Bermuda Carriage Bells

[Tmooreheadf]

Were different metals used to make Bermuda Carriage Bells or were they all stamped aluminum, meaning the actual outer bell sections? Also, does it hurt the tone quality to paint the outside of those bell sections or do they need to stay paint free!
Thanks

[DanTreace]

Have an older one in the 27 floorboard, it’s has steel bell housings. Makes very loud Ding-Dongs!

Here is a thread with good info:


http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1443290369

[robert daniello]

The early ones were plated brass. Some may also have been plated steel, at least partially. The brass ones have a crisper tone than the later ones.

[robert daniello]

I believe the Bermuda name is much later as well. The earlier ones were made by Bevin Bell in CT, although I have also seen them marked with names of retailers who sold them, but those seem otherwise identical to the ones marked Bevin.

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

I have an early brass one with nickel plate. The sound is very loud and crisp, and holds the tone longer when compared to spun aluminum or steel ones.

[Tmooreheadf]

The one I have in question is a Bevin and is steel. Much louder and heavier than the aluminum one in our 24 touring. Does anyone have any comments, good or bad, about painting the bells?

[DanTreace]

The one I have in question is a Bevin and is steel. Much louder and heavier than the aluminum one in our 24 touring. Does anyone have any comments, good or bad, about painting the bells?

A light coat of paint won’t hurt the loudness. Only dampening the vibration of the bell like abutting it to a solid object would diminish sound.

[Gracie'sDad]

I have a 6v set 4" diameter that makes a fantastic loud, clear, crisp "ding-dong". They are made of steel, unpainted and have no markings whatsoever indicating the manufacturer or country of origin. They came on my car so I don't know the source.

[Tmooreheadf]

This is a plunger type and really sounds great as compared to the AL one. Thanks guys for the responses!

[Tmooreheadf]

One other question? In your opinion, what is the best location for the plunger for best access? I mounted the first one in front of the seat riser on our 24 touring. While out of the way and not mounted on the floor boards, , it’s hard to reach with the right heal of my foot!

[SoNorCal]

If you install a bell, be sure. To put lock-tight on the bolts and consider putting a “catch cage” of safety wire at a safe distance around the bell so that if it comes loose it does not rattle off to the side of the road someplace during a 30 mile drive.

Don’t ask why I think this is important to tell you….

[1925 Touring]

If you install a bell, be sure. To put lock-tight on the bolts and consider putting a “catch cage” of safety wire at a safe distance around the bell so that if it comes loose it does not rattle off to the side of the road someplace during a 30 mile drive.

Don’t ask why I think this is important to tell you….

Or you could get some drilled bolts with safety wire, or castle nuts with a cotter pin, Or you could use nylon lock nuts.