From: Bill Sheehan
[email protected]
Date: 20 Jul 2002
Time: 11:14:37
Remote Name: 203.29.131.3
To back up Barry, many years ago I ran a Speedy engine in a '37 Ruby for awhile and tested the car with and without the flyplates. Admittedly conditions were more severe than you'd usually get in UK, but the difference in water and oil temperatures was quite noticeable. Surprisingly, I've noticed most cars here run without them - owners probably don't know they exist!! (The Austin's April '37 Body Parts Book doesn't give them a mention, that's why our Club here is trying to educate owners by carrying replicas in our Parts Stock). I enjoyed Barry's idea on origin of name - perhaps he could also tell us why Austins refer to the side plates or valances as flitch plates?? My tattered Oxford doesn't help much, nor did my visiting Dunmow!! Cheers, Bill