Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 89 Threads: 15
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Location: Melbourne
Has got a little chilly here in Melbourne lately so I'm looking to block a few holes in my Nippy. The handbrake gator is missing on mine so I have kindly asked my good wife to get out the old Singer and knock one up for me. I gather that the gator is a rather simple triangular bag that is riveted under the removable transmission tunnel with a tie on top.
Would anyone happen to have a pattern with measurements for a handbrake gator that they could send please?
Thanks from a nippy Melbourne.
Bruce
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 861 Threads: 28
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Location: On a hill in Wiltshire
I think I made a pattern, when I made a gaiter for my AH tourer.
If someone can confirm that it might do for a Nippy, then I can post it, with dimensions, here.
Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 89 Threads: 15
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Location: Melbourne
Thanks "Slack Alice". If you can find the pattern it would give me a handy staring point. I think the tunnel cover is common to many of the early 30's Austin 7's, so should fit ok.
Cheers
Bruce
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17-06-2025, 06:07 AM
(This post was last modified: 17-06-2025, 06:11 AM by Erich.)
Bruce, I have one that was made for my Ulster Rep. Although there is debate as to whether Ulsters actually had one, this one was made to fit a standard but modified handbrake cover. Then it got torn. It is usable as a pattern with the holes for the rivets, which were originally likely, bifurcated or semi tubular flat head rivets of copper or brass. I would be happy to send to you in OZ if you are interested. The cover is sandwiched between the cover and a flat plate. If you don't have the latter, I have a spare.
Erich in Mukilteo
Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 89 Threads: 15
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Location: Melbourne
Hi Erich. Thanks for your very kind offer, much appreciated. Simon has sent me a pattern so I will not need to bother you with sending me your old gator. The old rivet retaining plate is still attached to the tunnel.
Hi Simon
Thank you for the pattern and for your time and effort in doing so. I am happy to say that the first prototype based on your pattern (in vinyl) is being finished of as I speak and looks to be a good fit. The final version will be in leather. I will post a pic once it's fitted to the Nippy.
Bruce way South
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 861 Threads: 28
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Location: On a hill in Wiltshire
I am pleased to help.
I think the pattern could be tweaked a bit, but other stuff is more important - like a hood cover and a replacement engine.....
Cheers
Simon
