Great Mates!

I've discovered the best tool for restoring a Triumph Vitesse - great mates who know what they're doing!!!

(Perhaps tool wasn't the best word to use).

Firstly, fellow Lincs TSSC member Keith went at least 40 miles out of his way to collect an engine crane from Garth's house and drop it by mine.

And then Garth, who's herald I've "stolen" for the summer - which is a pretty awesome thing to let happen - came round today to 'give me a hand' with the Vitesse.

Well, he laughed as I couldn't work out how to use a spanner (don't ask) but also got the project moving on loads. I'm probably about where most people are after a weekend - and it's taken me well over a year...

Firstlty the engine is now out of the car.

And the chassis is almost clear. One driveshaft and the diff have seized bolts that'll need a little attention to remove (I'm borrowing Garth's compressor and air saw next week - see great mates is all you need).

However, turning the chassis over has shown a few horrors such as a (now bent) front rail with a nice hole through it.

Then there's the completely holed driver main chassis rail towards the diff.

And more holes on the other side.


So, once I've used Garth's herald to go to Stamford and Thoresby classic car shows next week, I'll use his compressor and air saw to remove the diff. Following a clean-up of the chassis, I'll then be inviting Garth and Tony to come round and enjoy a spot of welding.

I'll just fetch beer and bring pies :-)

(and if anyone saw the new Lincs TSSC Area organiser looking worse for wear on the Saturday night at Stafford - it wasn't me!)

TSSC Stafford 2009

Instead of my usual ramblings about lack of progress on Project Vitesse - here are some photos from this year's TSSC Stafford Weekend...

Jenny the Herald was there on the Saturday:-


The Main Hall:-

(Above is the unveiling of the Herald Hatchback prototype)

(Above: 2nd row, 4th from left is Lincs TSSC members Phil & Will's herald as official representative of the 13/60 saloon. Jenny may not be the prettiest herald but she was able to give the 13/60 a jump start following a flat battery!!!)

Outside parking:-


Funky Modifications:-

(Handle for blinds in Herald above!)

My Faves:-

(Above Herald 1200 was my favourite car at the show - not sure why!)

There were many wonderful cars there, and I wish I had taken more photos. Craig's shorrock conversion herald was stunning and there were a couple of stunning GT6s - including a very nice red one with racing stripes. I went home very, very, jealous!!!

Also well done Lincs TSSC man Keith Nock who managed a second in the Concours Masterclass! We were especially proud as he uses the car and isn't just a turn up and polish type of chap.

Let's hope next year is as well attended.

Hopefully next weekend the engine and gearbox is coming out of the Vitesse - who said there's no progress.....?

Chassis Woes

Thanks to Garth who came and chopped off the old bulkhead - the bolts had seized and I managed to snap two ratchets trying to free the bolts.


The old bulkhead sold on eBay for £1.04, which was fine by me as I didn't have to mess about getting it scrapped!!!

Now the body is off the chassis, I have been able to get a proper look at how bad it is...

The rear off-side outrigger is not welded to the rest of the chassis!!! The chassis also is very holey underneath the rear diff. Garth, Tony and Phil have offered to come and help - so I may have a 'welding party' soon! Hopefully beer will be enough to get them around.

In preparation for the weld-athon, I have removed the prop shaft and the exhaust - finding out one of the exhaust brackets will need welding up before I attempt to reattach it.

I just need to get the old stubbord bolts off the chassis and then get the engine and gearbox removed and onto an engine crane (I think this may form part of the weld-athon party).

I am now considering taking everything off and starting from the ground up - I might as well now that everything is so accessible. I fancy fitting new bushes to everything and giving everything a clean and a coat of paint. I'm also looking to buy a lowering block from Rimmers for the rear end. So slow progress...but It'll soon be on the road!

We're off to Boston Car Show tomorrow - 9th. We'll be at Stafford for the TSSC family weekend next weekend Friday 14th to Sunday 16th. The 30th is Stamford Car Show and the 31st is Thoresby Park Car Show.

Then it's the Lincs TSSC weekend at Woodhall Spa on the 4th-6th of September. Busy times!