[TR] Spitfire Chassis #'s (trying to figure out build Month for FDU 32758)

[Joe Curry]

Wayne,
The car is a 1969 model.

In the Mk3 production, Triumph changed from designating the model year
according to the actual year of manufacture to the designated model year
according to it's configuration (approximating the US model year).

The 1969 Model year began with commission number FDU31000L and continued
until the 70 model began with Commission numbers beginning with 75000.  The
last 1969 I have found in the database is 51940, but could actually be much
higher than that.  The BMIHT suggests it is 51949 but are not absolutely
certain of that.

As for the build month, ut is likely somewhere late in 68 but because it is
a configuration designated model it will have the same equipment that was
required on all the others in that model year (specifically safety and
emissions equipment).  So the side markers are correct.

The FD designated cars were in a transition period and since they were not
designated to meet the US safety and emissions requirements, they could have
different equipment.  Only the FDU cars fall under those restrictions.

Needless to say, the Mk3 is a bit confusing to say the least.

Cheers,
Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Lee
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2010 10:49 AM
To: Triumph List; Lotus FF
Subject: [TR] Spitfire Chassis #'s (trying to figure out build Month for FDU
32758)

Hi Listers,

      I just bought a Spitfire project that has been in it's Garage since
94.
Real solid straight Tub
and no rust at all to speak of. It's already been stripped down though
including windshield Frame,
Doors, and Boot Lid. As well as Interior, Walnut and the rest of the Dash in
boxes. New Walnut Dash
Panels and a supposed rebuilt Engine on the side. Has a Hardtop up in the
Rafters of the Garage that
looks like Fiberglass, so I don't think it's factory.

     Here's the thing. I bought it as being a 68 Mk III, but then after
seeing
some 69's I remembered seeing
the side marker lights on the Fenders which I confirmed with the pictures I
took. Also the Seats that were stuffed
in the corner of the Garage had no Headrests, as I said Dash had Walnut.
After
checking out it's Serial# on a site
that had many registered owners, I see that there's a 68 Spit with ID# FD
31226 and a 69 with # FDU 31354. I couldn't
find a better listing of vehicles but with my Car being # FDU 32758 and the
68
listed as a 31226 showed it had to be one of the
first 1532 69 Spits at least, even if that 68 was the last one of it's Model
year made.

    I saw the 69 Brochure showing Headrests, new for 69 Black vinyl
Dashboard
etc. Did some of the early 69 Spits carry over
some 68 traits? I know how things can get changed and backdated with older
Parts over the years, but I was hoping someone
could pinpoint the Build Date a little closer if they had a Heritage
Certificate from one close in the Serial # range?
Does anyone know of a better Database to access? I'll get a Heritage
Certificate for it someday, not high on the list right now.
Getting it home is the first thing to worry about I should think..

Cheers,
Wayne Lee
Douglas, MA
64 TR4 (project)
75 TR6 (Daily Driver)
69 Spitfire (Going to lift the Tub off this one)

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