rocker cover fasteners

I turned a couple of hand nuts for the rocker box on the spitfire during the week. They replace the domed nuts that currently hold the cover on. They are made form stainless steel so they should stay looking good for a fair time.

TSSC open weekend

I went along to the TSSC open weekend today. The headquarters of the club is well worth a visit if you get the chance. There is plenty of interesting things to see from pristine cars, cut away chassis, working garage, literature, club shop etc. I have posted a few pics below to show a few of the goodies on display.

I took the Spitfire to give her a good run and despite the heavy rain all the way there and back she performed beautifully.

Science museum

Rover turbine powered car

Rolls Royce Merlin engine

Well We have just come back home after a weekend away in London. While we were there we visited the science museum a favourite haunt of mine as a child. The place has changed so much since I was last there, but it is still just as exciting as I remember it. I thought I would post a few photos. It is sad to think how engineers were really appreciated up till a relatively few years ago.

Wet Patch

I left the Spitfire out in the rainy weather today in the safe knowledge the new hardtop would keep her safe and warm! unfortunately that was for from the reality when I returned to the car. The front windscreen seal had leaked like a sieve and the water had collected on both of the seats. It wasn't a pleasant ride home with damp trousers. I have posted a question on the TSSC website to see if anyone has any experience of this and if so how to avoid a repeat performance. I have noticed on the Rimmer brothers part list the windscreen seal looks like it is shaped to fit the top of the windscreen were as the seal i have is square section dense foam, which doesn't appear to follow the contours on the windscreen trim. It looks like I may have to order the Rimmer seal to see if that fits better.

On the road

I took the Spitfire out for its first run in a year today. It was just how I remember the car. She drives great and is so much fun, I had a big smile on my face the whole time I was out. I chose a route that was mainly country roads with plenty of twists and turns. The car handles perfectly, I don't know where this myth about spitfires not being able to corner comes from but I have never had any issues even when driving fairly rapidly around the twisty lanes. All I need now is for the weather to be kind to me over the next few days and I will be having a lot more fun!

were back on the road again

Well the car has passed it's MOT today. so it's just the tax to get tomorrow and were all legal once more. I can't wait to go for a long drive tomorrow.

Revenge of the speed hump

brakes away

I managed to fit the new parts for the Spitfires front brakes after work today. I have replaced the discs, pads and used a new fitting kit, and not a moment to soon as the old pads fell apart as I took them off. It only took 1 1/2 hours to change both sides, just as well as it was getting dark by the time i finished. I just have to get the car re-tested tomorrow and its back on the road.

NEC Classic show

I went along to the Classic car show on at the NEC at the weekend. Its good to see so many people supporting our hobby, The halls were packed. I managed to pick up a few bits for the Spitfire, A pair of new discs, front pads and fitting kit. There was a special offer on the Rimmer stand, the delivery and vat were paid on orders placed at the show. I have to say the service from Rimmers has been first class as the parts arrived this morning. I will be fitting them tomorrow and then taking the car for its mot re-test on thursday. The car failed its first test on front brakes out of balance so hopefully this will cure the fault.

All weather motoring is here

I picked up the bargain of the century yesterday on ebay. I got a brand new hard top for the spitfire for £100, It is perfect not a mark on it. So from now on its dry and hopefully a warmer driving all the way.

I'm able to stop anytime

I finally got around to ordering and fitting the new parts for the rear brakes on the TR4. A new wheel cylinder, spring back plates, spring clips and shoes were all fitted. The brakes were bled using an easy bleed container and this has got most of the air out but the pedal is still a bit soft. I am going to try a new vacuum pump tomorrow to see if that is more effecient. In the meantime I am mobile again, so its back to car shows at the weekends.