Dutton B+
Bit of an odd one this at the logbook identifies the car as having been imported and whilst working on the car it is clear that it did not start off with the V8 fitted as there is evidence that it had more humble motive power.
Colour Red with aluminium alloy side panelling Engine Rover V8 3500cc - From 1976 Rover P6 3500S model Gearbox Rover LT77 5 Speed Gearbox from Rover SD1 Axle Ford Capri MK1 3000L fitted with 3.09:1 Ratio Front Suspension Derived from Triumph Spitfire/Herald Double wishbone - Fitted with fully adjustable coil-over shock absorbers Rear Suspension Full Five link axle location - Fully adjustable coil over shock absorbers Accessories Full wet weather gear The B+ was one of the early Dutton models following on from the P type which was a very close homage to the Colin Chapman Lotus 7 albeit rather crude. The next link in the chain was the B type which had a very sparse space frame chassis and used Spitfire or Herald mechanicals including the transverse leaf rear suspension. Later models used a ford live axle. After the B type the B+ came along which had a totally revised chassis based more on a perimeter style. The B+ is in my mind the most handsome of the Dutton types – the rear of the car being slightly shorter than the S1 and the ¾ boot lid width being far more stylish is also fitted with the flowing style clamshell wings rather than the very angular original Dutton style wings.
After owning the car for a few weeks I started to notice things that I was really not happy about, especially as I had the S1 to compare it with. Although the B+ was great to look at with its shiny red paint and split rim alloys and very nicely trimmed interior there were clear elements that were not right.
I noticed the fans had been mounted as blow through but with the wiring reversed so that the fans ran backwards. Unfortunately this does not work as fan impellers only work in one direction so all they did was make noise and not actually cool anything. I also did not like the way the radiator was mounted as it fouled the bonnet. And that was the start.
This was just the tip of the iceberg with regard to the work that I have started and so far it has involved the following most of which happen as a result of trying to achieve something else
Relocating the radiator, moving the oil cooler, moving the remote oil filter and moving the radiator expansion tank. Replacing a butchered front hub, repairing the cracked headers, removing 4 litres of excess oil from the sump, fitting crankcase ventilation to the engine, Changing the rear suspension rose joints, straightening the Panhard rod, removing and replacing the front wings and stays so that they are all at the same angle and height, rewiring the switch gear, adding additional bracing to the scuttle and front bulkhead area, manufacturing a new pedal box assembly with dual master cylinders.
Follow the links below to the rebuild pages.
