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Spitfire MkI Spit questions

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Darel

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I've spent a while now looking for a TR with great difficulty, and stumbled across what appears to be a very nice '63 Spit. One question had wsa where are you guys finding parts for the early cars? Looks like the main players I'm used to dealing with (Moss, BPNW, Victoria) only offer most Spit parts from '71-on. Specifically I'll probably be looking for interior parts. Are the MkI cars worth any more than the later ones? This particular car nhas a later 1300 drivetrain installed. Thanks, Darel
 
Why doesn't the enter key work? Boy that's hard to read. One more q, and I didn't want to stick it in the one long par agraph above: has anyone made a rear seat cushion setup for the back of a Spit for (very) small children? Specifically a Mk1 if it matters.
 
There are several other vendors that supply parts. Spitbits is the one that has most mk1 parts but remember that most parts for a mk3 will work on a mk1. Not always but most parts work. As for putting small children in the back it isn't made to do that.
 
The Roadster Factory, Spitbits, Victoria British all supply MKI parts. Remember that, as stated above, many of the parts are the same for MKI, II, and III. I think having the 1296 engine will improve performance- mine feels better at highway speeds.
 
Be aware there are two 1296 engines. One has the "small" crank and is more desirable. The later ones were put in the MK IV and while not a bad engine, will, according to racers, always have 5HP less than the small crank engine. Many people, including me, prefer the round tail Spits (63 to 70). A 63 is getting a lot harder to find, especially compared to the square tails.

Spitfires are get for scooting around town. Less desirable for traveling.
 
Oh yeah, Rimmer Brothers, in the UK have parts for all Spitfires. Often during Triumphest and/ or VTR they will have special offers and "free carriage."
 
I am not a Spitfire expert by any means, but there aren't that many early 60s Spits left, so if you want something a little unique....as far as parts including the usual retailers there is also e-bay, and this place, a lot easier to find parts than it was twenty years ago.
 
My first car, which I purchased as a runner and daily driver in 1975 for $325, was a MkI 64 Spitfire. I remember waiting 3 months to get cam bearings, something about a strike at British Leyland. I remember calling wrecking yards all over the state to find a differential. I bought a seat reupholstery kit from JC Whitney, who chose that moment to go bankrupt and they took my money and never did send me the seat kit! I sold it in the early 80's because it is not a safe car for babies/little kids (some would argue for adults, too....), and we could only afford one car when the rugrats came along. 2 years ago I bought a 69 MkIII, and between Spitbits and the other vendors for new/used/repro, and the forums for what they don't have, getting parts is a breeze compared to then!!!!
 
Bruce100 said:
My first car, which I purchased as a runner and daily driver in 1975 for $325, was a MkI 64 Spitfire... I bought a seat reupholstery kit from JC Whitney, who chose that moment to go bankrupt and they took my money and never did send me the seat kit!
Click to expand...
That brings back memories, I bought a seat kit for my Sprite from J.C. Whitney when they went bankrupt, I gave up on it, but I got mine after two or three months, maybe yours is coming any day now!
 
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