Viewing a 1970 Spitfire - what problems should i look out for?
Answers:
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.
check on availability of parts at local junkyards
(headlights,fenders,seats,mirr. 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
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
Personally, I would be looking out for bandits at 3o'clock!
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?
bonnets are expensive check it has not been patched up!
buying a Spitfire? then look out for Mescherschmitts coming in from the sun with all guns blazing.
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