[Spits] Recommendations: dash / body parts / welding equipments: 64 Spit

[Mike Welch]

www.spitbits.com
www.victoriabritish.com
www.theroadsterfactory.com

These are the big three in my book for replacement parts.  Moss is good for 
'universal' parts, but they don't have any info on round-tails.
  I can try scanning my dash panels, the center bit is the same on your '64 
and my '69, but the actual gauge placement will vary.  The schematic on the 
sites above will give you a good idea on how they are laid out.
  I found a cheap welder for ~100.  I got mine from Harbor Freight, but 
Wal-Mart had one on the shelf that would do the job for under $100.  I'm not 
a welder, but it didn't take too long to get the hang of it.  Just take it 
slow, tack down corners, etc.  I highly recommend an auto-darkening helmet, 
it makes it much easier if you can see your work before doing anything. 
When replacing the sills, be sure to support the car, the sill provides a 
lot of support to prevent the cab from buckling. 
http://www.classic-car-magazine.co.uk/spitrest/spitfire-sill-replacement.html 
will be a good read.  Also, 
http://www.amazon.com/Restore-Classic-Bodywork-Enthusiasts-Restoration/dp/1903706629/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218505039&sr=8-1 
covers most of what you're going to run in to, and it uses a Spitfire for 
the instructions.

Mike Welch
'69 Spitfire x 2
'69 Honda SL350
'76 Honda CB550F
Colorado Springs, CO

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Vasquez" <mike.vasquez at gmail.com>
To: <spitfires at autox.team.net>; <nass at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 12:39 PM
Subject: [Spits] Recommendations: dash / body parts / welding equipments: 64 
Spit


> I'm beginning an inventory and review of the '64 spit I recently 
> purchased.
> In my excitement to purchase, I somehow missed the PO's replacement of a
> floor pan with.... well, I'm not sure quite what it was.
>
> I'd like your recommendations on:
>
> 1) Good source for replacement rocker panels (driver/passenger) and floor
> pans (driver, pedal area bad, seat area OK)
> 2) Either a) replacement dash or b) someone willing to give me 
> measurements
> for their dash/pattern/etc.
>
> I'm considering fabricating my own, but want to see what's out there as
> well.  Luckily, I *do* have all the gauges for the car, they came this 
> week,
> the PO found them.  Phew!!!
>
> 3) Finally: I'm looking for affordable welding equipment to replace these
> body parts.  I haven't welded before.  I'd like minimum equipment
> recommendations that would do the job.  (I have access to free courses at 
> my
> local community college if I can't figure it out myself...)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mike
> 1964 Spitfire 4 (Mk 1) FC24119
> http://www.MeantToBeDriven.com
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