SPARES CO-ORDINATOR PETER WATTS
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SMC Spares Scheme – A Service for Members
In 1976/7, the ASCO (SMC) Newsletters always included quite extensive lists of spares for sale, usually under the heading ‘Kingston Road Emporium’. From the beginning, the emphasis was on keeping your Singer in good roadworthy condition and using/enjoying it. The provision of spares was, and is, important in this endeavour. At an AGM in Oxfordshire, not long after ASCO was formed, it was decided that the club would set up and operate a spares scheme. Members would each contribute £10.00 to kick start the enterprise. This was a modest start, but in recent years the club has been able to purchase the extensive stock of spares from the estate of the late Bill Haverly, for many years our Roadster Registrar. The ‘Bill Haverly’ spares, together with numerous other items purchased over time, are stored in N. Lincolnshire under the custodianship of Bill Tull. The necessary control of invoicing and paperwork is ably taken care of by our current Roadster Registrar Tony Gutteridge.
Singer vehicles, made from 1875 to 1970, include bicycles and automobiles of all descriptions. Whilst it is impossible to keep a stock of spare parts for all Singers, the club has knowledge of professional concerns that may be able to help. A good example of this is Rootes spares. Because of commonality with the other Rootes marques, specialist suppliers are able to operate economically and supply many parts for the Singer variants.
With the expansion of the Classic/Vintage Car market over the years, many previously unavailable parts are available from commercial outlets, Lucas electrical items for instance. It will therefore become unnecessary for the club to replenish such items when stocks run down. We shall just need to inform members where they can be obtained.
The club has the policy of remanufacture, where this is financially viable. We have had speedo cables and wheel studs manufactured as well as Roadster, Lemans, and Sports windscreen sealing strip. Another batch of Roadster gearbox covers is currently on order. Other possible projects include valve guides and valves.
The sale of asbestos has been illegal for some time now – the club will not therefore sell head gaskets and other items containing asbestos, but recommend the use of specialists able to supply asbestos free items. For instance it is possible to have head gaskets made using other materials, and brake shoes can similarly be relined.
We have, up to now, supplied items to enable members to refurbish their own 1497cc (4AD SM1500) water pumps, but instead of stocking a number of small items we shall be recommending a specialist to carry out a refurbishment, with a lifetime guarantee. This would be more expensive for the club member but it would mean the club need not hold unnecessary stocks.
‘Shipping orders’ to overseas members are not possible – experience has shown how difficult this can be. Provided Bill Tull can take an item to the local Post Office that will be OK. Members may make their own arrangements with a courier of necessary.
The club policy concerning sales to the USA has been that the sale of ‘safety critical’ items to the states is not permitted, but other items may be sold to USA members. Our current liability insurance does not preclude sales to the USA.
Peter Watts – SMC Spares Coordinator
(Rev. 31st May 2023)
For further information concerning spares go to ‘Members Area’ Parts page