QuestionI am interested in your opinion as to frame work. My frame has some rust holes and I want to make sure I repair them properly. I have looked into buying a rebuild frame but the cost was around $1,000.00. Is this the way to go, or should I find someone to weld patches and then proceed with sandblasting & painting. I have heard that welding a frame is "tricky" work.
Thanks
AnswerJoe,
The biggest problem with repairing a frame is if it's been "broken", ie the solid connection is no longer solid. Then it's possible to have the frame be out of alignment when it's "repaired".
The Triumph factory manual has a precise set of measurements that will allow a competent shop to repair a frame properly. This information is reprinted in the Bentley manual for the Spitfire. I think even the Haynes manual also includes the dimensions.
In order to do a proper job it'd be better if the body is removed from the frame. There are only 12 bolts (or so) holding the Spitfire tub to the frame, and with 2 friends helping it's not a tough job to remove the tub from the frame.
Then the question will be how bad is your frame, really? Is it just a bad spot or two, or is the whole frame ready to go?
Having said all that, you might check the classifieds at www.vtr.org, you may be able to find an unrusted frame within reasonable driving distance. There's a good swap meet in Carlisle Pennsylvania next month that also may be able to supply the frame you need.
$1000 is a bit steep for a Spitfire frame.
Cheers,
Jim
