Paul H

The gearbox cover in my Vitesse saloon has always let in engine heat especially noticeable in the summer . On checking the fibreglass moulding it didn’t fit the curves in the floor on drivers side and there was a cutout for the diverter box so impossible to seal . So I’ve made a template and sealed to the floor and used rivenuts for a secure seal . The cutout for the diverter box has been sealed . Fitting was a pig though found that making all the holes in the cover oversize and using milk bottle caps as washers helped. No apologies for the pics as it doesn’t look very pretty but should keep most of the heat out now . To remove I have to remove the diverter box first which is not a problem . Paul

This is what I’m using for the side stripe on my Valencia Blue Vitesse Paul

Deal might be back on course . Seller says it’s a 3.63 as tested by turning the drive shafts and measuring and the prop is a nycro but not a castellated nut and split pin. So a suggested rebuilt diff using a 3.89 casing Paul

Thanks Jonny , back to the drawing board ! Paul

the diff has the later oil breather Paul

I’ve got the opportunity of buying a Spitfire mk4 diff 3.63 for my Vitesse mk2 OD with 3.89 diff . The seller has stated “minimum backlash” The 3.63 would have advantages with longer drives . I travel from Suffolk to the Wirral 230miles regularly and would like to use the Vitesse more on these runs . I know the diff would require 2 extra studs and I would also add a drain plug . At a minimum the bearings on the inner axle shafts and the front flange oil seal and bearings would be changed and although I have not done this before reasonably comfortable about doing this . My question is how do I check if the diff is worth refurbing ? Does the diff need checking over by an expert or could I do the necessary tolerance checking . If work was required on the internals I know this would be beyond my capabilities and then part ex with Fitchetts or hand over to Mike Papworth . Fitchetts current price for a recon is £540 which seems reasonable but what do you get with a refurb , accepting you won’t get anew crown wheel and pinion. Any advice welcomed Paul

Did you buy a refurb diff or do the work yourself ? Paul

Spitfire Graveyard on EBay is a reliable source . Last week he was offering a 3.63 spitfire mk4 with little backlash for £265 deld and it was sold within 1 hr Paul

Ordered yesterday arrived today . Halfords might be improving Paul

Thanks Derek, just purchased the same for £24 deld . Bargain 🤗 Paul

Always an issue with re fitting . Just changing over to Silicone and replaced all the rubbers . I used a heat gun to make the rubber boot more flexible and it now fits the bulkhead . That should be less engine heat inside and I won’t get wet feed in a down pour ! Paul

Check this link Paul

Buckeye doesn’t recommend Alcohol as it leaves a residue and Buckeye used a compressor to blow out the Dot 4 Paul

You need a spring lifter to replace the spring . The Club Shop sells themhttps://shop.tssc.org.uk/product/rear-spring-lifter Paul

When refitting the gearbox in my M2 Vitesse I must have strained the slave piping as there is a minor leak . Using the opportunity to move to DOT5 . Once I’ve cured the leak Is it simply remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder and replace with DOT5 and bleed as normal . I have already added a bleed extension so can bleed from the engine bay . The brake fluid is a few years old so looking to replace this with DOT5 as well . I’ve purchased 1/2 litre , will this be enough to do both jobs ? Any tips appreciated Paul

I use the Stealth on my Vitesse . Works well . You will find a lot of pros and cons here . I do keep a spare though Paul

Yes can’t see any issues. About £40 for a kit from EBay Paul

My seats are heated . The elements were for a land rover . Easily fitted and cost effective Paul

Mgf seats in my Vitesse , much more comfortable and safer than original seats and cheaper than retrimming. If you go this route there’s help available Paul

Jack each wheel before you start Paul

I found it easier to remove the grease nipple and use a syringe Paul

Without this forum I wouldn’t have been able to restore my Vitesse . The info and advice here is invaluable as it’s based on time served hands on experience and you can’t put a price on that . For me the membership fees are worth it just for the forum though understand others might have different views Paul

Ask SpitfireGraveyard on EBay . From memory the last ones he sold went for about £180 . His prices are priced to sell quickly Paul

If you want more security this alarm is great value and works . It’s a vibration alarm with just 2 connections and I think 5 levels of sensitivity . I fitted mine in the drivers bulkhead . https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165530859542? Great price as well Paul

I use a visual deterrent with a steering lock bar , plus a led flashing away , discrete switch to operate . Paul