[Spitfire Mk IV History]

On 31/01/2023 at 13:54, tim smallshaw said:

I have just bought a Spitfire IV and was wondering if anyone knows any history about  this car. It is a 1974 MkIV in mimosa yellow reg no VYA576M. 

I bought it as a non-runner having been stored since approx 2010 in a dry garage in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Paint and interior are a bit tatty but overall looks to be solid. I'm just going over the car now but it should be back on the road soon, so another Spitfire will be off the SORN list.  

So far I have got the engine running (runs beautifully - just needed fuel system draining and going over) and have freed off the clutch so after 13 years it can move under its own steam. Suspension, brakes and steering to be checked before first run out across the Peak District.

Any knowledge about the car anyone has will be appreciated. 

 

Hi Tim, I owned the car between 1988 and 2001. I have a number of photos, the car had a body off overhaul in 1994/5. Again have some photos. Be great to see it again, doesn't sound like it has been very far since I sold it. I sold it with a steel hardtop but not sure if you have that. The only reason I got rid of it was we started a family and bought a Vitesse

[Wheels]

Has anyone fitted 5.5J wheels with 165x70xR13 tyres to a Mk2 Vitesse. Was there any issues with clearance. Mine is on standard suspension set up

Thanks

[Rostyle Wheel Inner Retaining Bead Size]

Hi, I have a Vitesse Mk 2 with rostyle wheel trims. The inner bead that fits onto the wheel seem to have different depths. Does anyone know what the various sizes should fit? I have a mixture on the Vitesse and a good set (no dents or scuffs) I bought at Stoneleigh last year, but the bead does not reach the raised 'clips' on the wheel

[Rostyle Hubcaps]

As far as I'm aware, standard wheels, I'll try again this weekend and perhaps look to make up the top hat bracket as you described 

[Rostyle Hubcaps]

Thanks everybody, they do have a hole in the middle, with a Triumph centre badge, no elongated hole, so suspect they are 2.5PI. Gary above says they will fit - is that just a case of some 'gentle' persuasion? I'm assuming there is no source of the Vitesse/GT6 fixing rim to swap them across?

[Rostyle Hubcaps]

Hi I have a Mk2 Vitesse with Rostyle hubcaps. Only one ever fitted well, then I noticed that the depth of the fixing rim on the back were different depths, the one that fiited well has a depth of around 15mm. I thought I have found a good set at Stoneleigh at the weekend, but on getting them home, I found that these have an even shallower rim (around 12mm)and don't stay on.

 

Does anyone know what the car the 12mm rims are from (so I can potentially sell them) or whether it's possible to source the fixing rim to swap them over or alternative fixing methods?

 

Thanks

[Broken header rail- Vitesse]

Froc, I've just rebuilt the hood frame on the Vitesse and I put fat side to the front and then as you say just pushed the seal in and it has held fine. I have then put the frame up and left it in place to get it into shape

[Super Flex Bush Fitting Vitesse Rear Trunnion]

Thanks for the pointers but in the end I rang Superflex and spoke to their team. Apparently the washers are not required when the faces on the vertical link and wishbone are machined, so bushes can be fitted without them. The faces do though have to be very clean/no rust etc. I'd had it shot blasted anyway but have also applied an electric wire brush to ensure they are clean. Anyway all fitted and I'll see how they last, made a note of the name and of the chap I spoke too!

[Super Flex Bush Fitting Vitesse Rear Trunnion]

Sorry should have said it a 1971 Vitesse Mk2 with Rotoflex rear suspension

[Super Flex Bush Fitting Vitesse Rear Trunnion]

Hi - has anyone fitted the SuperFlex bushes to to the lower rear wishbone trunnion that attaches to the vertical link? With the bushes fitted and the washer, I cannot see how they will fit as the gap is not enough. I know it should be a good fit but I cannot even get the wishbone on before I add the width of the washer.

[How do i find out the last registered mk1 vitesse conv]

I would go to the original colour, I have the second to last Mk2 which is undergoing a body off restoration. My wife wanted to change it to a red one but I'm sticking with the Valencia Blue