[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Richard F.
Wondered about those special gaskets between the cylinder and backplate, disintegrated when the cylinder was removed, any idea what they were made of originally?
We tried a hot air gun to heat and expand the cylinder, but with little effect, had not thought of boiliing water, but sounds like it will be worthwhile.... of course having the hand brake cable attached the whole time is a little restricting. Did find that part of the trick is to keep the piston perfectly straight in the bore, once it gets cockeyed it jams, and the further it is out, the harder it is to keep true.
Anymore tips??

Rick.
Bob Moseley has some pics of the cylinder if you want to see what you are in for.
Have you tried Rus. Altman at Stawell for hood bows? He has a couple of Humbers amongst all his Champ bits. Could be a good spot to start for the gaiters, I assume yours are hanging of in bits like mine. He does make the ones for Champs, but these are smaller, and you need twice as many. The Bandiana Humber, that Russell did up has, gaiters made out of canvas, this maybe because:
You can put them on without removing the entire wheel station, or
As a museum peice will not move much, or
Impossible to get the proper ones.

Just thinking, ripstop canvas with a velcro seam???? Easy to put on/replace and I would imagine a lot cheaper...
Or would these be the same as Ferret gaiters?
Just remember that we need two sets!
Woner if your Humber was the one that Mike Kelly mentioned...
Rich.