AboutJim Expertise My area of specialty is the Triumph Spitfire 1500 (1973-1980) although I have some technical experience with the GT6 and TR6 models also.
I can cover questions on all areas of the Spitfire, from basic mechanical questions to where to find original style seat covers and soft tops.
I am not an expert on the TR2/3/4 models. If you need specific detailed help with these models I first recommend obtaining a good repair manual such as the Robert Bentley manual for your particular model.
Experience I have been a Spitfire owner for 20 years and have done all my own repair work. On the Spitfire I've done just about everything except mount and balance tires.
In addition to street use I have been autocrossing a Spitfire with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in Modified class since 1997.
Organizations Red River Triumph Club
SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)
NASS (North American Spitfire Squadron)
FOT (Friends of Triumph)
Question QUESTION: Jim, I have an 77 spitfire project car. It is blowing the top fuse in the bank of three when the ignition switch is in the on position (first clock ) the engine will start and runs fine. I have a chiltons with the wiring diagram. could there be a problem w/the ignition assembly. any ideas
ANSWER: Scott,
First click is the "auxilliary" position. Is there a radio fitted?
And is the fuse large enough for the radio fitted?
If the car is starting and running fine with the fuse blown then it's not the igntion assembly.
Cheers,
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: this car has basically been a total tear down and rebuild. the body was remover from the frame so both could be painted.I have built a walnut dash so all the gauges have been pulled and reinstalled. there is currently no radio wired. there is a 15 amp fuse in the slot that is blowing.
Answer Scott,
Then I hope the blue factory wire for radio power feed is properly insulated?
According to the drivers handbook, the late Spitfires have 3 fuses.
White cable feed from ignition switch 35Amp fuse.
Windscreen wiper
Fuel indication
temperature indication
stop lamp
reverse lamp
turn signal
seat belt warning
red/green cable feed from light master switch 10 amp fuse
front parking lamp
front marker lamp
rear marker lamp
tail lamp
plate illumination lamp
instrument illumination
brown cable feed direct from battery 35 amp fuse
headlamp flasher
key warning
courtesy light
horn
hazard warning
So it sounds like the top fuse is fed from the ignition switch. By the factory book it should be 35 amp, not 15 amp.
Once the proper size fuse is fitted, if there are further problems then it's time to trace all the wiring to see if a wire is cut or grounded innappropriately.
