TomL

Hi NevSpit, It does still sound like a classic case of air in the system. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you've sorted it out. Always good when you see some results from your work. Regards, Tom

One for the very brave!

Hi, I agree with both the above. My query would be why do you need to remove the hood and frame? I thought that the hard top could be fitted with the hood assembly remaining in situ, such that you get the best of both worlds. Tom

Hi efp, I think hard-wired is the better option. Yes, the Kenwood has a usb input for audio. With the finished set-up it will both charge the phone and allow audio connection. Whilst it'll be wired in, there won't be any trailing wires. Just need to get some dense packaging foam to make the cradle. Tom

Hi Karl, Assuming you are using polyurethane bushes, I would use the lubricant that comes with these, often in a little sachet. Tom

Hi efp and Colin, Thank you for your responses. efp: The amp looks good but for my application, I have a Kenwood head-unit that will provide the amp. I don't wish to use bluetooth for music (though will use it for phonecalls). Colin: Thanks for the link. These dash-top instruments are amazing. So '60s! I have owned the Vitesse for over 30 year and I have to confess I've never come across these instruments - neither fitted to cars nor at the countless auto jumbles I've been to. Just goes to prove; you learn something new every day. Tom

Thanks Colin. I was going to line the ashtray with some dense packaging foam and try to create a sort of cradle to prevent the phone from dislodging and breaking contact. This is the bugbear of the current set-up... you go over a bump, connection is lost and music stops. Regarding your car, I didn't that there were guages available that fit the ashtray slot; they must be small? Tom

Hi, Someone must have done this - converting their redundant dash-top ashtray into a dock for their phone so that it can be connected for charging and audio. I am about to embark on this and I would be interested to hear any tips from anyone who's done similar. I have got as far as obtaining a desktop-dock with a view to gluing it into the base of the ashtray and providing a permanent connection to the car's sound system. Take the phone out and close the lid and no-one's the wiser. That is pretty much the project done but it would be good to know if anyone has any ideas/pitfalls to share. Tom

Hi, I think most people associate the bigger, HS6's with the 2.5, and the smaller, HS4's or CD150's, with the 2-litre. I have HS6's on my 2.5-litre Vitesse and I use a 2500"S" manifold (which has been machined to compensate for the approx. 7 degree cant of the big saloons' engine). I believe it is possible to fit the CD150's to the 2.5 but it is far less common. Tom

Hi Roger, Not sure of the speed but I went for a 48mm pulley, to achieve the correct output at tickover. But this is on a Vitesse, which would have originally had a dynamo so, as Dave says, probably has the smaller crankshaft-pulley (which is probably why the previous Lucas alternator-conversion never quite seemed to keep the battery topped up!). Let us know how you get on. Tom

Hi Roger, I've had one of these on the Vitesse for a good few years now and it's proved a good, reliable mod. I have heated seats (and, in fact, electric windows) so demand is high but the little Denso alternator has performed well. The only thing I had to was change the pulley so that it rotated at the correct speed (I had to go smaller). Anyway, it's a positive recommendation from me. Tom

What a great offer. I don't personally need a Vitesse (I have one) but the idea of the car being kept running and on the road while you're away is a good one. You'd be advised to draw up a legally binding contract to avoid being abused and of course in fact with an aim to protect both parties. Do let us know how you get on...where are you heading off to for a couple of years? Tom

Hi, It does sound like a classic case of air in the system. Obviously one can't diagnose how the air got in without seeing the vehicle. Do you know someone at your local area meetings who you could call on to assist? I am not sure why you'd leave the pedal wedged down (some do this for the clutch, to prevent seizing) but for the brakes, you don't really want the pads and shoes sticking to the discs and drums (thats why you shouldn't leave a handbrake on for extended periods). One thing's for sure though, as it's your brakes, on a safety note, please don't drive the car until it's fixed! Let us know how you get on. Tom

