bxbodger

The body fitting manual for dealers, which I can't remember the name of but someone else will, refers to placing packing between the hood frame and the channels to bring them closer to the glass for a better fit. This is probably going to be your best option. Recheck the hood frame fit, get that as close as you can on the B post and header rail adjustment first, then if it still isn't right remove the sections of seal with a poor fit, peel the hood back, pack them, reglue the hood, fit seals- probably not as easy as it sounds and something I need to do too at some point!

Best left alone in it's natural slightly oily state I think- many years ago a previous owner painted various bits of mine- the dynamo ( hammerited, yuk! ), the thermostat housing, the timing chain cover, etc, etc, and years down the line it just looks a mess with flaking paint everywhere. Sooner or later it'll all have fallen off and then i'll just leave it!

I've had a pertronix unit in my Vitesse for about 5 or 6 years or so with no issues, although I must say I was quite happy to continue with points and it would still have points now if it wasn't for the awful quality of replacement repro condensors and ignition parts in general- that's the reason I fitted it at the time. With a rotor arm from distributor doctor, I have never had an ignition related problems since fitting it. I fitted my daughters Metro with a simon bbc unit, a cheapo version of the pertronix, again, that car would still be on points if it wasn't for the pain in the butt hassle of removing the bonnet slam panel and rad to gain access at service time! This unit has never given any bother either.

Quote:re the sparks there was a spark at the pionts with the ignition on touching with a screw driver if that's what you do, does that mean its not the coil ? ........you really need to go a bit further-you've established there's current to the points, now check if it's reaching the plugs. Use an old plug, rest it on the head and see if there's a spark when you connect it to one of the ht leads and crank the engine. I suspect you're suffering from rubbish lucas branded rotor arm syndrome, see http://distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html and look at your rotor arm, if it's one of the riveted ones that lucas supply now take it out, throw it as far as you possibly can, and fit one from the distibutor doc, you may well find your problem will disappear.

I believe the front seats of a Vitesse are handed, i.e. there's a left and a right one, but how do you tell which is which!!! Both of mine look the same! They're out at the moment while i paint the car, and I don't know if it's a pair, or two the same and if so which side...............