The Bedford Boys

Hi there, can anyone provide dimensions for a seat and exhaust system for a wartime James ML? My 'bike is missing these along with a few other parts. Cheers, Alex

do any interior pics exist? I would like to see how they were laid out and what gearbox they had

Is there any surviving examples of the Vickers Light Dragon carrier? Also, any photos of said vehicle would be of interest

Only the best have minis AND Bedford MW's :cool2:

Being a wartime bedford, it will be 12V. So any 12V coil should do. Look for a pommy car like a mini (I say mini because i've got one in the shed next to the MW at the moment and pinched the coil off it to get the MW running. I think Bosch do a coil called the "GT40" or something, it's meant to be a good coil from what I've heard. Would like to see some pics of your MW. Good luck, Alex

I have sent you a private message John

How much use does the Val get John? A mate of ours owns a loyd carrier and all of the return rollers have shed their rubber, its been like that for a few years and hasnt caused an issue, and he uses it fairly often. I mean, the tyre cant really go anywhere can it, its trapped in there. A Val does what, 15mph max? I don't really see it as much of an issue. But if you are really set on fixing it, have a yarn to your local forklift bloke, he should know where to get it sorted. But for a price ofcourse.

Have a look at a Bedford MW. They are small, easy to work on and really durable. Parts are easy to get and there is really bugger all panel work to get damaged. Anyway, most of the panels are flat so dent repair is simple. They will do 40mph on the road (more if you push it, which you shouldn't really). However I believe they go nicely if you put in a 4.7 ratio diff. This I think would make first gear more than an ornament. The Bedford 214ci engine has heaps of power and hills are not a problem, you very rarely have to change out of 4th. I have started off in 3rd gear before at an intersection and didn't notice until I went to change gear!! Offroad, they suffer because bar-tread tyres are crap. They will go most places, but due to being 2-wheel-drive with crap tyres they won't go everywhere. You will be suprised the places they can get though!! The only small truck I would have over an MW is a Fordson WOT2. Simply becaue it has a Flathead V8. I mean come on, Flathead V8 in a small truck? Now thats cool!! :cool2:

The Bedford MW I drive gives better mileage than Dad's Landrover s2a. But then again, the engine in Dad's landy is pretty tired.

What a superb line up!!!! Very nice job, well done that man!

Valentine?

Make VERY SURE that the bypass hole in the master cylinder is clear. It is the size of a pin hole, but can be a massive pain in the ass. Also check that the vent hole in the side of the filler plug is clear.

What about if you bead blasted it?

Use some ATF (auto trans fluid) to free up stuck pistons etc. It works a treat.

I'm thinking along the lines of a sort of swinging or turntable jig. What tool is usually used to cut rubber cleanly?

How would you trim it evenly all the way around Adrian? As in, what tool would you use to achieve an even, precise, cut?

John, this is what grandson's are for!! Give him 60 seconds and he'll have the photos up!!

Throw up some pictures John, I'd be very interested to see your carrier!!

Doug, did you get my email about your firewall?

A friend of ours owns both a Staghound and a greyhound. Absolutely fantastic vehicles, I have yet to have a drive of either, but I look forward to the day!!!

A staghound ain't that light as it is!!!

So, basically, a deerhound is an Greyhound with a staghound turret?

Sheep... Whiskey.... I'm not going to ask questions :undecided: Can you recall what kind of engine powered it? Petrol, diesel, electric?

Cleco? as in the company that now makes fasteners?

Or you could bore it, stroke it, triple carb it, balance it and whack some alloy heads on it