Lagondaforum

Subject: Tool kits

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Can some kind person list the individual tools that were usually supplied in the tool kit of an M45 and/or LG45, please. Photographs of the tools and their location in cars would be wonderful too, if possible. Thank you very much in anticipation.

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi Tim,

The factory handbook for my V.12 lists the tools supplied, so it might be worth finding/borrowing the appropriate handbooks. Tools for the LG45 would have been stored in the n/s "wheelcase"; jack handle, starting handle & inspection light in clips, smaller tools in a selection of pockets affixed to the inside of the opening section of the wheelcase. Not sure where they'd go in an M45, or indeed an LG45R. Larger tools I imagine would have been supplied in a tool roll...I have one for the V.12 which I assume is original.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi Tim,

I've got the same question so wondered how you got on accumulating the correct period tools.

The handbook lists an extensive Tool Kit as Follows: -

Spare Tecalemit filter element
Adjustable Spanner (large)
Adjustable Spanner (small)
11" Screwdriver
7" Screwdriver
8" Half Round File C/W Handle
1/2" x 7/16" Double Ended Set Spanner
3/8" x 5/16" Double Ended Set Spanner
1/4" x 3/16" Double Ended Set Spanner
3/16" x 1/8" Double Ended Set Spanner
1" x 11/16" BSF Double Ended Box Spanner
1/2" x 7/16 BSF Double Ended Box Spanner
5/8" x 5/16" BSF Double Ended Box Spanner
5/16" x 1/4" BSF Double Ended Box Spanner
3/16" Whitworth Single Ended Box Spanner
7/16" dia. Tommy Bar
5/16" dia. Tommy Bar
1/4" dia. Tommy Bar
6" Centre Punch
Pliers
3/4 lb. Hammer (Ball Ended)
Single Ended Spanner, 3/16" Whit.
Copper Hammer
Tyre Gauge
Tyre Valve Key
Tappet Gauge
Mag. Spanner
Box Spanner - Cylinder Head Studs
Sparking Plug Spanner
Oil Gun
Saddle Piece for Valve Removal
valve Spring Compression Kit Beam Tool
Valve Holding Tool
Foot Pump

I have a small selection of these with my car but would like to build it up eventually. If anyone has any tools that they think are original from this list I would love to see photo's or get a detailed description of makes, lengths, markings, etc.

Best regards,

David

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Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi David,
The tools in my V12 tool kit are all made by Shelley, but of course it's possible Lagonda used a different supplier previously. I can only be certain that the inspection lamp was the same (although if you want to be pedantic, it's possible the finish on that was different), that of course is a Joseph Lucas product.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi Laurence,

That was quick! Did the V12 have a similarly extensive list?

David

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Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Holy mackeral! No boring bar? That list is either very thoughtful or ominous. I too would like to gather what's available. I have a few Shelley spanners. I hope Lagonda did not use Jenbro as these have been bid up to ridiculous sums by Vincent motorbike enthusiasts.

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Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Ha! I agree Barry. It's impressive isn't it. That is the list in the LG45 handbook although I imagine it slowed the car down! I think I will stick to Shelley spanners rather than Jenbro.

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Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi David,
Just checked the V12 handbook, and the list although largely identical is even longer...but does include "Licence holder" (a tool?!), Leather bag for large tools, spare spark plugs, various special items for the hydraulic brakes, & a special spanner for the (Hypoid) rear axle.

Perhaps the perception was that owners expected a formidable & comprehensive array of tools when purchasing such an expensive car, but I wonder how many original owners thought of actually using the tools, as opposed to having the car worked on...especially given the effectively lifetime guarantee depending on regular works overhauls and carte blanche approach to replacing anything they saw fit?

Laurence

Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Thanks Laurence,

What remains of the original tool roll doesn't look like it would hold half of the tools the handbook lists.

I have the valve spring compression tool which I guess would have been the hardest item to replace so that is something.

I wonder what Lagonda thought you might need the 8" half round file for?

If you were able to send me a photo of the V12 tools at some point it would be really appreciated.

Thanks again.

David

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Subject: Re: Tool kits

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Hi David,

What worries me is the 6" centre punch, inviting owners to commit butchery!

If your car is similar in that respect to the V12, the N/S (dummy) wheelcase should have a panel held on by the hinge plates that is leatherette covered and stitched to accept presumably all the smaller tools...can send a picture if yours is missing.

My tools (mainly) didn't come with my car but were purchased from the late John Finch...I was really pleased to find that many were stamped "WAR FINISH"...ideal for my car, registered December 1940! I can't recall now if they also came from John, but I've also got some Lagonda factory tools, stamped with an engineer's name.

Yes, happy to send pictures, please pm email address to me. I can't promise to get the pictures done soon, but as soon as I've got some spare time I'll find them & take them. Intrigued also to see what the valve spring compressor looks like...is this the special toolkit one that retains the valve via the spark plug orifice, thus enabling spring changes without removing the cylinder head?

Laurence