VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Ben]

From a low res picture of the Bovington tank dash, I think the speedo, oil pressure gauge, temp gauge and starter button (no flap) are common to the MK VI and early British carrier.

The gauges may have been replaced over time but they are period correct so there's a good chance they could be right.

As far as I'm aware there isn't any solid proof such as a parts book etc for the Vickers that would confirm one way or the other.

Some of the gauges are shared with 1930's Bentleys, this is why they can be hard to find and expensive.

Ben

[Lynn Eades]

The speedos were not real hard to find years back, but I haven't seen one for a while. The odd carrier guy over her will likely have one. Being willing to part with them is another thing. Are they the same as Morris commercial?

[colin jones]

Thankyou everyone for their input as it's all a great help. In the short time I have been looking for dash parts I have just today received two correct NOS Aric oil pressure gauges, 1 starter button, 1 correct speedo on its way and possibly a second as well. The bezel on the speedo is different on the carrier as the Vickers has a serated edge. I'm amazed at what is still out there. I should have started looking a few years ago

[colin jones]

Here's a bit better picture of Platypus dash.

[Dave lean]

Col, I have a NOS CAV ammeter but its 24 not 12, I'll drop it off next time i'm out there, prob Sat am...

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Here's a bit better picture of Platypus dash.

Colin,
The water temp gauge is missing in the photo because there was a leak in the capillary tube and it had gone back to the instrument shop. The starter button at top left, switch was a common Lucas item, still available in 1970's, heavy duty type, we made the flap cover and flange which was mounted on face of panel and switch faced up on back side. Three toggle switches, first one is on/off/on for the red or blue tail lamps, second one is for the front side lamps, off/on, then the third is the magneto switch, off/on.

At the bottom on the left is a small square item with two screws securing it to the panel, and a large hole in the centre. This is the horn button, replicated it from a photo, I used a normal small Lucas push button switch and made the cover, inserted a brake cylinder cup seal of suitable size, worked fine and look right. the large brass switch was rather elaborate as it was for dimming the front side lamps, there are no headlamps on these.
More to come later on ......

cheers Richard

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Colin,
I have found the remains of two of the original festoon lamps from Platypus. Basically the brass bases and end pivots, one base is in straight order, the other one was damaged, but with your skills you would probably make a set by lunch time. Attached is a poor photo from my phone, are you are interested in them ?
regards, Richard

[colin jones]

Dave, Excellent and see you sat. Richard, are you saying you actually have those parts and if so I most definitely want them.
I sent another email the Borden museum asking (begging) that I would pay them to unweld the hatch and take photo's for me and I got an answer back this morning. They were able to shine a torch in side and said that there were no instruments left at all so there is nothing that can help me. Very disappointing.