Anything and everything Spitfire.

Chassis, bodywork, interior, instrumentation.

I currently own a 1972 Mk IV Triumph Spitfire. Its condition at present is somewhat of a sad state of repair (but solid thanks to quite a few patches). I recently purchased the car as a non runner with the aim of restoring it to a high standard (though not concourse). It requires a considerable amount of body repairs (ie floor pans, sills A posts, boot floor Valance & rear wings and probably many other areas). Many bodywork shops who I have approached seeking a quote for the work seem to turn and run as soon as the word spitfire is mentioned (maybe there all ex german fighter pilots!!!). I am leaving the chassis and bonnet at the moment as I believe I have the ability to restore them myself. I do not however believe that I have the ability or skills required to repair the shell and given that this is my first restoration project It may well be better left to someone else who has previous experience in this area. I am however very keen to learn skills in this area. I have already purchased most of the panels required to repair the shell. I am now seeking an individual or firm who has the necessary skills required to take away the shell along with several hundred of my fine english pounds and return the shell to me with all the necessary repairs carried out.

The shell at present it stripped and ready for removal from the chassis (once I find some braces). It will in my opinion require blasting to find further faults and to ensure that other areas are sound. It will not require painting just yet but it would be required to be primed (just to protect the exposed areas from rot).

I am not seeking a rapid repair to the shell but I would like to see the the repairs started before the end of the year.

If you belive that you have the necessary skills and ability to deal with this task or would like to view the car then please get in touch with me either at this email (stuart@smudge0070.fsnet.co.uk)
my home phone No: 01759 372458
My mob No: 07745 127400

Stuart

I know this isn't what you asked for, but have you checked out your local colleges - evening courses in car body welding are quite common and normally reasonably priced.

And if you make friends with the tutor, you can probably con him in to helping you ^_^

Stuart

I've done a lot of these, i'm not offering to do yours specifically (although you can consider me if you like) just offering a word of advice.
I find it is much better to repair the body while fitted to the chassis and with the bonnet present.

Usually a chassis may need front outriggers and front crossmember, these can easily be fitted with the body in situ and then with the body bolted down the floors, sills etc can be fitted. This way you aren't going to be altering the panel gaps as you bolt down the body. Having the bonnet present means you can get the sill to bonnet alignment spot on.
No two Spits are the same and some of the panels available are good but not good enough to assume they will fit if built up away from the car.
It is also much easier to transport and work on a car which can roll about.

Tim

Willow Triumph

Stuart,

I can highly recommend Tim. He's got my Spit at the moment, and has done a very nice job of it so far.

Mind you, I wouldn't be suprised if he never wanted to replace a panel on a Spitfire again after the amount he's had to replace on mine

Chris.

Thankyou all for responding I have had several pieces of advice some say remove the body and some say keep it on. I must say that I am in favour of keeping it on but I must admit that the ease of access while replacing panels (floor panels in particular) must surely be greatly increased. I havn't thought of contacting my local colleges thankyou Mark for that suggestion. I will if all else fails try this approach. I am however very interested in the comments made by Tim and would wonder if you would like to have a crack at mine. Please contact me if you would.

Again many thanks to you all for your responses and would welcome any further suggestions and or assistance.

Stuart

Tim, would you consider having a go at completing the bodywork on my spit?

Stuart

Stuart

I'll certainly have a look, email me and we'll discuss it.
If you have any pics that will help

binpleb@ntlworld.com

Tim

Willow Triumph

Section : Bodywork and Interior

Help required (York area)

Followups :

Help required (York area)

Help required (York area)

Help required (York area)

Help required (York area)

Help required (York area)

Help required (York area)