Technical Spec: Herald/Spitfire Anti roll bars

[Eric Smith]

Hi guys.

I am trying to do some research about early Triumph Herald and Spitfire Anti Roll Bars, to that end I am hoping someone might be able to give me a copy of the written technical specification or a technical drawing?

The reason for this request is, I want to fit an anti roll bar to my Standard 8 and I am wondering if the ones fitted to Heralds etc are an alternative to having one made?

From what I can see on a drawing I have of the anti roll bars fitted to the Standard 8 & 10’s and a photograph of the ones fitted to the early Heralds they look identical?

The Standards have an 48.5 inch track, the heralds appear to be the same. Most of the Standards front suspension is the same or similar to the Herald and I guess the the Spitfire.

I know I can tick a few of the boxes but I need some information from you guys.

If anyone can help, it would be appreciated as I would be able to disregard the idea completely, look into getting one made or get an anti roll bar from a suppliers stock.

Many thanks 

Eric

[Colin Lindsay]

Plenty of photos and exploded diagrams online but no actual spec ie measurements. I can provide if you need them, but mine may all be subject to the dreaded lift at one side, which the new ones don't have; however post what you require.

 

[Eric Smith]

Hi Colin - thanks for the rapid reply.

The photograph you have put into your reply looks very much like the drawing I have, but looking at the photographs I am putting below - they are not the same.

I was hoping the Herald Anti Roll Bar was going to be the very big cigar but now, I am not so sure, well not sure at all??? I am wondering if a Herald unit could be adapted?

When you get involved with looking for spares and technical information about classic cars it can feel like jumping into the abyss.

Could you do a quick measurement for me, that would be really be very much appreciated, I will send you a personal message with an image of the drawing I have, I have to be honest, I think I am looking at getting one made.

Thanks for your offer of help, as always you are a gent!

Thanks again

Eric

[Colin Lindsay]

I'll provide better photos of mine plus measurements over the next few days, need to dig one out of the roofspace without falling out myself!

[Colin Lindsay]

Ok try these measurements:

Herald rollbar in 5/8 thickness.

Outer tip to outer tip - from the centre of where the studs for the droplinks screw in to opposite point: 30 inches.

Inner measurement at front straight length, inside edge to inside edge across the front straight to the point at each inner face where it bends: 22 3/8 inches.

Each leg is straight for 6 inches exactly from the outer tip moving towards the front to where it bends to meet the angle of the first bend.

If you think of the bar at each outer corner being cut at an angle, then the total length of each leg measured as a straight line from inside of front cross bar to straight line joining each outer tip at the lower inside edge: 9 3/8 inches. The outside edge, starting closer to the front due to the angle, but to a line parallel to the furthest extent of the outside front face of the bar is 9 1/2 inches.

Yours has a much more pronounced spread towards the rear, definitely much more of an outward angle at the second outer curve and it looks like either the front is shorter, or else the rear track is wider to require such a greater angle.

 

 

 

[Eric Smith]

Hi Colin

I cannot thank you enough - you have saved me from spending a lot of time and money, it’s surprising how different the two bars look in real life rather than in an old oblique schematic drawing, I think I was looking and hoping for a quick easy fix based purely on an assumption.

For fifteen years I had one special life which I loved - as part of that life I worked in buildings where there were always lots of Health and Safety and other engineering posters on the walls, one poster was everywhere and all it said was “don’t assume - check” - I am glad I bore that I mind - thanks again Colin.

Onwards and upwards!

Eric