WO vs deer

[William Carrel]

Many yeas ago I hit a bird and had to replace a lens in WB 2562. This weekend during a 301 mile tour I was leading over the Cascades in Washington state we encountered a deer. I am now looking for the vendor where we got the last replacement lens. Does anyone have that information?
Something is to be said about a tough old W O Bentley. The bent fender was put right by bending it back straight by hand. A chip in the paint will have to be addressed but that is fine. A leather hammer will set the number plate flat and clocked correctly. The headlight lens was shattered but a clear plastic shield protected the internal bits. The rear of the headlight housing clouted the radiator and left a big dent in the headlight. The "German Silver"radiator is made of sterner stuff as neary a scuff was left on the radiator.
Sadly the deer had to be put down.
I would guess a new car would have $10,000+ in damage and been towed away. We completed another 280 miles over three passes around Mt. Rainier.
Any help in finding a replacement lens would help,

Thanks and Motor on,
Walt Carrel

[John Murch]

Sorry to read of your incident, none too nice for the car or deer.
What type of lights do you have?
While it may be impractical to source a lens from here in the UK, these people are very helpful

http://www.geniusofthelamp.co.uk

John

[John Murch]

Walt, for those of us in the UK who (speaking for myself) have only a vague idea of where the Cascade range is (Seatle and inland?) any chance of the odd photo of the area.
John

[Stephen Blakey]

Years ago my pal was driving his pride and joy Opel Manta through one of the London boroughs where the deer roam about, possibly Richmond, and one sprang out into the road straight in front of him. The car was a write off. The locals were on the scene quickly and had the carcass dealt with in no time. My pal got a rear leg but that was scant compensation. He rather got the impression the locals approach to the situation wasn't entirely legit but accepted the leg with alacrity.

So yes, the Bentley fared much better than a modern car.

[John Robins]

If anyone is desirous of starting a deer twanging competition, Cannock Chase is much more accessible for those British members, and provides reasonable sport. My tally so far is one Morris Minivan, one Hillman Hunter and one Ford Escort Ghia. Over a long time, of course.

[Mark Seligman]

Oh deer!

I hit one too, one of my own as it happened, in my four and a half litre. It was on the way back from dinner with friends in Scotland four years ago, and woke up my son who was asleep in the passenger seat!

The deer was well and truly gralloched, a young hind fortunately for us. We were doing about 50mph when she jumped out of a ditch by the side of the road - invisible with the old Lucas headlights on main beam until she was right beside the car as they have pencil beams.

I managed to hit her square on, and the headlights and driving lights (fitted for the 2007 Peking Paris) took the hit.

The radiator was undamaged, and just a small hit to the front wing as she bounced off.

Chubb insurance sorted everything out very satisfactorily, but the lights all had to be rebuilt.

Yes, a modern car would have suffered much more damage.

The worst was stopping from 50mph in the pitch dark not knowing where the road was going. Luckily, my wife was following behind in the Land Rover and was able to lead us home.

Mark Seligman.

[William Carrel]

BDC spares lady pointed us to the lens guys and all was well. Well almost, the back of the headlight still has the dent but that gives it a bit of character, like it needs some. I was told a Tuba repair tech could pull the dent out. I may try that.
I did miss out as I found out later I could have collected the deer for my own use. A new law at the time.
The Lucas lights in the 6 1/2 are much better than the ones on a Derby I had but still weak compared to the Super Oscars I have on the 64 Porsche. A replacement LED bulb would help? We collected the Chrismas tree this year and stayed out after dark so I had to slacken my pace on the way home about 25 miles.
The BDC is having a tour this summer in my neck of the woods. Are youall going?

Motor on,
Walt Carrel

[John Robins]

I am currently in The University Hospital of the North Midlands in central England following replacement of a second aortic valve Due to a bout of endocarditis in the first. I now also have a permanent pacemaker fitted, and am hoping that the prolonged course of strong antibiotics will rid me of the infection.

I am, therefore, unlikely to make the gig, but hope to make others in the future.

[William Carrel]

Your condition must be a Bentley thing. In 2001 I had a exhaust valve replaced myself. Mine was a manufacturing defect dating back to my grandfather on my Mums side. There was a selection at the time of pig parts, cow parts, mechanical parts, or just coming on line people parts. The question was does your lifestyle have a risk of trauma. I was and still race old cars, canoe, fly, hike so I got a people part. It's still working and the prognosis is good for at least another 10 years, I hope.
When you get on your feet you will be amazed at how much you can do again. I went for being pooped from two blocks to hiking 12 miles down into Spirit Lake at Mt St Helens 3 months after the operation. We did 550 mile in the 6 1/2 this fall and raced a hill climb, Both the old gezzers did just fine, myself and the car.
Good luck and take care. Our cars need to keep there current custodians in good fettle.

Motor on,
Walt Carrel

[John Robins]

Thanks Walt. Just the kind of message I need to be getting right now to build up my bruised spirits. The valve is pig parts, and is made by a Californian company, but I do not expect to start sounding like an American any time soon!