Tanky Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Hello all. I wonder if you can help? I am just about to purchase my first Spit 1500. I'm a bit confused. I have a photo of the plate under the bonnet and the number is 85811 FH. However I have seen on another website that this cannot be from a 1500. Is this true? Am I just about to be ripped off? Please help. Many thanks all. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 If it ends in FH it may be the body number - is it a long thin plate? This one I posted recently from a Spit, it's the long thin plate at the bottom and also ends in FH. It's likely that the one in my photo is a 1300, same shape as the 1500 but more commonly referred to as the Mk iv. I think 1500 Spitfires have an FM prefix to the commission number. (or are they both FH and FM?) The commission number should be on a large black and white rectangular plate above it and it will start with FH or FM depending on the model. You'll also have an engine number on the side of the block that will help, especially if there's a chance that it could be an earlier 1300 that has been upgraded to the bigger engine. Can you post whatever numbers you can find and we'll discuss? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanky Posted August 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) https://www.canleyclassics.com/technical-archive/engine-number-identification-chart Can you check the engine number ??? FH is a 1296cc MKIV Spitfire if original 1500 would be an FM prefix The FH Commission plate prefix was used on mkIV and 1500 after serial 75001 yours is 85811 so well into 1500 production So think you are safe Edited data found Pete Edited August 12, 2019 by Pete Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 ...and it should be white, with black trim... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanky Posted August 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Oh my God. Thank you so much guys. I think I will be safe in my purchase with you looking out for me. I can't wait to see you all at a meet somewhere. I think I'm going to keep it BRG as it is at the moment. It has MX5 seats but I get the originals with it which will have to be refurbished and recovered. Any ideas? Thanks again. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Have a browse at to see all MOT history https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status And when you get it Buy a certificate https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/archive/heritage-certificates Workshop manuals are sold buy tssc club shop always sign in to get members pricing Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Tanky/Charlie - Welcome. For diy seat refurbishing for a Spit there is no other answer for me but Park Lane Classics. Price and quality is second to none. Do a search on the forum. Many of us have used Owen's products, all excellent whether vinyl or leather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 36 minutes ago, Tanky said: I get the originals with it which will have to be refurbished and recovered. Any ideas? Owen at Park Lane Classics is highly regarded on here for his seat foams and covers. I got my foams from him, good price and good fit although you may have to wait in the queue. Damn you Badwolf!!! You're too quick for me! http://www.parklaneclassics.co.uk/ Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Sorry Doug. ... and you usually type faster than me, my tablet has the same spellchecker as Pete! Charley. Doug is correct about waiting, order now for Christmas, but well worth the wait. Plenth of posts on here about auality, fitting etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Whilst covers and foams are available , might seem silly costs for some foams its not a bad DIY job to refurbish at home Just photo sketch where all clips and folds and use cable ties not hog rings Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjit Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 1 hour ago, Tanky said: It has MX5 seats but I get the originals with it which will have to be refurbished and recovered. Any ideas? Unless you're: Looking to make the car as original as possible. Just drive it a few miles to the local country pub on a Sunday. Tall. keep the MX5 seats! Even freshly rebuilt with new foams the standard seats start to show that the Spitfire was built to a price on a longer drive, and nowhere near as comfortable as the MX5 ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 ..but still very, very comfortable when the originals are refurbed, even when like me, you are 6 ft 2 in tall and have to sort of, fold yourself up to get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanky Posted August 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 Might just keep the MX5 seats and have them recovered in Spit fabric! Thanks you guys rock... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 wise advice get t know your car before you do anything,,drive it for a season and list any ups and downs you encounter avoid any must have ideas. stick to the triumph basics and it will do what it says on the tin and you gain confidence the machine will take you out .....and bring you back as they used too. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Twitchen Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 7 hours ago, Pete Lewis said: wise advice get t know your car before you do anything,,drive it for a season and list any ups and downs you encounter Strongly echo this advice, and use of 'Search' will usually answer what may appear to be at first a conundrum; unless the result is a thread drift that at this stage may require some lateral thinking! Going to the local area meet is highly recommended judging from the reaction of some new members down here. Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanky Posted August 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2019 Hi all. Well here's my new baby..... Thanks for all your help. Legends the lot of you. Charlie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted August 14, 2019 Report Share Posted August 14, 2019 Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted August 14, 2019 Report Share Posted August 14, 2019 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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