TE 8318 - 1929 Chevrolet LQ Coach

Spicer C14D body

White Heather, Morecambe

An American designed coach and the predecessor of the famous Bedford, this Chevrolet undertook daily tours during the summer season from Morecambe to the Lake District until the 1950's, operated by Jardines / White Heather - who also operated the Society's Austin 16 as a taxi.

The coach (and the 16) were acquired from Jardines by the Society’s founder member, Vincent LeTall, and both vehicles now form part of the Society's collection.

Interestingly, we have recently located a note in the archives from the operator of the coach which states it has a NORTHERN COUNTIES of Wigan body. Does anyone have any knowledge of this or NC in general? We believed TE 8318 had a Spicer body, although no body plate can be found on the vehicle. We thought NC was basically a service bus builder.

Although generally in the condition in which it was last used, the coach has been thoroughly serviced and an electrical overhaul has been carried out.

January 2006 - Work has started to remove the radiator and water pump as both are losing water. The rear spring shackles will also receive an overhaul.

January 2007 - The rear springs have been removed and sent to ‘Brigg springs’ for repair. The radiator has also been removed and it will also go to a specialist for repair to the bottom tank. The water pump will also be overhauled. The rear wheels, together with the spare wheel are to be shot-blasted and repainted. The spare wheel carrier has also been removed and repainted.

April 2007 - The radiator repair has turned out to be very expensive as a new core was required, the cost nearly £ 1,000. The treasurer would be grateful if anyone would like to make a donation towards the cost of this repair. The coach will also have four new tyres and inner tubes. A new driver’s door step is also to be made and fitted as the original is getting a little weak; after all ‘the old lady’ is 78 years old.

July 2007 - Four new tyres and inner tubes have been obtained, and fitted. The wheels are having a repaint; so hopefully ‘The Chev’ will soon be back on the road.

Oct 2007 - The rear springs and new shackle pins are in the process of being refitted.

April 2008 - The complete windscreen has been removed so that new glass can be fitted.

July 2008 - New ribbed aluminium sheet has been purchased for the steps.

October 2008 - Work has restarted on the 'Chev' to replace the window screen glass; this is necessary due to damp creeping into the laminations of the original glass.