Suspension build thread 1500 Spitfire
Discussion
Morning All,
I thought I would put up a quick build thread detailing yesterday’s suspension rebuild on my 1500 Spitfire. Enjoy.
This is how the car looked before we began the work, it was definitely too high at the front and we assumed (having taken a few measurements) that a previous owner had fitted GT6 springs. This was presumably done to clear the oversized front tyres that were on the car when I bought it.
I joked that it resembled a Spitfire aeroplane sitting on a runway!
So I purchased some standard front road springs and bushes from Rimmer Brothers. I know that there are cheaper places but I tried both James Paddock and the TSSC shop and was told they were both having problems with supplies and had, had some complaints that the 1500’s were sitting too high on the springs, I didn’t want the same problem after all the hard work so I decided to pay a little extra and gain reassurance that these were definitely correct.
First thing was to do was to undo the three nuts on the top mount in order to release the shock – this was easy. Next we released the anti roll bar, this unfortunately was not so easy but with some good penetrating oil, some patience it came off and the combined strength and ingenuity of an abnormally strong computer programmer and a lawyer it finally came off. We decided to give it a good clean and a fresh lick of black chassis paint, you can see it below in the vice.
Next we had to release the nut and bolt which holds the strut in at the bottom, this is a huge 5/8 bolt which has grime and grit chucked over it constantly so it was understandably quite stiff. ½” drive ratchet handles were needed to undo the bolt but we were relatively pleased (to say the least) not the sheer anything! The coilover was a bit fiddly to get out due to the oversized spring but with one person standing on the hub and the other working it out we got there in the end. You can see a picture of the coilover below in the vice, note that the spring is bent as it is so long.
One of us started work cleaning up the chassis and wishbones to prepare them for a fresh lick of chassis black whilst the other began taking the coilover apart, this was particularly difficult as the spring compressors needed to be fully compressed in order to release the tension, once off though it was obvious that the new springs were going to fit much better.
An unexpected surprise then occurred in that the front end of the car appeared to be a rather shiny yellow beneath the grime. This was rectified with lots of thinners and some shiny new black paint. It became obvious that our computer programmer was not just abnormally strong but also skilled in painting! Despite the complaints about having to do both sides!
Everything had gone very smoothly so far, far too smoothly in fact which is probably why whilst constructing the second coilover the spring compressors decided to give in projecting themselves directly towards my left foot! This was completely my fault for not taking enough care, despite numerous reminders that these things were lethal from my companions. Much swearing was heard but nothing a good cup of tea couldn’t fix. Ultimately we did get the coilover back together and looking quite shiny.
Just as we ventured back outside the heavens decided to open, this would make putting the thing back together much fun! We did get our first action shot of the day though, me on the right, Wizardskills on the left and our third and considerably more skilled member is behind the camera.
It appeared that only out product engineer had the ability to get the coilovers back in properly and very nice they looked too.
Now we had to start putting all the new bushes in and fixing the antiroll bar back on, light was fading and the ground was very wet but we got there in the end, unfortunately no time to take pictures of this, but I will get a few up because the anti roll bar looks nice now! Wizardskills then apparently developed OCD and starting laying our nuts in a very German and efficient fashion. This proved very helpful though.
That was everything bolted back together just as the light started to disappear completely, here is the car as it just came off the jacks, looking remarkably high still.
And here it is this morning after it has been allowed to settle, a job well done and a much improved look.
Total cost around £75 for springs, bushes and consumables
Total time taken was around 5.5 hours including many tea brakes and time for messing around. Lots of fun was had though.
I thought I would put up a quick build thread detailing yesterday’s suspension rebuild on my 1500 Spitfire. Enjoy.
This is how the car looked before we began the work, it was definitely too high at the front and we assumed (having taken a few measurements) that a previous owner had fitted GT6 springs. This was presumably done to clear the oversized front tyres that were on the car when I bought it.
I joked that it resembled a Spitfire aeroplane sitting on a runway!
So I purchased some standard front road springs and bushes from Rimmer Brothers. I know that there are cheaper places but I tried both James Paddock and the TSSC shop and was told they were both having problems with supplies and had, had some complaints that the 1500’s were sitting too high on the springs, I didn’t want the same problem after all the hard work so I decided to pay a little extra and gain reassurance that these were definitely correct.
