On Wed, 10 Dec 1997, Smith, Brian wrote:
> I know I'm insane for even considering this but....
>
> I found a mid sixties Triumph Hearld convertable in a junkyard. The
> owner says that the engine ran when it was brought in and the only thing
> wrong with it at the time was a bad Brake master cly. I know for a fact
> the this car has been sitting outside in the elements for at least 7
> years...Now my
> question...How much of this thing (floor pan wise, I know mechanically)
> is common with the square tail spits (I have an extra).
Other than originating from sheet steel, there really isn't any
compatibility between Spitfire and Herald body panels.
> Are the floor
> pans, rockers,Tops, etc, available here in the states or am I looking
> for some Major shipping charges for the home country?
The latter option applies for most sheet metal. And by all means check
that chassis frame thoroughly before you plunge in. Most all the
outriggers are available, but if the main rails are too badly rotted, you
can forget using that frame. Tops are available in the U.S. from outfits
such as Robbins and other sources.
> Should I start looking for a 12 step program now?
Well, yes.
Sad thing is that, despite the slowly increasing value on good Heralds --
especially convertibles, what you're starting with even at $200 or less is
likely to cost many times what the value of the finished product would be.
This is usually true of most LBC restorations, but it's more blatantly
obvious here. You'd have to really LOVE the Herald (and many of us do, of
course!) to justify restoration, as economics simply won't justify it.
You're not absolutely crazy to want to do this, but most folks will
certainly think you are. On the other hand, and as much as I hate to say
this about the possibility of another Herald returning to the highways and
byways, parting it out is a viable option while there is something left to
part out.
--Andy
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