Greetings Wordly Scions,
On Mon, 11 Mar 96 17:18:32 EST
Kurt Oblinger writes:
<The dab or blotch of paint is most likely an inspection proof mark. The
inspectors on the line would QC the work and then use a paint marking pen
to put a "stamp of approval" so to speak. There was another comment as to
colored paint stripes on coil springs. This may be either an inspection mark
or
a way of indicating the load rating of the spring. I'm not sure if Triumph
used different rated springs for export as opposed to home market but its
possible. If so, I would think it would show in the parts manuals.>
Spitfires did have different (front) springs throughout production.
This was denoted by a dab of paint on the spring:
Green= Spitfire 4; (Mk1), spring length=12.59" free, 7.8" fitted
Light Blue=Spitfire 4; (Between FC 3,214 & FC 39527)
spring length= 12.21" free, 7.42" fitted
The Spitfire Mk2 had green dabbed springs (same spec as Mk1)
Purple= Spitfire Mk3; length=12.21" free, 7.5" fitted
The Spitfire Mk4 was same as Mk3
Purple/White=Spitfire 1500; spring length free=?, fitted=8.0 inches
This paint marking scheme is what caused me to ask the question
about the rear axle paint marking. Most of the info I received
indicated the majority of axles had the "yellow dab" as most of
mine do. The blue dabbed axle remains a mystery.
I suspect it indicates: "made on a wednesday after morning tea break
and checked by a substitute (non-union) inspector who was not
permitted to use the yellow paint brush" ;-)
Bob Sykes - - - __,@_\____
'78 Spitfires - -- }-0-----0->
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