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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:21 am Post subject: What use is the Bentley Drivers Club? |
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What use is the Bentley Drivers Club?
The month has changed to October, and I sit here at the desk awaiting the arrival of the annual request for a further year’s subscription, and my mouse sized, but still regular, contribution to the WOBMF, although it may be that after reading this, the management may decide that the envelope won’t materialise upon the doormat.
I have been a member of the club for 35 years, my scruffy R-type Standard Steel Saloon, with the rusty sills, cracked paintwork and general air of neglect has been a member for 54 years. During the 35 year period I have changed from an active, if unskilled, spanner chucker to the somewhat unfit 71 year old survivor I now am. Times and circumstances change and I am now, with the encouragement of my immediate family, embarking on the Bentley resurrection project, with several tens of thousands of pounds available, a fairly exact and accurate knowledge of what I want done, but no knowledge of how to initiate the procedure.
Advice procured from other sources, over a long period, has suggested that the best thing to do with the car is to scrap it, or maybe turn it into some sort of two seater, but again, I do not have at my fingertips the knowledge of how to make the initial computations necessary to reach a suitable decision.
At one time, a plea for help to the forum, or a call to Laurie Fox, would have given me some sort of a kick start, but I see from recent weeks that a request to the forum by a new member for some fairly basic information on insurance has resulted in no answer to help him. What would be the point in my asking my questions? I can’t even, these days, get an up-to-date list of those who have R-types, and ask them, apparently we don’t do “Members and their Bentleys” any more: in my opinion a short sighted and poor decision.
I think that the denizens of Ironstone Lane are losing the plot, and the lack of response from them to anything said in this forum suggesting that nobody from there ever looks at it means I am going to send this as an e-mail directly for their attention.
No doubt I shall receive the response that if I choose to remain, hermit-like, in my semi detached in Staffordshire, I’m getting all I deserve, but I repeat, for the benefit of those who have nodded off,
What use is the Bentley Drivers Club?
John Robins #12457 |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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I find it a bit sad that you would contemplate turning your car into a special, however I am well aware of the costs of a full professional rebuild! The costs of a professional conversion to a two seater will also not be cheap, both will require the same costs in restoring the chassis and mechanicals, so that leaves the body and upholstery. At present looking at the asking prices for nice specials, they seem to command higher prices than nice standard cars, but times are changing and the standard cars are becoming much more desirable.
It would be nice if the review published more articles on rebuilds etc., perhaps reprints of articles from years gone bye would be the route to go.
I've been a member since the early 1970's but rarely go to events, but that is my problem, although I was disappointed to find that since I (well, Ewen Getley) upgraded my engine from 3ltr to 4.5 I'm not eligible for the 3ltr events! which is a shame as I enjoyed the one I attended. I will continue to enjoy driving my car and will pay the BDC annual sub for the pleasure of meeting up with or corresponding with other members. A members list would be nice!
PS
The club office do not monitor the Forum, which is a shame as our past chairman seemed to, which was very welcome. |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:14 pm Post subject: |
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The engine, clutch, gearbox and propshaft are sound, the back axle was as silent as one could want the last time I drove the car, but leaks a bit from the front oil seal. The outer bearings were fine, and the back brakes were also in good nick. The brake servo is fine, having been relined and resealed a short distance ago. The back end droops a bit, but the shocks seem OK.
The chassis is sound, the body mounts seem fine even at the back. The front road spring mounts are totally solid at the top of the spring, where they usually rot, but the steering swivels (kingpins?) require rebuilding as the vertical supports are not central in the top mounts, so a suspension overhaul is on the cards. The front brakes need new master and slave cylinders, and relining.
The starter and generator have been completely rebuilt and not used since, but the wiring is original, and therefore not good. The petrol tank is in need of steam cleaning inside and out, but the pumps and carbs are fine. The water pump is new, but the radiator needs a recore.
