C E White wrote:
> I've come across a 1970 GT6 for sale that interests me but I
> know only enough about them to be dangerous
Wonderful! But not the dangerous part, that's not wonderful.
> What is/are the difference(s) between a GT6 and a GT6+?
The GT6 was the original, sold inthe US as model years '67
and '68. The GT6+ was the upgrade sold in '69 and '70, badged
as a GT6 Mk2 in other parts of the world.
A partial list of the differences:
- There were some engine upgrades for more power.
- Louvers were added to the C-pillars and bonnet improve
cooling.
- The bumper was raised to run across the grill, in commonality
with the Mk3 Spitfire, to accomodate US bumper height
requirements.
- The interior was improved, with new dashboard and
switchgear, all eventually adopted by the Spitfire. I think it had
improved seats too.
- The rear suspension was modified to be fully independent with
a form of the double A-arm, replacing the swing axles. (It
wasn't really a double A-arm; the spring acted as the upper A-
arm and the lower A-arm was inside-out.) This was the biggest
improvement.
> What are the weak points I should be looking at on a GT6
The gearbox was the proverbial weak point. Probably the diff
too. The rubber donuts used for the u-joints on the halfshafts
can split when they get really old, possibly coming apart at
speed, so check them carefully. They are available but are a
pain to replace, not easily doable with hand tools. Seals in
brake and clutch cylinders are obvious issues.
I've been told that a common rust point on the Spitfire frame
(but can't confirm from personal experience) is the low point in
the extensions behind the area of the rear suspension. There is
supposed to be a drain hole, but if it gets plugged water can sit
inside.
Another point to check is where the trailing arms from the rear
suspension attach to the frame at the front surface of the rear
wheel wells.
> I've been told that many of the GT6 parts are not available
> in the States but that most Spitfire parts can be used.
Partially true. Some are not available but most are. For
example, I have a Spitfire master brake cylinder (I think it's the
Euro version) in my GT6, recommended by Nigel at Spitbits. It
doesn't have the front/rear apportionment that the original had,
but I sure have no lack of braking.
> For example, are the GT6 floor pans and the Spitfire
> pans the same?
Never replaced one but I see no reason they'd be different.
Welcome to the club! What part of what country are you in?
--
Jim Muller
'70 GT6+
'80 Spitfire 1500
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