1908 Dennis lorry in the UK

Around 8 years ago I was the only person to respond to an advert in a UK commercial vehicle magazine. There was an old Dennis chassis under a bungalow and I was confronted with this:


After many visits to dismantle and extract it piece by piece, I was then able to get the wheels repaired, fit new tyres, have a new worm shaft made etc to get the back axle back together.

For an interesting read and to see some quite remarkable restoration (and recreation) work going on try this link.

hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?13636-1908-Dennis-Truck

And for his 1914 Dennis, he's actually restoring both at the same time.

hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?47662-1914-Dennis-Lorry

I take my hat off to anyone who can do what Ben is doing.

You can also check out the Goslings Dennis and Thornycroft restos.

That could fill a day in.

Some research uncovered that this chassis was purchased by Carter Paterson and Co in 1908 for parcel delivery in London. They just took their horse van body and bolted it on behind the drivers seat!

I needed to make new king pins and wheel bearings for the front axle along with new shackle pins and bushes.


I fabricated new dash irons and had a bulkhead step folded. I made the new steering wheel and fitted it to an original steering box and column I reconditioned.

This project has now been on hold for a year or so as I have not been able to find the correct engine. The original engine was made by White and Poppe of Coventry and slightly modified for use by Dennis.
I have managed to find three of the four cylinder blocks required as well as a carburettor, magneto, most of the inlet manifold and the oil pump. Having exhausted all the options in the UK I was wondering if anyone had any leads on such parts (or a complete engine) in Australia. No parts too rusty, dusty or broken; anything would help.

Nice work, I bet those tyres were hard to find?
I'm in Australia and I'll keep my ear to the ground. I'm happy to help you store and ship anything you find if need be. I have a mate who does a lot of shipping so would probably get the most reasonable rates, not that an engine block is ever going to cheap moving from one country to another!

You're doing a great job there mate.
Can't help you with the motor though, Sorry..

please keep us updated with all & any progress...

This project has basically been on hold, but just a couple of weeks ago I went to see an engine only 30 miles from my home. It is the correct White and Poppe and fits perfectly into the chassis!

Well done Ben,
It is amazing what is virtually in our own backyard. (well 30 miles in Australia puts it almost in my back yard, I live 120 kilometres (about 70 miles) from my nearest City and I am not anywhere near the outback.)

As a friend of mine says about my restoration, "You have no excuses now, just get it finished"

Regards,
Morris.

you never know were you will find stuff lying around great to be able to get moving on it again


Paul

Good work Ben, & thanks for the Update.