KD Triumph Blog

Another year awaits us

2012-01-16T17:11:00.002Z

With 2012 well and truly under way we can start to look forward to this seasons shows events auto jumbles and of course Le Mans Classic.
During the last 12 months we have been busy getting the workshop back up to speed and back on top of the projects again with some success at last.
The Stoneleigh show is only a few weeks away and KD TRIUMPH are aiming to be there with a couple of cars were restoring and showing off now finished Subaru R160 CV and coil over conversion ready for all the small chassis Triumphs out there.
Development on a TR5/5 2000 and Stag Subaru R160 CV conversion is on its way so these bullet proof rear ends will be available for almost all Triumphs.
The website has never been updated as often as i would of liked but that's changing and WILL be ups dated regardless of anything going on..
Kd

Donnigton

2011-10-16T21:01:00.002+01:00

Nice to see 3 Triumphs at Donnington last Monday,the day put on by MGs on track was full of MGs obviously so was nice of them to let the Triumphs join in the fun.
KD senior was out again in his GT6 running a couple of sessions with a miss fire but soon sorted by a quick tweek of the dizzy saw him pulling 7.5k in every gear once more yee haa..but still couldn't match Toms tr6 for power..bit to much power if you ask me for a standard under steering suspension set up. Anyway was good to see them out and looking forward to the Club Triumph Track day in a months time..
Cheers
kd

Wheres the summer gone ?

2011-08-08T15:41:00.004+01:00

Was due to go to North Wield Hot Rod show on Sunday but rain stopped play.
Have actually come to work today wearing T shirt and a hoody..its bloody freezing.
Its cold in the workshop too so the fan heaters back on again as I'm trimming a GT6, not the most energetic of things to do to keep warm..hope it turns out like this one i spotted at The Club Triumph day at Stanford Hall the other week , it smelt good too like an Aston martin inside.
Kd

The build begins

2010-01-08T23:59:00.001Z

With body back in black it was now time to reunite the chassis and body and begin the build.
What first...
The wiper rack and pinions were first as these can be a ball ache to fit when everything else is in position.Then the dreaded loom, lots to think about here as didn't want any unsightly wiring on view and taking into account that this was an Emerald powered car with relays and a totally new fuse board to make,the engine was installed at this point too as to make the (engine harness) ECU wiring fit the spitfire loom or was it the othe way round..
KD

Black beauty

2010-01-08T21:43:00.001Z

The paint shop really did us proud with a stunning black paint job. The underside was treated first with a special stone guard as were all the inner arches and 5mm on all edges. Stone guard on sills and rear valence but hand flatted to get a better smoother outer finish.
It speaks for itself i think.
KD

Lovely day

2010-01-08T21:11:00.002Z

Fantastic day for driving your lovely old banger round the countryside,as long as the roads are as clear as they are here in the midlands.Been driving the old 2000 a fair bit this year and its on days like this that it realy hits home why we love these cars..fantastic just wish the heater was a wee bit better.
KD

TO EVERYONE..

2009-12-31T17:35:00.002Z

From all of us at KD Triumph.

Iains GT6 is built.

2009-11-14T21:37:00.003Z

Iain McCleans Black EFI 2.5 GT6 Convertable is almost finished with just a rolling road session left.

Full report on the projects page of website to follow soon.
KD

Whats been happening at KD Triumph..

2009-08-07T23:59:00.003+01:00

Bloody loads to be honest..Service and Mots are flooding in and have been since may, so many Triumphs on the road lately its fantastic, the workshop has been busy with its project cars too (Don't forget the projects page on website like i did, updated now a bit)The 2.5 EFI Spitfire body shell is finished and back from paint shop looking absolutely fabulous in Black, Pete Robins MK3 Spitfire is being trimmed after having its lovely red paintwork, Martines Herald is currently at the paint shop also red, Annets TR6 has been "looked at" before its restoration having its wings removed for inspection of inner shell(not good)think that's going to need another shell like Mick Davis Spitfire that's also in for rebuild, the list goes on so wont bore you too much , Herald estate chassis change , 1200 Saloon rebuild oh and my TR8 project...And if thats not enough Ami,s MK3 Spitfire front end crash damage repair we did a couple months ago needs to be done again !!! apparently a hair dressers shop jumped out in front of her ?, another new bonnet needed !!Hope your feeling ok Ami.
See you all at Stafford next weekend, the Coventry lot will be going camping as was planed for last year but a certain lotus ended that idea.
Cheers, ill be the one drinking Martini....by the pint.
KD

Engine and trans fitting

2009-08-07T23:00:00.003+01:00

With bodywork almost done the transmission needed fitting up before the chassis goes to the powder coaters.
Engine mountings were fabricated into original turrets with as little subtle modification as possible to keep everything looking as if it were supposed to be there also the rear suspension looking as if it had been fitted as original ,OK , as original as a Subaru Impreza diff and a Vauxhal Red Top Twin Cam can look!!
So far all is going well and even the Tan hide for the Coupes interior has come (Karls doing all the interior himself)I've seen some of it in progress and looks fantastic..
KD

Body Shell

2009-08-05T22:30:00.001+01:00

Good job done by SPL in Birmingham !! Fully dip stripped the body and removed everything apart from the good metal.
This has proven to be the best and most eficient way of preparing a body for restoration as there is no rust , sealers , filler , paint or underseal to deal with just bare metal.
So with all repairs done new sills fitted and new wings (not before the inner pannels had been etch primed , stone guard / sound deadner and painted 2K black befor wings sills were spot welded into posision)the body was sent off to the paint shop.

Busy Busy

2009-06-07T08:24:00.002+01:00

The good weather has certainly opened garage doors letting classic cars flood out ,I've never seen so many on the roads even during the week and on my way into work.Fantastic !!
Been busy as ever in the workshop with servicing and MOTs and the big restoration jobs coming on nicely (see projects pages)
Had some tasty cars in for repair recently one of which seems to of started something off with the workshop lads and myself to be honest in the shape of a TR8.
More to come on that one..
Mark McLean's Stag also been in for some gearbox work as this lovely motor is for sale at the moment and he wants it to be in top order for its new owner, is only just been in for sub frame and trailing arm bushes as he wasn't happy with the old ones.This will be a top car for someone as its proven itself with completing CT Round Britain recently.Details on CT website cars for sale.

