22 Sep 2018, 10:34am
A Triumph Swordfish 1500 - On The Road
23 Sep 2018, 6:59am
I just take a pic on my phone of the ticket either stuck to the screen or wedged in somewhere visible. Then if someone steals it or it blows away you can prove you paid and displayed. That's not happened so far, but it's nice to know you could legitimately avoid any fines.
I did that both with my Spyder and with my Midget, as I tend to leave it parked with the top down due to the effort required to put it up.
Nice to see you still out enjoying your car, Paul. I'm still slowly putting my Speedster project together, but I spent most of the summer improving and using the Midget. Should be able to get on with it now the weather's turning back to 'normal'.
I did that both with my Spyder and with my Midget, as I tend to leave it parked with the top down due to the effort required to put it up.
Nice to see you still out enjoying your car, Paul. I'm still slowly putting my Speedster project together, but I spent most of the summer improving and using the Midget. Should be able to get on with it now the weather's turning back to 'normal'.
23 Sep 2018, 9:22am
I keep a little bit of blue tac in the car and use that to stick a ticket to the inside of the screem
26 Sep 2018, 3:24pm
Thanks for all the replies chaps. 
Unfortunately, I do seem to be spending more time on domestic chores than driving the car at the moment.
I’ve also been under the weather since my project ended, as I may have pushed myself too hard in the end.
But I really hope I can get out tomorrow to make the most of the sunshine around here.
Cheers, Paul.
Unfortunately, I do seem to be spending more time on domestic chores than driving the car at the moment.
I’ve also been under the weather since my project ended, as I may have pushed myself too hard in the end.
But I really hope I can get out tomorrow to make the most of the sunshine around here.
Cheers, Paul.
26 Sep 2018, 4:39pm
Sunshine and a brisk drive always helps.
Feel better soon!
Feel better soon!
29 Sep 2018, 10:37am
Molleur Cheers.
Unfortunately, my sunshine and brisk driving are usually mixed with London traffic and pollution.
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Thursday Drive
I did manage to make the most of the sunshine and racked up over 70 miles in my longest drive in ages.
Just about got away with t-shirt driving, but I did throw a jumper in my bag just in case.
Took a wrong turn at one point and then chanced my arm on a road I'd never been down.
Found a nice spot for some photos…
As this road continued it became more like a track, so I was glad when I finally rejoined a 'proper' road to continue.
A quick blast down the M1 reminded me that I still haven't had a chance to work on my mirror plinths.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
Unfortunately, my sunshine and brisk driving are usually mixed with London traffic and pollution.
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Thursday Drive
I did manage to make the most of the sunshine and racked up over 70 miles in my longest drive in ages.
Just about got away with t-shirt driving, but I did throw a jumper in my bag just in case.
Took a wrong turn at one point and then chanced my arm on a road I'd never been down.
Found a nice spot for some photos…
As this road continued it became more like a track, so I was glad when I finally rejoined a 'proper' road to continue.
A quick blast down the M1 reminded me that I still haven't had a chance to work on my mirror plinths.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
6 Oct 2018, 5:07am
October
Can't believe how fast the year is flying by, but the time has come to start wrapping up a bit.
As it turned out, I was probably a little too warn when I was stationary in the sunshine.
The sunshine was also a reminder that I need my goggles (with orange lenses) to go with the woolly hat.
( As my flat cap does provide some shade for my eyes. )
Unfortunately, I had a slight mis-hap when removing my wooden tonneau cover before my journey started.
I need to look up the correct way of refitting this, due to the overdrive wires, and just drove without it.
Did just under 30 miles yesterday, as today's forecast is a wash out and ended up at Moor Park golf club!
I suppose my golf clubs would fit in the passenger side if I really needed them to.
Although, I'm not convinced I was meant to be standing on the grass outside the 'Big House' to take this photo.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
Can't believe how fast the year is flying by, but the time has come to start wrapping up a bit.
As it turned out, I was probably a little too warn when I was stationary in the sunshine.
The sunshine was also a reminder that I need my goggles (with orange lenses) to go with the woolly hat.
( As my flat cap does provide some shade for my eyes. )
Unfortunately, I had a slight mis-hap when removing my wooden tonneau cover before my journey started.
I need to look up the correct way of refitting this, due to the overdrive wires, and just drove without it.
Did just under 30 miles yesterday, as today's forecast is a wash out and ended up at Moor Park golf club!
I suppose my golf clubs would fit in the passenger side if I really needed them to.
