AlanT

Pete, how would I test this? Given the flooding issues (new floats and needles are in). Thanks

Did sand the car gently with random orbital sander to flatten off the metal

I used basic B & Q stripper (needs leaving on a few hours) then ‘strip and clean’ discs (go in Angle grinder). Wire brush in drill for tricky bits. Had many layers of paint on my car so took two goes. There are faster strippers but I prefer the less toxic stuff.

Hi All, Got my engine going really well but when dropping from above 2500rpm to idle it initially falls too low / almost stalls before recovering revs. I’m thinking that it’s over fueling and recovers as it burns off?

Yes, stripped it back to bare metal then sent it to the body shop. Still expensive but far better job than I could do

Keep at it! I finished mine today after 5 years…also reliving my youth. It’s fab to drive one again.

Thanks. I’ll go for 25-27 and see how it goes.

Sorry…tyre pressures. A bit happy at the mo!

Just driven it. It’s fantastic! Goes really well. Brakes need bleeding again as they are a bit spongy (to be expected as all new) and I’ve somehow got the drivers seat in slightly lopsided by having too many layers near the tunnel. Every is working first time out. All gauges, heating, overdrive, the lot! So, my final question to the experts…what type pressures for modern 170/70s? The old sorts used to be about 22 but that seems crazy low!

Thanks @Gary Flinn I got lucky with the wheels. They were on eBay at the start of first lockdown. No one bid. Paid£65. Just had to wait (no issue anyway) to collect them.

Well here it is. Finished after 5 years. Still a few niggles (front carb floods after switch off despite new viton valves, may reduce float height more). Back in 1988 (I was 19) I went to a beach party at Budleigh Salterton. Someone had a white, overdrive, 1500. I wanted one but bought a non overdrive rust bucket WNE 963S (scrapped or in a garage?). Drove it for 7 years and it never worked for more than two weeks without an issue. So I decided to build myself the Spit I always wanted. Thanks to everyone for their advice and support. Going to enjoy this!

Like those @JosefBetter start saving…

Hi All, does anyone have a smart solution for these (have got new belts) so that the inevitable scrabble behind seats for a belt is reduced? Aware the original holders are rare and may not fit replacement belts. Thanks Alan

Thanks @JosefI’ve been back to Mike at classic British sports car trim (supplied). The straps do indeed go through the foams on houndstooth to hold it in position. Fitter had to make the necessary slits in the base. Ala

Hi Colin, ive had this exact problem! I got washers that just fit the pop rivets, put them inside the bodywork. B & Q. The other thing is that the rivet gun can’t get close enough to the top of the rivet to make it tight. The solution is to cut a 5mm piece of brake pipe and put it between the rivet and the gun. Then gets right inside the popper.

Thanks Josef. I’ve got a mix of some Park Lane parts but the foams and covers from elsewhere since Owen doesn’t do houndstooth.

Hi All, it’s seat time! Question for experts please. On the seat pad cover there are two straps inside. Presume to make the crease fit. Should these go through the foam? No slit in the foams. Thought best ask before I cut them. Going to look a lot better. When I bought the car (blind) the interior was described as ‘surprisingly well preserved!’

Cherry Bombs! They bring back a few ’80s mini memories!

Thanks Peter, Dick, Now where did I put that magazine… Alan

Thanks. Seems tight, so May unpick and restitch if required

Hmmm. Sort of helps…but how does the grip come off? Mine seems well attached. @Mathewdid you have to do one of these on your yellow Spit?

Well I’m baffled! How do you get a new gator over the handbrake? Expertise very welcome! Engine side panels on. These are 2nd hand but have had a coat of blackboard paint. Using what I’ve got on the shelves.

Great progress. Getting the electrics in is a milestone.

Done a bit of research and the SU site suggests it could be blocked breather(s). A job for tomorrow!

Spoke too soon! Front carb still flooding despite new needle valves and float. As soon as the engine is revved up. Slightly baffled as the fuel pump should be fine as Roger ran it on his car. It has the correct spacer. May swap back in one of the old valves to see what happens. At least explain the slightly lumpy idle. Perhaps the pin that holds the float needs replacing for a new one?