Hmmm TR8s
KD

Dippers.

2009-06-07T07:13:00.001+01:00

With Ians replacement body shell fully striped it has now gone to SPL Surface treatments in Birmingham for a full body dip and strip of all sealers paint and on top of the list rust.
The doors boot lid and front corners have gone too and should expect it all back in around 2 weeks,Rust free and and ready for new sills and wings.
KD

Red Top fits a treat..

2009-06-07T06:21:00.001+01:00

With the Coupe project now in full swing the trial fitting of the Vauxhaul Red Top was needed as chassis and body alterations Will be needed.
With some careful juggling and measuring we got the engine and gearbox in such a position that minimal alterations were needed.Even the oil filter issues that we first thought we would have were dealt with without any problems.
Fabrication is under way now of engine and gearbox mounts with the body shell and bulkhead undergoing repairs.

The rear axle may have some changes too as we need a testbed for a Subaru impreza diff ,cv shafts ,coil over set up being designed by friend / engineer (GT6 Mike Bestard)for his own EFI GT6.

Looking good.
KD

Karls coupe..

2009-05-23T14:26:00.001+01:00

The original car was in a very bad way needing everything repairing so after its strip down it was decided to go for a new chassis to start its restoration build up.
Karl wanted to have a little more power on tap than the original 948 engine could provide anda sightly more modern engine installed.We could of opted for a 1500 spit engine but was decided a bit bland so afer a couple of ideas were thrown about it was decided that a Vauxhaul Red Top enine would be the way to go as its fitted to older Escorts and RWD modifications are almost all off the shelf.
So ... the build begins..
KD

2009-05-22T21:43:00.000+01:00

Show time Race time ......

2009-05-20T23:17:00.002+01:00

Good weekend coming up this weekend with Club Triumph @ Duxford war museum on Sunday 24th May then on the Monday 25th its the Jigsaw Triumph Race at Mallory Park a 30 minute pit stop race as part of the Classic Sports Car Club Race Weekend.See you there and good luck to all entrants.
God i wish i had a race car again !!!
Hmmm
KD

Treated myself

2009-05-18T22:25:00.001+01:00

Treated myself to a full day on the GT6 it was the bank holiday Monday !!
Got rear suspension together at last and fitted nylon buttons to the swing spring to aid movement instead of rubber ones that wear out in about 6 miles and certainly better than new springs that don't have any slide buttons at all, just metal on metal.
Got shell bolted on chassis eventually too and steering now functional so shes almost finished..
Another good day like that and i recon shell be ready for an MOT.
KD

Donor shell has arrived.

2009-05-18T21:59:00.001+01:00

Well its took a while but well worth the wait. The donor Spitfire 1500 has provided us with a fantastic canvas to work with.Needing only a couple of small repairs in the boot area and battery tray, i have decided to replace both rear wings and bot outer sills to make sure all is 100% then its off to SPL for a full body strip of all rust, sealers and anything else that's not good metal along with both doors and boot lid.
The Engine parts are slowly coming back too and the first build has already begun, the con rods are fantastic with lightning and end to end balancing then fully shot peaned to relieve any stress pints.
Work on the body will commence this week as needs to be ready for dipping appointment next week.
Till then..
KD

Show time..

2009-05-11T22:14:00.002+01:00

Went to a top car show last Sunday at Drayton manor park with the Speed Perv lads and was very surprised with the turn out and quality of cars, were so many to see that was only able to look at a handful up close.Hot Rods aren't every ones cup of tea but they certainly are mine specially on a hot sunny day with a van selling bottles of cold San Miguel cheap.A good turnout of Stags were there, a V8 Lemon and a rather ropey looking rallyish vitesse were spotted.
Time to get my Herald Coupe again i think and stuff a small block Chevy motor in it,supercharged and NOZ comes without saying....an but dream..
KD

Bit more done

2009-04-17T20:41:00.001+01:00

Well not a lot more to mention just been sorting out the dash and column stuff mostly, dash clocks cleaned up and chrome bezels fitted (don't like the black ones)so looking bit MK1 style ad modded air vent to take the oil gauge as didn't want to spoil the really nice dash I've been saving for the car with extra holes.
Totally rebuilt column and switches no just the wiring to sort.
Quite happy with the resuts so far but its taking far too long now so less poofing around with stuff i think, just get it built..

GOOD LUCK

2009-04-17T20:31:00.002+01:00

Good luck to all you 'coast 2 coast' people doing the Club Triumph run this weekend, really do wish i was with you on this one but GT6 is still not finished and the lemon has a broken gearbox (she still managed to trailer a spitfire in today though)anyway
all the best to you and have fun nailing your Triumphs through wales on Saturday nite !! lucky buggers.
KD

Another RED ONE on its way

2009-04-16T23:20:00.003+01:00

RED MK3 Spitfires.......as Ami's gets closer to being finished another MK3 goes for paint also RED !, having just serviced and MOTd another local RED MK3 it did have a GT62 bonnet on though,it was All getting a bit confusing with customers key tags just saying "RED MK3 SPIT" side by side in the key cabinet.
Just had two RED TR6S in too, all very nice cars but please can i have another colour to work on for a bit of a change....even the Damson MK2 GT6 in at the moment is looking very RED..
Enough moaning.
KD

Ami's MK3

2009-04-16T23:04:00.003+01:00

Well its back from paint shop and looking dam good so on with the build up and should be back with her for the weekend.Roof off as soon as possible i have been assured.