First thing was to do was to undo the three nuts on the top mount in order to release the shock – this was easy. Next we released the anti roll bar, this unfortunately was not so easy but with some good penetrating oil, some patience it came off and the combined strength and ingenuity of an abnormally strong computer programmer and a lawyer it finally came off. We decided to give it a good clean and a fresh lick of black chassis paint, you can see it below in the vice.
Next we had to release the nut and bolt which holds the strut in at the bottom, this is a huge 5/8 bolt which has grime and grit chucked over it constantly so it was understandably quite stiff. ½” drive ratchet handles were needed to undo the bolt but we were relatively pleased (to say the least) not the sheer anything! The coilover was a bit fiddly to get out due to the oversized spring but with one person standing on the hub and the other working it out we got there in the end. You can see a picture of the coilover below in the vice, note that the spring is bent as it is so long.
One of us started work cleaning up the chassis and wishbones to prepare them for a fresh lick of chassis black whilst the other began taking the coilover apart, this was particularly difficult as the spring compressors needed to be fully compressed in order to release the tension, once off though it was obvious that the new springs were going to fit much better.
An unexpected surprise then occurred in that the front end of the car appeared to be a rather shiny yellow beneath the grime. This was rectified with lots of thinners and some shiny new black paint. It became obvious that our computer programmer was not just abnormally strong but also skilled in painting! Despite the complaints about having to do both sides!
Everything had gone very smoothly so far, far too smoothly in fact which is probably why whilst constructing the second coilover the spring compressors decided to give in projecting themselves directly towards my left foot! This was completely my fault for not taking enough care, despite numerous reminders that these things were lethal from my companions. Much swearing was heard but nothing a good cup of tea couldn’t fix. Ultimately we did get the coilover back together and looking quite shiny.
Just as we ventured back outside the heavens decided to open, this would make putting the thing back together much fun! We did get our first action shot of the day though, me on the right, Wizardskills on the left and our third and considerably more skilled member is behind the camera.
It appeared that only out product engineer had the ability to get the coilovers back in properly and very nice they looked too.
Now we had to start putting all the new bushes in and fixing the antiroll bar back on, light was fading and the ground was very wet but we got there in the end, unfortunately no time to take pictures of this, but I will get a few up because the anti roll bar looks nice now! Wizardskills then apparently developed OCD and starting laying our nuts in a very German and efficient fashion. This proved very helpful though.
That was everything bolted back together just as the light started to disappear completely, here is the car as it just came off the jacks, looking remarkably high still.
And here it is this morning after it has been allowed to settle, a job well done and a much improved look.
Total cost around £75 for springs, bushes and consumables
Total time taken was around 5.5 hours including many tea brakes and time for messing around. Lots of fun was had though.
Edited by D18OCK on Tuesday 15th February 15:15
I HATE using spring compressors, it just feels so damn dangerous. Nice result on a sorted ride height though. I always lay bolts etc out in pretty patterns so I know where they all go back, it's a great idea. Indeed on things like covers I'll use a bit of card & poke the bolts through in the same pattern if I'm leaving it apart for a while.
Hooli said:
I HATE using spring compressors, it just feels so damn dangerous. Nice result on a sorted ride height though. I always lay bolts etc out in pretty patterns so I know where they all go back, it's a great idea. Indeed on things like covers I'll use a bit of card & poke the bolts through in the same pattern if I'm leaving it apart for a while.
They are horrid arn't they, because the old spring was so long I had to compress them almost all the way down before it would release the tension, it was actually frightening taking them off. Does look nice though I am very happy, I think it'll drop a touch more after I have stuck it round a few bends.
I joke about the OCD but actually laying the bolts out like this was very helpful!
Arrrrgh! Don't call a (Supermarine) Spitfire a "plane". It's an aircraft, an aeroplane, a kite, a crate, a Spit or a Spitty, but NEVER a plane.
