project 1979 Triumph Spitfire!

[Noel Tidybeard]

ah yes that looks a moar sturdy hector

[SiC]

All the fuse box fixings were done late Friday night and I didn't get it finished until 1am. Mostly as I wanted to set off in the morning to Moss. They had their "super Saturday" opening day where during the summer they open every first Saturday. Last time I went they had 10% off. No such luck this time though. Didn't really matter as I didn't need much.

They did have a pair of genuine Wipacs going for £38. I nearly bought a pair for the Midget but let's face it, I won't be fitting them anytime soon.

Had a chat to this guy who bought this rubber bumper converted Midget last year. Paid £4250 for it and he was quite pleased with that figure. Personally I think it was in a bit rubbish condition. But he's happy 🤷‍♂️


Despite not needing anything, I still managed to spend £60.
Pedal rubber (I needed two but they only had one), some carb adapter plastic things, windscreen trim, Lucas 7FJ fusebox, battery isolator and a fuel pump.


The repro mechanical fuel pumps I've heard can really vary in quality. This will be one I'll chuck in the boot as a spare.

The battery isolator was about £8 and seemed to be of good quality. I paid similar for one from Amazon previously and it fell apart within minutes of removing it from the packet.
It's not in an ideal place as it blocks the fusebox. However I like to kill the power on my cars if I can when in storage. Too many other really expensive cars nearby and I don't want a 70s Lucas aided electrical fire.


The carb plastic adapter thing is part of the rocker cover ventilation. The rear one was all cracked and wrapped in insulation tape. Not ideal but that said the engine cuts when removed, so it must have been doing enough sealing. Anyway for £2.50, it's cheap and easy to replace. Front seemed fine so I've kept the other new one as a spare.



Next was the windscreen trim pieces. Mine was missing at the top and bottom. Simple thing but it irritated me.


God what a palava this ended up being. The trim came all unclipped and was a right nightmare to get back on.


Even Mrs SiC attempted to replace it.


Ultimately I cleaned the channel out as best as I could then put a length of 8a automotive cable in it to keep the channel open. Then clipped on the trim as I pulled out the wire.

This got it back in but came across another problem. The bottom piece isn't big enough to cover the gap. The bottom piece just about does. I'll probably get another bit and glue them together or something.

 

[timolloyd]

Can testify that finding a decent replacement fuel pump for the Herald has been a nightmare. Will be rebuilding the original as insurance.

[SiC]

Today we needed to go to Clarke's shopping outlet as I needed some new shoes. I did ask Mrs SiC which car she preferred and was more comfortable to go in - Boxster or Spitfire. She said she didn't mind either. So naturally I took the Spitty as I still can't get enough of driving it.

On the way down we did a pit stop at the local Cheddar Classic Car meet that is on a Sunday. Same one that I went with my father in law the other day in this.

This Bristol was here last time but had its flaps open. I believe it's the campsite owners car.




A "Widget"


This fire hazard was parked well away from all the cars thankfully. Delightfully shabby though.


Cosworth


But I'd have an NSX over a 'scort anyday.



Then everything else












Then ventured onto Street


Finally stopped off at Wells for a quick wander and an ice cream.




Ran perfectly the whole way. It does have an intermittent squeal from the driveline at speed. Not entirely sure where it's coming from. Putting it out of gear makes it go away and it doesn't do it all the time. Hopefully nothing serious and nothing to worry about but it is a new sound and notable.

I also haven't actually washed it since I bought it... It really could do with one.
My excuse is that the weather is far too nice and what spare time I have, I'd rather be driving it!

[SiC]

16 minutes ago, timolloyd said:

Can testify that finding a decent replacement fuel pump for the Herald has been a nightmare. Will be rebuilding the original as insurance.

I've kept the original on there and I'll probably rebuild it if it does fail. But this one I've bought should be a good enough get me home replacement. 

If the original does fail, I'll probably either rebuild it or convert it to an electric fuel pump. The modern electric pumps generally seem pretty solid. 

[SiC]

Pulled apart the thermostat switch last night to see why it failed and if it was fixable.


Looks like the contacts burnt out. I'd be surprised if these were really 16a or even 20a rated.


