Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal

Bits And Details

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:25:11 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Just a few mods and parts getting cleaned up.

<Trans cover mount plate with nutserts and studs>	<Installed cover. I added a 1/8 plate all around flange for better contact.>	<Conert bows all redone with spacers and ss hardware>
<Gas pedal cover>

Posted 2015-02-25 16:25:11 by Jamie Richardson

Light Updates

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 10:30:26 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

How lighting currently looks on front

<Plate over old turn signal will be an intake grill>	<20141105 155350>	<Onboard air compressor>
<Ok we were bored>

Posted 2015-02-22 10:30:26 by Jamie Richardson

Details

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 09:37:27 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Some other little bits.

<Trunk panels>	<Poly inner rear curved panel - with backless marine carpet.>	<Aluminum tank cover>
<Wiper motor relocate>

Posted 2015-02-22 09:37:27 by Jamie Richardson

Lights & Friend

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 09:25:47 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

more of the lighting and my 14 yr old lab wishing I would hurry up.

<early tail lights - that everyone thinks are trailer lights>	<Marker light location>	<Please finish this car.>
<Repurpose old back lights>

Posted 2015-02-22 09:25:47 by Jamie Richardson

Lighting & Cooling

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:18:59 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Head/running/fog/marker lights.

<LED backup lights>	<In action>	<LED side markers>
<Head lights converted to early ring.>

Posted 2015-02-21 18:18:59 by Jamie Richardson

Wiring

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:07:59 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Trunk mounted battery/fuse panel/cutoff switch/starter relay(behind blue panel) and fuel pump.

<Instrument plate>	<Trunk stuff>	<Ron francis basic hot rod wiring kit>
<Firewall wiring>

Posted 2015-02-21 18:07:59 by Jamie Richardson

Intake & Exhaust

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:30:52 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

To handle the suck and blow part of the cycle.

<mikuni carbs>	<Airbox adapted on with K&N air filter>	<ss header from rimmer>
<Harley mufflers and welded exhaust>

Posted 2015-02-21 17:30:52 by Jamie Richardson

Interior Details

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:10:50 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Some more up to date pics of interior.

<Pic of more finished dash>	<Homemade wood wheel on stock spokes>	<Log stitched in back panel>
<ABS tunnel cover>

Posted 2015-02-21 17:10:50 by Jamie Richardson

Dash

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:48:45 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

The dash is solid walnut and the door tops are walnut veneered. The shifter knob, window crank knobs, e-brake handle and door pulls are all walnut as well.

<DSC00391>

<DSC00393>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:48:45 by Jamie Richardson

Dash

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:43:41 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

This is the solid dash and intrument panel that I am working on right now. I like being able to remove the wood panel while leaving the gauges/switches mounted to the dash.

<DSC00409>

<DSC00410>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:43:41 by Jamie Richardson

Stripping

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:38:35 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Was way too afraid to sandblast the body when the floor pan was done so asked them not to go near it. Body parts were all hand stripped with furniture stripper and was surprisingly easy and quick to do.

Bodywork got started at this time with a first cut of metal reinforced bondo.

<P1030396>

<P1030397>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:38:35 by Jamie Richardson

Details

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:26:46 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

I really wanted a clean interior so the flange on the rear deck was eliminated and welded up.

The lip in the wheelwell was cut in half and a 3/16 rod was welded in. This gives me a clean strong edge and a more tire clearance.

<P1020673>

<P1020714>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:26:46 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Stiffener

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:12:27 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Wanted to improve overall rigidity of car and thought it would help to tie together the firewall, suspension tower, and the front of the frame. This is what I bent up to achieve this(hopefully).

By the time it was all together the doors still swung properly even when the car was held up by the bumper mounts. The rad cradle is eliminated now as the rad mounts to the struts.

<295>

<306>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:12:27 by Jamie Richardson

Rotated

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:04:09 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

If you are redoing a car and are not using a rotating deck you should stop now and make one. Seriously. This is the first one I have had and it makes the job so much easier and comfortable.

Welding on the bottom to finish up rear pan. There is no lower flange left anywhere on the car.

<P1030207>

<P1030353>

Posted 2011-11-11 04:04:09 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Comparison

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:31:08 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

before and after on the rear.

<P1030590>

<P1020257>

Posted 2011-11-05 20:31:08 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Horns

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:16:44 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

After I put the body on the frame for the first time without the lower flange on the rear roll pan, the lip on the frame stuck out like a pimple. It was marked and then the next time the frame was stripped I sliced off the bottom on a taper and replated it without any lip. The end was boxed as well.