GT6 OK SPIT 3 OK

2009-04-04T18:24:00.004+01:00

Just a quick update on the cars mentioned recently..
The "MOT" work GT6 done before my holls was a success and further works/restoration were booked in for the winter.
The Spitfire MK3 front end smash has had all work done now to get pannel gaps as good as they should be,got the chassis parts from stoneleigh show which was a bonu as all of the original chassis extension parts were smashed beyond recognition, you would think it should be fairly straight forward with the fitment of a brand new Heritage bonnet..hmmm no where near but 2 days of bonnet juggling cutting welding stretching saw perfect gaps all round and the car is currently at the paint shop.
KD

MARTINI TIME

2009-04-03T22:31:00.002+01:00

With shell painted (just doors and bonnet to do) its on with the chassis build.
Chassis podercoated black and suspension arms fitted with Superflex bushes.Nothing fancy on this car as its to be raced next year in HSCC 70 Road sports a virtually production spec series.
Just rear shocks to source now (most stuff second hand or off EBay on this car as I'm not allowed to spend any real money on my own cars, thank god for my secret pay pal account stash)and she should be a rolling chassis ! then engine and gearbox time..only allow myself a couple hours a week on this car so its taking a taste longer than normal to build unfortunately..
KD

Update time

2009-04-03T22:14:00.001+01:00

Well its been a busy last few months doing other customers cars (got to keep them happy too) now back onto Ians project Spitfire. A new donor shell has been found due for collection next week and on first inspection looks pretty good with no poor repair work what so ever unlike the original shell that needed virtually every panel available.
The engine parts are near collection too and a first dry build will give us all measurements for piston heights to be matched so all looking pretty good to get the car built in the coming months.
Next update with pics next week..
KD

The build..

2009-03-18T23:17:00.001Z

Started life as a accident write off BRG MK3 GT6 about 8 years ago and intentions were to sort damage out and use, new bonnet and chassis job done.
As most of my own projects are scratch built i just wanted a GT6 that i could use on the road, nothing special sort of thing so didn't need to be totally gutted just repaired.
So..Yep i couldn't help myself it was totally gutted to a bare shell.
The shell had been repaired and was basically solid so nothing was done except to cut a hole for a sunroof....aaaaaaaaahhggg i here you say , well it did have a glass pop up 80s style one in it already which was horrid so not wanting to weld the hole up, just put a more in keeping webasto one in its place.

Loving it....

2009-03-18T22:21:00.002Z

Well its back to work after a well earned holiday with the family in Devon.
Batteries recharged and the warmer weather is certainly working its magic.
The rusty GT6 was sorted and MOTd before my holls and booked for a total makeover during next winter, it certainly needs it !!
Stoneleigh show was good for me this year seeing plenty of faces and kicking off this years events, didn't like the halls much though or the Triumph parking miles away from anything as i like to go see the cars. Did see my old 2000 MK2 in the car park looking the bo@@$cks as is obviously been restored after the front end accident it was sold with..And my old knackered 1600 Vitesse too which could also do with a bit of work now (come on jimbo get it sorted) lazy students !!
My MK1 is earning its keep now as its being used as my daily driver and tow vehicle and looked quite good bringing in the latest insurance job Spitfire if i must say.
KD

Martini GT6 RS

2009-02-19T23:53:00.001Z

Stick stuff here...

MOT WORK ??

2009-02-19T21:46:00.004Z

Well were back into things full swing now with all the rebuild projects getting a bit of attention in one way or another,things don't change though do they as i found with a customers GT6 in for couple of small repairs for the mot as i poked a small hole to find the rear wing and most of the boot floor to be filler and rot and both just fell on to the floor in a heap to the owners horror.
Just be careful what your buying off eBay at the moment ! that bargain could leave a nasty taste in your mouth.....and mine , filler dust tastes very weird mixed with rust grindings.
KD

2009-01-21T09:05:00.003Z

Over the last week and this I've decided to sort the workshop out as it was getting in a bit of a state last year.If i don't do it now it wont get done till next year as the service and MOT work as started to come in already.
The projects and rebuilds have been pulled out and regrouped ready for work to begin again next week , they even have assessment forms on clipboards on the screen's WITH working pens !!
Feels good to clear out all the accumulated scrap and clutter and have a dam good early spring clean, May even paint the floor I've been meaning to do since we moved in.
The Saturday crew even got stuck in and jet washed and cleared up outside so starting to look a bit professional now. Scary ! Cheers lads, chips and martini,s on me at next pub nite!
Heres to a great 2009.
KD

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL

2008-12-21T14:59:00.002Z

Wishing all you Triumph people out there a good christmas and new year. Hope santa brings you those desparatly wanted prezzies like, Minilights with track day tyres fitted, set of webers ,set of H beam rods, Newman race camshaft, 5 Speed gearbox conversion, oh and toblerone chockchock.
Nice pic of a christmas tree for you "motorsport style".ho ho ho.
KD

2008-12-19T09:21:00.002Z

Well im back to work now all be it on a 3 day (short day) week as still need to go back into hospital again on 24th for some final finishing.
Forgot how bloody cold that workshop can get even with a heater blasting.
First job was a nice GT6 head change as head gasket had blown after a garage had fitted a new radiator and water pump and overheated the poor thing so an unleaded head was fitted too as customer had been given one.So all in all a positive return and looking forward to a very busy 2009 in work and play..So glad im still very much into my old Triumphs its surprising how much i missed those rusty old wrecks or rather those lovely classics.
KD

Iain's Yellow 2.5 Spitfire

2008-11-25T23:20:00.001Z

Came to us a while ago for full rebuild.

The car was stripped to bare shell and chassis and a new chassis was obviously needed as original was rusting from inside out and splitting at suspension points.
The new chassis was altered to take a 2.5 saloon gearbox and was then blasted, galvanised and powdercoated black.

All suspension was blasted and coated black with Superflex bushes all round and special trunionless front links from Canley Classics fitted.

Differential was a recent LSD so nothing done to that and rear shafts rebuilt as found damage to shafts and hubs. Rear Koni shocks still in good order just a lick of paint required.

The bodyshell requires almost every panel so a near perfect original shell is on its way from southern France once here will be converted to RHD then off to be dipped and stripped of all paint and old sealers then tottaly coated in a zink phosphate anti corrosion coating.

The new engine will be a fully balanced 2.5 Triumph engine running ECU fuel injection.

A Replacement head was needed as original standard head was found to have the worst case of core shift I have ever seen and was impossible to improve in any way.
Most of engine is at various machine shops or balancers so pics to follow on build up soon.

Keep watching...

BACK IN BUSINESS

2008-11-18T15:47:00.006Z

Just a quick update to let all you happy Triumph folk that after my little accident in friends car KD TRIUMPH will be business as usual as from 2nd week of December.
The website will have a little tidy-up and revamp too with customers' cars and projects page and cars/parts for sale page will actually have stuff for sale on it.
Will also have links to forums such as Club Triumph, TSSC and the Sideways forum.
KD

0 - 138 IN 9 SECONDS GT6

2008-02-21T22:12:00.007Z

This is definitely my kind of thing....but don't like the scoop much.

