Al Mann's Journal

In December 2009 I bought a '65 Triumph Spitfire Mk2 for, well, not a whole lot of cash. It was not in wonderful condition, but not exactly a parts car either. I thought, "Whatever I do I can't screw up bad enough that my meager investment would be gone forever." I could still part the car out and come out ahead - so what the heck.

I have never done anything like this before, so I head out on this adventure with no real expectations other that to learn a little something about how these LBCs work and are put together.

I started by pulling a few bits and pieces off the car - guages, seats, lights, carpet, etc. Then work got in the way. Now, a year after I loosened those first screws, I'm back at it.

So, through this journal I'll be writing all the what, why and how of my learning experience.

The last couple of days work have been centered around taking the engine and gearbox out. The engine is now on a stand and the gearbox is waiting for its turn.

Katie, my 14 year-old daughter, help this weekend by working the engine hoist as we removed the motor from the car. This resulted in a couple of pictures ending up on Facebook I wasn't planning on.

With the engine removed, the next few nights will be spent degreasing and cleaning it up to go off to a buddy on mine who used to own a GT6. Fred will take a look and see what I have and let me know if it looks good or.... ($$$)!

While Fred's diving into the engine, I'll dive back into the chassis. More bits and pieces to come off, then the preparation to remove the tub.

So, a fun little weekend session resulting in large parts of the car going separate ways which always makes you feel like you've accomplished something.

Picked up my first MGB this past weekend. I am looking forward to being able to enjoy top-down motoring through the Bluegrass of a weekend this summer and fall, along with learning how to keep it purring along.

Have to chase a couple of issues, nothing too major, but typical electrical gremlins. Already have a shortlist of purchases - go figure.