Re: 1956 Clipper Radio

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/3/8 4:44:58

Howard

Very interesting. So the Up/Down Torsion Level switch was most likely an accessory? I was puzzling over who had the brains to fit it. Guess the answer was "nobody"!

The emergency (hand) brake mechanism has also moved to the right hand side of the dash. On the mounting bracket for that is a small push/pull switch which I discovered works an auxiliary electric fuel pump, which I have never actually needed. The Edelbrock 4-barrel carby has an auto choke which works a treat. It must store some fuel somewhere handy, because cold starts are instant.

Interestingly, the cigar lighter still works perfectly. Pity there are no smokers around any more. The clock is not working, which I will investigate. I notice that used ones of these are fairly readily available. It may be more cost effective to buy a working one if mine needs significant repairs. Then again, it might be something as simple as no power supply.

Just noticed that the small gauges are also reversed on my dash. My Owners' Manual is - not surprisingly - for the left hand drive version of the Clipper Deluxe. Works great when I read it upside down.

You are obviously very familiar with these Clippers. It's a very good car, which I enjoy driving in all weather! Paintwork is rough but I'm about to fix that. Hope it doesn't become too precious in the process.

It's one fault is very heavy steering. No room for the pump etc in the right hand drive configuration. I have been investigating the new electric power steering kits which are popular here now on classic cars. I wonder if they have the torque to turn the wheels, which is no small feat at parking speeds!

Cheers

Brian