The daft thing is, the normally closed contacts (i.e. when cold) are far bigger than the ones used for the fan. These do look meaty enough for a 16a rating. But utterly useless for a fan switch!


Anyway it looks destined for the bin.

[Vimesy]

15 hours ago, SiC said:

I've kept the original on there and I'll probably rebuild it if it does fail. But this one I've bought should be a good enough get me home replacement. 

If the original does fail, I'll probably either rebuild it or convert it to an electric fuel pump. The modern electric pumps generally seem pretty solid. 

When I bought my Spit, it came with an electric pump already fitted but I was never happy with it, very very noisy - I "think" that it was cavitating.

Anyway, I reverted to a mechanical pump and on the second try got a good one (the first one split when fitted - maybe overtightened by me) - all is quiet now.

[SiC]

1 hour ago, Vimesy said:

When I bought my Spit, it came with an electric pump already fitted but I was never happy with it, very very noisy - I "think" that it was cavitating.

What type of noise was it making? Most of the (correct) low pressure pumps operate by moving a diaphragm back and forth electromechanically. These make a clonk/clonk/clonk type noise as they work. A bit disconcerting if not heard or used to before but I find it a reassuring noise as you know the carb is getting fuel!

I pulled apart the new mechanical pump. Everything seemed okay inside so I don't quite know what fails. Presumably the membrane splits and that's how fuel gets dumped into the sump. Something that's not optimal on a 1500 which is already marginal on lubrication. 

[Vimesy]

I can't quite remember the exact type of noise that the pump was making but it was certainly loud enough (in my opinion) to warrant replacing it with a mechanical pump.

When you can quite clearly hear the pump whilst driving along....I found it to be a bit disconcerting, each to their own however.

 

[SiC]

I've not used this since June with the weather so crap. With a classic car meet around the corner I thought I'd give it a run. Starting was pretty non eventful even after a few months layup

 

 

Pretty decent turn out at the meet with a wide selection of different stuff. 

Highlight for me is this Elise S1 with a punch packed under the rear hood.

 

The Traction Avant owner could win an award for the most dubiously dressed. Not sure quite why he's decorated himself as a (British) stereotyped example of a Frenchman. I guess usual case of Citroen owners are a weird bunch.

 

And everything else...

Interior of this is horrific as the outside.

I forgot to take a photo of the 1300 Escort Mk1 next to this Honda. The chap is my window cleaner and I often end up distracting him from his job chatting crap about cars. 😆

 

Then off to storage to put this away

(I really need to clear this crap out)

And give the B a start after sitting idle for over a year

 

And bring it home ready to prep for sale. Sad times but the money is useful and I haven't used it. Going to take the aftermarket steering wheel off and put the stock one back on. Also put a standard Lucas dizzy on instead of my 123 ignition (overkill on this at the moment with a standard tune).

Driving both has reminded me how much I like them though. Also reminded me that my B is in remarkably good nick all round.

But needs must.

[Matty]

On 6/5/2023 at 11:32 AM, SiC said:

What type of noise was it making? Most of the (correct) low pressure pumps operate by moving a diaphragm back and forth electromechanically. These make a clonk/clonk/clonk type noise as they work. A bit disconcerting if not heard or used to before but I find it a reassuring noise as you know the carb is getting fuel!

I pulled apart the new mechanical pump. Everything seemed okay inside so I don't quite know what fails. Presumably the membrane splits and that's how fuel gets dumped into the sump. Something that's not optimal on a 1500 which is already marginal on lubrication. 

Yep. Mines under the false boot floor so open to the cabin. Every journey is repleat with a rythmic ticking brrr noise. Actually quite reassuring as you say.

[Matty]

Both sound as sweet as a nut. Going to be heart breaking to part with a B as good as that. Not helping here tbf 😁

[SiC]

Yep. Mines under the false boot floor so open to the cabin. Every journey is repleat with a rythmic ticking brrr noise. Actually quite reassuring as you say.

They sound noisy and unusual as a modern car driver but I imagine back in the day you'd be as used to the noise as the brrr from an engine.

Interested in those old Dolomites seats still? If not, they'll probably be destined to the tip soon.

