austinbantamclub

Question: Where can I talk to other members and ask
about the Austin and Bantam cars?
Answer: The national meet of the American Austin Bantam
Club. You will see some of the finest restorations, have an
opportunity to take photos, kick some tires and just hang out
with like-minded people. The club regularly holds a technical
seminar where members share restoration tips. The guys tell me
that one of the best seminars was held at the 2009 Batavia, New
York meet. No less than five members gave demonstrations.
Attendees learned tips on door alignments, Austin transmission
troubleshooting, installing floor plans and making new hardware
look period-correct. Even if you're not in the middle of a
restoration, the meet is a good opportunity to network with other
members.

Question: I'm interested in buying an American Austin or
Bantam roadster. How do I find one?
Answer: To begin your search, consider placing a "Wanted" ad
in the classified section of the American Austin Bantam Club
News. Classifieds, 40 words or less, are free to American Austin
Bantam Club members.

Question: I'm not a member of the club and I have a
Bantam pickup for sale. Are you interested?
Answer: Yes, our club members are always looking for leads on
new vehicles. Please send us an eMail with your contact
information (name, location, and phone number). As a courtesy
to our members, we will list your "non-member" classified (cars
& parts for sale only) one time in our newsletter. Classifieds
must be related to the American Austin, Austin Seven or Bantam
car, 40 words or less, no photos. Otherwise, non-members
must pay $6.00 in advance for each 40-word classified per issue.
All ads are subject to review and editing by the editors.

Question: How many American Bantam vehicles exist
today?
Answer: At least 5% of the vehicles that were manufactured are
currently registered with Austin and Bantam enthusiasts.
Officially, the Bantam Production book recorded 6,513 Bantam
vehicles of various body styles. However, due to the petite size of
the American Austin and Bantam car, one could guess that
another 300 cars may exist outside the club. Members are still
finding cars that have been hidden away in barns and garages for
years.

Question: I just purchased a Bantam trailer. Are there any
good restoration resources available?
Answer: During and after World War II, the American Bantam
Company built far more utility trailers than all the American
Austin and Bantam cars and trucks combined. The BT3 military
trailers are highly sought after by military vehicle enthusiasts. It's
easy to discern between the original Bantam BT3 military utility
trailer and the later BT3-C civilian trailer. The military trailer did
not have a drop-down tailgate so that the cargo box was
waterproof and could float. The BT3 also carried a pintle-style
hitch, whereas the BT3-C trailer carried a standard ball hitch.
You might try the Internet for restoration resources. We found
detailed photos of a Bantam trailer under restoration at:
http://mightymo.org/bantam.html.

Question: Can a diesel engine fit in an American Austin or
Bantam?
Answer: American Austin and Bantam vehicles are poor
candidates for modern modifications. To retain the stock
appearance, all components under the hood must fit within the
confines of a space 16 inches wide, 18 inches long and 20
inches high. Remember, the frame and suspension were
designed to carry a 13-horsepower Austin engine or a 20-22
horsepower Bantam engine that weigh less than 150 pounds fully
equipped. Fortunately, Austin roadster and coupe bodies were
manufactured in fiberglass by several firms to meet the needs of
those looking for a daily driver.