DeanC

Hi Pete, its a set that I need to the moment any old condition as long as they roll and the tyres hold air

Hi Pete, they're actually Lotus wheels from an old S2 Europa I used to have, (10xtriangular cut-outs) they have 3 pegs for the Lotus-embossed hub-caps (which I still have) - So I'll probably sell these as a complete set, hopefully to someone with an early Lotus that wants them. I've seen a set on fleabay that look decent enough to get the car rolling around during resto

Hi, I am making a start to a Mk3 Spitfire restoration, first stage it to get it rolling/moved onto a trailer, it has some old non std wheels and 30-year old perished tires The old wheels, (except spare in the boot) have been lost somewhere, but I have the hubcaps ! Does any have any of the 3.5J 13" wheels early Spit/Herald ,knocking about, hopefully with tyres that hold air - They'll help now and I can use them then later in the resto I'm in Bomley, Kent Thanks

Hi Scrapman, given what I've said to Clive on my other reply, do you think there is any mileage in us talking further about/with this Norfolk guy ? Thanks, Dean

Hi Clive, the car is complete and aside from the 4 flat & perished tyres (which I can replace) and the almost certainly seized brakes, could be rolled out of the garage. It currently has a factory hard-top fitted which I could remove. The engine & gearbox (Mk4 syncro on 1st), I could remove and rebuild (again). I would imagine that stripping out the rest to leave body and suspension for restore elsewhere may be what I'm after. I've seen Mk3 chassis units for sale and then the bulk of the work is suspension and panel work. Spraying I can do subject to space/weather but once it's a straight, rolling chassis/car, it becomes a lot easier for me if I wanted to get that done locally at a paint-shop. So really by rolling chassis, I'm really meaning a rolling bare car which is sound and straight. I do get what you say about spending £10K on a good one than to restore my one, but you know how these things are, a labour of love and an emotional attachment can make common sense go out of the window. If you have any further pointers, advice, recommendations, they be gratefully received

I posted a while ago on regarding my ambitions to restore an old 1968 Mk3 Spitfire. Some good advice was offered, however things have changed a little and now have a couple of basic choices because I just don't have the time or garage space to start the whole job myself - Although I have most of, and can learn the rest, of the necessary skills to do it. I am now forced to make a decision because the garage that the car has been sitting in for many years has now been sold and I must do something very soon. So my options are: 1. Sell the car as a restoration project and put the cash toward an already restored Mk3 Spitfire Does anyone know who may be interested in the project or maybe has a completed project and wants to start a new one, possibly as a p-ex? 2. Find some who could take the car away, get me a head start to a restored rolling chassis and I can do much of the rest Can anyone suggest someone who may want to take on this as a paid project ? I think the rolling-chassis restoration I am after could be worked-out to do as much or as little as makes it viable. Thanks, Dean.

Good advice, I do tend to err on the side of perfection which I'll have to resist... but I like the point about getting it on the road and then improve it. I guess it's one of those things to get stuck into rather than over-plan and contemplate... Whatever I plan would change anyway as I'm sure there'll be many surprises on the way

Hi Nick, yes I definitely have a better start point, the link you send is a a good read too and gives some indication of time taken. Your son's sheet metal work has definitely come on !

Hi, I have a 1968 Mk3 Spitfire - I have owned the car a long time and it used to be my main car 30 years ago. It's been sitting in my late mum's carport for 30 years - It's a project I've been promising to start for many years. It's a sizable project as many parts will be seized and/or lightly corroded. I am aiming for a realistic restoration, not concours standard, I'd like to keep it mostly original but happy to update/mix parts - in fact I'd already put a Mk4 full syncro gearbox on it I am comfortable with any/all levels of mechanical work, have all the tools and the spares situation seems better today that it was a few years ago. However, I have never really done any extensive bodywork and don't have a welder, but have welded (arc) in the past and am pretty good with paint spraying. I think there are two routes, and I'd like some advice from anyone that has undertaken such a project Option 1 - Strip the car mechanically and ship the body chassis of to someone that can undertake a body/chassis restoration on a rolling chassis or even non-rolling if that's possible - I can then restore all the mechanical bits Option 2 - Strip the car mechanically and then undertake the body/chassis restoration myself - There'll be a bit of learning on the way but I'm ready for that So I'd like advice on Option 1: Anyone done it this way, any pointers to good restoration companies - Does it work out just too expensive - Or does anyone know a privateer who may be able to carry-out out paid work on-site (in Bromley SE London area) Option 2: It doesn't seem like rocket science, just a methodical approach (and lots of time) seems reasonable - What welding method would be recommended and any particular equipment makes/models to suggest I've never really had the time or money to start the project, but I think my time of life and financial situation are about ready for it now. So I don't have a limitless budget, but conversely I also don't need to do it on a shoestring. I'm also not expecting to make money on the project, I accept it as a labour-of-love ! - So any advice, guidance would be really appreciated (unless it is "don't even think about it") Thanks, Dean