I bought a 79 last summer. Colorado Emissions Inspectors look for the air
pump and the catalytic converter. If these are missing, replacements are
hard (expensive) to come by. Absolutely lift the carpet (shouldn't be
glued, yeah right) from the floor of the driver's side and check for rust.
Even in dry climates you might find some. The other spot is just in front
of the rear fenders on the rockers. Check the bottom and back side as
well. If the metal there is soft, there is a possibility of rust.
Definately look in the trunk. Here and on the bonnet rust is fairly
obvious. Go through all of the gears (while driving preferably) including
reverse (I forgot that one, fortunately I can live with the grinding that
is only present in reverse). Listen (I repeat, LISTEN carefully) for noise
from the rearend while driving. Rear hub rebuilds are costly! Have one of
the motor experts on the list tell you how to check for crankshaft end play
(indicates motor wear and future rebuild requirements).
Hey, I have learned a few things in the last 8 months and also from using
this list.
Mike
79 Spit
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From: transerv@sprynet.com[SMTP:transerv@sprynet.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 1997 8:20 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Spitfire Purchase
Folks,
I can't seem to find the time to work on the TR4, so of course the best
solution
would just be to buy another Triumph...right?
I found what is supposed to be a running 79 Spitfire. Has soft and hard
tops, a
solenoid problem, burgandy repaint, reupholstery by lowrider inc.
(velvet?)and
both door handles are missing.
I'll revisit the VTR buying guide, and look it over better tomorrow in full
daylight, but it looks fairly firm...has a little bondo on the middle front
of
the hood,,er bonnet...thing in front that has the fenders (wings?)
attached.
Please advise, he is asking $1600 or best offer..
If, it's local it shouldn't have a rust problem, being the desert SW around
here.
BIG QUESTION..is there anything to be done about the ugly rubber bumpers?
How
do these look with the bumpers simply removed? Will older model bumpers
fit?
Is anyone out there old enough to remember nerf bars? Are those available
anywhere?
If possible, please respond direct, or copy me when responding to the list,
as I
am on the digest and may have to buy this beast Saturday if it runs well.
Robert Houston
63TR4 11+ year restoration project.
transerv@sprynet.com
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