TR2/3/3A Which is the best Triumph Repair Manual?

There seem to be several service manuals available for Triumphs, specifically a 1959 TR-3A. Does anyone recommend one as being noticeably better than the others?

I have a strong preference for one that uses American English as opposed to British English, so I guess the original one would not be a first choice unless it is clearly superior.

Talon

The reprint of the factory manuals are the most definitive & comprehensive. That is the one I read carefully when attempting something I have not done before.

The Haynes is briefer, possibly more user friendly and also has its place -- it is usually the one I reach for first when I essentially know how to do something but want a refresher.

Both are British publications so no escaping the 'whilst', 'cosset', 'spanner' and 'bonnet' -- all of which are just part of the charm of these cars.

The 'Practical Hints' manual from Standard Triumph (available as a reprint) is a useful glovebox reference.

Sometimes the Moss catalog (free) and the TRF Glovebox Companion (possibly out of print) are quite useful too for clear 'exploded' drawings of assemblies.

There is a Lucas trouble shooting guide that offers great step-by-step testing procedures for electrical components.

I only trust the King James translation.

CJD said:

I only trust the King James translation.

Click to expand...

I only use that for Roman Chariots and oxcarts.

Thanks, Yoda, for that comprehensive reply. Sounds like I need to install a bookshelf in the boot, with a castellated nut or two.

Or just download a couple of PDFs, print the pages you want to use today.

My preference is the factory workshop manual (or the Bentley reprint), but it can be kind of tricky to interpret. Not just from the use of the King's English, but because it was written for a TR2 and only updated with a supplement in the back for TR3s. Lots of missing details for later cars, especially TR3B.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2...NGUzLWE4NzMtMGRkODRkYzU3MDU1/edit?usp=sharing

But for many years, the only one I had was the Haynes. It has a lot more pictures, which can be helpful, but also has numerous mistakes.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2...NDEzLWJjN2YtNTc1OWRkNjE4MjY4/edit?usp=sharing

For a few things (like clutch adjustment and later brakes), the TR4 manual is actually more helpful.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2...YWExLWIyNjctOTYzNmI3OTg2ODM0/edit?usp=sharing

These are mostly not my scans, but I do try to improve the PDF files when I can. So if you find a mistake or missing page, let me know and I'll try to fix it.

PS, I realize you were kidding, but I'll say it anyway : The boot is a terrible place to keep any book that you care about. Just the bouncing and vibration will be hard enough on it, but sooner or later it will get wet as well.

PPS, the cutesy names like "Yoda" and "Great Pumpkin" are chosen by BCF and subject to change based on number of posts. We didn't pick them ourselves. Honestly, I'd rather be a Yoda, since the Great Pumpkin never actually delivered on anything ...

Geo Hahn said:

There is a Lucas trouble shooting guide that offers great step-by-step testing procedures for electrical components.

Click to expand...

Anyone have a file on this publication? It'd pretty much complete my library. I like downloaded manuals. They're fast to search and I print pages if I need to.
Randall's list is right on.

Russ

Lukens said:

Anyone have a file on this publication?

Click to expand...

Try this: https://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/LucasFault.pdf

I like the old Glenn's books, not as your main manual, but as a supplement, the factory and Haynes books tend to focus on here's how you take apart and rebuild a transmission, engine, etc. All sort of slanted towards newish cars and factory maintenance, the Glenn's book has sections about listening to and testing an old engine to figure out if you have problem with rings or valves or whatever. Written like you were an amateur mechanic taking care of an old car (sound familiar). They are often on E-bay for next to nothing, at some point I think "Glenn's" became "Chiltons" https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-19...anuals_Literature&hash=item27e14a8cf0&vxp=mtr

I prefer the original manuals and would recommend going with both the original Spare Parts Catalogue and original Repair Manual. The Bentley or Brookland manuals are also good and for some vehicles the Bentley manuals are the official manufacture repair manuals to include several of my modern cars.

When restoring my TR4, I used the Parts Catalogue much more frequently than the Repair Manual.

