In a message dated 9/9/2003 8:00:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I had previously thought that I had just purchased a MK2 Spitfire because > it had the push-button door handles. However, checking the VIN number > FC38247L I see that it falls into the MK1 range. Does anyone know the > changeover point for the door handles? Was this within the MK1 range or do > I have non-original doors? The change actually occured sometime after the introduction of the Mk2 model, I think somewhere in the FC55xxx range? Seems to me it would be a fair bit of work to fit the proper latches to the "B" post for the later doors (although I'm sure it's possible), which makes me wonder if you might have a later tub with a switched commission number. Is there a body number tag on the car? Otherwise, the doors themselves should bolt right up. > My present Spitfire (in US) has no seatbelts, not even lap belts. The > interior, at least the carpet, appears fairly original. My previous MK1, > may it's soul RIP, had lap belts. On a US spec cars were seatbelts > required, or were they an option, or were mine added later? I would imagine that most Spitfires destined for the US would have had the eyebolts in place for belts. For example, I know New York required mounts for front belts in cars sold from 1962 on. I think Connecticut, by that time, required belts installed. Probably some other states did as well. > If I go digging under the carpet in my present MK1 can I reasonably expect > to find the threaded mounts for the seatbelts or will I have to come up > with some new mounting system? My own FC3xxxxL has the "factory" mounts in the floor. I can't help you on the belt refurbishing question; sorry. > It seems to have the 1147cc engine so that may at least be original. > Certainly has noticeably less power than the 1300 although does rev a > little more freely. Yeah, I always liked the 1147 myself (but then I'm a Herald guy)! :-) But back in the early 1970s, a friend and I would occasionally swap Spitfires (his Mk2 for my Mk3) to compare them. My Mk3's 1296 engine was a bit stronger, but the Mk2's 1147 always felt better to me. --Andy Mace *Mrs Irrelevant: Oh, is it a jet? *Man: Well, no ... It's not so much of a jet, it's more your, er, Triumph Herald engine with wings. -- Cut-price Airlines Sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus (22) /// [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list /// Send admin requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool /// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive /// Send list postings to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// Edit your replies! If they include this trailer, they will NOT be sent.
