Buying a MKIV Spitfire but I dont have a garage
Discussion
Hi all hope this is a quick question, but I could really do with some opinions!
I have been offered a really nice MK4 Spitfire in pretty good condition at a very good price. I am planning to buy it as its too good to let pass by and I have always wanted a spitfire.
I plan to keep it as a hobby car with occasional use. It needs a few jobs doing but the current owner has done most of the major work, apart from a head gasket which is an easy job. The problem however is this I have a driveway but I don't have a garage. So the car will be parked on my drive all year round when not being used. I will buy a good quality cover for it but I am seriously worried whether this is just a bad idea and its going to rot away before my eyes!
The current owner has always kept the car garaged so its in good condition and pretty rust free.
What is the general opinion and advice, am I asking for trouble by keeping this car on my drive or are there any tips etc that could help keep it in good condition?
Cheers
I have been offered a really nice MK4 Spitfire in pretty good condition at a very good price. I am planning to buy it as its too good to let pass by and I have always wanted a spitfire.
I plan to keep it as a hobby car with occasional use. It needs a few jobs doing but the current owner has done most of the major work, apart from a head gasket which is an easy job. The problem however is this I have a driveway but I don't have a garage. So the car will be parked on my drive all year round when not being used. I will buy a good quality cover for it but I am seriously worried whether this is just a bad idea and its going to rot away before my eyes!
The current owner has always kept the car garaged so its in good condition and pretty rust free.
What is the general opinion and advice, am I asking for trouble by keeping this car on my drive or are there any tips etc that could help keep it in good condition?
Cheers
I have had my 1500 spitfire 4 years and it lives on the drive used for about 1500 miles per annum. I cover it over in the winter with a breathable cover. And as with my TVR spray with good wax rust proofing every year and it has no rust and has passed its MOT ever year I have had it. A old car used as a weekend good weather car is not the same as when cars where used daily 20/30 years ago. Buy and enjoy. 
I use Bilt-Hamber on mine as it comes in large aerosols, and the long probs do the box sections of the chassis very easily with minimum mess. 4 cans last me 2 years. Most people who say rot box have not had one or have only seen neglected ones sat under rubber covers. The car you are looking at has survived over 30 years which says some thing. My cover is a storm some thing but plenty on internet just need good straps breathable with a soft inner part. Mine is plugged into a battery conditioner and I try to run it in winter when dry and no salt, past few years winters have been better than summer. I have also used the Bilt-Hamber wax which does seem to do what it says on the can. These cars need more work than modern ones but its part of the fun, mine is a quarter the speed of my TVR but just as much fun.
Sorry not really related to this topic but nice to see someone with the same combination of cars as myself (Spitfire 1500 and Chimaera 450). I agree equal fun. Also my spitfire was stored outside for 10 years by the previous owner and sure it took its toll but nothing that can't be repaired fairly simply and of course a good cover will help. I wondered about a 'car tent' thing I saw advertised in Practical Classics a few months ago - has the advantage of keeping air flow around the car, I think they were about £300.
Couple of points to consider.
1) How much are you paying for the car?
If it's a £1,000 bit of fun does it matter if it's kept outside and needs some TLC after a few years? You could buy a more modern convertible and garage it and loose more than the cost of the Spit. in deprecation in the same time.
If it's a £15,000 concourse car then maybe you would take a different view.
2) It's pushing 40 years old and probably spent a lot of those years parked on the road. Assuming it is made of metal and not paper mache it won't dissolve at the sight of rain and just needs an eye kept on it. If rust starts to show sort it, don't ignore it. If the roof leaks and the footwells fill with water sort it and dry it out, don't ignore it.
3) My Spitfire has spent more time parked outside than under cover and it never seemed to bother it.
4) If it worries you - have you considered renting a garage local to where you live? Take a look at a site like www.parklet.co.uk to see what's available in your area/prices. Also check the notice board in you local supermarket as you often find garages listed there too.
1) How much are you paying for the car?
If it's a £1,000 bit of fun does it matter if it's kept outside and needs some TLC after a few years? You could buy a more modern convertible and garage it and loose more than the cost of the Spit. in deprecation in the same time.
If it's a £15,000 concourse car then maybe you would take a different view.
2) It's pushing 40 years old and probably spent a lot of those years parked on the road. Assuming it is made of metal and not paper mache it won't dissolve at the sight of rain and just needs an eye kept on it. If rust starts to show sort it, don't ignore it. If the roof leaks and the footwells fill with water sort it and dry it out, don't ignore it.
3) My Spitfire has spent more time parked outside than under cover and it never seemed to bother it.
4) If it worries you - have you considered renting a garage local to where you live? Take a look at a site like www.parklet.co.uk to see what's available in your area/prices. Also check the notice board in you local supermarket as you often find garages listed there too.
Edited by //j17 on Monday 14th September 10:32
My Spitfire 1500 seems to cope fine with being left outside more than it really should (most nights!). Any rust hasn't got any worse, although there was very little to start with. The paint isn't great but then it never has been as it only cost me £1600, and it’s better than you would expect considering I’v done 6000 miles since March in it!
Thanks
Dan
Thanks
Dan
I bought an outdoor cover from these guys for my Triumph Stag : http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatalog/OutdoorC...
Had the car parked outside on the drive for 3 years (NE Scotland) and seemed to do the trick pretty well. Stil passess its MOT every year without any warns re corrosion etc.
Had the car parked outside on the drive for 3 years (NE Scotland) and seemed to do the trick pretty well. Stil passess its MOT every year without any warns re corrosion etc.
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