[Matty]

15 minutes ago, SiC said:

They sound noisy and unusual as a modern car driver but I imagine back in the day you'd be as used to the noise as the brrr from an engine.

Interested in those old Dolomites seats still? If not, they'll probably be destined to the tip soon.

Yes I am Si. I'm just really shit at organising. It's getting them from Bristol to near Burnley that's the problem. I keep meaning to make a Shitely appeal. If I could get them at least north of the Midlands then it's more doable. How many is there? One pair or two?

[Matty]

7 minutes ago, Nyphur said:

Have you been living in a different country? Its been one of the hottest summers for years, no?

Defo one of the wettest tbf. Here in east Lancashire the weather broke on June the 25th and it's rained near every day since till now. The odd good day or two don't get me wrong, and we had the hot week recently like everyone else, but otherwise its pissed it down most days. Grim.

Whereabouts are you? In all honesty it rains a lot here so maybe not representative of the rest of the country.

[SiC]

Yesterday was a year that I've owned this. Where the feck has that time gone. Funnily enough I was up at storage collecting the old MGB GT wheels today. Had a peak in and the mouldy steering wheel has actually sorted itself. 🙃

Plan is to give the garage a tidy up and pull this back out now the weather is finally improving. Speedo needs fixing. Probably send it off to whoever was recommended on here. To name drop as I can't remember, iirc @Matty mentioned them or used them?

[Matty]

I'm down Bridgend on a job this week  @SiC but ill dig the details out when i get home. Brilliant service and a lovely fella. My speedo is about the only part of the car that works right 🤣.

@Mally put me onto him. It's in West Yorkshire but he does do work by return of post.

[Mally]

http://www.jdo1.com/speedos.html

Was much cheaper when  I called, but it's a few years back. Has a complete workshop set up in his front room.

 

[95 quid Peugeot]

SiC

i've just obtained this...... has a speedo, plus any other parts you may require 

[SiC]

11 minutes ago, 95 quid Peugeot said:

SiC

i've just obtained this...... has a speedo, plus any other parts you may require 

Yellow 👀

What's wrong with it? How much for the complete car? 🙈

[95 quid Peugeot]

it's been in a proper "Barn" for 20 odd years no engine, gearbox apparent, bonnet sadly dented to fuck, not too rusty,  i've just purchased a TR6   i got it to have anything TR6 related off it 

[SiC]

6 minutes ago, 95 quid Peugeot said:

it's been in a proper "Barn" for 20 odd years no engine, gearbox  apparent, bonnet sadly dented to fuck, not too rusty,  i've just purchased a TR6   i goy it to have anything TR6 related off it 

Parts wise I could do with a new dash (my wood is buggered), centre caps for wheels, maybe seats depending on condition. Probably other stuff. 

Looks like it might be saveable if solid. Even if it looks a bit scruffy.

Are many Spitfire parts shared with the TR6?

[95 quid Peugeot]

only a few parts, it has a couple of nice steering wheels for some reason, so that justifies a purchase in my man maths mind.

i'll get it home and all the bits filling the tub and boot and see whats there .

if you pm me if you have WhatsApp i'll fwd a tiny walk around vid 

[SiC]

I awoke her from her slumber 

Took a fair bit of cranking but then that's to be expected from a mechanical fuel pump.

Left a bay in storage free for something else in the near future (hopefully)

And back home!

Drove alright even if the Speedo was completely dead. 

Jobs:

 - Clean all the shite off that falls from the old battery chicken cages above in storage. 

 - Tighten up the battery clamp wire screws as they're pretty loose

 - Oil + filter change

 - Grease points (need to remember where they are...)

 - Replace the Speedo cable and remove the Speedo to send it off for repair. Dig out the old Dolomite Speedo and plug that in as a temporary replacement.

[N Dentressangle]

Still looking VERY pretty

[SiC]

Front end I pumped grease into the kingpins and there was also grease nipples on the trackrods ends which I gave a good dose too. 

Washed it in the rain to remove all the detritus from storage. 

 

Handy having a garage as it meant I could actually dry it...

 

Redid the battery terminal wires as they weren't being held very well by the screws. I folded the wire back on itself to fill out the clamp more.

