My 1970 Spitfire Journey

Isaac and I took the Spitfire to the Shannon Spectacular Car Show . She looked great and created a fair bit of attention and conversation. Lots of cool cars to see and people to talk to. Not as many old english sportcars as usually attend. This is probably because of the terrible weather forcast. Rain held off until 11:30am where we left along with many others.

It was nice to take the spitfire to the monthly “Coffee n Cars” gathering in town. Lots of cool cars and the spitfire looked great parked in amongst the many different cars. Thanks to the organisers  

With the extra material left from the dash repair I decided to have a go at making a tonneau cover. Makes it a little tidier and protects the hood underneath.  I decided to paint the inside of the hood as well as it was a little discoloured. Added some clips where the pivots were popping out and ensured it could go all the way down without getting jammed. 

The gas lifters have arrived and been installed. There is less flex and more control now when opening the bonnet. While I was at it I decided to clean the grime off and paint the bonnet, guards as well as a large Triumph logo.

  After many hours and a little problem solving a shorting issue, the car is reassembled with the dash looking much better with its refreshed wood and leather. Went through 8 fuses trying to track down a short which ended up being something to do with the fuel gauge. Solved and running well again. Think I'll change the wood around the stereo next to be more matching.  The old dash had a large split in the centre and the vents had come loose. The wood trim if you zoom in had begun peeling and was sun faded. The dials also need a good spring clean.  Learnt a lot about how it all runs and is held together. Not much room in the back to fit or remove anything. Running led backlights now so hopefully they wont need replacing anytime soon. 

 Had a fun drive to Mangitinoka and back with Mason today. The BMW Z3 was good company and looked great parked side by side at the Tūī brewery, where we stopped for lunch.  The spitfire may have needed to use third gear to get up and over the new highway but she managed 50 mile an hour up the hill and cruised along the flats at 65. Temp stayed under half and the revs were about 3500. Loving driving my lovely old car.  Hopefully some better weather will allow for a top down trip.