<P1020263>

<P1030010>

Posted 2011-11-05 20:16:44 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Horns

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:56:01 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

The front of the frame was cut and thinned out so that the slimmest of over riders could be fit.

<P1030018>

<P1030015>

Posted 2011-11-05 19:56:01 by Jamie Richardson

Hood

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:48:07 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Hood in primer and matched up with bumpers. Front bumper is split, capped and fit with early over riders.

<P1030478>

<P1030586>

Posted 2011-11-05 19:48:07 by Jamie Richardson

Hood

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:38:49 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Ok I know its supposed to be a bonnet, but that just isnt what I have called that part on any of my other vehicles. Special pleading never works for me so hood it shall remain.
Modified the area around the headlites to eliminate the alum. headlite surrounds.

<P1030454>

<P1030452>

Posted 2011-11-05 19:38:49 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:23:52 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Fire wall was cut out behind the tires and a new piece fabricated to move the panel inward. This was done for clearance and to clean up the bumps a bit.

<312>

<P1020696>

Posted 2011-11-04 17:23:52 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:17:25 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

More shots of the rockers. The bottom edge has a fold over edge that is bonded(glued)to the lower edge of inner sill. I expect this will last longer than a welded edge. Rust wise, at least.

<P1030201>

<P1030202>

Posted 2011-11-04 17:17:25 by Jamie Richardson

Rockers And Sills

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:09:08 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Sills were formed as one piece out to door edge and matched to door. Then the rocker was fit on and matched to sill. The rocker was able to be one piece with no lower flange.

<P1020395>

<P1030203>

Posted 2011-11-04 17:09:08 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:56:06 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Body was sprayed inside and out with epoxy(box liner) except the trunk as there was still some welding to be done in there.

<drive 026>

<P1030160>

Posted 2011-11-04 16:56:06 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:52:20 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Body after being sprayed with extreme DTM primer.

<drive 018>

<drive 022>

Posted 2011-11-04 05:52:20 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:41:03 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Body on its way to sandblaster. Best 50 spent so far.

<P1030064>

<P1030063>

Posted 2011-11-04 05:41:03 by Jamie Richardson

Top Pop

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:27:31 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

This is a mod I made to make it possible to lift off the conv. top. It hasnt been tested with the vinyl on it yet but the bows will store in the trunk.

<P1020681>

<P1020687>

Posted 2011-11-04 05:27:31 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Deck

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:20:11 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

I bonded the plate into to body. This is the gas cap I will be running as well.

<P1020691>

<P1020368>

Posted 2011-11-04 05:20:11 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Deck

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:58:34 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Found the rear deck just too bouncy to deal with so thought of a plate to give it a little rigidity.

<P1020674>

<P1020676>

Posted 2011-11-04 04:58:34 by Jamie Richardson

Roll Bar

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:53:07 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Trying something a little different with the rollbar. It will be plated and sprayed with a rubber texture.

<P1020713>

<P1030217>

Posted 2011-11-04 04:53:07 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:44:26 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Inner gussets for rollbar and plating to tie sill to crossmember.

<P1020689>

<P1020711>

Posted 2011-11-04 04:44:26 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:39:08 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Made up a bar to reinforce the trailing arm crossmember and pick up the outer sill and future rollbar mount. I decided to tie the trailing arm mount to the fram with a new crossmember which is just visible in the pic.

<P1020671>

<P1020668>

Posted 2011-11-04 04:39:08 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:20 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Rear quarter repair

<lost 002 - Copy>

<lost 005 - Copy>

Posted 2011-11-03 20:00:20 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:49:53 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Rust repair. The floor had looked only a little thin at edges but digging revealed more.

<lost 006 - Copy>

<lost 009 - Copy>

Posted 2011-11-03 19:49:53 by Jamie Richardson

Body Work

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:40:52 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

The process begins. This would be some time inn Dec/2010. I looked and looked at the rear fender seam flange. Thought it would be worth the work of cutting it off but it took way longer than I expected(doesnt it always)

<DSC00322>

<P1020133>

Posted 2011-11-03 19:40:52 by Jamie Richardson

Chassis Work

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:31:28 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Bits and pieces

<P1030069>

<P1030081>

Posted 2011-11-03 19:31:28 by Jamie Richardson

Suspension

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:39:32 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Boxed in A-arms and the trailing arm adjusters.

