John,
Thanks for the response but I'm afraid I am more confused than ever. As I
said, I have heard this item referenced as a dash support bracket or a
bonnet release rod guide. But you seem to be saying it is both! I really
don't see how this is possible. If the hole in the bracket is guiding the
rod, how can it also be used to hold a screw to support the dash? The only
possibility I can think of is that you mean that *two* of these brackets
were used on each car -- one for each purpose.
After really looking at this, I am now of the belief that it is a dash
support. Here's why:
1) My BN1 is body number 5267 (built around April 1955 I think) but it does
have the spot welded guide that you said was deleted on later cars.
2) The spot welded guide is about 6 inches closer to the firewall than the
closest possible orientation of the bracket under the mirror. This would
require a completely different release rod of a much greater length (unless,
as I said before, you are suggesting two brackets).
3) Even presuming the use of a longer rod and with the hole oriented
forward, to act as a guide for the rod, there would not be enough clearance
behind the dash for the release knob to actually move.
So, I am still confused. I would surely like to see a photograph of this
area to clear this up.
Thanks,
--Michael
'55 BN1
-----Original Message-----
From: John Harper [mailto:AH@jharper.demon.co.uk]
Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2005 3:57 AM
To: Michael Williams
Cc: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Healey 100 Center Bracket
Michael
This bracket was fitted to all later Hundreds and replaces a fixed
bracket that was spot welded onto the upper part of the inner shroud
support. This welded bracket also supported the bonnet release rod at
its front end.
Presumably there were alignment and assembly problems with the fixed
bracket so the rear end was removed and the 'loose' part introduced.
This as stated fitted under the mirror fixing screws.
Incidentally it has a large hole for the dash fixing because presumably
there were still alignment problems. A large washer has to be used on
the other side of the bracket to the dash. The upper holes have 'U' nuts
slipped over with the mirror fixed with self tap screws.
The change took place at Body Number 3800
Built sometime in June 1954
The BMC number for this part is 14B 3572 and can be found on the Parts
list Body Equipment 1
All the best
>Take a look at the following eBay auction:
>
>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem
><http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4541471088&r
d
>=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1>
>&item=4541471088&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
>
>This is the same item that Kilmartin sells as part number AH510 and Moss
>Motors sells as 805-825 and calls "BRACKET, MIRROR". The seller indicates
>that he believes that its purpose is to act as a guide for the bonnet
>release rod. I have read or heard elsewhere that it is designed to support
>the dash. What is the true purpose of this bracket and was it fitted to all
>Hundreds?
>
>Thanks,
>
>--Michael
>'55 BN1
>
--
John Harper
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