PeterH

When fitting brake shoes (drum brakes) I've always put a smear of grease on the ends of the shoes and the back plate rubbing pads. I've always used Castrol PH white grease but current advice seems to be to use Copper Slip. Any thoughts on this ?

I don't know what they did with them. I had used the company before - they did the chassis + some jobs for work, all of which was good. I wasn't at all happy with the result. Must have been the apprentice on Friday afternoon.

Since the rebuild I've gone over to wires - yes I know all the pros and cons but I think the car looks great with them. The white steels + virtually brand new hub caps are available if anybody wants them (no tyres). They are a little bit rough as they were rather aggressively shot blast.

I thought the Spitfire wheels were white. Certainly my Mk3 1969 were.

Going back to my original question about brake cleaner. I've bought a 5 L can, and it fetches off the old glue a treat, and not quite so smelly as petrol, though I am wearing my paint spray mask.

I've used ordinary cellulose thinners in the past - seemed to work. But even these are not what they were.

Thanks guys. Sounds usefull - I'll buy some on Monday. I expect Mill Autoquip will have it. The forum really is the fount of all knowledge.

Excuse my ignorance. In my question about glue removal, brake cleaner was mentioned. I've never used brake cleaner, so what is it and what is it used for? I can see its a liquid - usually a spray, and I guess by its name it has some use for cleaning brakes. But why ?

Many years ago I did my share of 'spanner bashing' on agricultural machines. Come 'snap' time and the smell of Swarfega and diesel still makes me hungry. (Something to do with Pavlov and dogs ? )

Petrol seems to be working. Its not helped by someone in the past on a previous respray painted over the original old adhesive.

Any tips on removing old contact adhesive off metal prior to sticking on new trim. I'm reluctant to use thinners as the car paint is cellulose.

Mine chafe exactly as you describe. I was really annoyed (putting it mildly) the first time I folded the hood after the rebuild and snagged the brand new seat cover. Now I always tip the seats forward when folding the hood.

Cheers Colin. That looks a big improvement. Matches the gear lever gaiter.

The rubber gaiter round the handbrake has completely split (Mk3 Spitfire). Its not very old but its made of the awful modern rubber. It there a better alternative, perhasps vinyl or similar ? I've searched the usual suspects but can't find anything.

One of the jobs I hope to get round to is replacing the driveshaft UJs on my Mk3 Spit. I bought the GKN ones from the club some time ago but haven't got round to fitting them. The workshop manual (Reprint of the Triumph one) mentions different thickness circlips though the parts book only lists one and of course the replacement only come with the one size. Why were there different ones originally ? Can one of X-spurts enlighten me. (You know the definition of an expert is a drip under pressure ! )

I posted a comment in General, sorry I hadn't seen this thread.

The system works (of course). Email completed form (download from website) to Bernard along with necessary photos. He emails you the club bank details. Pay by bank transfer. He then email the valuation direct to your insurer and a copy to you. The whole process only took a day

I ordered the oil and filter offer on 23rd, delivered this morning. I phoned the mobile number and spoke to Angie, she took the details and said that her son was helping with despatches so they would get it away as soon as possible. Great service as always.

I use a Fire Blanket, 1m square woven fibreglass, bought from Toolstation. Their current price is £11.88. I expect Screwfix do one.

Thanks guys. I think I'll save my money and get it replated.

As they seem to be able to paint over almost anything. I was thinking using body filler to get a smooth surface, then painting the whole piece. The quarter bumper on a Mk 3 Spit isn't very big.

Has anyone any experience of the easy chrome paint. If the examples shewn are anything to go by it looks quite impressive. I'm tempted to try it on one of the back bumpers on my Spit that is bad.

How does air con in reverse work?

A quick question I'm sure our knowledgeable experts can answer staight away. How does the heater work in an electric car? I guess Air Con would just have an electric motor to drive the pump but with no engine cooling, air or water, what heats the heater? An electric element? but that would surely gobble battery power.

I thought it looked staged when I saw it, but I'm sceptical of a lot of YouTube content.