Gary Flinn

Yes, I don't see why not On my MK2 Vitesse I used that hole to support the rear of the exhaust pipe and the front of the rear silencer off that location with a simple bracket and strap hanger. Regards Gary

Glad you've managed to sort it🙂 It's just a matter of refitting it all to the car now then? Gary

Any Progress yet with the Suspension rebuild? Regards Gary

That's a great result, there are so many Herald/Vitesse models with this issue and it really spoils the look from the rear with sticking out doors! Have you any before and after photos? Have you any idea what causes tub spread, I was told it was when the rear Boot Outriggers are rotted out. Gary

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226013620897?itmmeta=01HQ8J820H6EREGC2AM54GVTY2&hash=item349f762aa1:g:JU8AAOSwORZl1lfR It's not the first time I've seen a Triumph with a Tree/Bush growing through it?!!

Good luck with it and keep us all posted how you get on?🙂

I believe people have fitted Polybushes too in place of the Trunnions, I wonder if they give interesting handling too? Gary

Surely the principle of these rear trunnions is as per the front ones, the steel tube should be clamped tightly so it's correct length is critical, then the Nylon trunnion bushes pivot on the tube, isn't that the principle? I've stripped these down before and found the hole in vertical link way oversize because the rear suspension vertical links been pivoting on the bolt due to the steel tubes being rusted solid onto the long bolt! I can remember reading years ago a technical write up in the Courier on the lower wishbone suspension by someone called Eickhoff, he goes into great detail on the ideal position for the inner wishbone lower pivot point and I'm sure he had a go at fitting sealed bearings in place of the trunnion bushes too. All in all this rear trunnion bush arrangement isn't ideal and is very prone to seizing up. Gary

I would be very wary of trying to spread the wishbone, I believe they are cast and you are likely to break something. I would do as Trigolf suggest and put the vertical link in a vice and then try and fit the assembly using a soft faced hammer (Nylon/Copper) to hammer the wishbone over the vertical link. Another option is to use a couple of 'G' Cramps to compress the bushes whilst trying to fit the wishbone onto the vertical link. If all this fails, then maybe carefully grinding or machining 1mm off each side of the vertical link may be the only option. Gary

Pete I've read in the past that two types of Vertical link castings where supplied for rotoflex cars, could one be slightly wider for some reason? Have a read of this link

Pete You are fighting against the Rotoflex coupling, I've seen people use ratchet straps to pull the top of the vertical link inwards so you can get the bolt through the vertical link and spring eye. If I remember correctly, I levered the top of the vertical link inwards somehow and used an old spring eye bolt which had a point ground into it, this was hammered through when the holes were nearly aligned, another pair of hands is useful if you don't have ratchet straps. You can then knock through carefully from the opposite side your new spring eye bolt. The lower wishbone was in position as was the UJ onto the Differential and the trailing arm too. Oh the joys of Rotoflex suspension!! Hope the above makes sense? Gary

You really need to remove the spring to check it properly for damage? I know the thicker Anti-roll bar on the later Spitfires can do strange things to the rear camber with the Swing springs, but I've never seen it before on Heralds or Vitesse's A good wire brushing and you should be able to see any broken leaves. The dimension of a Mk2 Spring in good condition are around 1012mm Eye to eye when removed or not under tension, the free arc height is around 165mm from the floor to the centre underside when resting in its normal position on a flat floor. Have you got a spring lifting tool for removal and replacement of the spring? Spring Lifter Dimensions.pdf

This car started it all off for me way back in 1981, that was the then owner a guy called John Gregory, we are still close friends I still keep in touch with the present custodian now, these cars can get under your skin🤔 Gary

Yes, I noticed that. Maybe they are getting mixed up with the 18/50 Dolomite? Gary

Brown was a surprisingly popular colour in the 1970's and I thought it was making a comeback a few years ago too, heavens knows why in both cases? PS - Apologies to owners of Brown cars!!🫣 Gary

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166598806517?itmmeta=01HPP047GWXW1Z09C2QWVF61AY&hash=item26ca100bf5:g:Dr8AAOSwmatlzNZS

Hi Pete Can you compare and measure the new Diff and Mounting plate with your old to see if the front plate is indeed bent slightly on one side? Then maybe a bit of gentle persuasion with a Birmingham screwdriver and a wooden block maybe required😁 Gary

Good luck with it and keep us posted on progress Here's a photo of what it could look like for inspiration☺️ Gary

I enjoyed the day although we had to Queue for 20 minutes or so on the main road from Stoneleigh to get onto site. I didn't see any Vitesse's for sale, although the modified Blue Spitfire in the Main Entrance Hall was fabulous. I also saw three cars parked in the corner of the White Marquee stall which may have been for sale, but no Vitesse's Did anyone see any other cars listed for sale anywhere else? Gary

I think the original earth connection was from the Grease nipple/bolt item 35 on this still to the underside of the Steering Rack 'U' Clamp Item 53/55 nuts. Like Pete says, you need to make sure there is a clean connection to the chassis with the Clamp/Nut, or alternatively use a one of the bolts on the Engine Gary

It's a bit over my Budget!😬

It looks gorgeous with the top up too?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315140512966?hash=item495fd69cc6:g:g9MAAOSw5uJivGYQ

Pete There is a car in the garage, trouble is it's the Mrs's Nissan Micra!!😁 I'm still looking daily too, another one's appeared on Auto-trader but Red's not one of my Fav colours. PS - I've just renewed my wanted Advert in CCW for about the 12th time! Gary

I just had to share this, it was my birthday yesterday and to my delight the Mrs sorted me a Cake out😊 Marvellous😁 Gary