Back to square one

Well here we are again, another wonderful project with a completely unrealistic deadline. And already this log is way behind what is actually going on within the confines of the garage, the stripdown started over Easter but all spare time was spent on the car, so keeping this updated was low on the list of priorities.

The car in question is one of the last Mk.III Triumph Spitfires, registered 1st August 1970. The plan was to do a complete stripdown and rebuild of all mechanical components, and restore the body properly, repairing or replacing panels rather than patching, and using the best materials and methods possible to protect the car from corrosion. Many lessons were learned last year working on the MG, which ended up with what was basically a new bodyshell from individual panels, jigged and aligned correctly, that took 11 months of continual work all day every weekday to complete.

At this point, the body tub has been restored to its original condition, all corroded panels having been replaced with new sills, floors, rear wings, and boot floor. There is no patching and the only metalwork left to do is to repair a replacement bonnet (The original was scrapped) and to repair and fit the doors, to be followed by removing the temporary primer and respraying.

But for that, a chassis is required so the body tub can be mounted, so the next step was to build up the chassis complete. Adding the body to the rolling chassis with engine, and gearbox, suspension and brakes already fitted removes the possibility of damaging the body while the rest of the car is built up around it. So we set to, dismantling the rolling chassis ready for inspection and reassembly, which progressed quickly and smoothly.

Body off, scruffy mechanicals revealed. Everything is incredibly sound though....

Dust, mud and oil everywhere, hopefully with metal beneath it all.

The chassis quickly getting lighter and more manageable as the big lumps are removed.