Hi Doug, As Caspar and others have said, I do indeed run an automatic Vitesse. You mentioned that the member in question is interested in a 1600; I'm not sure that is a great idea, and I would suggest a 2-litre or 2.5 would be a better bet, particularly as both were available as an automatic when fitted in the big saloons. There is an obvious power-advantage too. I originally ran my car with a Borg Warner 35 but these, although smooth, are a bit antiquated by today's standards and I would suggest (as others have said) to go down the route of the ZF 4hp 22 box, as fitted to a number of models but popularly known as the Jaguar 'box. This is a 4-speed, where 4th is an overdrive and there is also torque-converter lock-up that kicks in at about 50mph, effectively giving you a 5th gear. The biggest mods to the car will be to the chassis and floorpans, so not a job for the feint-hearted! Happy to share any knowledge if the guy is serious. Tom

In answer to Herald 948's query, no I did not ditch the Konis; I have kept hold of them for the very reason you suggest - they can be reconditioned. Anyone any idea of cost? Tom

I have just changed the dampers on the rear of my MkII Vitesse and have gone with GAZ. They have made a vast improvement. The previous dampers were Konis but saying that, they had been on the car for a very long time and were well past their best, so not a fair comparison. I agree with Richard that the GAZs are possibly a bit underrated, although it's early-days and time will tell how well they stand up to, admitiedly, normal use, say 5000-miles/year. Personally, I would not use Spax but I know some people swear by them. Also, probably best to avoid the unbranded ones, unless others know different. Let us know what you decide to do. Maybe now would be a good time to write to Santa..... Tom

Looks great! You should be very proud. Lovely paint job. Does she drive as well as she looks? Tom

Hi Brian, I did this job on my Vitesse earlier this year. The new bearings that came with the CV-jointed half-shafts made a noticeable improvement (much quieter) and the new, GAZ dampers made a huge difference to the very old ones they replaced. I am not sure that much is evident in the feel of the donut to the cv. I never felt or experienced the wind-up that people talk about (well not from the donuts anyway!). But a great improvement overall and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Let us know how you get on. Tom

Lumenition. I've had one on the Vitesse for over 20 years and it's been great. Tom

I built up a frame in steel box-section for three point, inertia-reel rear seatbelts for my Vitesse. I did it a while ago and now the children who used them are adults and way too big to go anywhere near the tiny rear seats. Still they're there if needed and one adult can just about fit in at a push. The design incorporates a fold-down backrest for luggage. And I recall I used Quickfit to do the alterations to a set of Spitfire inertia reel seatbelts. Tom

Wow, what an improvement! Nice, shiny black paint - looks great. I've just enjoyed reading the whole thread. I was sorry to hear she didn't make it to the Scramble event. Back to the front suspension project, it might be worth considering replacing the track-rod-ends as I assume you don't have much history on the car, so can't verify their age. Of course whatever you do, you'll need to get the tracking done (as I'm sure you know). I had stupidly put off getting mine done on the Vitesse and then, about this time last year, I had both front and rear done and it made a quite surprisingly noticeable difference. Keep the photos and updates coming. Tom

Hi 68Spitfire, I can understand your dilemma; I have owned my Vitesse for a similarly lengthy period and whilst I have sorted out almost every aspect of the car over the years - doing most of it myself - it could still do with more work to make it how I'd like it, and I realise that I don't have the time to do it. I think that the cost, versus the car's value, is not a consideration as I have already spent (mainly in time but also in money) far, far in excess of the car's value! But it's my hobby and I enjoy it. I think if I could get a good paint job to tidy up her appearance for about £5k, I'd give it serious consideration. It would only enhance my enjoyment. So I think what I am saying is, spend the money and see the job that you started, all those years ago, completed. I think it'll do wonders for your enthusiasm for the car. Saying that, though, my reply is of course completely biased, but then it'd be a bit odd if the club's forum encouraged a member to get rid of their car! Let us know what you decide. Tom

Hi Shane, Welcome to the club and to Triumph ownership. I look forward to seeing the photos of your new and interesting acquisition. Tom

Great to hear you're pleased with new shoes. It's always good to hear the outcome of queries posted on the forum. What's your next project? Tom