Spitfire Converting track width on MKIV Spit?

[spit71]

Is it possible to convert my 1971's narrow rear track width to the later, wider rear track available from '73 on. Moss only shows seperate parts for the half shafts (narrow for '71 and '72, wide for the rest). The remaining parts in the rear suspension only list one set of parts with no distinction for year or width. This leads me to hope that all I have to do is change a couple parts and Bingo!

I would like to do this for appearance reasons really, I prefer the look of the wheels flush with the body instead of sunken in the car. If this is a simple swap of some components, then I would tackle this (most of the stuff back there needs going through anyway). If it requires cutting and welding then I'll forget about it.

As a side note, I have noticed that my rear brake lines rub on the half shaft and have divets worn in them (Not Good!). I must assume that they are the longer ones for the wide track Spitfires and drape too much.

 

[70herald]

Different spring, radius arms and a few other parts, but no reason why you shouldn't be able to do it

take a look at the parts list here:
https://www.canleyclassics.com/catalogue.asp?id=vitesse1600_rearsuspension&scale=large

 

[Andrew Mace]

Actually, it is not necessary to change the spring, but it can't hurt! And yes, it is basically a simple swap of components, but a similar effect might be acheived quickly and almost as cheaply with different wheels.

As to the brake line (I assume you mean the hose) problem you describe: What probably happened there is that some previous owner replaced the hoses and simply didn't take the time to "align" them properly (done at the end where it connects to the steel line from the master cylinder by loosening the locknut, twisting the hose appropriately, and retightening the locknut).

 

[spit71]

Thanks for the responses. The Canley Classics rebuilt half shafts would be awesome. I wonder if they can ship to the US, or if there is a supplier in America that can provide these?

Andrew, you are correct, I meant the brake hose. I will have to replace it, then I will ensure that it is aligned correctly. I had considered the wheel swap (I want Panasports) but I guess that I assumed the difference in width was greater than can be achieved with a change in wheel offset. Maybe the difference is not enough to make it worth it. I will have to look into the difference in width between a '72 and a '73.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Total track increase was 2"; 1" per side.

 

[YankeeTR]

It would be EASIER to buy some wider wheels to accomplish the same look.