The body needs new sills, and attention to the B pillars, followed by a complete respray, and the front wings have the usual rot around the sidelights. The back wings need some work around the edges and the windows rattle due to worn out slides.
New carpets and some work on the driver’s seat would restore the interior to a state of scruffy but usable.
So, that is the state of play. I feel certain that work could go on forever, but I don’t want that, I just want a safe and reliable car again. |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 5:28 am Post subject: |
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John, we are of similar age, my attitude is that I may not have that many more years of driving ahead (although my Mum was still driving at 96), so I am prepared to be extravagant with my toys! Your car sounds not far off being presentable and reliable transport - get it sorted! Now where to take it is the difficult decision. Good luck. |
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cherub
Joined: 01 Jan 1970 Posts: 9
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 7:13 pm Post subject: What use is the club |
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I joined the club about 2 weeks ago - I subscribed and paid online through the club website, paid the subscription as well as the extortionate fee for the privilege of paying the subscription for the first time??
Once my membership was confirmed I immediately went into the forum and introduced myself, replied to about half a dozen threads and posted a couple of classifieds up. I did get one reply to my introduction, but other than that, I’ve had no response or comment to any of my posts, in fact I checked back to the forum every day looking for any kind of communication to my posts and amazingly after 4 days there was not only no response to my posts but there was also no other posts or comments by anyone on the entire forum.
I was told that I would get a welcome pack in the post within 7 days, which I assumed would contain the latest club magazines, but to still to this day I have received nothing.
I am beginning to feel like joining was a waste of my hard earned, hopefully I’m wrong and will soon be trumpeting the benefits of membership to fellow Bentley drivers and customers of mine.
As for your R type, it sounds like an exciting project and after having a Mark 6 in my garage last year I can see why you would want to resurrect such a fine automobile. Yes it’s not going to be the cheapest thing to get sorted, but it will certainly be a rewarding project that if executed properly will last for many more years to come. |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your encouragement. We’ll see where things go to over the next week or two as I have received several private messages, and made some new contacts. The MkVI/R-Type isn’t a complex car, but requires a good standard of execution for sure.
Cheers
John |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 8:56 am Post subject: |
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Cherub,
Helen, who deals with membership and the sending out of packs was on holiday from the 19 th September, but is back now. I do hope that you have now received the welcome pack, but if not, do please give the office a call and speak to Helen, she is always helpful in my experience.
John |
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Paul Bennett
Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 90
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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re. "Cherub's" posts.
As members use their real names on the forum, perhaps people were hesitant in replying because they did not know who you were, what is your gender, or if you are on line as an enthusiast or for commercial reasons?
regards
Paul |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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As I spend time on a forum where nobody uses their real name, (no, not that sort), this hadn’t occurred to me.
In response to those members who have communicated directly with me, I am having a little thinking time after yesterday’s trauma (the few who remain in the family said goodbye to my brother), thank you all for your e-mails, and shall revert shortly.
Cheers
John |
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Martin Webster
Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 188 Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 4:06 pm Post subject: |
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I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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I believe that it’s possibly due to nerves over data protection issues. |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:31 pm Post subject: |
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The latest data protection legislation is named as the reason in an e-mail sent to me by Helen Deeley. I believe it to be bad form to copy and disseminate private communication, so you’ll have to take my word for it, but no doubt she would tell you the same if asked.
Cheers
John |
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Martin Webster
Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 188 Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:46 pm Post subject: |
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The sad modern World ! |
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Charles Skinner
Joined: 31 Jul 2016 Posts: 30 Location: Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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John, I hope so much that you won't chop it into a special. I am not one to cast aspersions on other drivers' choices but the majority of specials I have seen are not to me attractive. I am also a great believer in conserving significant historic cars and although I could not afford a W.O., the post-war cars are so good looking, practical, tough and great to drive. Unless one is looking for a glamorous show car that is rarely used as a real car, Mk IV's and Type R's can usually be restored in stages and much used in between. Over the past three years for example, I have treated my Type R to a top end overhaul, body fixes and re-spray and will early next year have the front suspension and brakes overhauled. As with all old cars, I think we all know it is a case of continuous, usually scheduled, attention. As such handsome cars, and really very good drivers, they respond so well to such attention and it is a great joy experiencing them getting better and better. Having the work done properly by highly experienced specialists is not cheap but, as suggested, done in stages it is reasonably manageable. My very best wishes to you whatever course you take. Sincerely, Charles |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 6:43 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for your kind comments, Charles.
