TK shocks
 

Just a quick one , where do you guys get your shocks for a TK?

My first port of call is always

Rob at

www.bedfordtruckparts.co.uk

He is a helpful and knowledgeable chap.

Otherwise, keep an eye on fleabay

Thanks for that Myles , so there isn't an alternative (easy to get hold of) shock that fits?
Take it the MJ shocks would be to long ?
I know I could do a bit of research and find out but its so much easier to just ask.

I guess they are probably a standard part but I don't know any more about them. There is another chap on here, G-CPTN who is very knowledgeable on the subject of TKs; hopefully he will chip in.

I'm here - but, although the shocks were of a standard type, each model of TK (from KA to KM) would have different lengths and settings - well, not every one different, but there would be ones that covered a range of models.

If you don't want to use the above source, maybe you could get yours reconditioned (are there any places that do that now?).

Here's another source:- http://www.avi-ltd.co.uk/id3.html

Just had a little look at your blog , impressive stuff .
Oh to have dry space like that ! Im currently working in a muddy field with the English elements to contend with .

your a lucky man Myles .

Thanks G , will have a little look .
Mine are to far gone to refurbish , rusted through .

Although Bedford manufactured their own shocks (let's face it, Bedford used to manufacture most of the vehicle components, engines, gearboxes etc) there are companies such as Armstrongs, Monroe and Woodhead that could provide 'pattern parts' - maybe even Bilstein and Koni.

Try your local truck motor factor - keep your rusted parts as a pattern to show them.

While I'm asking questions ,G-CTPN you wouldn't happen to know if the oil pressure switch thread is an NPT or a BSPT ?

Sorry, no - below my grade . . . :D

Ha ha no worries worth a try. .

All the threads I've come across so far have been NPT or UN, that's all over the braking/air system but not the engine but I would be surprised if it were different. Bedford was owned by GM for most if not all of the TK years (I'm not sure) so effectively American - no Whitworth or BSP.

Ah ok that helps a lot , thanks Myles .

I'm presuming that your engine is one built by Bedford rather than Perkins (or Leyland).

I can't imagine that you have a Cummins . . .

Yes Bedford 330 . I only ask for the thread size as I'm putting a oil pressure gauge in and need the correct tee piece . really don't want to be tightening up the wrong one as the only diffence between NPT and BSPT is about 5 degree pitch if I remember .

I'm new to these trucks and new to forums so bare with me you may well get some more basic questions .:)

Best Bedford engine IMO.

The petrol 300 is good, but thirsty - very thirsty.
The 220 diesel is a good 'stationary' engine, but somewhat gutless as a traction engine.

I liked the Detroits, but they are thirsty.

I prefer not to discuss the 466/500 or any turbocharged engines (apart from the Detroits).

BSP is a whitworth thread form - 55 degree angle with radiused tips; NPT is a UN thread form - 60 degree angle and 'square' tips. Some sizes have the same pitch but others don't.

My guess would be 1/4" NPT for your gauge.

Ok thanks for that Myles .sorry i meant taper not pitch ..
1\4 " NPT its gonna be .
Thanks for the help .

The 'thread angle' is the significant value, taper is different again and only applies to tapered threads.

Your be please to know I've downloaded a few thread charts and bought a thread gauge .
I will never need to ask about NPT BSP BSPTT. BNP ABC UN or any other damn nut or bolt again ........

Thanks for the help much appreciated.

Do let us all know what your findings are WRT threads on the Bedford.

Many years ago, I was running a 1936 MG.
I wanted new bolts to secure the clutch to the flywheel - none of my stock of used bolts would fit.
I went to 'Bolts-R-Us' and he ran the gauge over the thread, and expressed his puzzlement as to what had 25½ threads to the inch before finally (!) settling on metric.
It transpired that William Morris had bought Hotchkiss designed engines in 1923 and manufactured engines to metric dimensions yet adopting Imperial dimensions for the heads of the fixings, so that English spanners would fit.

Now that would be just plain confusing .... Sure what ever I find I shall record and let you know