philt:
Hello,
I recently purchased an "85 401 tractor unit powered by a RR 300Li. I intend to restore this truck, possibly to show standards and am looking for some parts.Does anyone know of any 401’s being broken? I am looking for a front spoiler and the large grille badge ( RR 300Li ). I would appreciate a picture of the grille badge so I could attempt to make a copy if anyone has one.
Also, I have been told that if I remove the fifth wheel I can drive the truck on a car license - is this true?
Ultimately I would like to pass the appropriate test to enable towing a lowloader ( for classic machinery ). My background is in engineering not transport so just wondering how difficult / expensive it is to pass this test. I assume I would need a class 1 for an articulated vehicle.
Thanks,
Phil.
Phil there was a feature in Mays edition of classic commercials mag on a 401 restoration- done by M Edwards transport of Shrewsbury -they may help or have some advice
To the OP - get in touch with Merv or Bob Edwards - what they don’t know about Seddon Atkinsons isn’t worth knowing!
In 1994 I was manager of George Hunt Crane Hire working out of Twin Lakes at Croston. The Atkinson in the picture
is loaded with floatation tanks being shipped to Singapore via Teesport to help float a pipeline across a river crossing.
She is an ex RAF vehicle fitted with Rolls Royce engine, I loaded her with an old Link Belt crawler crane with a short
jib which made things a little difficult. Regards Big AL
HI that unit looks in good condition, we had the 401 on a fuel contract in scotland, The lorries were run by R RANKIN of newcastle, The problems we had were water coming into the cab from the roof sign and the rear cab windows, As they were pet reg they had wire mesh in them,All that was done was a sealant was put round windows but there was always water marks running down the back of the cab. The cab roof sign was never fixed you just wiped the water away, The only other problem was the engine stop was down the right hand side below the drivers seat you pushed it in to stop engine 9 times out of 10 it would not work, The gearbox was terrible and if i remember we went through a lot of either clutches or slave cylinders, The ■■■■■■■ engine just kept going never a bit of bother, And these tankers were worked night and day.
.“the brochure king”,that 401 is a beautifull machine 
