EXCELLENT COMMENTS BY ALL!!!!!!
Sorry for the length, but I'll just insert my .01 1/2 worth.
DANMAS@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 98-11-27 21:52:36 EST, tomomalley@meganet.net writes:
>
> > I really admire folks like Dan Masters, Barry Schwartz and Tom Suddard
> > who have the engineering skills and the patience to do these
> > conversions properly. I figure there's some serious brainstorming
> > going on here before these guys even *think* about picking up a
> > spanner.
Absolute 100% agreement......
> At the same time I'm getting just a little bit nervous
> > hearing all about those on the list who plan to convert their
> > Spitfires.
probably justified thoughts.............>
> I worry
> > that too many of the cars are getting hacked up by folks who get in
> > over their head. Wasn't there a fellow on the list last year who was
> > building a new frame outta 1/4 steel plate? Yikes!! Where's *that*
>
"Dan's reply"
>
> I agree with you about Barry and Tim, they are two of my role models, but it's
> too soon to say about that other guy.
I agree, about Barry and Tim; I am still in the category with "the other guy."
> One of the things I admire about Barry and Tim is their willingness to share
> what they've worked so hard to learn with others.Maybe with the information
>they
> provide, there won't be as many unfinished projects around as there might
> otherwise be (following in their footsteps, I am documenting every thing I do,
> and I plan to publish the information when it's finished. Copies are available
> of what I've done so for, if any one is interested, and I try to keep the
> material up-dated as I go along). As much as I'm in favor of modifications, I
> very much share your concern about folks getting in over their heads and
> scrapping what would otherwise been a good restoration project. Probably for
> every Barry or for every Tim, there are at least 10 others who attempt
>something
> similar, but lack the skills, patience, time, or money to complete the
>project.
> Who knows how many desirable cars have gone to the crusher for this reason -
>not
> just Spitfires, but other makes as well. This problem is very prevalent among
> the street rod/hot rod set. This doesn't just apply to modifications, but to
> restorations as well.
Again agreed......... I plan to soak up any knowledge that I can even though my
project will be slightly different, and Dan, I would appreciate any updates or
info you would like to forward. I already have a dedicated zip disk for this
info.
>
> Speaking for myself, you are absolutely right when you say we put a lot of
> time into the project before starting.
snip
> I am far
> enough along now that I no longer worry much about how it will turn out,
> because all of the major problems have been solved. This car WILL NOT go to
> the crusher! It WILL be on the streets before too awfully long. Even if I
> were to die tonight, it wouldn't take much for someone else to finish it.
> > Andy the troublemaker writes... :-)
> >
> > >I have to ever-so-slightly disagree here. Cost really IS a factor in some
> > >cases.
I have to agree with Andy here. Cost is very much a factor, and needs to be
assessed prior to the start of the project. Modified cars are typically not
built
& sold at a profit. The builder must understand that he is spending the time &
money for his own self gratification: He will probably never be able to get his
money out of the car once its done.
> It's been a lot of work, but it also has been a LOT of fun. When this one is
> finished, I plan to start another. I don't think I could live without a
> challenge in the garage (read: my wife will kill me if all those tools I
> bought lie idle).
Uh...Oh......Never thought about this aspect of the matrimonial side.
Let me start by saying that I have no intention of passing my car off as a
spitfire. It will be a race car, that looks (I hope), like a spitfire. I agree
with not destroying restorable cars, and am trying to plan mine so I wont be one
of the guilty parties. Looking at what I want out of the car (350+ HP) frame
mods
would be extensive & expensive. This is why I have decided on a tube frame.
The plan right now calls for:
(1) Mustang 5.0 front suspension allowing me the steering, suspension, & brake
upgrades that I will need.
(2) After talking to a couple engineers with the T-5 builders, the tranny may be
changing to the Tremac 5-speed.
(3) Either a ford 9" with Jag axles, a similar setup with the Mopar 8 3/4", or
,
I will be looking into a couple good suggestions made Ted Schumacher.
(4) Everything will be layed out as best I can on autocad before starting
anything. By doing this I hope to determine exactly what parts will work & what
must be planned for.
Obviously, these plans will have to be modified / improved / developed, as the
car
is built.
(5) Using a fiberglass bonnet (& deck lid) will avoid trashing one someone could
use to restore a "real" spitfire. (Does anyone remember who on the list is able
to build these????? I have lost that piece of E-mail. .... therefor the
dedicated
zip disk)
(6) This brings the body tub in as the only "real" restorable piece of spitfire
I
will be using, and will also be one of the last to be "built".
Hopefully, this will be accepted by the triumph masses, as something I wanted to
build. I want it to look like a spitfire. I want it to "blow away" a lot of
the
competition that thought a Triumph would never pass them. I want to stay within
the British Leyland / Ford marriage that has existed for years. I want to go
fast.
I DON'T want to destroy a restorable car. I don't want people to think I am
claiming that it is a spitfire. Hopefully, the car will be designed & built
well
enough that the Triumph people will be happy to still have me in their presence.
I expect this to be a long term project. I hope to complete it in three years
from start (design time notwithstanding). I acknowledge that financing will be
one of the major hurdles, but even if delay is necessary, I refuse to cut
corners
to make it cheaper. Its my neck on the line when I drive it & I also plan to
build another later. I still would love to drive open wheel someday............
So PLEASE, everyone, I'll take all the help & suggestions I can get. Flame me
if
you wish (I'll slip on my driving suit) but please don't write me off
...........
I'm going to need all the help & support I can get.
My wife already assumes I've totally lost it & there's no point trying to change
my mind because it wont happen anyway. Maybe she's a saint, who knows?
I only have 21 or 22 hours of the day accounted for without this project.
Plenty
of time.
Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into??????????
Tom Strange, Classic Autosports Ltd., Appleton, Wi., 920-733-5013
PS. Still open to advice, suggestions, help, parts, donations, (or a useable
brain?)
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