[Tigers] Tiger Tool Kit Parts

[Bill Rogers]

As the price of Tigers has been going up, so too has the price of Tiger specific parts. This has made reproduction of some parts like the air filter housing cost effective. As more cars are restored to perfect condition, the demand for accessories, such as a complete tool kit, is greater. The tool kit was often separated from the cars the first time it changed hands, so many people lack one. Luckily most of the tools are common with the Alpine and other contemporary British cars and can be obtained for about $100-200 from Ebay sellers. The exception is the Tiger-unique spark plug socket (spanner-sparking plug in Rootes speak) and accompanying tommy bar. These are scarce as hens teeth and a complete tool kit recently sold for $1500.

The advent of 3D printing allows these items to be replicated at a relatively low cost. I have been able to produce replicas of original parts which are dimensionally accurate and closely resemble the original tools. I had these made from a strong black Nylon plastic, thinking that they could take the place of the actual tools until such time as a person found the real thing. They are accurate enough that only a picky Tigers United stock class concours judge would notice the difference. Apart from the material, the differences are 1: the part number is engraved rather than stamped 2: we have not reproduced the spring loaded ball detent in the Tommy Bar, so it is fixed. The parts are printed with a matt surface, but they can be painted to achieve a more glossy finish. The items we modeled (Rootes # 1224750 and 1224751) were used on all marks of Tigers according to the parts list. I am not sure of the mechanical properties of the materials, so these items should not be used as tools on your engine but are for display only.

The price for a set with free shipping via Priority Mail to the US would be $60. Shipping to the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand would be an additional $20. The parts can also be made in matt black steel for a cost of $260 and will be special order only.

We have refined the design with several prototypes and prior to ordering production quantities, I would like to get an idea of the level of interest from the Tiger community. I had a show and tell with an early prototype tommy bar at the most recent CAT meeting and the idea was well received. Please PM me or contact me through my website www.motorsportmemories.com and indicate if you would be interested in plastic or steel. 

When parts are available for sale I will post in the appropriate places.

Bill Rogers
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