Anything and everything Spitfire.

Alternators, dynamos, lights, wipers, etc.

Hello fellow spit enthusiasts. First time poster here, so apologies if any protocols are missed!

My spit recently failed its MOT due to several electrical problems. As I had a brand new wiring loom waiting, I have decided to replace it completely. That's not the reason for my posting...

My spit just came out of storage (relocation) and she had accumulated several 'problems' whilst in storage. For a start the handbrake lever was pointing skywards, the wiper motor has been burned out, the stalks have both been obliterated and the steering column cowls have basically been smashed. Not to mention bits of interior trim mysteriously falling off and the droplets of oil from the car above her on the transporter when she was returned to me. I won't be recommending that company to anybody.

The problem I need help with is a new wash/wipe stalk, ferrule for the wiper motor and cowls for the steering column. I think I did the right thing ordering LHD ones, as although my spit is RHD, she has a LHD ignition.

I ordered the required parts from a combo of Canley and Rimmers. Unfortunately, Canley don't have cowls and Rimmers only have used ones, but none in stock.

Rimmers have the wash/wipe stalk and ferrule, but Canley are much cheaper. However, they don't have them in stock! Last time I ordered from Canley, the back order took 8 weeks to arrive - can't wait that long to get Betsy MOT'd and running again! Canley also mentioned a quality issue with the wash/wipe stalk.

Can anybody advise ref these items? Need them in a desperate hurry!

Thanks,

Craig

Hi Craig,
I assume you have a late model 1500?
Not sure what you mean by 'LHD ignition'. In common with a lot of BL cars of the time, the ingition key in a Spit 1500 inserts to the left of the column. You have a standard RHD setup. You can see what I mean from the photo's.
I suggest trying Chic Doig over in Cardenden. Very helpful. He frequently has used parts available.
I also understand that this switchgear is shared with the TR7. maybe others can confirm?

... and the other side

Ian,

Many thanks - maybe I've done the wrong thing with the parts I've ordered. I guess since a new loom is going in, there may not be a problem, just the indicators and the wiper will be on the wrong side. I am sure the sparky's will manage to get them fed from the loom ok!

I managed to get a special delivery of the Wash/Wipe stalk from Rimmers, it was holding the sparky up.

I went to visit Chic Doig's recently and I am trying to get the car ready to go over there for a Stage II engine install. As you said - Very helpful, and very friendly. I promised to bring him some beer from my company (Belhaven Brewery) next time I pop over.

Thanks again for the info.

CB

Right - the sparky work is nearly done. Minor problem though - I ordered all the right bits from Canley and Rimmers, but when the Wash Wipe stalk was fitted (on the right of the steering column) the lever points to about 1 o'clock, not the 3 o'clock I was kinda hoping for.

Any suggestions, short of using heat to bend the lever to the required orientation?

I also find the stalk says it has four positions, (intermediate, off, on and fast on) however. there are only three in reality. Off, On and Fast On.

Everything else looks cracking apart from this problem! If anybody wants the name of a good auto sparky near Edinburgh, I know just the chap...

CB

Section : Electrical Equipment

Wash Wipe Stalk

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Wash Wipe Stalk

Wash Wipe Stalk

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Wash Wipe Stalk