Well, I'm nearly done with the mechanical restoration of my 75
Spitfire. I still need to complete the rebuild of the right front wheel
( wheel cylinder, shock, poly bushings, new paint.) and install the
radiator, transmission, and drive shaft. The body tub was removed and
currently occupies the other stall of my garage. The body is really in
very good shape with the exception of rusty rocker panel skins( the
inner sills looks OK ).
My bodyman is reluctant to replace the panels and paint the tub while it
is removed from the frame. He is afraid ( and I concure) that the door
opening dimensions will change when the old rocker skins are removed
resulting in problems with the door alignment later. This sounds like a
real concern, but I don't see any practical way to paint the front of
the tub (engine compartment) with it installed on the frame. I also
would like to continue with the mechanical work this winter while the
body work is being done, so I can be sure of having the car on the road
this summer. I bought this car with a non-functioning clutch so I
haven't even driven the car on the road yet( so I expect some problems).
I have thought about fabricating steel braces for the door openings and
a few other ideas. Has anyone had the rockers replaced with the tub
off-frame? I could use some suggestions from the experts!
Kevin Besig
75 Spit FM28619U
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