Don't they look uncomfortable, noisey and probably cold as well  and the steering is vague too.....? but they keep going on and on and on, albeit rather slowly      Ian

+1    Ian

Yeah… minimal personal padding here.  Your basic skelly-with-skin.  These things always look to me as though they belong between the rack and the iron maiden…..

Hoooo boy…..! Best stay away from any VAG product post 2000! Reckon those UAZ vans John posted elsewhere might just about meet your brief. 

Took on board your suggestion of fitting the slightly wider bearing. Think I found the post you were talking about, but can't share the link as I am not a facebook member. If you do a Google search "rebuilding spitfire rear hubs TSSC facebook" its top of the list, then just click on the 18 comments. According to the post, the 3/4" wide one is the B-1612 std & GB-1612 is the Precision version. I could only find (afford) the B-1612. The GB-1612 appeared very pricey. Started to rebuild one hub this evening. The 3/4" B-1612 does overhang the inside casting a little as stated in the post, but can't see it causing any problems. Fitted the SKF bearing Zetecspit pointed out to me, following his link. Quick question, I fitted the SKF bearing with the writing facing outwards, as it appears symmetrical, does it matter which way around they are fitted? Hopefully get drive shafts rebuilt and fitted to the diff in the next couple of days. Comparisons of the 1/2" vs 3/4 needle roller

They are comfortable once you’re in John and they grip you well but not the easiest to get in and out of . 

But despite their appearance - naked aluminium - very comfortable!   Binman's SuperSix (a GiTfire, with a 2.5 engine had them anf theywere nomproblem, right around the 10CR!     If you are of bony build, you can get thin rubber covers for them, but Binman and I wete fine. John

Reviving thus thread, to show you two vehicles near me, that must be rare as dragon's teeth, but probably valueless -  unless you havea special interest: The yellow one has been there for ages.   Its's marked with a regional shield, and by the small Red Cross on the front must have been an ambulance.  The white one has just appeared.  They are both products of the Russian manufacturer Ulyanovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, UAZ, I think four wheel-drive, off-road utility vans, model UAZ-452.   I'm pretty sure that there isnt another in the British Isles - unless you know differently! John

High praise indeed!