Greeting to all list members. My son and I have been lurking for a couple
weeks and we have thoroughly enjoyed the "conversations" and learned a great
deal about the unique characteristics of Triumphs. However, we have not seen
the answers to our problems. Let me tell you our story...............
Recently my 19 yr. old son became the proud owner of a 1977 Spitfire 1500,
thus making me the chief mechanic of a car that is just a little older than
my son.
The thought of once again working on an LBC, Lucas electrics, Stomberg carbs
brought back memories of my youth, (I learned to drive in a '52 MGTD). It
also dredged up bad dreams that haunted my youth (Lucas electrics, Stomberg
carbs). After a long discussion in which I tried in vain to dissuade my son
from his foolish purchase I became the reluctant step-father to his little
blue beast.
After installing a radiator from a 1972 Vega and an after market electric
fan, new fuses, several light bulbs, installing windscreen wipers, tying
down the battery, using 3 rolls of duct tape and a roll of Saran Wrap to
repair the top, and fumigating the interior (to get rid of some uninvited
guests) he was about to put his new purchase on the road when much to our
mutual chagrin, he couldn't find reverse. Being the all knowledgeable
father, I jumped in shoved the shifter towards the passenger seat and then
towards the dash. Voila, I found the missing reverse. WRONG!!!! As I let out
the clutch and looked over my shoulder ,so as not to back over the crowd of
by standers that assembled to bear an eye witness account of my making a
fool out of myself, I was horrified at the screeching and gnashing of gears
that that came from the transmission. Being one who is not intimidated by
automotive machinery, I renewed my efforts at finding the elusive reverse.
Grasping the shifter FIRMLY I repeated steps 1-3 (above) but this time with
much vigor. I was rewarded for my efforts with the unmistakable feeling of
gears smoothly sliding into mesh. Again I let out the clutch only to be
rewarded with the aforementioned screeching and gnashing of gears. This
brings me to the first point of my long winded discourse, WHERE THE HECK IS
REVERSE GEAR AND HOW CAN I GET ONE????? ( I am aware the reverse has a
lockout and I dutifully lifted up on the shifter while attempting to find
the elusive reverse. I also tried pushing down with the same spectacular
results as above).
Another question, after spending several hours with the Haynes book and
dutifully inspecting the area that they suggested, WHERE THE HECK IS THE
TURN SIGNAL FLASHER??????? Haynes says next to the fuse block,NOT????
And as long as I have exposed my ignorance, I noticed that the left rear
wheel has a signifigant list to port ( a noticeable negative camber) Can any
of you give me a clue ?????
We wait with bated breath and spanners ready for your words of wisdom and
helpful hints.
Humbly yours,
Greg Postma (reluctent Triumph step father)
and
Andy Postma
1977 Spitfire
|