Now I find myself two years later and I finally found a tub and frame (that I can actually do something with). My new best friend in the world of Triumph Spitfires has become the Totally Triumph Network. What a great site. I have been a daily reader of the forum since I bought the engine in 2005 but rarely posted. Here is my post after I acquired my 1970 MKIII "car", which will be the base of my restore.


After two years on the board, I have finally put together enough pieces to start my restoration project. Here is a quick look back:

About 1 1/2 years ago, I saw an Ebay auction for an almost rolling MKIV frame. It was missing the differential and drums. I thought it would be a good starting point in learning about the engine, suspension, etc. Turns out, the seller was located about 2 miles from me and I made a deal to buy it for $85. It then sat in my garage since then. The frame is in poor shape (bent in numerous spots) so I would need a new donor before I could do anything. I decided to keep my eye out for any local ( I live just outside Dallas) car for sale and tried to be patient.

I got lucky a few weeks ago when I saw an ad on Craiglist for a 1970 Spitfire for free! This was a restoration that was started and was given up on. Incredibly (in my mind) I was the first person to respond. Thanks to a friend who happened to be moving the same weekend I was picking up the car (or pieces of car) I was able to get everything home without having to rent a trailer.

Among the items I got were:
- Body tub (normal rusted floorpans but the majority of the rust is only surface rust)
- Bonnet (much better shape than I expected)
- Engine (included engine stand
- Has already been magnafluxed and dipped, needs pistons)- Engine parts (including cylinder head that has already been rebuilt)
- Frame with differential (sandblasted and painted)
- Driveshaft- 1/2 of the front suspension (sandblasted and painted)
- A few boxes of misc parts

All and all, I think it was an excellent find. I am in hurry and intend to take my time and learn as I go. First step is to get my home shop ready (already have parts washer, tumbler, etc.) Need to purchase an air compressor. After that, I will slowly clean and move the part from the old frame to the new frame. Once it is a rolling chassis, I will turn my attention to the tub.