mbs2013

My first tasks were to replace the clutch pipe which had rusted and temporarily been connected using rubber tubing. Due to the easy access nature of the Spitfire this was a quick and easy job. I decided to re-veneer the dash, which had reached the point of needing a refresh. Having bought burr walnut veneer sheets I stripped the original dashboard but decided to start afresh as the plywood had begun to separate and fall apart. I bought a sheet of 9mm ply and used the original as a template. Using hole saws, a Dremel and a drill I created the respective holes and then coated the ply in yacht varnish to make it weatherproof. The veneer was soaked in the bath for about 15 minutes and then sandwiched between two pieces of laminate flooring and left to dry out for a couple of days. This was to help flatten it out. Once ready, the new dash was put into the veneer, which was then roughly cut to shape. I then applied a layer of wood glue to the dash and applied the veneer. This was then put back into the laminate sandwich and left for a couple of days. After the glue had dried, the veneer was cut to the final shape of the dash using a sharp craft knife and sanded with the Dremel. After a trial fit of the dials and final refining, the veneer was flattened using 1200 grit wet and dry prior to applying the first layer of varnish. In total 8 layers of varnish were used, with flatting every 2 coats, and then a final polish. The results are shown in the attached photos.

So this is the first post about the restoration project I recently bought. It was an eBay purchase off another Triumph enthusiast who hadn't the time to dedicate to this car due to other ongoing projects. Although the photos show a rusty car, it is mainly surface rust and the body is solid, having previously had a significant amount of work carried out before the project stalling. I'm aiming to complete within 2-3 years depending on work and study commitments. I'm starting on some of the easier bits (interior rennovation) even though it won't go into the car immediately.

Hi I'm Matthew and I'm a new member in the Staffordshire area. I've recently bought a restoration project Spitfire Mk3 and will soon start a blog covering the restoration. The car itself has been off the road a fair while and is a bit unknown in terms of its history, but it's a 1970 model in white (well more primer and other coloured panels) with factory hard top. The welding work has all been done by a previous owner, so I've taken on the next step if the project. It runs and drives but is a good way from being road ready. I started in the world of classic cars in my early teens and have had: 2 x Dolomite 1300s 2 x Dolomite Sprints 2 x Spitfire 1500s and a "modern classic" Audi TT. I'd had a long break from working on cars until I bought the TT last year and, having significantly improved that, decided to go for the Spitfire I'd always wanted- the Mk3.