Original ammeter

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by rsk289

I think the Lucas generator used a fabricated steel bracket,

More specifically, CSX2xxx Cobras fitted with any of the versions of 260 c.i.d. engines received Lucas® tachometer drive generators with large diameter cast aluminum sheave and fan combinations mounted on fabricated steel mounting brackets. (These comments don’t cover COB or COX prefix chassis.)

During December 1962, see Bob Mannel’s book, Ford started production of the High Performance 289 engine. Initial production must have been real slow because I have seen very few parts dated in that time frame. At the introduction of the HP289 engine Ford generators and Ford mounting and adjustment parts replaced what AC Cars had been supplying as far as CSX20xx cars were concerned when engine supplies met up with chassis in need of engines. HP289 engine production got faster circa February 1963 and relatively large numbers of HP289 specific pieces dated March 1963 are circulating.

One cannot rely on chassis numbers alone because chassis were not finished in order. The type or vintage of engine a chassis received depended on what was available at the time somebody got to the point of installing an engine.

Summary Of CSX2xxx Street Cars With British Electrical Systems :
Early cars with XHP-260, HP260, or Fairlane 260 2-V (CSX2006) engines: Expect Lucas tachometer drive generator, large cast aluminum sheave/fan, and fabricated steel generator mounting system supplied by AC cars.

CSX20xx through CSX2200 except CSX2126: Expect some version of Ford Fairlane HP289 (Ford made several design level changes of parts or whole assemblies more than once per model year.) engine with Ford charging system components; HP289 generator assembly with large diameter sheave (not the high performance FE engine style sheave), Ford cast steel mounting bracket, and Ford wrought steel adjustment arm.

[rsk289]

Dan, as far as I can tell from my access to COB/COX cars, they continued with the Lucas generator and fabricated bracket, at least up to around December '64.

Roger

[xb-60]

Again this forum shows its worth. Thankyou.

Cheers,
Glen

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by rsk289

Dan, as far as I can tell from my access to COB/COX cars, they continued with the Lucas generator and fabricated bracket, at least up to around September '65.

Roger

For clarity, CSX20xx production cars fitted with XHP-260, HP260, or in case a 260 2V engine used the Lucas® tachometer drive generator and gear reducer, AC Cars fabricated mounting and adjusting hardware, and large AC Cars racing cast aluminum sheave and fan part. When HP289 engines were introduced the engine installations included the corresponding Ford Fairlane with HP289 pieces. So far based on old pictures and or cars little changed since the 1960s that includes most cars that SAI did engine swaps on to remove some 260 or another and install a HP289.

[xb-60]

Update

As usual, what you want often turns up.
I found a reasonably correct BM4 ammeter in excellent condition...



I say "reasonably correct" as it is not a 30-0-30 unit, but that's a practical concession that I can easily make.
It has the less 'stylised' needle that CSX2124 and others also have.

I also found the correct Smiths fuel gauge to match it.

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Nice find Glen, things are coming along. You have to be part mechanic, part investigator and historian to approach this project like you are. Sometimes we have to make adjustments and keep moving forward.

Keep up the good work.

Jim

[xb-60]

The ex-MGB fuel gauge that I acquired to match the vintage of my ammeter has a single (half?) bevel and it needs a double or full bevel on the bezel.

I emailed Neal Meakin at Caerbont in Wales to see if I could buy one and he posted me one at no cost.
Great service. Thanks Neal and Caerbont . A well-deserved ‘bouquet'

Cheers,
Glen