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Things to do with the LBC...

To: "spitfire" <spitfires@autox.team.net>,
Subject: Things to do with the LBC...
From: "Raoul Rodriguez" <raoul@calweb.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 21:23:25 -0600
Howdy again,

I hope I am not treading on too many toes by posting this to
both lists... I have seen messages going to both, so hopefully
this isn't against the "rules". :)

OK, as I stated a message or so ago, I recently bought a
Spitfire 1500, it is a '73 with a '78 engine... here are a
couple of the things I am working on/planning to do...
If you have any tips/tricks to making any of these jobs
easier, lemme know. :)  My "Haynes" manual hasn't arrived
yet... so some of the answers may be in there...

1) The seatbelts, they work... but I don't like 'em that
much.  Suggested places to shop for new ones/"styles" that
work well?  I want to have the standard shoulder/lapbelt
setup.

2) The brakes.  They were rebuilt in the last couple of
years... but they don't have the stopping power I like,
I have heard that GT6 brakes will mate up with no problems,
and they are more powerful.  So... what will I need/where
can I get them?  I was looking for the front ones in
particular...

3) Thanks to the many pointers from people on the list, I
found the proper way to put the top up and down... and it
looks like the previous owner didn't, so now the top has
some large holes in the rear.  So, what is a good replacement?
I have seen "Colorfast" tops, and they are pricier, are they
worth it?

4) The wiper motor works, but the "Park switch" on it doesn't,
so I had to remove it to get the wipers to work, but now I have
to time it right to turn it off when they are in the down
position.  I have discovered that there are TWO motors that
were used, but I can't find the motor number on mine to see
which park switch I need... any advice?

5) The speedometer.  I just replaced the old one because the
odometer didn't work, and in the process, I broke the end of
the trip odometer reset cable.  The new one works, however,
I would like to reset the trip odometer, any suggestions where
I can find/make one?

6) The speedometer part deux.  It doesn't register the proper
speed.  If it indicates I am doing 50 mph, I am really doing
60... how do I adjust it?

7) The distributor has a dead vacuum advance, so to get the car
to run well the timing is off.  The car runs GREAT, but I would
like to get it running better so I can tune the carb properly.
I would like to get a new advance, or failing that, a new
distributor, any ideas where I can get a good one?  A couple
places that I have called don't seem to be able to get ahold of one...

8) The hardtop needs a new rear window and reupholstery along with
a coat of paint, suggestions?

Well, as you can see, most of it is what I would consider "cosmetic".
The car runs well and is useable as a daily driver (which it is),
I am just trying to make it even better... down the road a bit, I
am going to get the last bits of rust off of it and have the
whole thing repainted, but right now it looks really good unless
you start looking too closely... :)  Which is good for now I
guess. :)

Thanks :)

Raoul

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