Aitch

Thanks, Colin, that looks like a very suitable option. I shall do some recce.

Mathew, Many thanks for quick reply. Haven't tried either of your suggestions, but been around the Rimmer/ Moss sites etc. I'll give them a go. Colin, as above, many thanks. Heater is rusty, but probably well clogged. Controls are operable but in pieces at moment. Don't know if it's leaking as haven't yet tried it, and as I work on the car outside it's a bit too cold to make much progress at the moment. The ceramic heater is a possibility, if all else fails, and agree with you about the separate wiring. I'll have a look at the links. many thanks to you both.

I have a 1979 Spitfire 1500 with o/d. I have just replaced the clutch slave cylinder having accessed it through the Gearbox tunnel cover (no problems there). Underneath the tunnel was a plastic wrapped insulation. Looks like an original part. I cannot seem to find that this insulation is, (1) an OEM part? (2) An aftermarket part? (perhaps even something a previous owner(s) have fitted?). If I cannot replace it could I use something like a 6mm sound deadening material on the underside of the tunnel cover. Any suggestions much appreciated?

I have a 1979 Spitfire 1500 with o/d. The heater matrix/ element was disconnected when I purchased the car. Some hoses are usable and the heater valve appears OK, but the rest is in BER condition, and I have been unable to source a decent one (I don’t think new ones are available judging by the results of my searches) so I am looking at using a 12volt type fan heater (those that plug into the 12v socket types cigarette plug)as a stop gap situation. Any ideas as to the pros and cons of using something like this?

Good plentiful tips, Many thanks Aitch

I am recovering from a Hip replacement operation, but in January I am scheduled for a knee replacement so I will be out of action for a while. In this case, I am going to lay up my Spitfire. I can’t see anything being done until April next year at least. I have already put the car on axle stands, all wheels turn by hand so there is no binding from the brakes and the battery has been removed. The handbrake is off; car is in neutral. There is no coolant in the radiator, but should I drain the water from the engine block? Also, should I put a drop of oil in via the sparkplug hole? Engine Oil, 3-in-one? The car is kept at the side of the house (I don’t have a garage), but the hood will be up and the car is covered by a good tie-down quality breathable cover. In this weather I suppose it’s not much of a problem but with ‘Brass Monkey’ temps, throughout the winter, should I consider putting a blanket etc. over the engine? Spray WD40 over the electrics? I can’t drain the petrol tank so should an additive be used? If so, Which? I think I’ve covered most things with a common sense approach, but you never know! Any other obvious things that need to be done. Thanks, Aitch