Back again!

Okay it's been a while since I last posted any progress on my 1962 Spitfire4 restoration. I have been making progress through the winter - mostly cataloguing what I have, buying new panels and parts for the restoration and chasing up rare/original items where I can.

This has included some Eversure 4" Spot / fog lamps which were the correct fitting for the Spitfire4 - they fit just in front of the grill as you can see in the photo - they're very nice :-)

As well as the lamps I've managed to find a mint 1st Edition Spitfire4 parts manual - with attached amendment sheets - this has proved to be incredibly useful (along with my later MK1 parts manual in understanding when certain parts changed. One item for example was the Rear trunnion dirt seals, these were never an option on the Spitfire4 - became an option on the MK2 and finally became standard on the MK3. Mine will be fitted without for the sake of originality!

Whilst were on the subject of the suspension - the drive shafts have now been rebuilt with new seals, bolts and poly bushes (a sensible modern replacement I think!). Likewise the brake drums have been rebuilt with new cylinders, adjusters, pins, springs and such. just need to blast the vertical links now and then rebuild the rear suspension components (front having already been completed). The plan is to get to rolling chassis this year with engine gearbox prop and diff in place. Fortunately I have a spare MK1 chassis that is going to be used as a Jig for the body shell repairs.

On the panels front I've really splurged, buying new floor pans; Floor strengthener supports; Lower A post repair panels, A post filler panels, cills, lower B post repair panels, battery box, radius arm mounting panels and bonnet strengthner panels. Along with a welder and a soem steel I now have pretty much everything I need to start work on the body shell.

On that note I have a member of the South Wales Area of the TSSC coming over on Saturday to have a look at the Shell and help me plan the work (he's also very kindly going to be helping with the welding too!). Really looking forward to starting this - Getting her ready for the 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2012 may now be a pipe dream but at least were moving forward ;-)

If anyone want to get in touch please do so - I'll help as much as I can with anything Triumph or Spitfire related (obviously I'm more au fait with the early cars though!). Anyway thats all for now - I'll not leave it so long next time - promise!