matclynes

I've bought it as it happens, and the welding-assembly part is no doubt above my abilities, but I have got a very nice semi retired restorer through the garage that repairs my business vehicles and he's happy to take it on "in his own timeline" for shits and giggles (and beer money) (and a ride when its finished) I've seen some of his previous jobs and for 72 he's got it down pat. I've go that much more to be doing if it takes him 6 months it will still be on time.

I've found a full kit of parts baring light housings for 900+ I would imaging 25-30 hours of labour would go into putting it together, but all in all not as bad as I 1st thought

Wow. Some really useful comments, thanks for that. I will follow up on all the options given over the next few days. I finally got some paperwork on the car this morning, it was built in 1962 and not registered till 65, it was last taxed in 1982 after an engine failure it was put in a garage and forgotten about until listed on ebay as a mark2, I bought it as a donor car for my other 65 MK2 and realised what it was, hence it taking priority. (I'd nick the bonnet off the other car but its fibre glass). The Mk3 bonnet option sounds interesting as I have a new grille panel that was in the boot of the car when purchased. as for fabricating a new one from a pattern, you could try? I actually drove from Manchester to Poole last week and collected an engine (chassis&front suspension spare if anyone needs it) as its early enough to suit the car. Thanks again Mat

I'm still pondering, may take it back by hand, I'm not in a rush. and my time will undoubtedly be cheaper than anyone elses

Hi, I'm restoring an early 4 Mk2 and have almost all the parts required now, I am however stuck on a few bits. Engine bay is all sorted, suspension sorted, brakes sorted etc, Body seems to be the sticking point, the bonnet is rotten as hell and beyond my skills, the doors are bad but salvageable if I can't find any. And the front and rear bumpers are "****" to far gone to even contemplate re-chrome. If anyone has a bonnet or bumpers at a realistic price it would be great to hear from you. The front grille is missing so that would be brilliant to find. Cooling system is lacking a radiator and I would prefer a correct version not an upgrade. Hope this post isn't bending any rules. regards Mat

As it's off now, I made a pair of braces using the hinge bolt holes and a plate adapted to fit the door latch, took about an hour to make with some plate and a bit of box section, the next question is as it is almost rust free on the surface should i dip the tub or blast it. heard bad things about dipping but it makes sense to me?

Thanks for that I Doubt it will be possible to find the true number for the engine, I'll see what numbers "appear" when I strip it down. I'll let you know,

Sorry Peter, That last post was "shortened" by my poor IT skills, I've been offered an engine for my 4Mk2, that is an early recon unit from Stanpart, the original engine numbers have been removed, and replaced with a brass plate by the re-manufacture I understand from reviewing a collection of old posts it was a common remedy on warranty claims for TR4's? with cylinder liners being replaced and the brass tag added. The only evidence on this unit is the brass plate and stanpart motif, with FC1450, I assume possibly incorrectly the FC, denotes a spitfire unit, and 1450 would be the engine number via their number of reconditioned units, Any thoughts or previous experience of this would be appreciated .

FC1450, brass plate

Hi, Does anyone have information on dating a Stanpart Reconditioning code? or finding out the donor engine's original designation? Thanks

Thanks, Looking at the picture of the brace I could fabricate a couple within an hour if I needed to.

thanks, Is it prudent to weld in additional supports or will a pair of these suffice? The body off option greatly appeals

Having read a number of older posts, Does anyone regret taking the body off the chassis, can it be done well without taking it off? the panel gaps are currently really good on one car and utterly awful on the other,

Hi, I'm starting to rebuild 2 Mk2 Spitfire's and not had these before, (usually Heralds) or the space to do a full body off restoration before now, any tips on where to get the required supports or how to make them would be greatly appreciated.