerances acceptable for production cars, but to make sure the cars had a strict adherence to the engineering drawings.

Just a blueprinting an engine brings out the very best as imagined by the engineers, blue printing the pony car did just the same. These cars are surprising handlers, especially if compared to their brethren. My Betsy can take a curvy mountain road with the best of them. The only draw back is the Automatic transmission, but that is easily fixable.

So, today, for the few people out there looking to restore or refresh their T-5’s I am proud to offer the first T-5 related eBay link. This link is to one of the most difficult parts to find for our cars, besides those ridiculous hubcaps. For your enjoyment, an NOS pair of T-5 emblems. When I found the used pair I initially ended up with for my car, I had to drive 5 hours and pay an unfathomable sum that I’d rather not remember.

Click here for the eBay listing: NOS 1965 1966 Ford T-5 Emblem for German Export Mustangs

Everything Bantam

American Austin & Bantam – Parts, Services, and Information