The perfect car for me for this years CT RBRR !!! could just see this leaving the Plough on its way to Blyth services...........

KD

Here we go ..

2008-02-17T22:48:00.008Z

Well the 2008 Triumph season has started with last weeks Stoneleigh show,this show is still the best by far especially with sunshine this year, cant remember the last time it was sunny an ive been going for 12 years now. Was nice to take my coupe out for the day too even with ts poorly engine, nearly never made it up the last hill to the show as took 2 big ish mates and 8 wheels id sold on eBay, the wheels not my mates!!car of show for me was this beauty....would love one of these one day, know any projects for sale ???
I finally parted with my 1600 Vitesse works look alike last week too as i do have too many cars around at present, two on eBay, she was sold to Jonny Jimbo Club Triumph guy whos been hastling me for it for ages so as shes been sat outside my garage sinc last march i decided to let her go keeping the engine from it for my GT6 RS . A smokey old 2ltr was installed and off she went as if looking for a fight again..
KD

Nice Spit4

2008-02-07T22:14:00.002Z

Collected a lovely Spitfire 4 this week from a "gone to ground" triumph specialist. This beauty had been left for dead by the pevious restorer who had moved on. We had been asked to find her after collecting another triumph for another customer a few months back for the same reason, still back home now in Coventry for the restoration work they rightly deserve.
kd

YOUTUBE VITESSE

2008-01-30T21:43:00.002Z

Brummie daves vitesse eventually made its debut run round he industrial estate this week after a long wait. Poor thing started out as a lovely original 1600 saloon but 8 months in the KD workshop took its toll as a 2.6 tuned engine now sits where the wheezy 1600 once lived, type 12 brakes now junked replaced by vented capri items with fully adjustable suspension all round ,j type uprated box , nice revolution's with Yokohama's..hmm . check her out on youtube just put "brummie daves vitesse" in.enjoy..
well done brummie (big) dave , nice job.
kd

Wanna Herald mate ?

2008-01-21T22:32:00.001Z

Few months ago a couple of blokes turned up at workshop offering a herald 1200 for sale. Always up for a cheep herald i went outside to see..hmm , this is what they had. I said no.
KD

OK OK OK

2008-01-18T20:35:00.000Z

Ok will be updated this weekend i prommis, here a couple of pics to keep you keen.
kd

Blog catch up time.!!

2007-10-08T22:51:00.000+01:00

OK, over the next few weeks i will try to update my blog with this summers stuff from KD Triumph. A very busy summer indeed and a very pregnant wife (not so now) and a pc total failure were to blame for the absence of blog updates. We will also be updating the websits a taste too. watch this space.
KD

Hmmmm....

2007-07-19T00:01:00.001+01:00

after all that im having one of these, nice cold ice cold Stella !!

What a month...

2007-07-18T23:22:00.001+01:00

No i haven't been lazing around drinking coffee and chomping donuts from tescos instead of updating the blog well maybe a little we've had a relentless months work its been mad but very rewarding.
The head jobs got more severe with valve seat recession on a MK3 GT6 , we have bodily restored a MK1 VITESSE now up for paint, bodily restored a 1500 SPIT also in for paint now, the reliant robins water pump gave up the ghost and re commissioned a beautiful 1600 VITESSE ready for the Stafford show after a 12 year lay up in the TSSC museum.During that lot its been a service and MOT frenzy too fantastic !! I've said it once already in my blog and i will say it again ..life couldn't be better surrounded by loads of triumphs all day all being fixed restored and tinkered with...
on the cards this month is a MK3 SPIT for total body resto and paint a MK3 GT6 for some panels and paint, and cracking on with the EFI 2.5 SPITFIRE full rebuild..a page on the website is being made for a rebuild diary as we speak "THE BUILD BEGINS".
KD

head to head..

2007-06-23T21:48:00.001+01:00

As we were finishing the pigs head problem another one turned up. A MK1 Vitesse chuffing from the rear carb due to blown head gasket between no 5 and 6 cylinders.Nice replacement copper gasket on and all done.
kd

Buggered

2007-06-18T22:36:00.001+01:00

This is what was found after a friends Reliant Pig came in for a tune up complaining of not running nice enough even after having the RAC out to inspect the car telling him it was the SU carb that was at fault.
We opened the rocker cover to find a siezed valve broken spring and cap, looking further we found that the exhaust valve seat had fallen out wrecking the whole engine.
A replacement s/h 850 engine is going in tomorrow, good runner too as we had it fired up in the back of my transit van today.
kd

Not bad..

2007-06-06T22:31:00.000+01:00

Not a bad turnout at the Triumph night , lots of different cars to look over and good to see some old faces..
Will have to try and get this meeting back up the Weavers Arms Fillongley where it belongs.. not to keen on the bull n butcher or the 2 mile walk to the bar.
KD

Triumph night..

2007-06-04T23:14:00.000+01:00

Tuesday night (5th) at the Bull n Butcher in Corley moore , north of Coventry.
TSSC and TR Register will be there , a couple of brummies , some coventry hoodlums ,and me in my Coupe.
see you there 7 onwards nice larger shandys ........
kd

Workshop pics..

2007-06-04T22:51:00.000+01:00

With all the cars safely in for the night , thought it was time for some workshop car pics. Full house at the moment with 2 cars going to the paint shop at the end of the week and 3 cars being collected at the weekend , should be able to get some sort of normality back as just about catching up again with lost time during the move.
Will be able to get really stuck in to the full rebuild projects soon especially the yellow 2.5 pi spitfire in the pic as this will be a real nice one having new chassis, wings floors sills bonnet,shell dip striped, body /chassis in black , big brakes and wheels all being powered by a race spec 2.5 EFI engine. Nice !
There will be a build report page on the website covering all aspects of the build to help anyone wanting to do this kind of full rebuild but lacking in confidence.. its only nuts n bolts..
KD

What one looks like..

2007-05-27T20:46:00.000+01:00

The Pilgrim Hawthorn of Mr Dixon.

Moving in...