I have owned the car for 35 years, and covered about 60,000 miles in it, listening to the various noises coming from the engine until it was rebuilt some years ago.
First work, then other pressures have caused a hiatus that lasted far too long, and I am now trying to recover the car’s lost fitness as assiduously as I am trying to recover mine, after some major work on my own engine.
Of all the various options open to me, cut and shut is the least attractive, being below even breaking the car for spares, so it is unlikely to be subjected to such indignity while I am still around, hopefully.
We’ll see.
Cheers
John |
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Charles Skinner
Joined: 31 Jul 2016 Posts: 30 Location: Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 8:02 am Post subject: |
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My very best wishes to car and driver for best possible outcomes, John. So pleased you want to preserve. Good luck, Charles |
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Christopher Carnley
Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 2746 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 8:21 am Post subject: |
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There are specials and there are"Specials", dig those Alfa Romeo mudguards on the red one!
They look more like air brakes than aerodynamic.
Last edited by Christopher Carnley on Wed Oct 09, 2019 12:59 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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I have today started work with a local restorer to get B373TO brought back to something approaching its original condition.
Not breaking it for spares, and not cutting it or shutting it.
Many thanks for all the advice, encouragement, warnings, discouragement, sympathy, empathy or amazement at my sheer idiocy and bloody mindedness, but away we go.
Cheers all
John |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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Delighted for you, I’m sure there will be times in the coming months when you will groan at the news from the garage, but hopefully the quality of the car will shine through long after the cost is just a painful memory! (I know that is not the actual quote😉).
I do hope to meet you and the car one day!
John |
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John Robins
Joined: 01 Jan 1985 Posts: 1208 Location: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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Please don't set your expectations too high!
Cheers
John |
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Robert Craven
Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 554 Location: Swansea, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 12:46 pm Post subject: |
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The postings in this thread have started to go off the right hand edge of the screen on my laptop. Am I the only one it's happened to? I think it may be the result of the photographs. |
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Christopher Carnley
Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 2746 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 12:59 pm Post subject: |
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Is that any better Robert? |
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John Murch

Joined: 05 Jun 1976 Posts: 1567 Location: London, United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 5:09 am Post subject: |
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Robert Craven wrote: | The postings in this thread have started to go off the right hand edge of the screen on my laptop. Am I the only one it's happened to? I think it may be the result of the photographs. |
It was the same for me, but now fine. (Thanks Christopher) |
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Robert Craven
Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 554 Location: Swansea, United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:24 am Post subject: |
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Yes, thanks. It's OK now. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:20 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:22 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:29 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:31 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:33 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:40 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Geoff Wollen

Joined: 06 Jan 2016 Posts: 7 Location: Haute-Vienne, France
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:52 am Post subject: Members and their Bentleys |
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Martin Webster wrote: | I was totally unaware that the Members and their Bentleys register has been discontinued ,where did this information originate? I have a collection of them dating back to 1950. They are an important source of historical information, more so as time passes and if the Club has decided for their own reasons to stop producing them it is very myopic and cheap of them.
B88HR |
I asked about this at Blenheim this year and was informed that
the Data Protection Act was to blame and that the matter would be rectified at some point. I wonder if this will be done before they ask for next years renewal. |
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Christopher Carnley
Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 2746 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:13 pm Post subject: |
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The server response is very slow, but that is life, now. |
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