Julian Barratt

[1954Etype]

After months of trying to get together for a meeting over at our workshop, Julian finally made it last week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss problems we had over fitting some parts with a view to improving them, new parts (ie what rubbers that are potentially exposed to oil that could be made out of poly or similar) and just to generally get a feel for where the Industry was going for everyone (manufacturers, restorers, home restorers, owners etc).

All in all it was well worth the time spent and it is good to see that one of the major manufacturers wants to listen and try to improve their products.

[mgcjag]

Great to see you working together for the improvement on the industry and to make our hobby a bit easier....all the best... Steve

[Gfhug]

Angus, that's good to hear.
Like others on this forum I've had, in general, very good service from SNGB. Prompt supply and knowledgeable people.

If you are giving constructive feedback to Julian could you point out that sometimes their overhaul kits don't have the extra little items. Such as the brake servo kit not having the copper washer for the unions, and the engine head gasket sets not having washers for the oil feed pipes. Just frustrating that halfway through doing a job you then have to chase for the extra items.

As I said, constructive feedback, asking if you can get the message through as sometimes I don't feel that saying this directly to the sales people gets noted. (Same can be said for so many companies, large and small)

Geoff

[1954Etype]

Hi Geoff,

We did talk about this as l see it as 'added value' . Why not give customers the option of having all the other little bits required? BTW, l dont think those washers came with the original kits.

[cactusman]

I have one of their new brake light hydraulic switches on test. So far so very good.... Hopefully a lot better than the intermotor crap.

[chrisvine]

Angus,

One of the problem parts I found for the S2 was the heater intake box attached to the bonnet. All the current suppliers seem to be offering an appalling plastic item that vaguely resembles the original. I thought it was so poor I couldn't bring myself to fit it to the car and have fortunately now found an original (which seem to be hard to come by). The resin holding the upper and lower halves had failed, so I currently have it in it's component pieces which would probably be idea to take a moulding from. Before I rebuild and refit it, I'd be more than happy to loan it to SNG if it's something they see has benefit in remanufacturing.

Chris

[1954Etype]

Hi Chris, l will direct Julian to this thread as l am sure there will be other items mentioned here.

[mystery type]

Some items I can remember..

chrome surround for rear window hatch was impossible to fit.
repair kit for master cylinder had a wrong size seal, and as mentioned copper washers are needed
so should be included in the kit.
"E TYPE" script, locating pins don't match as per the original.

All purchased from Barretts.
Its good to know they are prepared to listen and hopefully improve,
not wanting this thread to turn into a Barrett bashing, I must say
I have always used them, and happy with the service they provide.

[cactusman]

Ill second the rear window chrome surround....hopeless...obviously not remotely modelled on a fhc rear window. Hopefully they will have another go...

[Series1 Stu]

Oops! I'm about to buy my screen chromes. Where should I get them from if Barratts aren't good enough?

Regards

[marc]

and a steel roof header panel for FHC, please !
correct Series 1 Dash Top Vents ?
boot rails for 3.8 FHC ?

and with the hot weather today in Barcelona, any fresh drink, no ice please!

[Series1 Stu]

Boot rails are available. Just hideously expensive. I had mine re-chromed instead.

Regards

[marc]

Hi Stuart,
where did you find them? Are they the correct ones with the nicely shaped ends?
Best regards
Marc

[Series1 Stu]

I think all the usual suppliers do them although I can't vouch for the quality or shape and form. When I priced them up for my 3.8 FHC it totalled about £600! Without the rubber inserts. Going from past experience, the quality will probably be lousy.

Re-chroming my originals was the logical choice.

Regards

[frogeater]

Hi,

I began my long restoration with sng barratt uk, with body and some other parts. Everything was perfect.
I'am now (for the last years ) with Barratt France: I must say that make a nut and bolt restoration is very, very difficult, even with the very good "definite parts collection".....

-I would suggest to sell some parts like headlamps, and many others, with the necessary bolt or machine screw to mount them, as an "option package".
-I'm a customer waiting for the bd25351 part (radio panel)
-I'm very pleased with the company, and like to read each month the "banter".

[rfs1957]

My experience is that despite some shortcomings, Julian's firm makes a real effort and takes notice of feedback.

I need some upper chrome-trim clips for the door-cards QUICK as I'd failed to grasp they were different and have no stock.

A quick email to Simon Cottrill at SNGB just half an hour ago, and already there are 12 clips in a Letter Post envelope leaving in the post tonight.

No automatic ordering and picking-list generation via a web-site, but a real person on the end of an email.

I think we are lucky to have chosen a car where we can get help like this.

Simon

[iani]

I bought the SNGB Handbrake Compensator a couple of years back, the clevis pin holes weren't remotely sized correctly. After a very quick exchange of emails with Julian, my mechanism was modified and the design changed appropriately. I think Julian is a credit to his industry, we are all a lot better off for his efforts.

Ian

[NickJ]

I think we are remarkably lucky to have such an active, friendly and efficient company as SNG Barratt providing the spares backup for our pride and joys. They certainly go that bit further as was witnessed at the recent E Type club day at Ch Impney. Julian drove to his premises and back during the day to provide a part for an owner and then went back a second time to get an oil filter for a chum's V12 which was leaking due to poor fitment. He then drove to my home and delivered it that evening. We fitted it that night and did the run on Sunday. Just how good is that!
NickJ Ludlow. Series 1 3.8

[mark10337]

I must admit - I think I am a little spoilt.

I started my classic car experience with the Jaguar eType, joined this forum and soon found and used many of the excellent big name and niche suppliers thanks to people here.

The support from these companies on the whole has been a good experience, of course the odd hiccup here and there but nothing really bad.

I bought a Triumph GT6 MKII recently and was horrified and not being able to get some parts, spare rubbers around the door and boot locks, dash ventilation hoses, some of the switches, window mechanism etc. The Spitfire/GT6 market is meant to be very well supported. In comparison, the Jaguar market is far better and the whole experience feels on a more professional level and not a hit or miss, make do, Heath Robinson affair.

[vee12eman]

For GT6 and other Triumphs, it's hard to beat T D Fitchett. Not sure how good the website is or even if they have changed much since I last used them but they were FANTASTIC when I had Triumph cars of several descriptions, including a a GT6, Spitfire, Toledo, Dolomite, 2500 Pi and others. They did not even have a website back then but made up for it with encyclopaedic knowledge. A phone call would often get the part needed with staff knowing which shelf and parts bin they were stored in. A visit was even better and the range of products huge. I was very lucky back then to be in driving distance of the the best Jaguar supplier (SNG at Bridgenorth) and best Triumph supplier (Fitchetts in Telford.

Love where I live now, but miss those guys!

Regards,