GFL

Looks like a 'D' for Dolomite on the 'C' Post and its got the longer boot, a later base model 1300 at a guess. Whatever it is, I reckon it's only suitable for spares, now if it was a Sprint £1,000 would be a good price (For spares) Gary

Colin They both look rough, the Standard 8 is probably more saveable at first glance, being inside would have helped it. Is that an hole in the front wing of the Dolomite, if so I bet its rotten underneath and beyond saving😓 Are you making an offer? Gary

Thanks for all the responses, I will keep an eye out on E-Bay and if the worse comes to the worse I can probably make something or improvise with some other type of bracket. Does anyone know what the internal diameter of the flexible ducting is though? I haven't got the car yet (This Saturday all being well) so I suppose I can measure it then, at the moment no ducting is fitted and I know it helps with engine efficiency to get cold air in to the filters. Cheers Gary

Hi all I wondered if anyone's got a spare Air Hose Clamp, Part Number 151784 as detailed below, these are listed as no longer available and I need one. Also, does anyone know what the internal diameter is of the two Air Hoses (616012) that feed the Air Filters on a Spitfire 1500 and Vitesse Mk2. Thanks Gary 151784 Air Hose Clamp to Radiator.pdf

The heater box/matrix sits onto item 26 the distribution unit and is held in place with the two nuts items 10. Yes, you will have to drain the matrix off to remove it and also the hoses and the control valve. Then the front cover unclips and it should all become clear. I would advise getting new Rectangular and round foam gaskets or make some, I believe someone used to list them for sale on E-Bay. Once you start dismantling it will all become clear how things fit together and work, removing the nuts, items 10 is very fiddly if the gearbox tunnel is in place. Good luck Gary

You need to study the Parts sketch you posted above and in particular item 26 the Heat Distribution box. This either sends all of the heat to the Windscreen, half to the Windscreen and half to the interior or it can be in the blanked off position depending on the position of the Heat Distribution control knob. The rectangular and circular foam gaskets stop air leaking into the engine bay and also engine fumes getting into the interior presumably. The Herald/Vitesse heater was never that sophisticated but can keep the cabin warm and the windscreen clear when in good order. I hope this makes sense Gary

"So, after recently running the car with heater on and noticing that more heat appears to be emanating from one side than the other, I was thinking:- I should look at the exploded diagrams, thinking heat from the heater is as Colin said just instantly percolating into the engine bay, not the cabin (and for the miniscual job of replacing the very original and very crispy gasket). And have." From the statement above it sound like your heater matrix is partially blocked. Have you tried flushing it through with an hosepipe connected both ways, this worked on my old Heater Matrix. Alternatively, remove the matrix and do the same, you can buy radiator flush treatments too, try one of these if its really gummed up. Gary

Mick I would drill out the remaining rivets on your aluminium treadplate finishers and see if the front scuttle and rear bulkhead sections have been welded together at the joint. If this is the case you are never going to open up the gap I'm afraid, I have seen this done on restored cars previously. Gary

Welcome to the Joys of Heald/Vitesse Body alignment! Down load this attached Body Build document and have a read, it will help you understand the processes of how to adjust things correctly. I'm afraid getting everything to line up properly is never straightforward, especially when the cars been stripped down and repaired. It can be done to a decent standard with perseverance, just don't expect panel gaps like a modern car, they where never like that from new. Good luck with. Regards Gary Triumph Service Training Notes Herald Body.pdf

Mick It looks like its moved rearwards slightly to me, although it still looks a bit tight at the bottom of the door? I'm afraid when these cars have been apart, probably had repairs done to them in the past too, then you just have to get the best compromise you can with the Panel gaps. They where never like modern cars when they were new, so just accept a few discrepancies and go out and enjoy driving it😊 Regards Gary

Hi Alan TD Fitchett's used to offer exchange re-conditioned Lever Arm Dampers for the Mk2 Vitesse, it might be worth a call - 01952 619585 You may also find you need some new links for the Lever Arm Dampers, these are available from Chic Doig in Scotland as per the link below:- ttps://www.chicdoig.co.uk/car-store/TRIUMPH-VITESSE-MK11-Rotaflex-Rear-Lever-Arm-Shock-Link-Arm-150842-CHIC-DOIG-p421139348 I converted my Vitesse Mk2 to Telescopic adjustable dampers, but if you want to stick with the Lever arm type they work ok and some say give a softer ride than telescopic type dampers Let us know how you get on. Regards Gary

