Dick Twitchen

Clive's right, it doesn't really matter. My GT6 left the factory in Nov 1967 and not registered until 1 Jan 69, and the Heritage Certificate says so; just makes for a talking point when people comment on the Registration Number. Dick

Perusing John Thomason's 'Guide to Originality', it is not very clear but I reckon Doug's L section is the closest, and works for him. I have an I section, albeit on a Mk1, and whilst watertight it does mean the lower edge of the tailgate stands a bit proud of the reconstructed body shell. I have also tried a lip ( https://www.coh-baines.co.uk/products/DX-72-%2d-Composite-self-grip-type-draught-excluder.html) which worked but not as well for me; however, it does avoid a rubber bubble (where is this going!). Dick

I used a similar approach to the above when restoring the GT6. Already had the engine crane, which means flexibility in where you want it, and bought 3 friends beers for lifting it off. I did not need the dolly wheels as sufficient space to dedicate to the tub.

Roly, If i may, looking at the photos on your original thread when you got the car the fit of the boot lid does not look that bad (age, Triumph etc). I would hang fire for now until you get the dent/distortion around the number plate & light as this may well change things. Dick

Chris, Had similar symptoms a couple of years ago immediately after filling up, and went through the same logic process as yourself. In the end took the sender out of the tank and found a piece of neutrally buoyant debris about the size of a 50 p piece like a plasticised price label. This was getting sucked over the outlet pipe, then if left would 'float' away....repeat; blowing through pump to tank produced bubbles. The other one to check is if you are starting to get flexible fuel line degradtion that is acting like a one way valve, sometimes. Dick

If you look on the home page on the left hand side there is a link on 'Areas'. If you are a TSSC member it is, of course, in The Courier. Southern Area meets first Tuesday of the month at the Seven Stars, Stroud (on the A272 from Winchester).

Nick. First Tuesday of the month from 1915-1930 onwards; next one is Tue 4 Sep. There are also roaming meets about fortnightly in between times over the summer months. Details are all in The Courier. Dick

Unfortunately that is fueled by the media, with some of the car magazines who should know better being among the worst. Add that to the misguided scourge of some parts of social media, where 'opinions' not facts seem to rule the roost. Dick (got that off my chest!)

Quick look at John Thomason's photos and as consistent as a politician(ish). GT6 - Mk1 sidelight inside, Mk2 and 3 outside Spitfire - Mk2 sidelight inside (same generation as GT6), Mk3 & 4 outside, 1500 (inside). Dick

Nick, looking forward to seeing you at the Southern Group gathering up at The Seven Stars, Stroud, Nr Petersfield. Vitesses in short supply amongst the Stags and GT6s.

But painted/packaged here which means it can carry a 'Made in Britain' claim if I remember vaguely from the 'old'Forum. Dick

Exactly the same on mine (50+ years!).

BC, Haynes do a Restoration Manual that covers the Spitfire, Herald, GT6 and Vitesse and I found it a useful addition to the garage. That and a Workshop Manual (real not Haynes) plus questions here should see you set up. Dick

The most liberating thing about not going to sea for a living, and retirement!

Unfortunately much of the younger generation, fueled by the media and in some cases academia, seem to believe that 'expectation and entitlement' is the name of the game. By the same token, in my Naval experience, even those who find a profession/calling do not believe in sticking with it ('expectation and entitlement') if the rewards are not immediately forthcoming despite them only still learning the ropes. My son (38) much happier and possibly more financially secure having chosen to be a sailmaker working for himself than going to Uni and then ......? Dick

Nick, The Southern Group has several long term Vitesse owners who have been, and are, going down this route. Worth coming along to a meet and talking to them direct about their experiences. Few too many Stags come but ........ Dick

If you could not see where the spray was was coming from it is worth having the engine running and up to temperature then blip the throttle by hand, standing back of course. From past experience (Lotus Europa) this caused a small pinhole/split to reveal itself that closed up on tickover. Dick

Aidan, Yes, that's the ones; assume he did it to clear any 'gunge' that had dried on the valves. I would follow Pete's advice first and, if it helps to avoid burnt knuckles, I use a piece of angled metal rather than a screwdriver to adjust the mixture. Does not take much physical effort to adjust and something like that is almost certainly required if you fit heat shields to the carbs (recommended) . Dick

I had an intermittent problem like this which took ages, and much bad language, and going through all the above checks before curing. Just before Classic Le Mans stripped the carbs and found debris, not hose slivers, behind the needle valve on the rear carb evidenced by a needle valve that did not consistently drop freely. Changed valves in both carbs, re-centred jets, set the mixture and she dealt with the hot weather last weekend no problem. On a US site found something similar and the chap got his valves moving freely by squirting carb cleaner directly into the inlet where the hose attaches. Dick

Just like Clive, stuck in the CLM traffic and the temperature did rise (standard radiator, no side valences and mechanical fan) but not to the 'pull over' stage and on checking levels fine. It may just have been timing and the route but do not recall seeing a classic at the side of the road bonnet up/broken down; my accomplice in his MGBGT V8 still manged to limp to the camp site with only 4th gear before the distributor packed up so going home on a lorry!

A quick thank you to Bern, Angie et al for all their hard work in the build-up to the event, and their tireless efforts in the heat during the weekend to make it such a success. Hardly surprising they were dozing off on the ferry back to Portsmouth yesterday evening. Dick

My GRP bonnet did the same and I fitted 2 quick release pins outboard of the bonnet vents. The pins go through the horizontal part of the bulkhead near where the curve is, adjacent to the clutch master, if that's clear. Been fine this past decade. One tip is to remember that the the bonnet describes an arc as it closes so the pin may not be vertical to go through the slotted plate fixed to the bonnet or else make a bigger slot. Dick

BW, No, but the glued velcro strips I fitted on mine is still doing their job after 10 years if you do not fancy drilling holes. Dick

Fully support Clive's observation on nuts for the splined hubs, you need to check they are the right taper angle. Tea shirt owned, but quickly went to Revolutions on Freelander studs.

Hag, I am the only Southern group member going to Le Mans (again), unless somebody changed their mind since last week! Four cars going (GT6, Elise, Morgan MGBGTV8) but due to three passengers working unable to go until the Thursday 2245 sailing to Le Havre. Not sure if the ferry will still have spaces and as to cost the Companies know perfectly well the key event dates and that, allied to dynamic pricing, means no idea of cost at this stage. Welcome to join us, but my past experiences indicate that whatever the crossing you are bound to meet like minded souls/cars travelling in the same direction. Dick