I have recently found a 1971 Spitfire parked in a barn for the last
ten-twelve years. 41K total miles! Problem is the layup and the fact
that when used the car resided at the end of a long gravel road.
Since this is my and my SO's first restoration, we would like some
advice regarding non-off-frame restoration. The identifiable problems
are as follows:
1) Rusted out floor panel @ driver's foot area.
2) Some jerk pulled this car from the barn with a chain wrapped around
the front crossmember and bumper - trashed both (torn & dented)
3) usual interior trashed - new seat covers,carpet, general upholstery
necessary.
4) dirty engine compartment!!! Spider webs, wasp nest,
5) someone's homemade attempt at fixing the gravel dings...so bad they
could have done better with a BRUSH!
6) Marker light chromes lost due to rotten rubber component...whoever
designed this light should have had their paycheck revoked and put on
the dole.
7) Front Spoiler/valance missing
8) The absolute worst differential ratio available...tach out damned
near at a dead stop.
9) Ugly...Ugly...Prince Purple Rain paint job.
Good side:
1) Good frame
2) Great engine
3) Solid body (except for floor as noted)
4) great tires
5) cost me almost nothing!
Money is the usual problem, Divorced single parent finishing MBA at
night, then doing the PhD death-march.
Would like to know if there are any established sequence of
restorations. I have some ideas and am planning a CPM (Critical Path
Method) analysis (operations management concentration showing), but am
always willing to learn from others experience....it's usually pretty
good and REDUCES COSTS!
So this is a general appeal tto all on this forum, all replies will be
greatly appreciated.
Komura1@ixnet.com
aka Steven C. Marshall
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