Fergusminto

Thanks for the advice folks. Bruce.

Hi y’al. My Spit is Pimento Red and I need to give it a once over. However I am inclined to use water based paint and clear coat rather than that awful two pack stuff. Anyone had experience of using water-based? Where would I get it from? TIA. Bruce

You’re correct!

Having looked at the top bolts attaching the wishbones I think the spring will have to come out as there is not enough space to withdraw the bolt - the nut is on the outside, not the inside. If the nut was on the inside that would be possible but not in this case.

Thanks, Johny!

Not if I don’t have to Johny but I can see pos problems with removal of the spring-side bolts and getting them back in again. I hadn’t thought of that aspect that Colin mentioned. These wishbone arms are very corroded so I should replace them. I had to renew the springs last year and those spring compressors I have made the job extremely difficult. I will have buy a new tool.

Ah! In that respect my spring compressors go back to the 1970s pos for an Imp or Escort. They (two hooked rods) do not fit the Spit. Can you recommend a suitable one? Many thanks.

Can someone please advise - can these wishbone arms be replaced in situ or are they under the tension of the spring?

Brilliant. Thanks. We have a first class upholsterers here in Comrie (you should see the cars he works on!) and he could do it but at the end of the year! I will contact Martrim. B

Hi Folks. The windows in my Spitfire 1500 soft top need repairing - discoloured and a tear. The hood is fine btw, just the windows. Can anyone suggest where I can obtain the clear laminate? Anyone done it before? Thanks. Bruce

Maybe “non-member” should join the Club and build on his knowledge. I am 73, rebuilt many an engine, gearbox and classic car but am still learning. Thanks again John.

Thanks John. I will put them under a microscope if necessary! I take it there should be corresponding markings on the crank case body?

I have inherited an already stripped 1500 engine. However, the main bearing caps have been mixed up! I can see which one is at the rear (recesses for the thrust bearings) but the other two do not have any markings. Anyone have any suggestions? Also, which way round do these caps fit ie shell recesses on same side or opposite each other? Thanks.

Thanks all. I will check the choke function on the carbs. That is one task I am not very “au fair” with!

Hi Pete Answers! Replaced the waxstats three/four years ago. Starter fine - battery, of course, runs down often but it is a heavy duty one and only a year old. Choke operation is a possible problem. Jets are sticky so I silicon them from time to time. Adjustment of choke I must read up on. no running problems but can run-on when switching off. This could be attributed to running a weak 6v spark from a 12v coil? what is the significance of R rated plugs? I will check. The ones I have are basic Rimmer/Moss supplies. B

Mine has a YC number. When they get to this age it is often recommended to set the timing at the point it is happiest. Battery has had a good charge and I have run the car for a few miles so will see how (if) she starts tomorrow!

That’s the ignition taken care of now. Ballast Resistor bypassed. Can’t say the started any better but at least she started! I suppose, now, I will have to retune the engine - mixture, carb balance and timing. Can anyone advise on the definitive static/strobe timing on a 1977 1.5 Dolomite engine. I was, at one point, advised 14btdc but due to starting probs I took it back to 10. Thanks to all btw - I seem have been running that engine with a 12v coil and a 6v supply.

There are two wires at one end of the BR and one at the other. I will play about with it tomorrow! It would be a joy to have it starting without running the battery down in winter - and presumably the spark in each cylinder will also be stronger when she is going! One can hope!

Spot on, Johny! The car was, originally, a MkIV 1300 but a Dolomite 1500 was dropped in before my time. The wiring loom, therefore, does not have the ballast resistor integrated. So I can just de-activate it!

Sure is an echo! Many thanks all of you. So, there is a simple solution - get rid of the ballast resistor -the wee white gadget - and just join both ends together?

My 1500 Dolomite engined Spitfire is almost impossible to start in winter. It has Sparkrite electronic ignition. Timing was at 14 now at 10. Carbs properly balanced. Could prob be the coil. The car has a ballast resistor and the present coil is a Lucas DLB105 which apparently is high performance but NOT recommended for a ballast system. Could this be the cause?

Oh, meant to ask, what will cause the engine to “run-on”? There seems to be a fine line with this engine between pinking and running-on. B

Thanks for all the advice folks. Bruce

Pete, just what I need! Many thanks indeed. Bruce

I have a Dolomite 1500TC engine in my 1972 Spitfire. Info on ignition timing is very “iffy” on the web so I need to ask the experts here what the ignition timing should be. It has been set at -14 for a few years but in cold weather, starting can be a nightmare. She seems happier at -10 but can anyone give me a definitive setting. Engine number is YC71778HE Thanks, Bruce