Web Forum for Singer Cars

Greetings,

In the late 1980s, my father, in his later years, restored a 1953 Singer 4AD roadster. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, the car had to go and I was unable to purchase such a jewel for myself. To make a long story short, I was able to track down the current owner of the car my father restored some 20 years earlier. Once again, luck would have it that I still couldn't afford the 30+K price tag that the current owner required. One day I happened upon a car that looked very similar to my fathers, a 1953 4AD, except the condition left much to be desired. I couldn't help myself!

Now, as the proud owner of a 1952 4AD (the title had me fooled into thinking it was a 53), the restoration process is in the planning stages. As a new Singer owner and new member of the NASOC, I may tap into the obvious knowledge base that exists within the club members. I'm sure I'll need some help along the way, which brings me to my first question.

After a closer look at the carburetor, sensing something wasn't right, I was shocked to find the word "Zenith" and not Solex on the side of the carb. Was this a alternate configuration on this car or did someone take creative liberty? Do I need to replace it with Solex? Any information and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, have a blessed day!

Fred Tag
Atlanta GA

30k for a 4AD ? I bet that car is still for sale...

Now to answer your question about the carb, if the car runs, keep it. The Solex 30FAI is hard to find and unless you are looking for a concours restoration, I would not bother changing out the carb if it runs good. No, they did not come with Zenith carbs, I know some were modified by a S. Calif. dealer to have dual SU's but that was not factory, just a dealers mod.

The car does not run, and I don't know how long it's been since it last ran. I'm in the process of evaluating everything to see what it needs to at least try the engine. The car didn't even have a distributor when I got it. Are there rebuild kits available for this carb? The car came with a Solex rebuild kit, the seller obviously didn't know what he had. Not knowing how long the car has been sitting, I was going to disassemble/rebuild the carb before I even tried to start it.

FYI

I can build up a 4AD carb for a single carb 4AD. You are looking in the range of $150- $175. Can do in 2-3 weeks.

Dave/ BRG

FRED;

HERE AT THE RUSTY MOOSE GARAGE WE ARE CURRENTLY RESTORING 2 4AD'S ONE FOR MYSELF AND ONE FOR A FRIEND. I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF SHAPE YOUR CAR IS IN BUT IF YOU CAN SEND ME SOME PICTURES I COULD HELP YOU SORT OUT YOUR CAR. I FIND IT HARD TO UP LOAD PICTURES ON THIS SITE (MOST LIKELY JUST ME) SO YOU COULD SEND THEM TO MY EMAIL mgforrest@gmail.com. I DO HAVE SOME EXCELENT SOURSES ON BRAKES, ENGINE, TRANS, ZINC PLATING, AND MORE. RIGHT NOW WE ARE WORKING ON NEW SEATS WITH NO SPRINGS. IT WOULD BE FUN TO HAVE ANOTHER CAR ALONG FOR THE ADVENTURE. I WILL GIVE YOU MY THEORY ON CAR RESTORATION MAKE IT STOP, MAKE IT GO, AND MAKE IT NICE. BRAKES CHASSIS TYRES, THEN MOTOR AND TRANS. THEN THE BODY AND SHINE.

BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU

FORREST

how about sharing those resources with the rest of the Singer world, we all want to know !

Concerning the $30K for the 4AD that my father restored, it actually sold last year on Ebay. In fact, I think there was/is some forum chat on this site about it. Yes, that car at one time was my dad's, most of the work was his craftsmanship! Back then, there was no internet and no reference material, so some of the non-original stuff was his best attempt to make the car what he wanted it to be. I think the thread is still on this site, lots of talk about how it was a national show winner with all the non OEM stuff. I remember cringing when he did some of the things he did! See attached photo, I hope!

Dave, Thanks for the offer on the carb. I'm in the process of evaluating my options, I'll let you know. Thanks again!

Forrest, I think I have the same basic ideas concerning the restoration as you have. Before I tear the car apart into a million pieces, I want to get a basic idea of the condition of the major components, mainly engine and drive train. From there, I want to do a complete restoration. The car has been sitting for who knows how long! I do need all the help I can get finding parts and restoring the ones I do have to work and look like new. I will surely be back in touch!!!!! Thanks!!!!

Fred
I think we all recall that car and the price it was listed at. As I remember, there were some anomolies, but the workmanship certainly was apparent. If it was your Dad's work, you can be very proud.

Regarding the price, yes we were all a little shocked. However, Singer roadsters, until recently have not had the same level of restoration effort put into them as other cars in their class (notably MG's) There are lots of reasons for that, but it has reached the tipping point. You would likely be shocked to know the money that has gone into several recent restorations that have appeared at Stowe at our annual gathering during the British Invasion. I can assure you that none of them would be put on the market for less.

Welcome to the club. Please take advantage of the considerable expertise that resides within and we look forward to seeing you and your car at one of our club events.

Thanks Peter, and to all in advance for you help! I'm looking forward to this project and getting to know the club members.

Dave,
I think I'll take you up on you offer to provide me with a carb. Please let me know what I need to do!

Thanks again to all,

Fred

PS - FOR SALE - Zenith 26 VME carburetor