I am slowly trying to work my way through all of the noise, harshness and vibration that resonate from the various body parts of my 1954 BN1. It was fully mechanically restored in 2010 (newly rebuilt engine, brake system, wiring harness, fuel lines, etc.) and runs like a dream. But the body hasn't been touched since I painted it (poorly in shop class) in 1984. In other words, it looks like a butt-ugly "rat rod" and the gremlins I am now chasing all have to do with the body structure.
I fixed the loudest and most annoying rattle by finding a new rubber grommet for the hole in the firewall that the hood release lever was vibrating against. Yippee!
The next most obvious/loudest vibration is coming from the front left fender (wing). When I lean against the fender with the car idling that particular bit of noise and vibration stop. I have seen pictures of cars undergoing restoration that show two rubber bumpers (for lack of a better word) that appear to wrap around the outside edge of the inner fender. (A copy of one showing the bumpers is attached). From the pictures I have seen they seem to be riveted in place Those seem to be missing from my car on both sides and I suspect that is causing my problem. Any idea where I could buy replacements? I can't find them online or in the Moss catalog. Failing replacements for sale, any suggestions on a home-brew remedy?
I also discovered (looking at pictures here on the BCF) that I am missing the radiator support brackets on the passenger side. I sourced new brackets from Cape International (very helpful chaps) that arrived today and will be installed this weekend.
Many thanks.
Richard Owens
BN1 Chassis No. 149911
I fixed the loudest and most annoying rattle by finding a new rubber grommet for the hole in the firewall that the hood release lever was vibrating against. Yippee!
The next most obvious/loudest vibration is coming from the front left fender (wing). When I lean against the fender with the car idling that particular bit of noise and vibration stop. I have seen pictures of cars undergoing restoration that show two rubber bumpers (for lack of a better word) that appear to wrap around the outside edge of the inner fender. (A copy of one showing the bumpers is attached). From the pictures I have seen they seem to be riveted in place Those seem to be missing from my car on both sides and I suspect that is causing my problem. Any idea where I could buy replacements? I can't find them online or in the Moss catalog. Failing replacements for sale, any suggestions on a home-brew remedy?
I also discovered (looking at pictures here on the BCF) that I am missing the radiator support brackets on the passenger side. I sourced new brackets from Cape International (very helpful chaps) that arrived today and will be installed this weekend.
Many thanks.
Richard Owens
BN1 Chassis No. 149911