Chocolate Stag?

Well, thats what my wife said when she saw the photos of todays visit to FC. Went in the Spitfire as the carbs are now nicely balanced - just need to check the timing/mixture as she's pinking a bit under load.

Had a very nice run across country on part of the route I've planned for the TSSC Run to Manston, bit bumpy in places - didn't notice that when I drove it last week in the Superb, wonder why?

Found a lovely piece of road just out of Ashford on the way to Faversham past the Chilston Park Hotel, they have this high brick wall that echoes the sports exhaust for about 1/4 mile!

Any way, here are the photos of a chocolate Stag (Actually Russet Brown)



The colour match is actually very good, next time I see the car the paint will have been flattened and polished, and the doors put on.

What a Plonker!

I've just spent the last 3 days trying to balance the carbs on the Spitfire - even bought a colortune today as a last resort as it was evident 3&4 were running rich. Plugged it in - good spark but no real fire!.

In frustration I decided to dissemble the carbs to get at the inlet manifold nuts just in case they needed tightening, took the heatshield off to find the gasket between it and the rear inlet manifold had missed the bottom bolt and was obscuring the inlet - what a plonker!!!

Put it all back together this evening, running really sweet now - just need to check the balance and mixture tomorrow

Stag in Primer

Had an early morning visit to Faversham as Kevin told me on Friday that the Stag would be spayed in Primer at the weekend, so I went down to look at her and take some photo's. He is hoping to spray her today/tommorrow in 2 pack, so the next visit will be even more interesting!

He has managed to get some excellent panel joins which are far better than she had when she went in there, notwithstanding the accident damage of course, I remain very impressed with his standard of workmanship.

Drive it Day 20th April

Spent Friday with a mate visiting the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum at Manston, Kent to sort out arrangements for the West Kent Area of the TSSC's proposed run out on the FBHVC Drive it Day. The run will be approx 50 miles from its start which is coincidentally in my home village!

The museum events coordinator is arranging for us to have a special parking area on a taxiway and the public will be invited to view the cars - naturally we are hoping for a significant number of Spitfires to join us and at least one Hurricane, although all Triumphs are welcome. I shall be there in my Spitfire - always assuming I've got the blessed carbs balanced properly!

The museum itself is fascinating, small, but unique in its history due to its close proximity to France during WW2

Carbs back on

Just finished reassembling the carbs on the Spitfire and linking everything together, although I do seem to have one throttle return spring left! Must check the manual/parts diagrams.

Started her up - sounds very throaty as I also refitted the Sports exhaust I had changed last year before the 10CR - the standard system was quieter! She is running a bit rough at the moment and refuses to idle off the choke, so I need to spend some time checking and balancing the carbs - I have printed out James Carruthers excellent guide on his website (see link) to follow, hopefully later today if work allows.

http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/?page=sutune.htm

Lots of smoke off the manifold when I first started her up - I guess this was a combination of WD40, 3 in 1 penetrating spray and firegum jointing paste burning off!

Getting There!

Went up to Faversham today - all the important bits have now been welded on - probably be painted this week and may even be ready next week!

I have also asked for the timing chains to be renewed as these are an unknown quantity and as I've entered Club Triumphs Historic Counties Run with the Stag I would prefer to be safe in the knowledge that at least that part of the car won't fail!

Also being MOT'd and a new nearside driveshaft and hub bearing fitted - this was an advisory on the last MOT

She's beginning to look like a car again!

On a different note I have been battling with the dreaded exhaust manifold to downpipe joint on my Spitfire 1500 over the last few days as its been leaking since the 10CR. One of the joint studs was stripped, so this has been drilled out and replaced by a bolt. At the same time, two of the lower manifold studs came out with their nuts seized on them, I managed to free one of them, but when trying to do the second, it snapped the stud!

Again - Faversham Classics to the rescue! - Trevor gave me a suitable UNF bolt that I have removed the head from and used to refit the manifold this evening. Thanks all to those friends on the CT and TSSC forums on advice on getting more easily to the lower bolts I am now the proud owner of some shiny 3/8 wobble bars and sockets that have made life much less stressful.

Tomorrow the carbs go back on - fingers crossed the leak is solved.

Stag Repair Update

Had a visit to Faversham Classics today to review the work carried out so far - took a few pictures

This is the secondhand headlight assembly in place with a new radiator support panel welded in. Another view of the headlamp support panel
The nearside wing ready for welding
Another view of the headlight assembly showing the nearside wing and new front valence
This was the unexpected repair - replacement nearside sill

Another unexpected repair - nearside rain gutter
And this is a view of the radiator support panel that replaced the original that was beyond repair

Overall progress is very encouraging and she is now beginning to look like a Stag again! I have to commend Trevor and Kevin the Proprietors of FC for their diligence in ensuring everything is put together correctly and ensuring all the panel gaps are correct.

Roofs Finished - Spitfires back!

At long last the Spitfire has returned from its enforced holiday at my fathers whilst the Garage roof was being replaced. Running a little rough at the moment as she doesn't want to tickover evenly in traffic, but I will get down to sorting that out now she's back under cover. Also have an Aldon Ignitor to fit.

Garage roof is finally in place, just waiting for my builder to return to install the brand new roller door which arrived just before christmas. Don't envy him the job - 14ft wide - weighs a ton!

Not much movement on Stag repairs - Christmas and New Year got in the way