Hi, just another new member that thought id say hello.
I am Mat; and have owned my Spitfire '79 for the last year. I wouldn't say ownership has been completely without its flaws; as I recall driving across a very fast roundabout on the A1 with petrol pouring out the overflows on the twin HS4's! Or less unenviable head gasket failure, and fan clutch problems.
I seem delightfully to have found myself a money pit; whereby the pain and work is neverending! But thats all the negatives out the way. Being based in East Anglia; I am hoping to bring it out to some events at some stage, but battling with many historical bodges, and poor bodywork, I fear I may be holding my hat down in shame, for it is a little far from concourse condition at the moment! The question is; is it something people really want to see! Let me know!
I am hoping to keep it slightly simple, with a rolling restoration project (im sure everyone is laughing intently at their screen!).
Big Jobs:
Door Gaps!!!! ?indication of maybe sill failures - or poor sill job in the past I think!
Interior - seats/ foams most definately!
Bonnet - strengthener has fallen off, near inner/ outer arches both sides - must learn to weld and paint.
Numerous panel issues that need attention across the tub!
Mechanical - differential slight whine on/ off load needs attention (oil checked), gearbox oil leak.
Engine - needs a decoke (requiring 98ron to prevent overrun at the moment! Maybe electronic ignition and HS4 overhaul in due course (but ok at the moment).
Full respray!
At the list goes on!
With a small garage you can barely walk around, the jobs will soon pile up - but its managed to get through an MOT relatively unmolested, runs sweat after many hours of blood and toil, and its a pleasure to drive in the sun!
With a full time job, house to keep and a fairly inexperienced skill set other than a father who worked on these in the 70's is an uphill battle. But its all ok.
Its a shame the Bedfordshire Steam Festival was cancelled this year, that was the date set to bring it into view but never mind.
Any points/ hints or thoughts?
Nice to join you all.