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Triumph Repair/Expert Profile
Expertise
My area of specialty is the Triumph Spitfire 1500 (1973-1980) although I have some technical experience with the GT6 and TR6 models also. I can cover questions on all areas of the Spitfire, from basic mechanical questions to where to find original style seat covers and soft tops. I am not an expert on the TR2/3/4 models. If you need specific detailed help with these models I first recommend obtaining a good repair manual such as the Robert Bentley manual for your particular model.
Experience in the area
I have been a Spitfire owner for 20 years and have done all my own repair work. On the Spitfire I've done just about everything except mount and balance tires.
In addition to street use I have been autocrossing a Spitfire with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in Modified class since 1997.
Organizations
Red River Triumph Club
SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)
NASS (North American Spitfire Squadron)
FOT (Friends of Triumph)
What do you like about this subject?
I like the mechanical challenge that the Triumph automobiles present.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
I want to learn how to tame Lucas!
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
The Triumph Spitfire front suspension uprights were used on several of the early Lotus Sports cars and sports racers. Drivetrains were used in custom "kit" cars such as the Devin, and drivetrains were used in cars such as the TVR 2500M (TR6). There was even the Herald powered Amphicar.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Many people have not heard of Standard-Triumph. Do you know their history? Look at www.vtr.org for answers
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike | 01/14/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Jim, as it happens it was ..... |
| Jeff Thompson | 01/12/11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Jeff | 01/04/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you. I read all of your ..... |
| Jay | 11/20/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanx Jim. I'll let you know when ..... |
| john | 10/27/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thanks for all of your help! |
Recent Answers from Jim
2011-01-09 Differential:
Mike, Is it a single "thump" or does it keep thumping accelerating/decelerating? Single thump would be diff mounts, engine mounts, and maybe a bit of gear lash. Continued thumping is more likely
2011-01-07 replacing clutch:
Jeff, Ahh, so you're a small repair shop owner trying to make a killing changing the clutch on a car that you have no clue about. Thank you, it's time for me to retire. Cheers, Jim
2011-01-02 Using 1300 cam in 1500 engine:
Kevin, Yes, you can fit a 1300 cam and cam bearings into the 1500 block, it's the "hot rodders tweak" for the 1500s. British Leyland most likely deleted the cam bearings as an additional part cost
2010-12-27 Oil out the dipstick tube:
If the manifold doesn't have a fitting in it you'll have to pull the manifold and drill/tap a fitting to pull crankcase fumes into. Ideally you'd have a catch bottle (completely sealed) in the vent line
2010-12-13 spitfire ignition:
Claude, Yes, the '77 should have a ballast resistor. Now for the fun part. Depending upon when exactly your car was built, the different parts on hand at the factory and the phase of the moon you
Answers by Expert:
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