2007-05-26T01:06:00.000+01:00

Its been a month now since the official move and were still moving stuff in and setting our new workshop up.
Collected the 4 post ramp today ready for instalation nect week (no 3 phase yet)forgot how wide it was, towing it was fun as it overhung the pavement by a foot and over the middle of the road by another foot, only had to make a 6 mile journey though.
Its all starting to look a bit smarter now the builders have finished the office , toilets and kitchen... we even have hot running water too, woo hoo !
Still setting out benches and parts shelves but starting to get straight.
Its our busy period too now so customers cars are getting preferential treatment of course rather than sorting out the workshop , Not complaining though as we have a workshop full of very nice cars.
The first customers car to be worked on in our new place was a nice Pilgrim Hawthorn powered by an 1850 Dolomite engine.
Had 3 kit cars in 2 weeks..

Good luck

2007-05-05T08:56:00.000+01:00

Good luck to all crews taking part in tonights Club Triumph 20 counties, if you dip into Devon at some point i will make you a brew as were off on holiday for a week today........bad timing i know as i realy wanted to do this event.Still after the move from our old place over the last two weeks i feel i deserve a rest before the summer mayhem begins in our new unit in coventry...more on this when i get back.
cheers for now and drive well..
kd

Summer has arrived..its official !!

2007-04-17T23:19:00.001+01:00

When Big Dave gets his BBQ gear out and shows off this years fasion, its summer.Dont burn your sausage Dave !!

Jasons PI GT6

2007-04-07T08:40:00.001+01:00

With all running gear bolted on the new chassis we eventually got the body in position last week and the car is now looking more like, well.. a car.
The 2.5 gearbox fits a treat and has no clearance issues at all, all that's left is some fuel pump/line fitting, bit of interior stuff, paint bonnet , glass, electrics, hydraulics...hmm quite a bit.

Vitesse 1600 saved..

2007-04-02T23:16:00.001+01:00

Picked up a 1600 Vitesse today from Nottingham. i shouldnt of bought her but if she wasnt sold this week she was off to scrap as the owner from new "Allan" was having a new drivway put down for his new car.
Made in JULY 1962 and used as a demonstrater for 12 months then used every day by Allan until 1994, she had a new factory chassis in 1974 and a factory rear shell (mk2 vitesse)and was fitted with a GT6 MK3 engine soon after that so a very checkerd history indeed.
Her future is undecided as i would love to keep the car as overall a great car just needs bonnet and doors oh and roof but i have enough projects on the go for myself that i think it would be a bit greedy to keep another so she may have to go to be loved by someone else.Could supply all the bits needed to.. a kind of kit project as would love to see her on the road again as would the previous owner..
kd

Retro Race show.

2007-03-26T23:40:00.001+01:00

Went to stoneleigh on sunday to retro race show, i was a bit put off when i went a few years ago and vowed never to go again, but a birthday prezzy ticket persuaded me to go again.
I loved it !! Four halls packed with everything to do with Classic motorsport, saw the live rally stage thing (best car was MK2 Escort..drift tastic)saw Vic Elford (famous Vitesse rally driver (Monte Carlo) oh and he did a bit of Porche driving..Le Mans or something..)
Joined the Historic Rally Car Register real good deal ,i fancy a bit of rallying this year in my vitesse.
Saw some Triumphs in the classic car park, a green Club Triumph 13/60 , looked nice Jimbo !!
A lovely MK2 Lemon with a V8 io suspect under the bonnet as a give away bulge was present,
and a rather dirty rally style Vitesse MK2 complete with choke peg..Steve please do something with your rusty boot insert , your air vents looked nice though.
KD

KD TRIUMPH goes large..

2007-03-14T22:51:00.001Z

Good day today as KD Triumph are now on the move.Our tiny little unit in Ansley was a good starting point for us but 12 months on we have definitely outgrown it with our diary of full restorations now booked well into 2008 and the spring season services and mot work now in full swing a larger premises is natly needed. We signed up today for this handsome workshop in Coventry next door to the new Richo arena J3 M6 so no more getting lost up muddy country lanes.

We hope to be fully operational by end of April so feel free to pop in and see us.
Our new address will be updated on website when we are up and running, in the meantime we will still be at the same address as before.

On a different note the Silverstone track day went well with Club Triumph giving us a near perfect sunny cool day, the Vitesse had a couple of problems during the day with overheating champion plugs knew i should of got some NGK,s a dodgy rotor arm giving me a missfire at high RPMs (thanks tim bancroft for the loan of the new one)
unfortunately it then went so well that the big ends decided to expire mid session with obvious retirement. She was due a rebuild so not surprised.
I was surprised though to be awarded the STAFFORD CUP , this is awarded to the car of the run during the Round Britain RELIABILITY Run back in October. Voted for by all participants of the run for car that stood out the most and the vitesse came tops. Well chuffed and cheers for all that voted.. then she let herself down at a track day...
KD

More floors n sills..

2007-03-07T21:46:00.001Z

Been kept busy this week with floors n sills again , pretty big job this one as its been bodged for most of its life. i found a 4 floor sandwich, cover sills and more patches than a nicorette factory.Some good news though was that my new tyres arrived today to be fitted ready for Monday's track day with Club Triumph at Silverstone. Cant wait, never driven the GP circuit before.
My Vitesse is almost ready for Monday with new radiator fitted with original header tank back in position , overdrive rebuilt , just needs interior refitting, tracking , some full asbestos brake pads fitting (only the best)the EBC Greenstuffs were braking up after Round Britain not sure why.

Skinning a cat..

2007-02-23T22:20:00.001Z

Amongst all the Triumph stuff this week i had to re-skin some E-Type Jag doors and was surprised to find how bodged they had been before with plates of steel and filler,even the frames needed repair,Jag stuff was so over engineered and heavy no wonder it needed a V12 Motor to pull it along. still all done and ready for paint...
Talking of bodge-welding a friend recently asked if i could bodge a quick patch on his mother-in-laws metro sill for the mot, no problem i said it wont take a minute to weld a patch on..bring it up, so he did.........a quick patch ???
kd

STONELEIGH SHOW 11th FEB

2007-02-09T23:03:00.000Z

Hope to see you there despite the sludge on the roads, no big autojumble or brashy stand for us this year just a small stand promoting ourselvs and what we do.
We will be mooching round the show as its somthing ive wanted to do for nearly 10 years now but have always been tied to a stand selling parts.You will know its us by the www.kdtriumph.com sweat shirts.
Stand No 332b by the cars for sale in hall 1, take a flyer and some sweets !!
Safe journey and enjoy the show.or should that be Snow.
kd

Nice motor..

