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repair or restore?

To: spitfires <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Subject: repair or restore?
From: Bernhard Rauner <Bernhard.Rauner@noegkk.sozvers.at>
Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2000 10:53:03 +0100
I am owner of a 1971 spitfire MK IV with approximately 90.000 Mlles. 
Approximately because of the speedometer wasn't working the last 10.000 Mlles 
or so. 

Did you ever ask yourself - Is it worth it? Should I repair a broken doorhandle 
 or a scratch in the bonnet? Or should I start a complete restoration including 
all the work of dismantling, cleaning, an so on?
You must know - my car is in original trim - first painting, first engine (runs 
very smooth!, first gearbox, original clutch!) But almost 23 years of living on 
British and then 7 years on Austrian roads (better than you would expect!) 
leaves a few bumps and bruises. 

So I ask every listener - is it worth it, to start a complete restoration on a 
healthy car?  What is the advantage of a restorated car?  All I did up to now 
since I bought this car in late 1993 was to change the exhaust system to a twin 
system with two endpipes, change the airfilters to a k&n system for maximum air 
intake, renew all bushes and seals and bought a set of center-locked wheels. 
Austrian winters are pretty long (October to April) so I had a lot of time to 
work.

Please tell me the experience you made while restoration, how long it took to 
restore a MK IV spitfire or similar and - last but not least - was it worth it!

Bernhard Rauner
71 MK IV spit 


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