Mk3 spitfire front sill panels

[phillip ridley]

Hello I’m fitting a drivers sill to my spit and it’s a poor fit it hangs about an inch lower than the strengthening plate I’ve tried to clamp in place and it won’t go anyone had this problem can anyone recommend a place to get a good fitting one thanks 

[Velocita Rosso]

Now what did I say? Always get the best.You cant bend it otherwise you get a kink.....or has the strengthener been fitted correctly and the sill is OK?

[phillip ridley]

The sill strengthener only goes in one way I would have thought so I’m assuming if it doesn’t fit correctly it’s a bad pattern outer sill as I bought it off someone local would a Fitchett sill fit spot on without having to alter slightly thanks phill 

[Velocita Rosso]

If the strengthener is fitted ok I would trust a Fitchett panel more than most

Pity you did n`t take that at the same time

[phillip ridley]

I’m going to order a drivers side sill panel from Fitchett should sort it I hope thanks Michael 

[thescrapman]

I have been told even the Heritage sills do not fit very well now.

I think it is that there is either not enough curvature in the panel perhaps, or may have been that the top is the wrong shape.

 

[sparky_spit]

.... and also be aware that the reproduction inner sills are not quite correct, so when fitted to the floor panel at what you think is the correct height, you end up putting the strengthener at the wrong height, which leads to the outer sill being in the wrong place vertically.

There used to be a Nordic member on here some time ago (Vens? Hans? Vans?...) who posted a through-section diagram with measurements of how it should be. I can't find it now but someone may have a copy?

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from thescrapman-

I have been told even the Heritage sills do not fit very well now.

I think it is that there is either not enough curvature in the panel perhaps, or may have been that the top is the wrong shape.

 

The problem with mine it hangs to low not touching the strengthening panel enough to weld or even look right 

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from sparky_spit-

.... and also be aware that the reproduction inner sills are not quite correct, so when fitted to the floor panel at what you think is the correct height, you end up putting the strengthener at the wrong height, which leads to the outer sill being in the wrong place vertically.

There used to be a Nordic member on here some time ago (Vens? Hans? Vans?...) who posted a through-section diagram with measurements of how it should be. I can't find it now but someone may have a copy?

Thanks Michael I’m not sure what way to go with it I was going to buy another panel but from Fitchett as there rear wings are a good fit 

[sparky_spit]

Don't be tempted to just pull/push the sill in and upwards with grips until it "fits" and then weld it on.  I did with mine and the result is not good; you get a large gap between the outside top of the sill surface and the door bottom. Mine's big enough to get your fingers in from underneath and the door fit is awful.

 

[Velocita Rosso]

Quoted from phillip ridley-

Quoted from sparky_spit-

.... and also be aware that the reproduction inner sills are not quite correct, so when fitted to the floor panel at what you think is the correct height, you end up putting the strengthener at the wrong height, which leads to the outer sill being in the wrong place vertically.

There used to be a Nordic member on here some time ago (Vens? Hans? Vans?...) who posted a through-section diagram with measurements of how it should be. I can't find it now but someone may have a copy?

Thanks Michael I’m not sure what way to go with it I was going to buy another panel but from Fitchett as there rear wings are a good fit 

I know.....that`s why I sold them to you.....and still got the Fitchet sills! 

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from Velocita Rosso-

Quoted from phillip ridley-

Quoted from sparky_spit-

.... and also be aware that the reproduction inner sills are not quite correct, so when fitted to the floor panel at what you think is the correct height, you end up putting the strengthener at the wrong height, which leads to the outer sill being in the wrong place vertically.

There used to be a Nordic member on here some time ago (Vens? Hans? Vans?...) who posted a through-section diagram with measurements of how it should be. I can't find it now but someone may have a copy?

Thanks Michael I’m not sure what way to go with it I was going to buy another panel but from Fitchett as there rear wings are a good fit 

I know.....that`s why I sold them to you.....and still got the Fitchet sills! 

Thanks Michael I had already ordered the panel I forgot you had these just received it today you can see the between this original and the one I’ve had originally going to try it now for fitment fingers crossed thanks phill 

[phillip ridley]

I’ve fitted the new sill panel and it’s a much better fit as are the rear wings very good I’ve cut of the old rear wing off as there both rotten and the inner wing needs replacing the next job I will get there eventually 

[Richard B]

Found it!

 

I read this post because I was looking for this. Then found it in an old folder on my PC.

Does anybody know, are the outer edges of the floor parallel? I measure 46" at the heelboard

[sparky_spit]

Well done Philip. And well done Richard for finding that diagram. I remember his name now, "VensH".

[phillip ridley]

Thank you Richard and Michael for the help I’m going to check it on Monday 

[JensH]

@Michael - very close :-)

Just got my login fixed thanks to Keith.

/Jens - Denmark

[sparky_spit]

Quoted from JensH-

@Michael - very close :-)

Just got my login fixed thanks to Keith.

/Jens - Denmark

Hi Jens - good to have you back here!

That diagram of yours is very useful indeed; it explained to me how I put my sills/inners/strengtheners on in the wrong place 10 years ago. They are still the same now but at least I know what I need to do when I finally get round to doing it properly. Thanks.

[JensH]

Thanks Michael, no problem - and don't ask how I know (re the sill measure)! 😄