[Spits] Restorable? Your thoughts appreciated

[Bill Gingerich]

Mike,

Let me preface by saying I am biased toward saving any Spitfire or GT6 I
can.  Hence I have 4 projects waiting, as well as my Spitfire driver.  

If only that one rocker is bad, I think it's worth it.  I've never replaced
a rocker myself, so I have no firsthand experience.  What do you know about
the rest of the body?  If the other rocker, floors, and trunk all have holes
the size of the one in the picture, then you're getting into a lot of work
and expense.  In that case it might not be worth it.

The question of price is always difficult.  Do you have a feel for how much
of the car is there?  From the one picture, it looks like a lot is missing.
Trunk lid, dash, gauges, door glass, soft top frame, seats, gas tank,
bumpers, lights, etc. can add up fast.  

My last question is what is your goal?  These cars currently don't command
the kind of sale price needed to cover the cost of a first class
restoration. You have to spend the money because you love the car.

Based on only what I can see, I'd be willing to pay $500 max.  

Bill G
Newalla, OK
'74 Spitfire rolling restoration
'66 GT6 MkI project
'70 GT6+ project
'73 GT6 MkIII project
'71/'76 GT6 Convertible project




-----Original Message-----
From: spitfires-bounces+bill=gingerich.us at autox.team.net
[mailto:spitfires-bounces+bill=gingerich.us at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
Mike Vasquez
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 7:56 PM
To: spitfires at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spits] Restorable? Your thoughts appreciated

I received an additional high-res picture of a spitfire project I'm
considering.

The seller mentioned rust on the bottom of the door, which didn't
concern me too much -- door can be repaired/replaced.  However, it's
actually *under* the door -- on the body itself.

So, take a peek: http://www.digihax.com/spitfire/spit.jpg  (You may
have to click on the picture once it loads to get highest res)

I have no welding skills.  I have friends with welding skills.  With
that in mind:

I know that's hard to tell from 1 pic, but your general thoughts
appreciated.  This is:

1962/63ish Spitfire.
Engine/Diff/Trans all there, and as always, "previously running"
I'm guessing a fair amount of small (but expensive) trim pieces, etc
are missing.

Salvageable?  Too much work to be worth it?  What would you pay?

Thanks again,
Mike