We have been discussing some other modifications that we could possibly incorporate into the restoration of the this car.
Interior: There is no room to properly install a spitfire tranny in the car due to the lack of a decent size tranny tunnel. Since there is a lot of floor to repair, we will be building a big enough tunnel to accommodate a spitfire tranny. In addition, there will be a pedestal between the tranny tunnel and the parcel shelf to accommodate a sound system. I would like to have higher seat backs. Miata seats have been suggested, as they would also have speakers in them to go with the sound system. At least 1 additional ceiling light will be added. GPS will be part of the new instrument cluster, and possibly a tach.
Exterior: There are 2 areas that have been discussed, the grill and a third brake light.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Fortuitus Rust Bucket
This poor little Triumph was on Ebay about a month after I bought mine. It was on the east coast, so there was no way I was going to bid on it.
It went to a guy who needed it for the rear axle. That was actually the demise of a number of these cars, the fact that they used the same rear axle as the Lotus Seven. The new owner has 2 Lotus Sevens.
After contacting him, he is pleased to find someone who will be able use the Triumph parts for the price of helping with the auction price of $200. Cool, eh?
Back Bumper, Hub Caps, Bonnet Hinges, Headlight Surrounds, Chrome trim around the rear window, wiper motor, Tie Rods and Tie Rod Ends, left front bottom wishbone, and the yet unnamed "U-shaped pieces" that attach to the bottom of the front shocks.
Other folks want the "mustache" and front grill, sun visors, and any available chrome side trim.
JACKPOT!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
status, prioritizing
11/26/07
I've spent a day with the car, and removed the seats and carpet. That took alot of time because of seized bolts and spinning captured nuts. But they came out and I'm down to stripping the black gunk stuff that the Brits liked to use under the carpet.
Here's the status:
Front end: The left tie rod is bent, she can't be driven because she's pigeontoed. She's also missing her front shock absorbers, plus the U shaped part that the lower end of the shock fits into. Looks like I can get these parts from KIP Motors. Hopefully, when we get these parts in, she can be more easily moved around the shop. However, the short term goal would be to be able to move it out of the shop.
Engine/Engine Compartment: We think she may start. This will be the second priority after the front end. Long term goal would be a spitfire 1500cc engine. Commission plate needs to be cleaned of blue overspray. Heater blower present and probably in need of reconditioning. Probably could use a new radiator, original looks like it is a single row radiator.
Interior: Total restoration required in the long term. Media blasting is going to be needed to put her in presentable condition. New headliner, rubber for the windows, new door seals, new door and interior panels, new upholstery, new carpet. Seal the floor holes. The transmission modifications will require some kind of tunnel installation. Brake lever is frozen in position, fortunately it is not applied. I want to modify the dash to present an open package compartment similar to other cars of the era. This may require some kind of control/instrument panel in the center. The bakelite around the speedometer has been coated with blue overspray. New steeringwheel is needed, as is a new trafficator. Centermounted mirror is present but needs cleaning and possible glass replacement. Sun visors are also present but need reconditioning.
In the short term, POR15 on the floor. Towels on the seats? Temporarily no back seat.
Exterior: Chrome - descision needs to be made as to whether to repair trim chrome or go without. Need 1 headlamp trim, 2 bonnet hinges, rear "TRIUMPH" chrome. Probably need a new rear bumper. Front needs to be straightened and rechromed.
Paint: Rick thinks that a San Marino Red (ala Izzy) and Antique White. If we're going to do that color red, maybe tan would be a better combination, to match Izzy. However, Kristen has nixed that use of the same color red.
I've spent a day with the car, and removed the seats and carpet. That took alot of time because of seized bolts and spinning captured nuts. But they came out and I'm down to stripping the black gunk stuff that the Brits liked to use under the carpet.
Here's the status:
Front end: The left tie rod is bent, she can't be driven because she's pigeontoed. She's also missing her front shock absorbers, plus the U shaped part that the lower end of the shock fits into. Looks like I can get these parts from KIP Motors. Hopefully, when we get these parts in, she can be more easily moved around the shop. However, the short term goal would be to be able to move it out of the shop.
Engine/Engine Compartment: We think she may start. This will be the second priority after the front end. Long term goal would be a spitfire 1500cc engine. Commission plate needs to be cleaned of blue overspray. Heater blower present and probably in need of reconditioning. Probably could use a new radiator, original looks like it is a single row radiator.
Interior: Total restoration required in the long term. Media blasting is going to be needed to put her in presentable condition. New headliner, rubber for the windows, new door seals, new door and interior panels, new upholstery, new carpet. Seal the floor holes. The transmission modifications will require some kind of tunnel installation. Brake lever is frozen in position, fortunately it is not applied. I want to modify the dash to present an open package compartment similar to other cars of the era. This may require some kind of control/instrument panel in the center. The bakelite around the speedometer has been coated with blue overspray. New steeringwheel is needed, as is a new trafficator. Centermounted mirror is present but needs cleaning and possible glass replacement. Sun visors are also present but need reconditioning.
In the short term, POR15 on the floor. Towels on the seats? Temporarily no back seat.
Exterior: Chrome - descision needs to be made as to whether to repair trim chrome or go without. Need 1 headlamp trim, 2 bonnet hinges, rear "TRIUMPH" chrome. Probably need a new rear bumper. Front needs to be straightened and rechromed.
Paint: Rick thinks that a San Marino Red (ala Izzy) and Antique White. If we're going to do that color red, maybe tan would be a better combination, to match Izzy. However, Kristen has nixed that use of the same color red.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)