ROOF

Thank you for visiting the Routemaster Owner and Operator's Forum (ROOF). Please feel free to use this forum for the mature discussion of any issues of interest and relevance to Routemaster owners. Please do not use this board to publicise your feelings about individuals, National or Local Government or TFL policy. Owners of other London bus types in service during the 1950s, 60s and 70s are also welcome to contribute to this forum.

Please note, the ROOF website no longer exists. The link from the Forum does not work anymore.  Useful information and links from the website has been posted to the Forum.

Please do not respond to abusive posts but notify ROOFmoderator 1@outlook.com.


ROOF
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
Periscope spring

Hello,

As trivial as it seems, does anyone know where I can get a replacement spring for the cab periscope spring, or what that type of spring is called so i can try and get one please? At the moment it taps and flaps about as I drive!

Best wishes,

Adam.

My bus number (if any): RM2208

Re: Periscope spring

A small tension spring with hooks either end could be modified and made to do the job by bending the legs to suit and twisting it, however it will not be easy since the hinge pin will have to be withdrawn. The whole box will have to come off for attention on the bench. That would reinstate the original method. Alternatively solder a ring inside the flap and to the frame for a tension spring.

Re: Periscope spring

The whole thing removes from the bus quite easily, just be very careful when dismantling

A good clean inside and out will make quite a difference and you can access the remaining inner area. A simple bottle cleaning brush will clean out the detritus and dust quite nicely.

On the one I did, the silvering on the glass mirror had gone.
A local glazier cut me some replacements to the same size. But metric standards meant that the glass being thicker. In hindsight, thinner than original would be better (if they have it) as these can be packed to fit tight and rattle free with glaziers tape.

This made it a little harder to refit, but done with a bit of very careful tweaking.

What was missing were the sightlines. These were etched on the original glass. I simply used Letraset graphic lining tape to replicate. It's worked fine.

The housing was easy to strip clean and repaint off the bus and the spring easy to replace. I went online and bought an identical type by using the old one as a size guide .

When repainting it is best to use an absolute flat matt black inside. The less stray light and reflection, the better the ultimate image, any sheen or shine affects the view.

Also, when reassembling, a very thin smear of non-setting mastic used as a seal will keep out dust and moisture. Has to be done at both ends and in dry conditions.

When done it really made a difference with a clear and easy view of the blind.

Re: Periscope spring

http://www.leespring.co.uk/uk_torsion_spec.asp?springType=T&forWhat=Search