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.