 

Pulled the tops of the carbs off to give the dashpots a bit of a clean and re-oil. Noticed the front float bowl wobbles around a lot. I guess there shouldn't be that much movement?

I'd imagine it affects the float level and thus mixture. Plus vibration frothing the fuel up.

 

 

Looking at a parts diagram, the special rubber washer thing to hold it in place is available but at a cool £13 for that tiny bit of rubber. Might give Moss a call on Tuesday and see if they have one in stock or at least able to get it in for me.

Quite therapeutic going through an old car with the garage door open whilst listening to the rain lashing down outside in an evening.

[tooSavvy]

@SiC... "... going through an old car with the garage door open whilst listening to the rain lashing down outside in an evening".

Ba##td 🤬

👍✔️

🚙💨

[SiC]

I probably should post an update on this. 

Weather has been shite, so not really had any urge to go out. I have however replaced the Speedo cable to try getting the Speedometer working again. 

This involves removing the transmission tunnel cover in the cockpit (spitfire right). You can't get to the cable underneath. The job has taken nearly 3 weeks in total. While a bit of a pain to get the cover off (the support in the middle was an arse), that was about 3 evenings work. So pictures a bit piecemeal. That has been in-between doing stuff on the 330i which has been a priority being a daily driver. Time is at a right premium for me right now.

The Speedo drive is attached to the gearbox by a right angle converter pointed at by the screwdriver.

I then removed the speedo unit itself and tested with a drill. Worked fine. Also pretty much matched the speed of my spare unit (from the scrapped Dolomite 1300). Just a few mph down compared to it at 100kph indicated.

Dolomite Speedo - notice the curious difference of a slightly different number of speed markers.

I'd already pulled this apart and inspected. When I put it together I think the cable was slightly damaged when trying to align up.

While under the dash, I noticed a wire with damaged insulation. I think this is a main power feed to the ignition switch. Not something you want to short against the body neutral. Something that could easily cause a fire. 

I replaced the cable.

Then put it all back together. Must have taken nearly 3hrs to get that retched dash support back in. I can see why even mundane classics in garages can generate big bills. 

Took it for a spin and the speedometer at least works now. It's accurate to about 50mph and then I've noticed it starts not going up as much. 60mph is actually 65mph GPS. I suspect it needs a clean out and regrease probably. That might be a job to send it off to a professional though. For now it works enough that I can use the car with some idea of what speed I'm doing. Maybe when the season draws to an end it'll be sent off. Mostly I don't want to be going through getting that unit out of the dash quite so soon!

 

Yesterday I did an oil change. Easiest car ever to do it. Don't even need to jack it up as soon much access under the bonnet.

Despite this, I managed to overfill the oil. Supposed to take 4.5l with filter change. However I put in 4l and it was still above max even after starting to prime the filter. The car has an oil cooler retrofitted, so I might undo the fitting on that to drain all it's oil. Hopefully enough to get it back to a normal level.

Hopefully with summer looking to have finally arrived, I'll get a few good runs out in it. 

[N Dentressangle]

The goalpost dash support thing has to be one of the stupidest, shonkiest designs ever. A real bodge to fix the issue of scuttle stability, and a total wanker to get in and out because of the really tight fit.

When I got that car there was no support fitted, so I had to find one on Ebay. What was actually worse was that the steering column has a tie bar which bolts to the dash support and stops the column waggling side to side, so of course that wasn't attached to anything either. At least you've avoided the fun* of tapping out the ancient, gunged up captive nuts in the chassis that the dash support bolts down to...

If I never have to fit another Spit dash support it will be too soon.

[SiC]

Yeah it was going through my mind that fitting it must have been the most hated job in Canley. 

I need to figure a way of tightening up the column support. There is a ridiculous amount of flex anyway from the design but the loose side to side motion gets a bit annoying. I have some felt pad that is for a column shaft, I might use that. 

Having a look through Anglia Car Auction results from yesterday, I've noticed that both Spitfires and MGBs are going well under 4k now for many examples. Even a GT6 (albeit a bit tatty from the photos) didn't sell that had a estimate of 6k to 8k. For that money I'd been tempted. Or the Capri 2.8i injection that was sub 10k...

https://angliacarauctions.co.uk/classic-auctions/2649-22-Jun-2024