Craig, I would look very carefully a this car. You say the doorskin (an
unusual replacement) and the floorpans have been replaced. Investigate the
floorpans, this is probably the number one trouble spot on spits. While
mentioned earlier that they rust up front, my experience is that they rust
more under the seats. Repairs on the floorpans is a very complicated and
involved job to do correctly. Look at the quality of work and make sure its
ok. If he had to replace some panels already due to rust, then the chances
are high that there is other rust yet to be found. (where do youlive,
northern salty roads don't do many favors) The battery box was mentioned,
but I have not found this to be too much of a problem to solve. Check the
frame, especially in the back close to the diff right where it angles up,
typical rust spot. Has it ever been wrecked? Possible frame damage, maybe
that is why the door skin was replaced. Condition of the seats. I don't
know if the '69s had the wire basket for the seat cushion to sit in like the
later ones, but these are irreplaceable and frequently rust/dissolve. Look
overall at the condition of the interior, you can easily rack up $500
repairing seats. Are the seat cushions good. Get a flashlight and crawl
under the dash. how does the wiring look, original, or a rats nest? If it
is completely hosed that is not a good sign. People often tear this area up
and if so this is an indication that they are willing to do shoddy work
elsewhere. The carpets in these cars was designed to be pulled up, so
please do! you will find all sorts under there. Well I hope I helped.
Please apply everything else you would normally do to a car you are buying.
These are some of the things I know, other opinions might differ, but I have
found these to be true. By the way in my experience on a car, mechanics are
easy to fix, body and such is a nightmare. For me personally, $2500 would
be for a car in above average condition. If the car you describe doesn't
have any major body problems or other items, and it appears to be a nice car
from say 20 feet, you are probably in the right ballpark. if not start
looking more in the $1500 range. please note it is incredibly hard to tell
value without seeing it or recieving an indepth inspection.
my .02
Patrick Bowen
'79 Spitfire
-----Original Message-----
From: Craig D Niederst [mailto:cdn@andrew.cmu.edu]
Sent: Friday, November 19, 1999 12:18 AM
To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Looking at a '69 Spitfire
I am new to this list (and Spitfires), and am considering purchasing one.
I have been previously looking at MGB's so far, but I've found a '69
Spitfire locally that I'm going to look at this weekend. This is what I
know so far:
(1) Has new soft top and factory hardtop
(2) Floor pans, passenger door skin replaced, some rust repaired around
lower wheelwell
(3) 72k original miles
(4) New brakes and clutch
(5) Car imported from England when owner moved to USA (but it is left hand
drive??)
The car is offered for $2500. I was wondering what else I should look for
when I go to see the car? I assume the Spitfire has the usual rust
problems present in other British cars. Where should I look in particular
for rust (sills, rockers?)? Any other problem areas to look for on the
MkIII model? I checked out the VTR Spitfire pages, but they were not very
extensive. Are there other recommended webpages with additional Spitfire
info? I know the info I have provided on the car is sketchy at best, but
does $2500 sound reasonable for a '69 in good condition (and winter
coming)? TIA.
Craig Niederst
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