Antony Gelberg wrote:
> I obviously have a million questions and thoughts - so please bear with me...
>
> o The brakes are non-existent. I knocked a bit off the price because of
> this. I intend to replace discs, pads, shoes at a minimum. While I'm in the
> area, should I replace the drums and rubber hoses? This actually nearly
> resulted in a crash on my test drive. Came up to a T junction and for a
> split-second, I _really_ thought I was going straight into the wall in front.
As you have just discovered, going fast is optional, stopping is mandatory. How
much is your life worth to you, as a car that small will rarely win in a game of
chicken. I have a pair of Bremo discs I got off of eBay new for less than $40,
pads and shoes are a must, and see about getting the drums turned. The rubber
hoses are prone to internal failure, causing such mind boggling symptoms as your
brakes staying applied, even after you have removed your foot from the pedal.
Again, the hoses are not much, so ask yourself, are you worth it?
>
> o The car doesn't have an unleaded head. This doesn't particularly bother
> me. Just use LRP, right?
I don't use any additive, and I have run stock heads for a long time. One thing
to remember, is that while you will sustain minimal damage from the loss of
unleaded fuel, the heads are made from good steel. At least the A series heads
are..... <G>
The rest of your questions will have to be answered by other Spitfidget owners,
as I am not very familiar with them. But it does sound as though your front
suspension needs rebuilding, from the description of the "wandering". It may be
bad wheel bearings, but I wouldn't place any bets on it.
Brad
>
> o The brake pedal seems very high. Easily adjustable?
> o What grade engine oil? I usually use 10W-40, but this is an older car
> than I've had before.
> o Also, what types of diff / gearbox oil should I use?
> o Where's a good UK parts source that will provide OEM spec parts at
> good prices? For example, the MGOC parts site is really cool but the
> brake stuff is all high-spec - anyone have any opinions on the value of
> these type of parts? I guess the more general question is do people
> think that all the OEM parts are crap? Coming from a Jaguar XJS world,
> it's quite unusual for someone to fit (say) Brembo discs, as the Jag
> ones are really decent. I'd like to keep the car as original as I can,
> except where the "upgrade" parts make a big difference. Did that make
> sense?
> o What's the correct tyre pressures?
> o What's the pull-out knob on the left side of the middle of the dash
> (on the right of the heater switch)?
> o One of the headlights is shagged. What's the bulb spec? Does anyone
> make those "white light" ones?
>
> The journey home was mostly done at 60mph, and I couldn't have asked
> more from the car. Is the steering _meant_ to be all over the place?
> ;)
>
> I suppose some of these questions could be answered from the owners and
> service manuals, but they're in the post...
>
> Already I can't wait to drive the thing tomorrow...
>
> A
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