Hi there,
Neal here, and after over 10 years of searching I finally got my hands on a Model 70 last year. Some of you I've already spoken to via email and you've been very helpful, but I thought it was about time I posted on here to.
I've not had the chance to do much to it yet as some other things have prevented me, but thanks to the help of the ICR, I've managed to date it - its a '73 car and made by Invacar, rather than AC. The ICR's assistance has also enabled me to get the original registration back, so I have a V5C, and now even have 1973 correct number plates with raised black plastic letters.
It's a handlebar steering version, and condition wise its very good (considering). With 13k miles showing, it even runs and drives! It's mostly complete, although some minor elements need sorting. My plan is to renovate it rather than restore it as I want to retain the character, but also get its as authentic as possible. Hoping to have it back on the road (as a trike) by June.
Here's where I need some assistance to help me get it as authentic as possible.
I know the later cars used 10" Mini wheels and standard Mini chrome caps on silver wheels. My car is a relatively early one, and my digging about for period photos suggests it had black wheels with a different style hub cap (see photos below).
My car was used as a kids runabout on a farm for a few years. The NS rear wheel has been replaced with a 12" mini one, but the OS one is still the original one with a cross ply fitted. It is black and seems to have three raised mounting lugs (see photo).
Some questions I hope the knowledgeable folks on here can help with:
1. I believe my front wheel is still original. I assume I can I simply take it off and put it on the NS rear so both match? I have a spare 10" standard Mini wheel - as you cant really see it, can I use this on the front instead?
2. If I'm not able to use a Mini wheel on the front, does anyone have a spare early Model 70 wheel of this style they'd be happy to part with?
3. Even better still, does anyone out there have a pair of the original earlier style hub caps? In many period photos the early cars are just running on black wheels, so I assume these caps had a tendency of falling off and were never replaced. I may look into getting them made, but would prefer a pair of originals if possible.
4.Does anyone have a good usable pair of the earlier style Model 70 rear lights at all? Mine has had the later update with the slightly chunkier rear lights. While I have NOS lenses for these lights, I now think the earlier lights would make it more true to its original look.
I'm sure I'll have many more questions once I start the renovation work, so any help very much gratefully received!
Cheers, Neal