Victor,
Congratulations on the purchase of your Spitfire. I hope you grow to
enjoy your car as much as I enjoy my 1980. However, you are about to
embark on a right of passage that is the process of transforming an over
20 year old British Sports car into a "reliable" driver. Be prepared to
do a little walking and cab riding. And maybe it will be best not to
leave the house for awhile without bus fare.
>From time to time it will seem like a drag but eventually you will run
out of things to fix.
Buy a Haynes manual. I also suggest the "Practical Classics and Car
Restorer Triumph Spitfire Restoration". You can get it at Borders.
The Chicago area Triumph Club (ISOA) may be helpful.
For the most part though they seem to be into TR6's but there are
Spitfire owners around the fringes.
Now for some random thoughts as what to look for.
Good place to start with are the Brakes. You want to be able to stop the
car. Its much easier to fix the brakes than it is the front bonnet.
Components are cheap and its easy (except for replacing brake lines).
Make sure your cooling system is up to snuff. If you seriously overheat
the car not only can you melt down your engine but excessive engine heat
shortens the life of under hood electrical components.You will then have
to replace your under hood electrical components as they will all begin
to fail over the next couple of months,
One by one at the most inconvenient times. Usually when its raining.
Remember what I said about bus fare.
I would go with a stock radiator but if its cheaper to fix the Jap one in
your car go with it. There will be plenty of other places to throw your
money. Like the new hoses you buy to put on your car when you reinstall
the radiator. You did say you wanted a "reliable" car?
Preventive maintenance goes a long way with these cars.
Expect trouble from the electronic ignition. I replaced mine with an
"Ignitor".
I recommend it.
Make sure the front trunnions are well lubed with gear oil ( not
grease).Jack the car up and lift the front wheels looking for play in
the Trunnion Bushings. If you find any fix it ASAP. Its easy and only
takes a few hours per side.
Listen for clicking noises out of the rear end. If you hear any it is
probably the half shaft U-joints. No Fun.
I've Heard Spitfire 1500 engines Spit trust washers. Check for excessive
play in the front pulley when you replace the fan belts. If you find
movement there your engine is probably toast.
Get catalogs from the Roadster Factory, Victoria British and Moss motors.
Pick up a hemmings motor news and watch for parts specials by various
Triumph suppliers. Spitfire parts are cheap. But a word of caution. It
is better to look for oem parts. I did a head gasket on my car a year
and a half ago and used an aftermarket product. Guess what job I did
again last Spring?
I've had my car near three years and about 30000 miles. It has 80000 on
the clock. Once you get it sorted you should have a reliable vehicle
that you can upgrade at your leisure (i.e. it will stop stranding you).
A cool car that kids wave at when you are on the expressways.
I drive mine everyday.
Eddy Ulm
Spitfire 1500
Chicago
On Tue, 30 Jun 1998 09:44:05 -0500 Victor Michael <vmichael@enteract.com>
writes:
>
>Greetings.
>
> I purchased this Spitfire about two weeks ago and I am anxious to
>get it
>reliable, then I would like to begin restoring it. I've owned used
>cars and
>have done some light work on my own, but I would like to take on this
>challenge. If anyone can advise me (useful tips, where to begin,
>etc), I
>would be grateful.
>
>Also, I live in Chicago and have visited web sites of clubs in the
>suburbs. I
>am very interested in corresponding with other enthusiasts that live
>in the
>city. Drop me a line!
>
>Thanks and I look forward to learning from all of you!
>
>Victor Michael
>
>vmichael@enteract.com
>
>
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