RichTeaBiscuit

The tunnel is attached at the far end, any tips on how to get at those bolts? Doesn't seem obvious in the engine bay/is behind panels.

Just lifted the carpets to get at the tunnel. Should I be concerned about this level of rust? Urgent fix or on a to do list?

Thanks guys! This looks like a good video to help explain it

Another question - thought this was normal because of the age but having done some reading it may not be. When selecting gears, I found it hard to find the gear, particularly 2nd. Feels like I'm hitting metal with the shifter sometimes and I need to search around to find the right slot to push it in to.

Cheers guys, I'll do that. I was looking at the Rimmerbros postage cost so the list was getting bigger as I was trying to corral everything into one order.

Thanks! I'll have a look what's been posted and hopefully that will sort it 👍 Spent far too much time trying to pick out the perfect keyring this morning 🤣 The seatbelts are looking quite frayed. Am I correct in thinking I need something like this as there is no pillar loop?

Got that far but I mean does the forwards and backwards movement of the stick do anything? Or is it broken 😄

Thanks, I'm stuggling to find those parts online. Might have to just get some metal and a hack saw!

I'm not sure what the light stick does on the left of the steering wheel. I get it goes up and down for dipped/full/side lights, but it also seems to go forwards and backwards and not sure what that's for, doesn't seem to make a difference to the lights.

Just to confirm, I have the frame. I'm going to order the hood from here Triumph Spitfire Mk. I & II Car Hoods 1963-1967 (prestigeautotrim.com) All I need is this Surrey Top Stiffener - Front Set of 3 - 806696MET | Rimmer Bros Anything else?

That looks absolutely gorgeous! I take it you removed the twin exhaust?

Oh they look gorgeous, thanks for posting photos.

Thanks Dan Before I have another rush of blood to the head, anyone have an opinion on wire wheels?

This forum has been so helpful (I've joined the club!), I look forward to learning lots so that one day I can return the favour. Does anyone know what these mirrors are? They aren't the bullet style I've found online, they are a different shape, are they aftermarket? https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZkfVgKiML9615gaY7

Thanks for the info about the exhaust, it's a shame as I don't want anything louder but love the look of the twin pipes. I hadn't considered the authenticity aspect. Maybe not such a bright idea after all!

Thanks all, I've got a torque spanner coming in the post today. Drove down to Race LTD in Charlwood - absolutely amazing service there and they ran some tests. They confirmed it's the head gasket. Pointing out the engine mounts look quite worn too. It's booked in with them now for the end of the month for new mounts, head gasket replacement, new hoses and rad etc etc and a good cleanup and a lick of paint on the engine. Also getting a twin exhaust fitted. Was hard to stop really since my wife wasn't there telling me not to spend money!

Thanks again. Hopefully it's that simple! Oil looks ok. Still translucent, I've looked at head gasket failure oil photos online and doesn't seem to look like that. https://photos.app.goo.gl/MHkDrLktwDbmDquk6 Underside of oil filler cap is black and looks normal

Thanks for the replies. This morning when everything had cooled down I filled the rad with 2.5L of water. Seems a lot. I will drive down to a workshop where they said they will take a look. Won't be able to fit in a new head gasket until sept though. Seems like a job I could do myself, lots of videos online. Is there a paper/electronic manual you'd recommend that would be a better guide?

Is there any reading material or books anyone could recommend that would help me learn about the mk2 or any general engine stuff that would be useful? I have long... long periods at work with not much happening so it would be great to use the time learning something I could use.

Thanks, I'll check all those tomorrow. https://www.raceltd.com/ are quite close to me so may be a good port of call

Cleaned up and went for a drive. Filled up with Shell V Power and the car turned off better this time, only one cycle with run on. Started smoking again though, got another video. Lots of hissing. I am not sure what I could hear also but I wonder if it was water boiling just after I turned the engine off. https://photos.app.goo.gl/S6vFaEnkmuxnGEhH9 Some bubbling from this area, could it be the source of the leak or just reacting to heat? https://photos.app.goo.gl/yoGwLWhzvCvrgwE88

Billiant thank you for all your advice. I'm at the bottom of this hill with a steep learning curve. I got the roof off, sadly no hidden soft top in the back. I'll order one. Although I do wonder if I'd use a Tonneau cover more - hard to say yet. Good thing is I fell in love with it straight away - oil can leak all it likes, makes no difference!

Quick q - can I use WD40 to clear away the oil? I reckon it's the rocker cover as there is a bit of oil around the edge. Having a Google this could be a straight forward seal replacement I could do in the next few days. I have about 1/4 tank of fuel. Should I fill it with 99 octane to see if that helps with the engine run on?

Engine seemed ok but it was the first time I've driven one so can't really tell you much. It did run on after I turned off the ignition though. Was wondering what that was...

Yes sorry the water temperature gauge at 3/4. Is there a normal operating range? I will clean it up and have a good look and take it out again locally, I wonder if it's the head gasket....