I've recently acquired a Mk1 Bantam. Acting on advice I've purchased and have it running on a Clarke P20 phase inverter. Woo hoo… it runs! and so does the coolant pump! But on further examination the e-stop doesn't work and neither do the contacts that shut down power on the brake and also the gear cover. So in essence it's not safe to use. Further investigation revealed that the wiring inside the e-stop and speed selector box has been butchered !! The e-stop electro-mechanical switching unit is missing and all the wires have been taped-up. The 2 speed switch is functional.

So I'm not sure what to do now. Should I try to return it to the original wiring? I was giving a box containing the original e-stop electro-mechanical switch PLUS another similar looking ancient device that with 3 coils on. But I have no clue what this is or where it should be located in the machine and I don't know if the device was removed because it no longer worked properly.

If there is anyone who knows about these lovely old Bantams, I'd really appreciate some advice. I'm a mechanical engineer and whilst I know a little about electrical stuff, this one has me stumped. Any positive comments would be greatly appreciated .

The phase inverter converts 220-240V single phase to 415V 3 phase and whilst I've not run it extensively is runs forward. There is a selector switch on the e-stop box on the front low down. This turns it on and selects either the blue or red speed range. So to my mechanical engineer way of thinking. All should run properly were in not for the absence of the e-stop and butchered wiring. I very much like what Ian has done and that is the way to go I think. Hope to be able to run it on the phase inverter. So will consult and research further. I'd post some pictures but can't for the life of me figure out how to do it on this forum. Once again thanks for the help.

Best regards

Nick

Alton, Hants.