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Spitfire Going to look at a 75 Spitfire on Thursday

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Got_All_4

Got_All_4

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Can't believe I'm considering buying a Spitfire but on Thursday I'm looking at a 1975 Spit that seems solid by the pics that was e-mailed to me. Weber down draft carb and Mini Lites.

If memory serves me correctly there is a corrosion problem in the frames where the leaf springs attach. Any thing else I should be on the look out for? I believe were looking around $1500.
 
Yep;Hairline cracks caused by frame torque,gotta look close.Check if the doors close true & tight thats a bellweather,And under the drivers & passenger side floor mates.Rust in the front valences L&R.Look in the boot at the intersecting seam structure if that looks clean then the front should be the same.
Buy it & save it.That my primary thought.
KensWhitelightning
PS;.Oh! look at points where the previous owner tamper with it.Those could be more weak areas.
 
There's only one leaf spring, and it doesn't attach to the frame. So no, there's no corrosion problem there.

Later frames with the outriggers to the rear bumper are prone to holding water in the outriggers, rusting out the area where the outrigger joints the frame.

To a much less degree, all of them can rust along the frame due to its being a closed box. But this really is unusual.

Body rust common areas are the sills, leading edge of the rear fender, battery box, Front turnsignal area sheet metal.

No particular bugaboos to watch out for. Typical Triumph build quality, don't expect perfect alignment of any panels.

Like the other Triumphs, damage is generally pretty easily repaired.
 
I'd say the carb and wheels are worth half the cost of the car. Buy it.
 
The 1500's motors are a little fragile. Check for end float? I think you grab the pulley and try to move it in and out.

Mine needed $1000 worth of machine work after 40,000 miles.

Dual HS4's make a big difference.

The hard top is a very nice option.

Larry
 
It was a bit on the rough side. I don't need another project with a 6 TR6 in the garage waiting resto. First the passenger side wheel was angled in a lot. That was the first turn off. Second was the engine compartment. A lot of unconnected hoses and wires with heavy grease and oil all over. Gauges don't work but the seats were redone a few years ago and are nice.

From sitting out side for a few years it took it's toll on the under side. Lots of rusty brake lines and what looked like for now heavy surface rust on the underside. Brief look at the areas of concern (rear frame) and may be fine. Just didn't want to spend much time after they raised the price from $1500 to $2500. I'd have a hard time with $1k. They want to get out of it what they paid for it.

Thanks for everyones help. I did see another one on friday that had a $600 price written on the windshield. Didn't look like it had a top. It was under a tarp. Early 70s. I like that better. A mark 3 would even be better.
 
Sounds like you got bit by the Spit bug, heh. The raising of the price by $1000 would be a big enough turn off to me.
Still think that the Spitfire was the best of the smaller cars put out by the big three. Loved working on the engine with the hood raised!

Good luck in your hunt, Tinkerman
 
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