A Stroke of Luck!

Having produced the deeper spring access covers for the Herald and Vitesse, it was always my plan to produce a similar part for the Spitfire and GT6.

When checking against my Spitfire this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Herald cover is a perfect fit.

Where the late Spitfire cover differs is that the back edge is located by a lip, so only two screws are used. Fortunately, the holes for the rearmost screws are still present in the floor, so the spring cover is a straight swap, with just an additional couple of screws and spire clips needed to hold it in place.

Can you tell what it is yet?

Since last month's Stoneleigh Triumph Show, I've been concentrating my efforts on Vacuum-Formed plastic projects. The process involves heating a sheet of plastic, ABS in this case, then drawing it over a mould and evacuating the air beneath so the objects shape is taken by the softened plastic.

The enlarged spring access panel for the Herald and Vitesse has been in the works for some time. These are needed to increase clearance above the spring mounting studs, an important consideration when a spacer block is used to lower the rear suspension.

I was a little over enthusiastic in promising these last year, but my inexperience with the manufacturing process led to substantial delays while I learnt the craft. Nevertheless, they've finally reached production, with the first batch ready to ship next week.

The next parts will be less obvious as the pictures show the patterns for the moulds, rather than finished products.

Once more, these are intended for the Herald and Vitesse, though they may find uses in other classics.