Larry (and all),
As promised, I got out in the rain and checked out the '70 Spit I saw in
the Seattle Times last week.
I saw a car that had bulges along the rocker panels where old rust had
previously been covered up. THere was no front bumper, no grill.
The rear lighting array had been changed. (No plinth, no license light,
no signal lamps.
THe interior was gutted except for the seats. THe gauge cluster was
modified for some add-in gauges.
THe body (except for the rust) was pretty straight and the bonnet seems
to be intact. (there was body hammer marks on the inside of the nose
where it had been repaired. I don't know how much bondo)
In short, not worth near the $1000 he was asking. However, I let his
fiancee know this (he is out of town) She shared the fact that she is
encouraging him to get rid of it and she's sure he will take far less.
But, I saw another '70 Spitfire that I looked at. This car has sat up
for about 10 years. It is now inside, but has spent a number of years
outside and shows it. Mice had at one time taken up residence in the
trunk and driver floorboard. It has a few reus spots, but except for
only one obvious rust-thrugh spot seems to be pretty sound. That spot
is in the rear wheel opening. I can't remember if it is at the front or
rear of the opening, but you get the picture.
The battery box has rusted through. But in its favor is its
completeness. This is one of the most complete "project" cars I have
ever seen. The only things that I could find missing were the horn
button and the original hubcaps. THe dash although dull in finish is
original and looks to be very much refinishable. I might add that this
is the car with the odd taillights that Andy Mace spoke of and a single
Strom. carb. The license plate plinth and all rear lamps are there and
in good shape.
If I was in a position to take on another project, this is the car I
would get.
However, the guy is moving in 2 weeks and needs to move it quick. If
anybody is interested, let me know. I am willing to help get the car
out of its present location and to my place for somebody as long as it
does not stay around too long. My wife is sensitive about that. THe
car can be had for $500 or maybe less, depends on how close it gets to
that magic moving day. If there is no interest, I may work out a deal
with the guy to take it on consignment.
Joe Curry
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