restoration Bedford RL AFS control unit

[HWade]

Here are the pics of the RL with the markings

 

Howard

[chevpol]

WOW,

 

That is Stunning

 

Mark

[jaces]

Proper job!

[andycus]

Hi,

 

Just joined the Forum, you have done a great job !

 

I was interested in how she is going on the 1200 x 20 tyres, I live in Australia and have an RL that needs tyres, I too have found that 1100 bargrips are hard to find and the ones I have located look ok but as soon as attempts are made to remove them from their rims they tear or the sidewalls crack due to age and heat here, there is loads of decent 1200 x 20s ex Army available.

I wanted to ask if you have found any adverse affects like fouling the wings or chassis on full lock or any probs with axle articulation etc ?

 

Any feedback would be much appreciated !

 

Thanks

 

Andy

[HWade]

Hello Andy

 

The owner of the Truck that I did the work for, took the truck on a very long run about 3 weeks ago, He drove the control unit up there first, and came back by train. He then took his RL AFS recovery truck to the same show, the recovery used alot more fuel.He said that the control unit was a pleasure to drive, the larger tyres dont fowl up and have improved the speed, and maybe the fuel economy.

 

Thanks Howard

[andycus]

Hi Howard,

 

Thanks for the speedy reply and info, just a couple more things, hope you dont mind !

 

Mine is non power steering and the petrol 300, the extra road speed is useful as over here its a lot of motorways to get any where so its safer if you can keep up with the flow of traffic !

 

How does she handle manouvering at low speed, is the steering heavy ? lastly, is the 4wd performance affected much with the higher gearing ?

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[HWade]

Hello Andy

 

From what I have been told, the last show ground he was on was very wet and he did indeed need to use four wheel drive, and it performed very well even with the larger tyres. As for the steering again not affected that much to worry about.Just have an extra weetabix for breakfast. Regards Howard

[andycus]

Thanks Howard ..... will sort the tyres..... and the weetabix :cool2:

[andycus]

Hi Guys,

 

 

Are the chassis ID plates or the ID plates fixed inside the Cab still available as Blanks as mine has a bit of damage ?

 

Cheers

 

Andy

[HWade]

Hello Andy

 

Theres a guy out my way John Morter who may well have some plates.I will pm his number to you.I get all my Bedford spares from him.

 

Regards Howard.

[David m]

Hi, I'm just about to start restoring my 1956 RL and need a repairable cab as mine is shot. Unfortunately it was left outside for 15 years so you can guess the state of it. If anyone knows of one please let me know. 

 

[Prague1996]

David, good luck with the RL restoration, have a read through the 'Bedford RL.....376 ALC' thread under 'Emergency Services', there's a couple of useful RL contacts who maybe able to help.