Bedford A type

[Foggy dog]

Hi all I have just picked up a swb A type bedford truck (ie 3.5t GVM) and the brakes at front need work and the running gear is slow, old and needing work. I also have a chev 283 V8 (long motor) and am wondering if the V* may by chance bolt onto the existing bedford bellhousing. Are bedford brakes parts (full bottle required) simple to find? if so where would I look?  Are there common running gear conversions for the old light trucks? I appreciate your help. Regards Tom

[Stevo]

I'm not sure what type A is Foggy. Your not talking J series bedfords are you?
I imagine you are talking about the Bedford CF-350 series 1, ie early to mid 70's.
I got my four front brake cylinders delivered for tad under $200 from a UK seller classicspares499 on fleabay.au
My backing plate adjusters where seized also, but the backing plates are easy to get off and some oxy and old engine oil frees them up OK. Hope your 10" drums are in good shape. Mine needed a skim and oversize shoes. $250 for machining and over size rebonding. I looked into upgrading the front stoppers, but those 10" drums and 70mm shoes were pulling up pretty good with a motorhome on the back, when they were pretty shot. So I decided to stick with original.

[Foggy dog]

Cheers Steve. I understsnd the AType was a 50s light truck of gvm 3ton 10cwt, not a CF. I picked it up for $1500 running but needing some brake work and a refresh to make it more usable. Any thoughts?
Regards Tom

[Stevo]

Sorry Foggy thought you were talking CF. The army used a lot of the A series didn't they?
I've had a few J series myself, an 8 ton TK flatbed, and a split windscreen 1948 tipper on the farm.
Always liked the way they drove.

[stuuuz]

Try

http://www.acwbedford.com.au/contact.html

[graemepitt]

i had an A5 had a 351 and auto. went well. could blow cars away at lights.. mpg about 4.

[graemepitt]

meant to say it was a housebus.

[Foggy dog]

Thanks Stuuz I'll try them.
Cheers Graeme btw what work had you done to the brakes with the 351 motor. Standard or upgrades?
Regards

[Foggy dog]

Thanks Steve