2007-02-01T23:16:00.001Z

Big Baz from the good old days of John Kippings came to visit KDT today for a brew and some toast.
His car is the green AC Greyhound.. i recon it looks like a Pearless or a Warwick GT.
I like those .Perhaps when im older and a bit more sensible ill get one.
KD

2007-01-31T08:25:00.000Z

Workshop has been a hive of activity recently with all sorts going on, a fair bit on my Vitesse as the Club Triumph / MG track day at silverstone is getting closer and havnt touched the car since the RBRR in october.Fitted some 600lb front springs, a 1" front anti roll bar,a rear anti roll bar, made a rear roll cage,fixed an oil leak from front plate on engine that apeared after a crash when engine was in my GT6 (Ally front plate) so not suprised.Gearbox is also getting some attention too as vibration when o/d is engaged.Oh and changed diff for 3.89 as 3.63 was ok for RBRR but no good for track events or hooning round our Warwickshire lanes.
Customers cars have given me a whole variety of work from welding floors / sills , lotus front suspention rebuids to a Lemon (triumph 2000)heater replacement on a very nice white 2000 estate (another RBRR car).You will be driving in your underpants and vest now Chris... nice and toasty..
Cheers for now.
KD

Bloody Triumphs..

2007-01-15T22:38:00.000Z

A trip out to collect a customers car saw me sat in a traffic jam for ages only to find the problem was this little gem complete with working hazzards and Stanpart brakedown tape..

Work 2007

2007-01-12T23:14:00.003Z

One of my many new years resolutions was to keep my BLOG updated frequently.Ok so im still drinking too much coffee and eating too much junk food and my blog still lays dormant for ages...i must try harder.
So far this year it seems to be welding welding and more welding , good job i enjoy it.
One of the more interesting projects is the build up of friend Jasons MK1 PI GT6 chassis, modifying it to take a big saloon box comfortably so a tray type recess was made also giving a mount plate and a bit more strength.
Also a couple of spitfire floors and sills to keep me busy , its never as simple as it looks !! floor repairs , sills, heel board repairs ,a post repairs, ..keeps me warm though all this welding.
KD

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

2007-01-01T16:12:00.000Z

Happy new year to all of you triumph people.
Thanks to all of you who supported us in 2006 our first year its been great.Not easy but great and a huge learning curve for us.
We look forward to 2007 its going to be a good year with lots of events rallys and shows.There is plenty this year, see Club Triumphs calendar and the TSSC events list.
See you there .

WHATS THIS..

2006-12-27T16:42:00.000Z

Anyone know why these are on the front of this Vitesse ??
It was Andy "THE ASBO" EBAY purchase and in for the works but cant seem to figure out why you would put these on, they look kind of factory made.Any ideas ??

13/60 Herald PIMPED!!

2006-12-20T23:52:00.000Z

As mentioned at the start of October, we were doing a Triumph "Pimp my ride" style herald (seems to be a following trend now)Well its done and in time for Christmas too.
"Zoro" started life as a poor little standard wedgewood blue 13/60, but the owner was fed up of attracting old blokes at garages who constantly said "i learnt to drive in one of those" you know the type, so it came in for a re-vamp..KD Triumph style!!
The car was gutted,de-badged,vitesse bonnet, re-painted VW Cherry pearl basecoat n lacquer, 1300 engine replaced for a 2.5 6 pot,overdrive, big brakes,lowered uprated suspension, 15" 5 spoke pimp wheels - with Goodyear eagle boots.
SITS LOW, LOOKS HARD, GOES LIKE FUNK !! Terry ,you've been KD Pimped !!

Change it !!

2006-12-06T22:14:00.000Z

Its just been brought to my attention that my blog needs changing as theres nothing intresting on the internet..so this ones for you Jase.
Whats new.. well my friend jase started his new job last week after finishing at a local triumph parts shop.His new job is with the NHS fixing ambulances ,he gets use of an ambulance at weekends which is great for the Karting and he gets as much NOS as he can inhale..cool. jases NOS kits available soon.
Big "BRUMMIE" Dave is the new owner of a 64 Vitesse 1600, dumping his TR6 in favour for a vitesse was a great move as the car is a 1 owner totally original example, cant wait to see it slamed into the weeds on Revolutions, Yoko boots with a KD Motorsport 2.5 motor, roll cage all rally styled up.As we say in the midlands "Origional my arse"
Since ive been typing this ive been texted that my friend Andy , the nutter i had as co driver for RBRR this year has also just purchased a vitesse from ebay, a 63 1600.. fantastic news , recon were going to have a small possy ripping up the quiet warwickshire roads next year..bring it on.cant wait.
Oh and talking of Andy the nutter, we are car No 43 for the Club Triumph 10cr next september, In MY Vitesse!! "The Hooligan" as its been named.
till next time ta raa.

CUSTOMERS CAR ON EBAY

2006-11-18T20:25:00.000Z

Its nice to know that after all the effort and hard work to save Josh Bowlers car from the crusher and giving it a makeover its now actualy worth something.The whole car was a real mess when it came to us a few months back for a small insureance job.
Im hoping he gives us a drink from his sale for the extra work we did as a favour making his car now sale worthy.
You can find the car on EBAY . A red mk3 modified spitfire.

Best of luck Josh.

SPITFIRES

2006-11-16T21:28:00.002Z

GOOD COMPANY !!

2006-11-07T23:27:00.000Z

Went to collect a customers 34 Ford Hot Rod from OJZ ENGINEERING this week after having some custom made exhaust headers / system made.
Its good to be able to recomend a company having seen their work , workshop and tasted their coffee.This company realy knows what their doing a create fantastic products. From off the shelf exhaust bends to full bespoke manifolds. not only do they cater for exhausts but any chassis fabricatin , roll cage , in fact if you can draw it they will make it,laser cut flanges,brackets,shock mounts ,stainless water pipes made to any shape/size.i think you get the picture..
LOOK EM UP ON www.ojzengineering.co.uk or 01777 248 844
check out the video clips on website..