Mick Yes the tread plate finisher will stop you moving the rear tub backwards, may I suggest you just drill out the front two rivets that fix it to the front bulkhead? You will also need to remove a row of Screws or Bolts that hold the front and rear bulkhead joint together and go through the Middle Outriggers. Don't forget to read the attached Body-build notes, these should help you understand how the body tubs are fixed to the chassis too. Good Luck and keep us posted. Gary Triumph Service Training Notes Herald Body.pdf

It looks very nice indeed. I still haven't managed to work out how much you get charged in commission with the Carandclassic site though🤔 Gary

There's a Dolomite Sprint been stored outside at a coal merchants near were I live for near on 40 years now, it would have only been 4 or 5 years old when it was parked up, in fact I drove past it last night. I also know of a Mk2 Spitfire that's been left for Rot outside for a similar period of time. It's such a shame because not doubt they will be too far gone now to restore and will only be suitable for spares. Gary

I Suspect there cannot be that many N.O.S. Parts left these days. On recent trips to the Triumph Spares days over the past few years N.O.S. Parts seem to be getting less and less. TD Fitchetts are listing loads of parts on E-Bay, so if you can find the part numbers of what you need you never know, I once got shown around the warehouse and they have 100 of panels stashed upstairs. No doubt some private owners do stash them away too for future projects, and I do know someone personally who's got numerous N.O.S. Stanpart panels stashed away for a future rebuild of a Vitesse. All I can suggest is keep looking on E-Bay and visit upcoming Autojumbles too, Beaulieu in September is one of the biggest in Europe and worth a visit, although you need a full weekend to see everything properly. Regards Gary

This is a similar system on a Vitesse that was listed for sale recently, yours look slightly shorter and definitely closer together too?

Lots of Photo's of this gorgeous Vitesse appearing on the Facebook group presently, the owner is a Steve Hill. Regards Gary

Yes, be careful of overheating wiring, the full charge/discharge current will go through that wiring and the Ammeter, 20 to 28 amps if you have a dynamo, more possibly if you have an alternator. I've heard horror stories about the connections coming loose or getting corroded on the actual ammeter too, so make sure all connections are clean, tight and secure. Gary

Hi Roger Wow!! They look great, I wasn't sure about them on a Vitesse but they look superb on your car, maybe the Dark Blue Paint (Royal Blue?) sets them off better. The 14" size might help too, are they 4.5J or 5.5J width and what tyre size are you using? Regards Gary

I've fitted a number of N.O.S. Clutch and brake components to my classics in the past with no issues, although I have seen people raise comments regarding fitting rubber components that are 40 or 50 years old. Some of the new Rubber these days is frankly abysmal, a pair of Rear wheel cylinders fitted to my old Sunbeam failed within a couple of years of them being fitted If you keep the components boxed, out of the sun and in a dry environment I don't see why they shouldn't last ok. Regards Gary

Pete Thanks for the reply, I think they look good on something like an Healey 3000, E-Type or Aston DB4/5, but not a Vitesse. It was more the practicalities of keeping them clean and the splines and spokes staying in good fettle, I believe the spline area/size on the ones to suit the small Chassis triumphs is marginal and a weak point, so I've been told anyway. I know they are very heavy and flex a lot compared with Alloys and even standard Vitesse Rims/Trims. Gary

Does anyone on here have knock on type Wire Wheels fitted on their Vitesse? If so, I was wondering if you have had any issues with the splines wearing or spokes loosening. Regards Gary

Colin If you get the right type of 'O' ring (Nitrile maybe?) it would be ok. Think about it, there are 'O' Rings sealing the Oil Filters on our cars and they are fine, I don't think it would get that hot anyway. Gary

I've seen that video before on YouTube, I think it was filmed in the early 1970's I always found it strange how it looks like a Mk2 Vitesse but it's on an 'F' Plate, possibly the Grill and Wheel trims added by the owner to give it the Mk2 look. I've done an M.O.T. and Tax history check and it states a 1967 Vitesse, last taxed in 1999 so it may be stashed away in a garage hopefully Gary

Surely a tight fitting rubber 'O' Ring in conjunction with the copper washer would stop any oil leaks on the Magnetic plug if it's not a Tapered thread? Gary