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Plasti-guage? - Late Spit frame rust -"off" topics (long)

To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Plasti-guage? - Late Spit frame rust -"off" topics (long)
From: ADU3B@aol.com
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 1996 21:48:51 -0500
Greetings Wordly Scions,

-item 1-
I understand that using a "Plasti-guage" <sp?> is good way to
accurately measure small clearances (rod & main bearings).  If so -

Questions:
How do you remove the plasti-guage to read it after you have
"squashed" it in the bearing assembly?  Do you have to loosen the
bolts?  If you do, doesn't that use up the one-shot nature of
torqueing these type bolts?  More than one inquiring Scion wants
to know.

-item 2-
This might be of interest to owners or potential owners of later
model US spec Spitfires:

I just finished completely stripping a '75 chassis (frame in
yankspeak) that I had originally intended to restore.  What
caused me to *not* restore this frame was rust, just forward
of the rear cross member.  This is a documented place to check
for rust (in the buying/restoration guide) but I believe that
the later US Spec cars *may* be more at risk for this location.
The reason for this is the unique 'frame extensions' on the later
"square bumper" cars.  The ends of the extensions are open to the
elements, whereas on earlier (& UK) cars the frame ends are
welded shut.  Granted the 'open ends' are tucked up underneath
the boot where it is unlikely that rain will get in.  The car I
was planning to restore had been fitted with a mkIV style rear
bumper, exposing these openings a little more.  Water had gotten
in, and  it winds up at the low point between diff
mount and rear cross member.  The frame then rusted from the
inside.  This type of rust is non-repairable (according to the
manual) and serious before it is usually detected.

I will  more closely scrutinize potential purchases in this area.
Particularily if the rear over-riders/bumper is missing.  It
might even be worth sealing up the ends of the frame.

-item 3-
WARNING Non LBC related material follows.  If you are 
offended by this type of content press <Del> now !!

I've been here long enough to see the "off topic" discussion
come up a couple of times.  It's interesting  that the
discussion *itself* is "off topic".  It's inevitable and IMHO,
an integral component of this diverse, dynamic environment. 
I would like to add a "me-too" to those appreciating descriptive
subject lines. Actually this is one of the better lists with regard
to relevant subject (lines).  It's not perfect, but with a little 
"tweaking" from time to time, it works quite well.  Sort of like...
a Triumph :-) 

-Item 4-
Yes I've done it again.  My email address of the month is
ADU3B@aol.com  at least *IT* has some LBC content ;-)

Happy Motoring
Bob Sykes   -  - -     __,@_\____    
'78 Spitfires -  --    }-0-----0->     



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