Triumph Repair: Rusty frame, sound deadening material, parking brake cable

Question
Purchased a 77 Spitfire ( cheap), the rear portion of the frame is severely rusted. Is this reparable or should I be looking for a replacement frame.. If so where do I start? Thanks

Answer
Scott,

If the rust is behind the rear axle line then it's not critical.  The bumper support extensions are important in an accident but you can either remove them or the repair isn't as critical.  

If the rust is below the rear axle line or forward then it's more important that you get a good repair done.  Depending upon how bad it is you might want to pull the body tub to get full access to the frame... then it becomes a question of "is a new frame simpler/cheaper" than the repair work.

The Spitfire body tub is fairly easy to remove, you just need 3 or 4 friends to help lift it from the frame when the time comes.  Remove the seats and carpets, remove the 10 bolts holding the body to the frame (2 hide beneath the tar sound deadening material in the "back seat" area) and remove the parking brake cable bracket near the differential.  And all the lines/hoses/electical connectors at the firewall.  Marking things and taking pictures before pulling it apart is a very good idea.  

Where to get a frame?  Check the classifieds at the VTR website (www.vtr.org) or the North American Spitfire Squadron (www.nasshq.org).  If no one has a frame listed near you post an ad under the parts wanted category.  Except in the rust belt the frames do tend to last longer than the body tubs.


Cheers,


Jim