Laura,
the 1978/1979 model years were rather a strange period for Triumph. It
is because the models were actually offered in three distinct phases.
The following is what I have learned from the BMIHT archives:
In October of 1977, FM70001 was built. This was the the first 1978
Spitfire model.
In June of 1978, FM90001 was built. It was different in a few respects
from the previous 1978 models and was designated by some as the 1978 1/2
model.
The official 1979 model began at FM96001 in August of 1978.
These distinct models were not only on Spits produced for the US market
but also for the other markets as well. Only those had the FH
designation.
I am sure many of you 1500 owners can point out those differences in the
three models. In fact it might be interesting to chronicle what those
differences are. Anybody?
Joe
Laura Gharazeddine wrote:
>
> Good day, Aviators-
>
> I think there was some discussion about the '79 issue a few months ago-and I
> think Brad is right.
>
> Laura G. and Nigel
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Bradley D. Richardson <brichard@us.oracle.com>
> To: Ali Mohempour <ali@ucla.edu>
> Cc: Dean Dashwood <DDashwood@softwright.co.uk>; 'Spitfire List'
> <spitfires@autox.team.net>; 'Brian Doll' <brian.doll@usa.hinz.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 1999 2:52 PM
> Subject: Re: Newbie questions
>
> >
> > Ali,
> >
> > Welcome aboard.
> >
> > I also have a spitfire that is titled as a 79, but the door jam plate
> > says it was made in March 78, and it has the chrome bumbers. I thought
> > I was the only one. My guess has always been that Triumph shipped it to
> > the US very late in the year, and it was licenses as a 79.
> >
> > Perhaps someone else knows if this guess is true or not.
> >
> > Brad Richardson
> > Portland, OR
> > 2 79 spitfires, one as above, and one a true 79.
> >
> > ===================================
> >
> > Ali Mohempour wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi everyone,
> > > I'm new to the list...in fact I'm a proud new owner of a '79 Spitfire
> 1500
> > > (first non-japanese car I owned ever!)
> > > The door jam says '78 but the title and paper work says '79. It does
> come
> > > with those nice chrome bumpers though, which I've been told were
> replaced by
> > > rubber ones in '79. So could this be an early '79? It has 50K on it,
> and
> > > has been sitting in a garage for couple of years. Starts, but rough
> idle.
> > >
> > > Anyways, here are my real concerns:
> > >
> > > 1. The radiator is dead! what should I do replace it with a new one or
> > > recore it? There seems to be some clear jelly like stuff stuck to the
> lower
> > > part of it, kinda like a temporary seal.
> > >
> > > 2. There is gas in the tank, but after 2 years of sitting what should I
> do,
> > > take the tank out, and clean it?
> > >
> > > 3. The battery box (need I say more!) what should I do? where do I get
> > > replacement?
> > >
> > > 4. The body and frame are rust free but there is some in the front
> where
> > > the washer bottle and stuff sits (I call it the ledge). Also some
> surface
> > > rust in the driver side food area. Whats the cheapest way to fix it up?
> > >
> > > I'll have many more questions later. The main thing is that I'm on a
> > > student budget and I really want to drive the car, and don't care if my
> > > chassis is power coated or my exhause system is fully chromed (who can
> see
> > > that anyways). Please help me since I know nothing about these cars.
> It's
> > > kinda sad that I know how to modify the ECU in hondas and mess around
> with
> > > the ignition system, but look like an idiot in fron of a carbeurator
> > > (spell?).
> > >
> > > Thank you all.
> > >
> > > Ali
> >
> > --
> >
> > ==========================================================
> >
> > Bradley D. Richardson Phone: 800-862-4563, ext. 2756
> > Senior Consultant FAX: 503-220-5150
> > Oracle Corporation Pager: 503-948-8956
> > 1000 S.W. Broadway
> > Suite 1200
> > Portland, OR 97205 E-mail: brichard@us.oracle.com
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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