Although, I'm not convinced I was meant to be standing on the grass outside the 'Big House' to take this photo.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
6 Oct 2018, 8:12am
Its great to see your still enjoying the car
That country lane you found looks ideal for a video location with the leaves being whipped up as you pass.
That country lane you found looks ideal for a video location with the leaves being whipped up as you pass.
7 Oct 2018, 8:39pm
Hello Paul
I have a similar problem with the Sammio Alpha switch on the overdrive.
However on my 1971 Spitfire fitted with a 1500 overdrive I managed to take some photos before i stripped it down to fit the new carpets.
It might just help
I have a similar problem with the Sammio Alpha switch on the overdrive.
However on my 1971 Spitfire fitted with a 1500 overdrive I managed to take some photos before i stripped it down to fit the new carpets.
It might just help
19 Oct 2018, 6:53am
Roadster - We must get around to arranging an Autumn car video.
And I keep meaning to start collecting bags of leaves to help set up the drive by shot.
Yorkshireman - Thanks for the photos, although I haven't had a chance to fix this yet.
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Flying Visit:
Apologies, things have been a bit hectic around here lately.
Only had one chance to take the car out, but luckily it was another great day.
In fact, by the time I'd finished the shopping at Sainsburys, I could remove my jumper and drive home in just a T-shirt.
I was also at Wembley for the American Football.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
I hope to catch up on my replies to other threads next week.
And I keep meaning to start collecting bags of leaves to help set up the drive by shot.
Yorkshireman - Thanks for the photos, although I haven't had a chance to fix this yet.
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Flying Visit:
Apologies, things have been a bit hectic around here lately.
Only had one chance to take the car out, but luckily it was another great day.
In fact, by the time I'd finished the shopping at Sainsburys, I could remove my jumper and drive home in just a T-shirt.
I was also at Wembley for the American Football.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
I hope to catch up on my replies to other threads next week.
19 Oct 2018, 3:06pm
So glad you are really enjoying your car. Look forward to every post!
28 Oct 2018, 9:22am
Molleur - Cheers Jack.
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Baby, it's cold outside.
Yesterday was my first engine start up in a while and it sounded like a flat battery.
( Very slow turn over and no signs of life. )
But, thankfully, on my fourth and final attempt before getting the charger out, the car suddenly burst into life.
Unfortunately, it then ran like a complete bag of nails for the first 10 miles or so.
This was definitely the first real taste of Winter 2018/19, as I quickly lost feeling in my face!
At least I remembered my goggles this time, which helps.
Plus hearing a small child say "That's an old racing car." as you are waiting at lights is always heart warming.
With limited time available, I could only rack up around 20 odd miles in total, but better than nothing.
This also included a visit to some friends who has spotted me driving around and sent a text.
( Which I only saw when I stopped to fill up with petrol. )
By the time I got to Sainsburys on the way home, it looked like I would be cold & wet!
My MOT it due next month (due to the painting delay last year) so I really must fix the overdrive switch.
So until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
Here are a few photos from my trip to Poland last weekend for my mate's wedding.
Got to love being above the clouds.
The view from our hotel room in Warsaw.
Note:
What appears to be dark black railway sleepers in between the roads are in fact made of bronze!
As they lead up to this, the "Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East".
Which is a reminder of what the Soviet Union did to Poland from 1939 to 1989.
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Baby, it's cold outside.
Yesterday was my first engine start up in a while and it sounded like a flat battery.
( Very slow turn over and no signs of life. )
But, thankfully, on my fourth and final attempt before getting the charger out, the car suddenly burst into life.
Unfortunately, it then ran like a complete bag of nails for the first 10 miles or so.
This was definitely the first real taste of Winter 2018/19, as I quickly lost feeling in my face!
At least I remembered my goggles this time, which helps.
Plus hearing a small child say "That's an old racing car." as you are waiting at lights is always heart warming.
With limited time available, I could only rack up around 20 odd miles in total, but better than nothing.
This also included a visit to some friends who has spotted me driving around and sent a text.
( Which I only saw when I stopped to fill up with petrol. )
By the time I got to Sainsburys on the way home, it looked like I would be cold & wet!
My MOT it due next month (due to the painting delay last year) so I really must fix the overdrive switch.
So until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
Here are a few photos from my trip to Poland last weekend for my mate's wedding.
Got to love being above the clouds.
The view from our hotel room in Warsaw.
Note:
What appears to be dark black railway sleepers in between the roads are in fact made of bronze!
