Looking at a 1970 MK3 Spitfire and i would like some advice on what i should be checking when i view it. It has a "new" 1600 Ford crossflow engine and 5 speed gear box.
2006-06-09 00:07:43 · 7 answers · asked by maclad74 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Why on earth would you want a Spit with a Ford engine? The old Leyland A series engine was a little gem and just right for the car. If you must, however, then make bloody sure that they've uprated the rear suspension to cope with the extra power otherwise you'll be in a ditch at the first corner you try to get round - all the Herald/ Vitesse/ Spitfire/ GT6 family had a tendency to tuck the inside rear wheel underneath when cornering - if the suspension hasn't been beefed up at the back, the thing will handle like a roller skate on ice even under normal road conditions.....
The other thing is rust - Triumphs are notoriously prone so check (in particular) the footwells, the boot floor (particularly under the spare wheel), the sills and the bulkheads.
2006-06-09 00:17:38 · answer #1 · answered by eriverpipe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at some magazines such as Classic Car, they did articles about buying different classics & give very detailed info. Buy a spitfire with a ford engine!! WHY???
2006-06-09 00:51:10 · answer #2 · answered by wayforwardhow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buying a Spitfire? then look out for Mescherschmitts coming in from the sun with all guns blazing.
2006-06-09 05:15:37 · answer #3 · answered by Westey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Front suspension trunnions: easy and cheap to repair (re-bush) unless they have been neglected.
Rear suspension joints.
Rot on outriggers and side rails to the chassis.
Personally, I would want a Triumph engine for originality.
Derk
2006-06-09 00:21:04 · answer #4 · answered by David K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check on availability of parts at local junkyards
(headlights,fenders,seats,mirrors etc.)
these are easy to replace/repair yourself but hard to find
just remember this is almost 40 years old and something is bound to be wrong with it
justincider
2006-06-09 00:18:32 · answer #5 · answered by JustinCider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would be looking out for bandits at 3o'clock!!!
2006-06-09 00:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
bonnets are expensive check it has not been patched up!
2006-06-09 00:52:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