<P1020099>

<P1030068>

Posted 2011-11-01 05:39:32 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Work

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:25:52 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Primer and paint

<P1020790>

<P1030012>

Posted 2011-11-01 05:25:52 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Work

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:59:25 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Boxing in frame and outriggers

<P1020093>

<P1020094>

Posted 2011-11-01 04:59:25 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Work

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:54:34 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Cut-grind-weld-grind - repeat

<P1020082>

<P1020088>

Posted 2011-11-01 04:54:34 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Work

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:46:32 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Stripped and ready for fixing

<P1020092>

<P1020078>

Posted 2011-11-01 04:46:32 by Jamie Richardson

Frame Work

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:45:38 -0500

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Stripped and ready for fixing

Posted 2011-11-01 04:45:38 by Jamie Richardson

More Rear

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:15:06 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

There will be TRIUMPH individual badges over the plate recess with the mk3 scripted logo mouted to one side.

<P1020257>

Posted 2011-03-08 03:15:06 by Jamie Richardson

Let There Be Lights

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:11:15 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Rear coming along. Formed the recessed lic panel around bucking panels. Side markers installed and a hidden latch from the hood of a honda. The latch will be cable actuacted from inside the cab.
The ends of the bumpers are curved pipes, cut and attatched to bumper. There is a bolt welded to the end that enters the trunk. Backup lights will be a slot cut in either bumper with a bank of LEDs mounted behind it. Trim has been split at bottom with corners rounded in.

<P1020262>

Posted 2011-03-08 03:11:15 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Mods

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:35:01 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Early tail lights, recessed license plate, split bumpers with early bumperettes planned, daul screaming eagle harley mufflers(you can just see the cut outs for them at the bottom of roll pan.

<DSC00317>

Posted 2011-02-23 03:35:01 by Jamie Richardson

Body Mods

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:15:59 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Other side of front. Still have to finish vent.

<P1020178>

Posted 2011-02-23 03:15:59 by Jamie Richardson

Body Mods

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:10:59 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Filled in front seam and side markers. Added side vents. Welded a few cracks throughout hood.

<P1020176>

Posted 2011-02-23 03:10:59 by Jamie Richardson

Body Mods

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:04:55 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Removed rear fender seam/ sidemarkers and antenna holes.

<P1020135>

Posted 2011-02-23 03:04:55 by Jamie Richardson

Dissed

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:00:27 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Car has now been totally dissassembled and the rebuilding begins,
Found rust in frame where hook plates and cross members cover frame rails. Cut out and replaced. Removed hook plates and a few other brackets.
Boxed front cross members and side members
Matched up seams on frame rails
Rewelded entire frame
Frame has been sandblasted
Bodywork that I was avoiding has begun. Will reinforce inner panels and make new rockers with lower lip removed.
Will not work on car without a rotisierre again!!

<P1020202>

Posted 2011-02-23 03:00:27 by Jamie Richardson

Rear Shot

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:52:49 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Blacked out lights, trimmed and painted bumper.

Marine gas cap.

<IMG 0995>

Posted 2011-02-20 18:52:49 by Jamie Richardson

Interior

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:48:06 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Redone(ish) interior. Didnt even see the road before it was all ripped out again.
Realized that tunnel cover was bad, engine was starting. That was the incentive to take it to the frame and do it right.

<IMG 0994>

Posted 2011-02-20 18:48:06 by Jamie Richardson

July 2010

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:34:21 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

All handles/trim have been blacked out.
Bumpers have over covers/skins removed and painted
15 in Daytona rims 195/50 Dunlop Direzza
Interior mostly done and seals installed
Still searching for enough carb parts to run

<IMG 0996>

Posted 2011-02-20 18:34:21 by Jamie Richardson

Spitfire Resto

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:25:32 -0600

Jamie's Spitfire Resto Journal --

Purchased April 2010. Located in a garage 5 mins walk from work. Had been putting of going to look at old car her uncles estate wanted to sell. Couldnt believe it when I saw it.
Plan was for a simple redone and get driving it quickly.
Very little rust, rough interior, motor had low compression.
Pulled out interior right away and redid most of it.
Wiring looked rough(turned out they look like that)
Relocated battery/fuse box to trunk and welded over hole in firewall.
Used Ron Francis wiring harness.

<Lonely, dusty Spitfire>

Posted 2011-02-20 18:25:32 by Jamie Richardson