As they lead up to this, the "Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East".
Which is a reminder of what the Soviet Union did to Poland from 1939 to 1989.
31 Oct 2018, 3:42pm
Happy Halloween!
Sorry, no car news to report, so here is this year's pumpkin instead…
My first problem was the design didn't fit the 'nice' face of the pumpkin.
But at least this year I got to use power tools for the first time.
However, it was a mistake to try and drill out the centre of the eyes.
At least it looks better in the dark.
Cheers, Paul.
Sorry, no car news to report, so here is this year's pumpkin instead…
My first problem was the design didn't fit the 'nice' face of the pumpkin.
But at least this year I got to use power tools for the first time.
However, it was a mistake to try and drill out the centre of the eyes.
At least it looks better in the dark.
Cheers, Paul.
31 Oct 2018, 5:00pm
Cool!
31 Oct 2018, 5:03pm
I thought the Fiat 500 was a small car until I saw your photo above ! Good to see you're still out enjoying it all year round. I've just SORN'd my Z3 donor today, that will be it until March / April depending on the weather !
4 Nov 2018, 8:57pm
Molleur - Cheers.
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Lucky - As long as there is no rain (or snow) I will do my best to keep driving.
I must try to get a photo of my car next to a Z3 for scale/reference.
After all, it is pretty low compared to an original Fiat 500.
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Friday
The car was still very sluggish when it came to starting, but fired up on the 3rd attempt.
Sneaked in around 17 miles and it was pretty cold out, so just one quick stop for photos.
When I got back, I left the car on the road, so I could check the oil when the engine had cooled down.
I actually thought I took a photo of the bonnet open, but the camera seems to have different ideas.
My MOT is due in a few weeks, but after that, I will try to book the car in to get the oil burning/leaking fixed once and for all.
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Saturday
After a hearing test in the morning, I made sure I had my ear plugs in for a longer drive than usual later on.
The good news was that the car fired up at the first attempt, but it was noticeably milder than yesterday.
A quick blast up the M1 reminded me that these ear plugs are a good idea with all the wind noise.
Unfortunately, by the time I passed the Luton Airport exit, it had got much colder and looked like rain.
So I decided to turn back at that point and take the scenic route home.
Stopped at Dunstable Downs, near Whipsnade Zoo, for these photos.
Had a great chat about the car with a guy who hobbled over on crutches as his foot was in a cast.
Given the effort he made to ask what it was, it seemed only fair to talk him through it.
Note: I've never been able to find a parking space here on nice sunny days, just dull and grey ones.
This was the last time I found somewhere to park.
In the end, I racked up almost 70 miles, with one stop for a coffee to warm up a bit.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
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Lucky - As long as there is no rain (or snow) I will do my best to keep driving.
I must try to get a photo of my car next to a Z3 for scale/reference.
After all, it is pretty low compared to an original Fiat 500.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Friday
The car was still very sluggish when it came to starting, but fired up on the 3rd attempt.
Sneaked in around 17 miles and it was pretty cold out, so just one quick stop for photos.
When I got back, I left the car on the road, so I could check the oil when the engine had cooled down.
I actually thought I took a photo of the bonnet open, but the camera seems to have different ideas.
My MOT is due in a few weeks, but after that, I will try to book the car in to get the oil burning/leaking fixed once and for all.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Saturday
After a hearing test in the morning, I made sure I had my ear plugs in for a longer drive than usual later on.
The good news was that the car fired up at the first attempt, but it was noticeably milder than yesterday.
A quick blast up the M1 reminded me that these ear plugs are a good idea with all the wind noise.
Unfortunately, by the time I passed the Luton Airport exit, it had got much colder and looked like rain.
So I decided to turn back at that point and take the scenic route home.
Stopped at Dunstable Downs, near Whipsnade Zoo, for these photos.
Had a great chat about the car with a guy who hobbled over on crutches as his foot was in a cast.
Given the effort he made to ask what it was, it seemed only fair to talk him through it.
Note: I've never been able to find a parking space here on nice sunny days, just dull and grey ones.
This was the last time I found somewhere to park.
In the end, I racked up almost 70 miles, with one stop for a coffee to warm up a bit.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
4 Nov 2018, 9:00pm
Always enjoy your posts Paul!
5 Nov 2018, 10:28am
Always nice to see you out and about. But does it need an MOT? Or do you arrange that for your own piece of mind?
