AAV restoration questions

[AAVlover]

Hi Guys
I'm just starting a restoration and have some general queries.
All the painted items and chrome items need attention, the legshields need some beating too. Can anyone recommend a couple of specialists in the UK that could handle these? I'm advised that vapour blasting is the right method?
I see on this forum there is a book recommeded for checking the original look, is that the best 'bible' or are there other sources/people that are specialists on this model?
The original colours look a bit dated now, so I was thinking about changing them slightly to modernise the look and to chrome more parts - does anyone have a view on this?
All the rubbers have detiorated so I will need a new set, are these available commonly and in different colours - again, if someone can recommend a couple of places that would be good?
On the engine etc, I'd like this to 'shine' probaly more than the original look, shiny brass caps and chromed items. There is a message on this site refferring to this and I'm wondering, is vapour again the way to go, maybe followed by a high temp temp laquer or similar?
Hope to. Hear from anyone interested.

[Steve J]

Did you mean AVV? Commonly referred to as the LDA - basically an electric start LD. My first priority would be to check out all the electrical equipment associated with the DC charging system, and all the parts for the starter motor assembly, before worrying about the cosmetic details. If you need to source any of the electrical parts, it could be costly.

[dickie]

On the other hand, 1950s electronics/electrical components are so primitive by today's standards that you can (almost) certainly get them fixed rather than source new.

If you're lucky enough and belong to an owner's club you may even find someone who will fix stuff for a few tinnies.

[AAVlover]

Thanks, on the electrics, the plate rectifier under the front seat is broken, any ideas for replacing that?

[dickie]

Thanks, on the electrics, the plate rectifier under the front seat is broken, any ideas for replacing that?

See if you can get its characteristics: voltage, current, mechanical dimensions. Then look for a selenium rectifier. They're not expensive but you're unlikely to find one in your corner shop.

[Steve J]

OK, if you are a purist, you might want to look away now.......

I would not bother to try to fix a selenium plate rectifier, or to get a replacement - simply get a 12 Volt Wassell rectifier/regulator unit like this one:- https://www.beedspeed.com/wassell-rectifier-p-9204.html The advantage is that it completely replaces the AVV's plate rectifier, electromechanical regulator and high wattage 'power dump' resistor in a single package - all it needs is a fairly small heatsink. I'm using one on my GP, but there's no reason why it won't work equally well on a 4-pole stator wired for 12 Volt output.
If you wanted to, you could always keep the old electrical parts in place as dummy units, but let the more modern electronics do the work!

[AAVlover]

Thanks guys, excellent