NEW RACER FOR 2007

2006-10-31T22:05:00.001Z

I knew it was going to happen. Its my mate Jasons fault letting me have a go on his Super One kart a few weeks ago..how could i resist..
Jason wants to build a 2.5 PI GT6 and is soucing parts for the project , he has an engine / box from a scrap MK1 PI SALOON (now being broken for parts )and wanted parts to start the project, so a deal was done for a load of triumph parts for his spare Kart :-)
Shes a 2002 SUPER ONE Race Kart , engine needs a re build but its all there even a set of wets.
Going to strip it down over the next month repaint the chassis then build up ready for some testing at 22000 RPM.
See you at the Kart show in london December 9th - 10th

FRONT PAGE NEWS !!!

2006-10-24T00:27:00.001+01:00

My Herald Coupe makes front page this week of Classic Car Weekly, blogger vitessesteve alerted me of the news whilst i was on holls but says there is no other mention of my car ,not having looked myself yet i dont know but a trip down whsmiths tomorrow will sort that.
Brings back good memories does that pic as they did a feature on modded coupes in practical classics featuring Craig Gingels rally 1200 and another 1200 coupe "standard" belonging to Stephen Clapcote. Mine was fitted with a tuned 2.5 pi motor , vented discs, fiberglass evrything else, went like stink.
Must put it back together someday the way i intended with a RV8.

ALL OVER..

2006-10-22T20:26:00.000+01:00

Well holiday all over and its back to the workshop monday to have a big tidy up as getting a bit messy in there with core nits scrap engines diffs shafts gearboxes and bodywork. so big sort out to get space for two major restorations that are arriving soon, firstly a GT6 MK3 which has been in pieces since 1979 and the owner wants it restored to "as new" not a major job as many parts were purchased for the car by the owner from BL.
Secondly a 2.5 PI Spitfire for total stripdown and chemical dip prosess on all body parts, new engine bigger rims ?? it already runs on 15" compomotives.. I did a lot of work to this car many years ago when at canleys converting it from a humble red 1500 spit to the 2.5 pi it is now,the colour change to bright yellow was done elsewhere..the cause i think for most of the bubbling to the arches doors ect..
New colour is to be Black.
Will cover all restoration stuff as it happens.

DOUBLE CLICK

2006-10-16T17:01:00.000+01:00

Not sure why its doing this to my pics but if you doubble click the cross they come up on screen.
Holiday is Great so far weather good food fatning.. fantastic. not to many cream teas though seems to be more hot chocolates whith whipped cream on and treacle tarts with devon clotted cream.
i will try to get a pic.

THIS WEEKS WORK.

2006-10-13T21:53:00.001+01:00

Like i said its back to work this week, well 4 days of this week as i was off on monday delivering a customers HOT ROD a 32 ford 3 window coupe to OJZ Engineering for some custom exhaust headers.
So we had a nice 18/50 dolomite in for a new clutch and gearbox and to get his heater working..winters coming.
Also working on a 13/60 convertible in for total repaint in Cherry and a kind of PIMP MY RIDE theme so were putting a 2.5 engine in overdrive box some BLING 15 inch 5 spoke MGF alloys ,huge exhaust and slamming it into the weeds.
sound nice eh, build pics to follow.

We are closed next week 14th to 21st as on holiday getting fat on cream teas washed down with a pints of otter bitter.

RBRR DONE !!

2006-10-11T23:01:00.001+01:00

Well thats it all done with no problems at all,well apart from the bonnet catch flicking up now an then but some gaffer tape sorted that.
I realy cant describe this event in words it just has to be done and i for sure will be doing it still for years to come !! With a flawless effort from CLUB TRIUMPH and event oganiser TIM BANCROFT made this years run a personal best for me.My co-driver Andy "on a mission" Smith is now hooked too,who wouldnt be.
A full report can be seen on CLUB TRIUMPHS discussion forum under RBRR general.
It realy is worth the read..
Well done too for the BRUMMIES ON TOUR CREWs main driver Mathew Walker completing his first RBRR in his own dolomite 1500 with only passing his driving test a few months ago..bloody fantastic achevement !!and he beat me back to london.
Back to reality now and back to work on customers cars instead of the vitesse but it was worth all the work as she preformed beautifully all the way..who says you cant build a reliable race engine , mine lasted 2300 miles of abuse at full chat and i used it for work today.

MOT AT LAST !

2006-10-04T21:09:00.000+01:00

Took vitesse for its MOT today and got a thumbs up.YESS!!.Was a bit touch and go though as got the call from Dave Macs Propshafts saying my prop was ready at 1 o clock , my MOT was at 2.15. fetched it fitted it then off to MOT withought even knowing if it would drive after all that work..course it did and well too, bit spluttery but soon cleared as a bit of straight road saw the loud pedal squeezed full chat and she was away..oh i love this car........see you friday at the plough for the off.

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK..

2006-09-29T22:05:00.000+01:00

Well this time next week we should be well on our way to BLYTH services (first checkpoint) not a great deal to do now, clutch stuff , prop to be made, refit front spot lamps,finish electrics.Oh and an MOT would be nice but i know a place on route to london that can do that so i got a week yet..
Replaced the drivers door yesterday and had to beg a bit of blue paint from Canleys as i knew they had some left from a previous powder blue rebuild. unfortunatly not the same powder blue as mine but hey its better than just having a white door.. it reminded me of the ford anglia from heartbeat.nee naa nee naa.
Had time to put my sticker on today. cool eh.

11 DAYS TO GO TO RBRR

2006-09-25T20:31:00.000+01:00

Fired up the motor today GOD its sounds sweet!!, forgot how good that noise is !! ear plugs a definate in the car.Front suspension replaced for AVO shocks, 440lb springs , superflex,vented discs and greenstuffs.. should do the job.
Tried to do some more polishing too but the rust keeps snagging my cloths so im not bothering anymore.Realy does need 4 wings two doors and a bootlid but i will give the body some love in the winter .see you tuesday eve for the divers meeting in fillongly.ohh its getting exciting now CLUB TRIUMPH RBRR HERE WE COME ...