Here is a copy of the TR3 Bentley Repair Manual you can get for free at: https://www.thorden.dk/Teknik/Triumph TR2, TR3, TR3A factory service manual.pdf

For the parts manual The TRF and Moss diagrams are good. I have used them but I prefer a paper copy of the original parts Catalogue (or reprint), and I find it more convenient when working in my garage. You can print a copy from: https://trtriumph.com/images/TR3 Parts Catalogue.pdf This file is 28 Mb so it may take a minute or two to download.

I sent the links to work and printed them on their printer since it is much faster and easier to double side print, and then put them in three ring binders.

Visit my new and improved personal website at: www.jakegingervila.wix.com/bobs-vintage-cars-

Vila

1933 Chevrolet
1962 Triumph TR4
1984 BMW 633 CSi

That was all very helpful, and I have downloaded everything linked above. Thanks to all. Ken

A couple years ago the family sprung to get me an Ipad. It took a while to get used to it, but now I cannot function without it. All the manuals...for ALL my cars...are on it. If I get confused reassembling a part, all my photos are on it. And if I still have trouble, the entire world of information is just a Google search away, still on it.

And the bonus is that it cleans up easier than the pages of my Bently manual!

CJD said:

And the bonus is that it cleans up easier than the pages of my Bently manual!

Click to expand...

Unless of course you dropped a hammer on it

You got me, Randall! I still highly recommend it, though.

I've actually got a junky old laptop that I can use in the garage, no great loss if it gets ruined. But honestly I prefer printing the pages I need on good old fashioned paper. If I need something else, it gives me an excuse to take a break while I wash up and print that page. And if the printout gets damaged in any way, just drop it in the trash and print another one. It's also a lot easier to jot notes on paper with greasy hands.

+1 for paper printouts. I hate touching a PC (even an old one) when my hands are filthy. Cleaning my hands between each step to check an electronic device can drag things out quite a bit.

My manuals are for other cars than the TR-2/3/4. Regardless, I generally buy manuals that look promising to supplement what I already have. Some books are more helpful than others but can you really have too many references to review?

Years ago I made the switch to latex gloves. I got tired of washing my hands every time I switched from dirty parts to clean...and my hands quit cracking when I did. I haven't had greasy hands for decades! And, if you are one of those alergic to latex, there is always the vinyl option. When the gloves start to get greasy so they are making a mess, it takes 5 seconds to rip 'em off and throw on another $.05 pair!


Bonus...as my eye sight gets worse...the zoom feature of the Ipad is priceless. No more squinting at the tiny writing or diagram details.

Double Bonus...think how many trees I'm saving not printing all that paper.

Honestly, the only downside to the pad is the cost. But I don't go anywhere without it, so it paid for itself a long time ago. Directions, flight charts. I have 120 books on it...so if I have a few minutes, I've got something to do. Thunderstorms....I track those up to the minute on radar. What's the weather...I know. Email...I've got it. Forum threads...there. I can even print from it...so those hard copies are waiting if I need them.

Honestly, if you knock the pad...you just haven't taken the time to imagine what can be done with it!

I have to say that this forum is as valuable as any of the manual. Having said that the need for all of those diagrams and and descriptions will make you more comfortable with what ever task is at hand. The whole British to English conversion thing is part of owning and working on one of these cars, and can provide good entertainment. "and Bob's your Uncle."

CJD said:

Years ago I made the switch to latex gloves. I got tired of washing my hands every time I switched from dirty parts to clean...and my hands quit cracking when I did. I haven't had greasy hands for decades!

Click to expand...

You must be a lot more gentle than I am, then. I buy the heavy duty nitrile ones (latex falls apart quickly when exposed to carb cleaner, etc.) and they still seem to frequently tear. Besides which, it really doesn't solve the problem unless you are willing to remove your gloves every time you want to touch a manual. Even if the grease and dirt isn't on your hands, it's on the gloves and will transfer to anything you touch.

Many years ago, I saved for months to buy my very own VOM. (This was long before digital) It lasted me about 3 months before one of the leads snagged on something as I turned around and it slid off into the fan. Oh well. You might say seeing all that hard work destroyed in a second made a lasting impression.