All the best. Marc
All the best. Marc
5 Nov 2018, 10:50am
It will need an MOT as it has been significantly changed in the last 30 years.
5 Nov 2018, 11:26am
Ah, was it SVA'd then? Or does the re-body count for MOT (I know it doesn't as far as SVA requirements). This change in the MOT position is all new to me - just when I had got my head around the SVA (or not) rules.
Thanks Marc
Thanks Marc
5 Nov 2018, 12:01pm
As I understand it, if it has to have an updated V5 due to changes then the changes have to be 30 years old.
Saying that the rules are as clear as mud.
Saying that the rules are as clear as mud.
5 Nov 2018, 1:13pm
Molleur – Thanks.
I got a lot of inspiration from following build threads and then seeing the cars on the roads.
So I hope that I am doing my bit to encourage other builders to keep chipping away until they are done.
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Marc & Jag – The following is just my interpretation of the VHI rules, so here goes….
With a 1980 donor car, I have to wait until April 2021 before I can apply for VHI status/MOT exemption.
But I can see no reason why my particular car would not qualify for VHI in 2021, as it is about:
“the technical characteristics of the main components”
These components are listed as chassis, axles, running gear and engine.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria#substantial-changes-criteria
I have a stock Spitfire 1500 underneath and none of these components have been substantially changed.
As changing the bonnet hinge brackets does not count as a modification to structural integrity of the chassis.
( As confirmed by the DVLA via ACE – Association of Car Enthusiasts. )
My car does not qualify as either a kit car, reconstructed classic vehicle or kit conversion.
The bodyshell has no value within either the DVLA 8 point rule, or the VHI rules.
Which is why I was able to retain the original donor car registration number and avoid IVA.
Note:
As it currently stands, my insurance company requires an MOT, even if the car was a VHI.
Even if it didn’t, I would still put the car in for an annual safety check with my regular garage.
The key thing for me about VHI is that I believe that it will allow the car to still be driven in the future.
As my guess is that low emission zones will expand to ban all “old” cars, with exceptions for VHI.
But, as always, what do I know?
Cheers, Paul.
I got a lot of inspiration from following build threads and then seeing the cars on the roads.
So I hope that I am doing my bit to encourage other builders to keep chipping away until they are done.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Marc & Jag – The following is just my interpretation of the VHI rules, so here goes….
With a 1980 donor car, I have to wait until April 2021 before I can apply for VHI status/MOT exemption.
But I can see no reason why my particular car would not qualify for VHI in 2021, as it is about:
“the technical characteristics of the main components”
These components are listed as chassis, axles, running gear and engine.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria#substantial-changes-criteria
I have a stock Spitfire 1500 underneath and none of these components have been substantially changed.
As changing the bonnet hinge brackets does not count as a modification to structural integrity of the chassis.
( As confirmed by the DVLA via ACE – Association of Car Enthusiasts. )
My car does not qualify as either a kit car, reconstructed classic vehicle or kit conversion.
The bodyshell has no value within either the DVLA 8 point rule, or the VHI rules.
Which is why I was able to retain the original donor car registration number and avoid IVA.
Note:
As it currently stands, my insurance company requires an MOT, even if the car was a VHI.
Even if it didn’t, I would still put the car in for an annual safety check with my regular garage.
The key thing for me about VHI is that I believe that it will allow the car to still be driven in the future.
As my guess is that low emission zones will expand to ban all “old” cars, with exceptions for VHI.
But, as always, what do I know?
Cheers, Paul.
5 Nov 2018, 8:40pm
You tell 'em Paul 
Still enjoying your adventures
Still enjoying your adventures
5 Nov 2018, 9:40pm
micky1mo - Cheers.
But it is not about
More about a group
As we are all in this together.
But it is not about
More about a group
As we are all in this together.
7 Nov 2018, 7:26am
I'm with Paul on the MOT issue. I have an unmodified MG Midget that fully qualifies for the MOT exemption, but I'll still be putting it through when it's due.
I see it as a cheap (£29.99 round here) annual safety inspection from a qualified automotive engineer. If it fails I'd rather spend money fixing what's wrong than have it fall apart in the fast lane of a motorway.
The MOT exemption is fine if you never really drive your classic, but not for those who push them on the road.
I see it as a cheap (£29.99 round here) annual safety inspection from a qualified automotive engineer. If it fails I'd rather spend money fixing what's wrong than have it fall apart in the fast lane of a motorway.
The MOT exemption is fine if you never really drive your classic, but not for those who push them on the road.