Mike Crewes

Thanks Guys, but I have just answered my own question. Original rubber175/82R13 - equivalent 185/70R14 (rolling radius within 1mm) Second line tyres available from around £30 +VAT each. Regards Mike

Does anyone know what the original 2000, 13" tyre size was, please? ... and to save me working it out, what the equivalent (rolling radius) 14" tyre is, please? Many thanks Mike

Tea should NEVER be laid up. It must be used CONSTANTLY!!! Cornish Tea from Tregothnan Estate is the best. Regards Mike

John I have MX5 seats in my TR7 trials car and (at 5'11") I have to be careful not to bang my head on the roof. They are a lot higher than standard seats. Regards Mike

Pete Thanks for looking. I've just ordered one from ebay, very cheap. Many thanks Mike

Thanks guys Great info. Regards Mike

Guys When I tow my caravan with my Stag, I find that the caravan indicators are very dim. Having had similar problems years ago with a Spitfire I know it's the indicator flasher unit that is not powerful enough; so does anyone know which one I need to get to overcome this problem, please? Many thanks Mike

Mishmosh Remember the SatNav is historic, it's what you've just achieved as an average between a number of satelites, whereas the speedo is in real time. The two are not a direct comparison, although pretty close. Remember also that your car was built with a +/- 10% speedo inaccuracy, so anything inside this is acceptable by law, although you may, of course, wish to 'tune' this. Modern cars are only allowed +20%, that is, their speedos can only over read, but by up to 20%. The ACPO speed enforcement guidlines (limit + 10% + 2) is probably to allow for classic cars! Regards Mike

Doug As a former Traffic Cop and Courier legal columnist, I have never come across such a law. The requirement is simply that you should be able to see above the prescribed eyesight test whilst driving. In my view, if you fail this on a journey, as you did, you stop until it can be rectified, either by some means on yourself (as you did), or by getting someone else to drive. I have to wear eye correction to drive commercial vehicles and I only carry one set of specs (no contact lenses) and I am not aware that I am committing an offence. Regards Mike

Simon Welcome to the Forum. i'm not able to answer many of your questions, but 14 year old fuel probably passed its sell by date 13 years ago. You will need to contact your local refuse centre to dump it and it may cost. For parts and advice I recommend Chris Witor; www.chriswitor.com he's a real enthusiast and expert in 2000s and 2.5s. Also contact your local Area Organiser in the Area Directory in The Courier; there may be an expert on your door step. Regards Mike

Flemming Change the front pads, sometimes they get a bit funny and do this, new ones should sort it. Regards Mike

I have added various cars to my policy over the years and it's usually around £25 a go! ... then, I moved from FJ many many years ago. I would follow the advice above, although other insurers are available! Regards Mike

Garry I agree with Pete as well - don't! Hot pressurised, soapy water can remocve grease from almost anywhere, causing problems later. In my youth I was a car groomer and we used Jizer and a hose. Cover electrics first. Regards Mike

Paul I had exactly the same problem many years ago, what you need is an upgraded flasher unit, one that is fitted to a car with repeater indicators on the wings. It will then be powerful enough to light three indicators at a time. Careful loading any trailer. If it is too nose heavy it will destroy your ground clearance. I still have memories of taking to exhaust off on a manhole cover in Wales. If the trailer nose weight is too light it will snake at high speed. I proved many years ago that Spitfires can tow small trailers (trailer tents), if you're careful. I wrote a column called Tourers Talk in The Courier for a while, Bernie in the Studio might be able to help you with which ones. Regards Mike

Richy You may make more money selling the parts individually, but you will undoubtedly be left with a lot. Some of these may be too good to scrap, but that may be your only option. I would try and sell it as a whole for restoration, someone may take on what you had hoped to do and never managed. It would be a shame to break up another (rare) car. Good luck Mike

Jack If no one locally is able to help, I suggest you go to TriumphFest and ask around there. Regards Mike

Colin Oil and tarmac generally are a bad mix, oil degrades tarmac. The only thing that might improve it, but it might be too late, is scrubbing it with something like almost neat fairy liquid and lots of it. Good luck Mike

John Mine was made from 9mm aluminium tread plate, but you might not need such heavy weight plate. 9mm is difficult to bend, thinner stuff is easier. If you use tread plate, put the tread side in the engine bay and the smooth side down! Regards Mike

I agree with jondhm. The early cars had servo assistance to all four wheels because the brake balance was needed to be kept. Later cars probably changed the brake balance, i.e. weeker servo on the front and upgraded wheel cylinders on the rear. Perhaps the original servo was to strong and causing a brake unbalance. The front wheels should ALWAYS have more braking power, because they do more braking. Under braking, particularly heavy braking, weight is effectively thrown forward so the front brakes need to be more efficient. If the rear wheels lock under braking, without the fronts locking, the car will swap ends and spin out of control. Try it on a push bike! Front only braking is much more controlable than rear only! Regards Mike

Jon I can't help directly, I'm afraid, but many years ago when I trialed a Herald off road I fitted it with a sumpguard. I bolted it through the chassis rail flanges, not the rail itself. I seem to remember that it was fairly flat and easy to make. Obviously you need to be able to remove it to change the oil, etc. Regards Mike

Taffius Contact TSSC HQ and get them to agree the value of your car too. Without Club input you only have a contract between you and the insurance broker, with the Club behind you you have a strong third party that will fight your corner if there is a need. Regards Mike

Shelley Contact - dickcollis at tiscali.co.uk he did have a top rated Spitfire 1500 for sale. Might be a bit more than you want to pay, but you won't get a better car. Regards Mike

I agree. I have sent Pip & Frank a pm, but they will both be a sad loss. Having been ALO in the past I know how much work goes into the job and they have put in a tremendous amount over a very long period. All the best guys, see you around - missing you already! Regards Mike