In a message dated 9/9/2003 8:00:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
sinclair@degenkolb.com writes:
> I had previously thought that I had just purchased a MK2 Spitfire because
> it had the push-button door handles. However, checking the VIN number
> FC38247L I see that it falls into the MK1 range. Does anyone know the
> changeover point for the door handles? Was this within the MK1 range or do
> I have non-original doors?
The change actually occured sometime after the introduction of the Mk2 model,
I think somewhere in the FC55xxx range? Seems to me it would be a fair bit of
work to fit the proper latches to the "B" post for the later doors (although
I'm sure it's possible), which makes me wonder if you might have a later tub
with a switched commission number. Is there a body number tag on the car?
Otherwise, the doors themselves should bolt right up.
> My present Spitfire (in US) has no seatbelts, not even lap belts. The
> interior, at least the carpet, appears fairly original. My previous MK1,
> may it's soul RIP, had lap belts. On a US spec cars were seatbelts
> required, or were they an option, or were mine added later?
I would imagine that most Spitfires destined for the US would have had the
eyebolts in place for belts. For example, I know New York required mounts for
front belts in cars sold from 1962 on. I think Connecticut, by that time,
required belts installed. Probably some other states did as well.
> If I go digging under the carpet in my present MK1 can I reasonably expect
> to find the threaded mounts for the seatbelts or will I have to come up
> with some new mounting system?
My own FC3xxxxL has the "factory" mounts in the floor.
I can't help you on the belt refurbishing question; sorry.
> It seems to have the 1147cc engine so that may at least be original.
> Certainly has noticeably less power than the 1300 although does rev a
> little more freely.
Yeah, I always liked the 1147 myself (but then I'm a Herald guy)! :-) But
back in the early 1970s, a friend and I would occasionally swap Spitfires (his
Mk2 for my Mk3) to compare them. My Mk3's 1296 engine was a bit stronger, but
the Mk2's 1147 always felt better to me.
--Andy Mace
*Mrs Irrelevant: Oh, is it a jet?
*Man: Well, no ... It's not so much of a jet, it's more your, er,
Triumph Herald engine with wings.
-- Cut-price Airlines Sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus (22)
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