Triumph Repair: ignition control block on 75 spit, Spitfire, wiring

Question
My '75 spit 1500 was a freebie. I need to get it to turn over. I have used a new battery and connected it to the car. There is, however, no juice getting into the electrical system. Do I need to replace the control block? I have heard that I might be able to use one from a smaller, older Ford mustang. Is this true, and what shopuld I be looking for specifically? I am in Kelowna, BC, Canada. I appreciate your time, Ian.

Answer
Ian,

I suspect that what you're calling an "ignition control block" is really the starter solenoid.

From the positive terminal on the battery there should be a heavy wire (4 gauge or 6 gauge) going to the solenoid top large terminal.   There should be an equally heavy wire from the bottom larger terminal going to the starter motor.

In addition, at the top terminal there should be a smaller brown wire (12 ga or there abouts) and there should also be a white/red wire to the solenoid on a separate 1/4" spade connector.   That's from the ignition switch to the solenoid and should get the starter going.

If you're not getting "anything" when you turn the key, time to figure out why it was a free car.  Best bet is to pick up a Robert Bentley manual (NFI).   Or even a Haynes for the Spitfire (again, No Financial Interest).

Sounds like the previous owner may have messed things up.  Without seeing the car, it's tough to guess where the problem(s) are.

And yes, there is a Ford starter solenoid that's pretty much a direct swap for the Lucas unit.   Seem to think it was from the early '70s Pintos, amongst others.   I've had good luck with the original Lucas units, so I haven't had to verify.


Cheers,

Jim