Those Triumph Spitfires look good. There's an orange 1500 with a hard top, with a 1982 number plate, which lives outside in all weathers in central Islington. I assume that it has been rust proofed. It is always clean. I have never actually seen it move. The car was presumably stored for a couple of years before being registered, as Triumph stopped making Spitfires in 1980, (from memory).
Those Triumph Spitfires look good. There's an orange 1500 with a hard top, with a 1982 number plate, which lives outside in all weathers in central Islington. I assume that it has been rust proofed. It is always clean. I have never actually seen it move. The car was presumably stored for a couple of years before being registered, as Triumph stopped making Spitfires in 1980, (from memory).
Edited by Breadvan73 on Monday 14th February 12:19
My Interceptor II had been sitting too high at the front and handling like a right old shed for some time, but having new springs at the front, and re attaching the anti-roll bar, which had come loose at one end, have improved things greatly. It is striking how big a difference maintaining the suspension on an old car can produce.
I hope you didnt use the old nyloc nuts? looks like old ones going back on only some new ones.
Its a slippery slope from here on though, you've had it a few months and already tinkering.
Before you know it you'll be having custom wishbones made and having a selection of springs in your shed... cough ask me how i know.
Merlin motorsport will get you any spring length or rate you want btw. usually cheaper than tssc etc too. There was a shortage of springs a while back, i remember a shop appealing for original ones to copy.
Its a slippery slope from here on though, you've had it a few months and already tinkering.
Before you know it you'll be having custom wishbones made and having a selection of springs in your shed... cough ask me how i know.
Merlin motorsport will get you any spring length or rate you want btw. usually cheaper than tssc etc too. There was a shortage of springs a while back, i remember a shop appealing for original ones to copy.
No, Duxford. I prefer this one, a single seater (I think a Mark Vb, but I am not sure) in the markings of a Polish Squadron, photographed at North Weald:-
PS: tailwheel not on yellow line, shocka, but Mr Teichmann was sensibly weaving as he taxied past the flying club, as you can see stuff all out of the front of a Spitfire on the ground.
Anyway, wasn't there something about cars?
PS: tailwheel not on yellow line, shocka, but Mr Teichmann was sensibly weaving as he taxied past the flying club, as you can see stuff all out of the front of a Spitfire on the ground.
Anyway, wasn't there something about cars?
Edited by Breadvan73 on Tuesday 15th February 13:33
mattius said:
I hope you didnt use the old nyloc nuts? looks like old ones going back on only some new ones.
Its a slippery slope from here on though, you've had it a few months and already tinkering.
Before you know it you'll be having custom wishbones made and having a selection of springs in your shed... cough ask me how i know.
Merlin motorsport will get you any spring length or rate you want btw. usually cheaper than tssc etc too. There was a shortage of springs a while back, i remember a shop appealing for original ones to copy.
Original nylocks had to go back on one top mount, but all new elsewhere this was due to the fact that despite my extensive collection of UNF nuts and bolts I was a few short of a suspension picnic! I have just had lots of shiny new ones delivered though so they will be fitted this evening. Its a slippery slope from here on though, you've had it a few months and already tinkering.
Before you know it you'll be having custom wishbones made and having a selection of springs in your shed... cough ask me how i know.
Merlin motorsport will get you any spring length or rate you want btw. usually cheaper than tssc etc too. There was a shortage of springs a while back, i remember a shop appealing for original ones to copy.
And wow I didn't expect such a poor joke about a old war plane (sorry aircraft) to be taken quite so seriously! Offending word removed (and then used above in some hilarious attempt at irony)!
Those spring compressors look scary! You were lucky not to do damage when they slipped.
FYI, the TSSC (and others) do a natty line in a box compressor, where the spring just can not slip around. It's especially useful on the small Triumphs where you can withdraw the spring and damper under compression and sort the whole lot out on the workbench, and the cost is immaterial when you can still count ten fingers when you've finished the job.
Looks a nice car too.
FYI, the TSSC (and others) do a natty line in a box compressor, where the spring just can not slip around. It's especially useful on the small Triumphs where you can withdraw the spring and damper under compression and sort the whole lot out on the workbench, and the cost is immaterial when you can still count ten fingers when you've finished the job.
Looks a nice car too.
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