Restoring the Irreplaceable: Insurance Repair of a 1951 Bedford K Lorry
Something you might not know about Finch Restorations is that we also carry out insurance repair work on classic vehicles. One recent case involved a 1951 Bedford K Dropside Lorry, which arrived at our workshop following a brake failure that occurred during its owner’s very first drive.
Initial Assessment
The crash was caused by brake fluid loss, which had leaked out through damaged sections of the system. During our inspection, the front-left corner, which showed the most severe fluid loss, also revealed a cracked outer bearing. This damage from this had extended to the bearing cup, hub, and brake drum.
The Challenge
No off-the-shelf bearings or cups were available in the original size. To overcome this, it was decided to machine the hub bore larger to accept oversized bearings and cups — a precise process requiring accurate measurement and careful planning.
Machining the Hub
We began by cleaning and lightly skimming the hub bore to assess surface condition and determine dimensions. After extensive research, we identified an oversized bearing cup suitable for the turned (rather than ground) finish.
To avoid seating the new bearing cup too deeply, the rear of the bore was machined flat to accept a custom-made spacer. Once the bore was machined and the fit confirmed, we began reassembly:
- Stub axle fitted
- Spacer installed
- Bearing cup and bearing fitted
- Hardened washer added to tension the bearing
The Front-Right Side
Compared to the front left outer bearing, the front right outer bearing was less damaged but still required intervention. The available bearing cup wouldn’t fit the existing bore, so we again machined the hub to the appropriate size.
Due to the complex shape of the hub and the 0.002” interference fit required, precision and stability were key. Therefore, on the lathe we used a 4-jaw chuck with a stylus dial indicator to carefully align and machine the bore. The new cup was then pressed in successfully.
Conclusion
This project illustrates how Finch Restorations not only restores classic vehicles but also conducts small systems repairs. Undertaking these repairs through the bringing together of traditional craftsmanship and smart engineering to overcome the challenges of repair and refurbishment.
Learn more about our insurance repairs here: https://finchrestorations.com.au/workshop-services/insurance-work
