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Daimler SP250 restoration
- Thread starter spnx
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DART
Darth Vader
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Looking good,James! It is such a pleasure to see a car that looks better than it did when it was built. We have different goals with our restorations, and I support the "stay original" approach 100%. My Florida friend drove his recent original restoration up to Stowe VT and back and loved it. On the other hand, I decided I had been there, done that, and wanted both safety and driving improvements along with the cosmetics. Remember, this is a car I bought in 1969, & it was my 2nd SP, I have been a fan for 50 years. The R&P and 5-sp. really improve MY driving experience, & while the original seats are great, the Miata ones with headrests will make trips both comfortable and safer.
When you get into doing the electrics, I suggest adding a flasher, relays, and a high brake light on the front of the luggage boot. The 1990's GM SUV unit in black is a perfect fit and very easy to mount & wire.
BTW, Bryan Purves sells a chrome (or maybe polished stainless) sill plate with the word Daimler in it. Dresses up the sill as well as adding protection. I just ordered a pair. He also carries a lot of the small things that one needs to finish a restoration project. Web at https://www.bryanpurves.co.uk/Dart.html
When you get into doing the electrics, I suggest adding a flasher, relays, and a high brake light on the front of the luggage boot. The 1990's GM SUV unit in black is a perfect fit and very easy to mount & wire.
BTW, Bryan Purves sells a chrome (or maybe polished stainless) sill plate with the word Daimler in it. Dresses up the sill as well as adding protection. I just ordered a pair. He also carries a lot of the small things that one needs to finish a restoration project. Web at https://www.bryanpurves.co.uk/Dart.html
OP
spnx
Jedi Hopeful
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Dale, when you say flasher, are you talking about 4-ways?
From what I recall, they do have turn signals, because I distinctly remember driving one and leaving the signal on for a long time, because it doesn't make a noise and let you know.
I'm not going with a third brake light either. If I lived somewhere more busy, I would, but I don't think it will be necessary. If I change my tune later, I can do that.
There are three SP250s very near to me. One is stock and unrestored. Another is lightly modified and one is heavily modernized. I look forward to going on a driving trip to visit all of them and talk with the owners.
And Dale, where the heck are all of your car pictures. I'd like to see them again. I seem to remember bookmarking a link, but then my computer died and I got a new one.
I sent the Purves link to my shop. Sounds good. And you're talking door sills, right? Got of pic of them?
From what I recall, they do have turn signals, because I distinctly remember driving one and leaving the signal on for a long time, because it doesn't make a noise and let you know.
I'm not going with a third brake light either. If I lived somewhere more busy, I would, but I don't think it will be necessary. If I change my tune later, I can do that.
There are three SP250s very near to me. One is stock and unrestored. Another is lightly modified and one is heavily modernized. I look forward to going on a driving trip to visit all of them and talk with the owners.
And Dale, where the heck are all of your car pictures. I'd like to see them again. I seem to remember bookmarking a link, but then my computer died and I got a new one.
I sent the Purves link to my shop. Sounds good. And you're talking door sills, right? Got of pic of them?
DART
Darth Vader
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Ahh James, pics are waiting for me to get motivated.
Yes, 4-way flashers. Also, orange lens instead or red on the rear turn signal lights makes them much more visible. The Canadian cars may have had them. And they were used on some early MGB's (?) I think; bought a pair at Stowe this year and they had to be knocked out of a trim piece I think the seller said was from an MGB.
Yes, door sills. Pics of them on the Purves site.
Yes, 4-way flashers. Also, orange lens instead or red on the rear turn signal lights makes them much more visible. The Canadian cars may have had them. And they were used on some early MGB's (?) I think; bought a pair at Stowe this year and they had to be knocked out of a trim piece I think the seller said was from an MGB.
Yes, door sills. Pics of them on the Purves site.
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spnx
Jedi Hopeful
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Ok, I'll keep waiting.
Hmmm, I'll talk to my restorer about the flashers.
British/NZ/Aust cars had the amber/orange, but all cars destined for North America got red.
I think they're a standard Lucas part. I've seen them on other cars too.
Heck, I couldn't find pictures on the Purves site! I'll look again.
Hmmm, I'll talk to my restorer about the flashers.
British/NZ/Aust cars had the amber/orange, but all cars destined for North America got red.
I think they're a standard Lucas part. I've seen them on other cars too.
Heck, I couldn't find pictures on the Purves site! I'll look again.
mikecyc72usa
Jedi Trainee
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This car is gorgeous. I really want an SP in the worst way, but funds and life conspire against me. There was a whitish one in my hometown of Kingston, NY up until 7 years ago, last time I saw it. I recall seeing them for sale for $15000 in the 90's for good ones, and should have grabbed one then. Well, can't wait to see the finished product and some video!
M_Pied_Lourd
Darth Vader
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James,
Just checking in here.....spend most of my time up in the TRiumph forum. That is one beautiful car. Hope to see it in person one day...Maybe at British Car Day in Oakville.....
I have always wanted a 250...its on the list....
Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
Just checking in here.....spend most of my time up in the TRiumph forum. That is one beautiful car. Hope to see it in person one day...Maybe at British Car Day in Oakville.....
I have always wanted a 250...its on the list....
Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
OP
spnx
Jedi Hopeful
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Thanks! British Car Day in Oakville does seem like a natural, but I will have to ship the car 3000 kms west, get it inspected and insured, then drive, ship or trailer it 3000 kms back east for the show.
Insurance inspections don't work the same way as in Ontario, and there's no legal way for me to drive the car after I pick it up.
P.S. Mike, you should have grabbed that one! It looks like a steal now!
Insurance inspections don't work the same way as in Ontario, and there's no legal way for me to drive the car after I pick it up.
P.S. Mike, you should have grabbed that one! It looks like a steal now!
OP
spnx
Jedi Hopeful
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Drop in the bucket, as far as the restoration costs go!
It's so close. I can't believe it's just down to carpeting, upholstery, convertible hood and tires now.
Odd. When I'm writing about British cars, I have to physically restrain myself from writing "tyres", even though I generally write "tires". Boot, bonnet and hood too.
It's so close. I can't believe it's just down to carpeting, upholstery, convertible hood and tires now.
Odd. When I'm writing about British cars, I have to physically restrain myself from writing "tyres", even though I generally write "tires". Boot, bonnet and hood too.
That's purdy! You should bring it to Vancouver for the ABFM. You'll get to see up to 3 more of them. A gentleman by the name of Dennis Brammer out of Victoria has a '61. Early in the morning on the way to last years show he drove it down my street, man did that HEMI make a raucus! I dove to the window to see what the @#%&$* was making all the noise. Loved it! Same guy also owns a Triumph Italia 2000 GT. I'm sure lots of folks would love to see your car there.