My experience is similar to others with a couple of additions:
TRF does support the early Spitfire but they do not currently publish a
catalog for it. I have one I got from them 8 or 9 years ago that is quite
good - alas, it is out of print. You can use a factory parts manual (which
is the ultimate catalog) to order from them as they use the factory part
numbering system. Their quality is consistantly high, and I have found that
if there is a big price difference between them and another supplier, it is
because the other supplier is supplying a part of lower quality. Back
orders can be a pain though.
I have had great experiences with SpitBits.
I use Victoria British as a last resort as they seem to stock parts solely
based on price and the order takers have no information about what brands
they stock.
The few times I have used Rimmers, I have had good experiences. Their
catalogs are fun to page through!
I dealt with John Kipping before he sold out and had nothing but good
experiences. I even visited his shop when visiting England and he was
extremely pleasant and helpful. I have not yet dealt with Canley Classics,
but plan to soon.
Moss Motors USA is on my black list. I have had extremely unpleasant
dealings with them. Basically, they want nothing to do with early Spits and
have refused to sell me parts for my Mk3 in the past.
I have bought some performance items from Moss UK's TriumphTune division,
but it has been a number of years since I have contacted them - I don't even
know if they still exist. They put out a really nice performance
manual/catalog at one time.
I guess those are the places I have dealt with the most. Good luck!
Mike Burdick
70 Spitfire Mk3
Durham NC
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