A7 NOSE CONES

Long wheelbase (LWB) high frame engine front covers BA 1541BA 161.

For the uninitiated this refers to the starting handle housing, nose cone etc fitted to the Box Saloon (how I hate that term but at least most of you know what I mean) and Tourer derivatives.

With the introduction of the four-speed gearbox to the LWB car in September 1932 on chassis 159534 the engine was moved forward approx ³/₄” to accommodate the gearbox, by casting the engine mounting feet further back on the crankcase.

This required modification of the fan and starting handle assemblies otherwise the fan would have fouled the radiator and the front cover would protrude ³/₄” in front of the radiator cowl, the details of the various parts are described alongside.

I am aware that there are references to the radiator being moved and the fan spindle being lengthened when the four-speed gearbox was introduced.  However, if this was so, the bonnets would be of a different length whereas they are interchangeable between the three and four speed cars. Also on all of the cars I have checked, the three speed ones have a long fan pulley one inch from belt groove to fan with 5/8” clearance between fan and radiator whilst the dimensions for a four speed car are ½ ” and 3/8” respectively.

There are also references to the engine being moved 1 13/16” forward but I have used the more common figure generally quoted of ³/₄”.

I have measured some three speed front covers at 7 1/8” so either Austin’s quality control wasn’t too good or it was an open tolerance, or time and previous owners have taken their toll.

So if you want one of these items make sure that you specify the part number, Casting number and the length. I have a three speed front cover with casting No. 1A 459 which is 6½” long with clearly visible hacksaw marks on the front where it has been shortened by a previous owner for a four speed car. This effectively makes it useless because it removes the bearing surface for the starting handle making the latter a very sloppy fit in the cover. Finally, I must thank Sandy Croall for bringing this point to my attention. I’d forgotten I fell into this trap some years ago when I found that the starting handle shaft was too short for our 3-speed RN!

With many thanks to Dave Mann (PWA7C Magazine)