2 WEEKS 2 DAYS TO RBRR

2006-09-20T00:05:00.000+01:00

well its two weeks and two days to go and at last im getting somewhere with my vitesse, my co driver Andy has gone off to Florida for two weeks and returs on the thursday before we set off on friday expecting the car to be finished cleaned full with fuel maps and red bull..have a nice rest mate !!
So the old 1600 was dumped and a new race 2ltr fitted today with nice red top fuel pump in boot, 2 1/2 inch exhaust system.
now onto the front suspension, bleed the brakes and get ready for MOT.
May even get it to the drivers meeting next tuesday night ? now that would be nice,.

WOW !! NOW THATS FAST..

2006-09-17T23:14:00.000+01:00

Forget your TVR PORCHE ASTON LAMBO Get yourself a Super one 2STROKE Kart!!
We were invited to join my friend Jason and his petrol head missus Cathrine to have a go in thier Super one Karts at Leicester kart track so we did, I thought yeh ive been in karts before whats so special about this one...Well it was, i could only manage 5 laps at first as the grip and speed were so severe i could hardly hang on and i couldnt see the track as my vision was blurred. After those five laps my arms felt like someone had driven over them with a bus ..
after my session jason asked the officials to close the track for a while as we were treated to demonstration laps from my missus Rachel in Catherines Kart,she too had never been in one of these beasts but truly did me proud as lap after lap with no spins she zoomed by. nice one.cheers jase.

PAATCH !!

2006-09-14T23:11:00.001+01:00

Junked all the rear end stuff today,diff shafts spring exhaust prop and welded up chassis with nice thick plate. fitted new 3.63 diff too, Good pair of used Spax shocks fitted to see what all the fuss is about with spaxs , they feel fine to me ?
new shafts built up tomorrow with a nice used swing spring to slam it into the weeds, Fantastic..

4 WEEKS TO GO TILL CT RBRR

2006-09-13T22:53:00.000+01:00

Well its four weeks ish till the start of Club Triumphs 20th RBRR , IT DOESNT SEEM LIKE 2 YEARS SINCE THE LAST ONE !! I remember saying i will definatly have a car ready in plenty of time for the next one. well i tried, my GT6mk3 bodyshell is still with the painters and has been pushed into the corner with preference going to the paying customers..its my own fault for giving them so much work..
So its out with my Vitesse 1600 Saloon been off the road for 10 years outside with no covers on..oops.
LIST OF JOBS
New engine, gearbox, diff,1/2 shafts, brakes, full suspension rebuild front/back, breaks.oh and a foot long piece of chassis that seems to have vanished by the diff..
full daily report to come.....

NICE TO OF HAD....

2006-08-23T23:25:00.000+01:00

Big (Brummie) Dave is selling his beutiful pride and joy ! no not the wife (julie) but his stunning TRIUMPH TR6 due to house move. Never thought i would see the day he would sell this car after wanting one for so long and pampering this one beond belief !!
If its a TR6 your after LOOK NO FURTHER This one is top TAX FREE 150 BHP Spec , leather, chrome , engine , PI Stuff , its had the works.
See our "CARS FOR SALE" page for full listing and more pics of this lovely TR.
Hope your making the right desision Dave personaly i would stay in Birmingham and keep the car.
Nice to of had and lost than to never had at all..

THINGS COULDNT BE BETTER !!

2006-08-21T08:04:00.000+01:00

A whole range of triumphs in the workshop this week for various repairs, i realy do have the best job in the world.
we have,
MK1 VITESSE..in for new gearbox/exhaust/carb work.TSSC
DOLLY 18/50 .in for re-paint.CLUB TRIUMPH
SPIT MK3 ..in for bonnet and drivers door (insurance job)CLUB TRIUMPH
GT6 MK3 ..in for gearbox work and tune/service.TSSC
MK4 SPIT BLUE in for overheating problems.TSSC
MK4 SPIT RED.in for new diff/kenlowe/springs/bushes.TSSC
1500 SPIT BLUE in for recomisioning after 3 years off road. CLUB TRIUMPH
Things couldnt be better.

FULL AGAIN

2006-08-19T08:53:00.000+01:00

Oh well didnt last long, our workshop is full again. Still trying to fit josh bowlers Le Mans bonnet, what a game !! specially as josh,s car is as square as a chocolate hob nob. Still we have some nice cars to work on too this week to keep me sain.

YIPPEE!!

2006-08-13T20:01:00.000+01:00

At last a clear workshop all for my GT6 project in the corner. Mr Saterlys Herald Courier Van was finaly collected on saturday after its chassis change which had been spread around the whole workshop with its various parts,but now all back together and looking great apart from its customers own chassis paint ?.

BONNET ARRIVES

2006-08-10T21:50:00.000+01:00

New LE MANS SPITFIRE Bonnet arrives for Josh Bowlers Spitfire with new F/Glass boot lid too. Looks great with perspex covers, makes me wish I had a Spitfire... hang on, what the hell am I on about, I'm a GT6 owner... Spitfire my arse!!!

SHAME ON YOU !

2006-08-09T23:06:00.000+01:00

MG thing being worked on at TRIUMPH parts specialist, spotted recently. Shame... Never thought I would see the day...

NICE ONE MATT

2006-08-06T15:00:00.000+01:00

Matthew Walker, son of "Brummie Dave" passed his driving test first time last week.
Picture of Matt's 1500 Dolly having a few bits done before the CRUZIN begins, neons, subs, fury dice etc... those were the days. Nice one Matt but take care of the Dolly - don't forget you're doing the RBRR in October !!

AT LAST

2006-08-01T23:58:00.000+01:00

At last I've started my MK3 GT6 Build , Ready for Club Triumph RBRR in October and some HSCC 70s Roadsport and TSSC Class A Races next season.
BLACK Powdercoated Revolutions ?? I think they look great. comments please ?? Is black the new silver ??

HAPPY !

2006-07-31T22:07:00.000+01:00

Mark Heaps' Spitfire safely delivered. Another happy TSSC customer.
Enjoy the rest of the summer Mark.

LONG DAY

2006-07-28T22:40:00.000+01:00

Final finishing touches to Mark Heaps' Spitfire MkIV ready for delivery Saturday afternoon. New wings, bonnet, fresh paint and new hood.. FANTASTIC.