"New" Bradford

ian Howell · Post by **ian Howell** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:44 pm

Has anyone tried these 'Fresnel' lenses that you can get for caravans and buses? I know the view is distorted, but at least you can see most of the possible rear view (assuming the back isn't full of spares of course!).

These stick to the glass and can easily be removed - so no issues with destroying originality, and I am sure they are small enough to fit the oval windows.

george garside · Post by **george garside** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:34 pm

Ian, as far as i am aware the fresnell & similar lenses do not increase the width of vision . They only enable yyou to see low down nearer to the back of the vehicle as required in street parking situations. Im this espect they work & I haave used them on modern estates where it has ben difficult to judge just where the back is.

the snag on a Bradford with porthole windows is that one would totally obscure rear distance vision. It may also be difficult to focus internal rear view mirror onto lens whilst retaining some rearward vision ( no problem on modern wide rear window).

Simplest way is to stick head out of window when reversing. As far as rearward vision whilst in motion just use decent door mirrors like any modern van with behind cab bulkhead of full load. Even with large rear door windows on utilities there is a huge central blind spot & it helps to mount a small secondary rear view mirror on passengers side looking through nearside rear window.

If you are really bothered about reversing into something I suppose you could fit very discreet parking sensors either side of spare wheel door but thats a bit like overkill.
george

PAUL BEAUMONT · Post by **PAUL BEAUMONT** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:02 pm

Hendrick, keep the oval windows. They are a Bradford classic feature and are getting quite rare now. An interior mirror offset to the near side helps a bit with the rear visibility. The age old rule applies when reversing though - if you can't see - don't go!!

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:46 pm

Yes I am definately keeping the oval windows.
I picked up the wooden frame last weekend from Roger Young near Hereford. Below are a few pictures of it. I can say that I am very impressed with it and would recommend him to anyone who needs the woodwork doing on their Bradford.

Alastair Gregg · Post by **Alastair Gregg** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:39 pm

Hello Hendrik,

Doesn't that just look the cats whiskers. When can we expect her on the road then?

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:52 pm

It looks even better close up.
The amount of work needed to create the frame must have been incredible.
I reckon about another year and the van will be ready, I'm not in a rush anyway.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:54 am

Hello all,
The restoration has stagnated a bit and I am thinking about whether or not to sell the complete Jowett (KWT935) to fund some more of the restoration and get things up and running.
The Jowett is a CC model and is complete, the engine turns and will be running shortly along with brakes etc, but it won't have an MOT. The body has not been messed with and is very straight. The main repair to the van would be around the doors, the wood here needs completely replacing.
Thought I might test the waters here and see if anyone might be interested. PM me if you are or if you have any questions.

Post by **Forumadmin** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:59 pm

May be worth putting in the for sale section with some pics.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:57 am

Have changed my mind about selling, was at a crossroads with the Bradfords and didn't know what to do. Sorry if I've got anyones hopes up with regards to buying.
Does anyone know what interior colours the Bradford had. I have a sort of creamy colour on some of the parts, looks like almost household paint though so wasn't sure if it was original.

Larry Ramsden · Post by **Larry Ramsden** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 3:54 pm

Hi Hendrik ... Have just finished looking at your Bradford van pics.
Chairman Mao he say ' Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step'. I must say that from the photos what you have done so far with the Bradford is superb. Keep up the same high standard with the other 999 miles. Do not run out of steam like a certain Kildwick person that I could name!
Now to the second reason for this post - Please do your best to persuade, beg or other wise cajole David into attending the Former Employees Re-union on August 16 th. I would like to hear about how his work on the 912 is coming along. It would not surprise me to see him enter the mill yard in triumph, car gleaming and 100% finished- risking being lynched by all those Jowett fanatics! Now that would be something to see.
Keeping to the Chinese theme - At the rate I am clocking up fixed penalty points I myself will probably be attending by rickshaw....... All the best to you and yours. Larry

Tony Fearn · Post by **Tony Fearn** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:40 pm

Hello Hendrick,

Good to know you're carrying on with the restoration.

As a bit of an encouragement I'm posting a couple of photos of my 'Flying Fox' which took more than 20 years to complete.

The end result of a restoration is worth the wait, just ask Geoff McCauley and many other Jowetteers.

Regards,

Tony Fearn.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:33 am

Thanks for the encouragement to you both.
Larry, it's good to hear from you. I will definitely be at the reunion in August but David and the 912 won't be as the 912 is taking much longer to get back up and running.
Anyone out there know about Bradford interior colours?

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:05 am

Hello all. The van is now going full steam ahead. The frame has been mounted on the body and painted. The panels are being or already have been repaired and will be going on soon.
It's possible I might get some fun out of it next year at this rate.
I am having to consider new seats for the van as the old (non original) ones are basically scrap. I want to go for original seats (I know they are uncomfortable) but need one to copy. Anyone got one that I can borrow?
I am glad to collect and bring it back.

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:50 pm

I want to go for original seats (I know they are uncomfortable)

I would strongly suggest going for the bench seat...Far more comfortable and practical
The only time I have found impractical was when I drove the Braddy onto my transport trailer, and could not open the door to get out
Hand to climb over the back and exit the rear doors...

The trailler now has a slot cut in the side.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:15 pm

It's been a long time since I last posted as the project stagnated a bit last year. We are making great strides now though. The doors are now on the van and the bulkhead is almost ready to be fit.
I'm hoping the van will be ready for the Jowett centenary in Wakefield, either under it's own steam (unlikely) or on a trailer.

The bulkhead as it was yesterday with the replaced panels on top in some cases:

And the rest of the van as it is at the moment.

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"New" Bradford

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"999 miles to go"

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