Anglefire

I used AF and distilled water after sorting the head out - mostly because it was cheap enough and was in Tesco's (£1 for a couple of ltrs I think or was it 5ltrs? Can't remember - I know I got 2 containers of it!)

Probably more that they require effort. They are not like modern cars all servo’d up having said that when mine were new they were poor at best. But once bedded in - I didn’t follow the mintex procedure (not yet fitted mintex) but basically drove it a while and also got the rears setup better (not going to say properly as I’m not convinced they are perfect yet) Now they stop the car quiet well. But as I have said will probably fit the mintex over the next couple of months and see what I’ve been missing.

Thanks Clive found this with a quick search and you are right. wonder if the issue with heights is the spec for the mark IV is softer and shorter. Though that doesn’t make any logical sense.

Unless the springs were supplied incorrectly - given it was over 2 years ago now, there is not much I can do.

The boot does have some stuff in it - but not 1/2 tonne! I assume the fitted length is correct- I've not measured it! Presumably if I jack up the front and measure them that will give me an idea? Might have chance this week if I get the kitchen and breakfast room decorated during my week off.........

The shocks are koni adjustable and standard springs. All came from Bastuck in Germany as they were the beat price at the time. The spring plate is fixed. As far as I know and remember.

This is mine (well last year) - front is a bit high (New springs and shocks) rear well low.

Going back to brakes. And on my spitfire not a Gt6 but same principle applies. I replaced all the major components but didn’t fit mintex pads and the brakes were pretty bad initially - improved by getting the rears adjusted more accurately and then just use. injave bought some mintex pads - but haven’t swapped them out yet as what i have seem ok. But might do so over Christmas.

I bought a new rocker shaft from Paddocks - bushed and assembled though no springs so you have to replace with existing or new - or use the fixed spacer type ones - I didn't bother given the use of my car. £140 plus delivery and the dreaded. https://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/rocker-shaft-assembly-mk111iv1500-with-bushed-rockers144962xk

Thanks Roger - I'll contact them - and local too which is handy

I've decided over Christmas to replace the buttons in the rear springs, fit polybushes etc. However, I wondering if I should replace the complete spring. I have heard horror stories around the fact that they tend to sit too high and lowering blocks are needed. But the real question is suppliers - James Paddock do a new spring for about £90 (https://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/rear-leaf-spring-mk1v-1500-3) Or Canley Classic at some £235 https://www.canleyclassics.com/?catalogue=triumph-spitfire-mkiv/1500&diagram=triumph-spitfire-mkiv/1500-rear-suspension-road-spring Now Canley I know do good stuff - but 2 1/2x the price? Is it that much better? I might see if I can ring them in the morning and see what the difference is......

Just checked and yes these are the correct ones - I actually bought the pack of 10 for £14.52 delivered(April 2019 but the nuts are the same cost)

These should be the ones you need. http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Engine/Cylinder_heads/Studs_bolts_nuts/CAM4545.aspx?100409&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/flanged nut.aspx|Back to search And no, no washer needed as the flange does that function effectively

I've been desperately trying to remember where I got my wheels and centre decals from - so Gully I'm grateful you mentioned them and I can now stop thinking about it!

I like my Minilights! Does look good though Carl

I fitted LED number plate lights in my daughters modern (Well comparatively!) and they were great until one failed - and took all the side and dash lights out as it failed shorted to ground and took the fuse out. Spent a good hour or so trying to work out what was wrong - the only bulb I didn't take out was the one numberplate LED! So what I'm saying is, be careful!

The Heritage certificate gives you the factory spec and that detail - stuff the DVLA never records

I bought a payen manifold gasket which looked like that in the picture, but came silver with dimples as Nigel says. Just bad photography I suspect

I have 4 spitfire steel wheels from my 1500 - not sure if they are 5J though. 13" though.

Rimmers do a wheel barrow exhaust with a centre cherry bomb - I bought one 2nd hand a year or so ago. Its louder than stock, but I don't think too loud. But your mileage may vary! https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID005656

Oops, do seem to include the car in bits.......

Not sure I like the idea of V5's being up for sale. Sounds very dodgy to me!

I fitted a new head gasket when I had the head rebuilt (PO of the engine had reground the valves and it was burning a fair amount of oil so had the head unleaded and it was found that the seats had regressed) - and it lasted a few miles - found there was damage - either at the factory or elsewhere that allowed water between the 4/3 cylinders and the water way - was a Payen one - replaced it with another Payen and flanged nuts - I also changed the studs, but that was more that a couple where not in fantastic condition and that I wanted to be sure it had the best chance! But as others have said, Payen doesn't seem to be the same company anymore.

Funnily enough, cheaper from Halfords and amazon!

Well. Following on from this thread and also this one I am just going to say I am so glad I got my Dad to do it when he did - as he died last week on holiday (in Germany) - very quick which we are all pleased about, in that he didn't suffer. The way I aspire to go when the time comes.