TR2/3/3A 1961 TR3A Engine Color?

[ej1]

I've searched the forum and had no joy getting this answered. What was the correct engine color for a '61 TR3A and does anyone have any recommendations for a paint that will stay on? Thanks.....

 

[TR4nut]

Welcome to the forum. As to the engine color, to quote Henry Ford 'Any color - so long as its black'. On the carb side of the block, you might see a place where they painted 'TR3' on the block - I think almost always in red paint.

You'll probably get better paint recommendations from others, but I've found that the basic rattle can ceramic engine paint you can find at typical auto stores works just fine.

 

[ej1]

Thanks!!

 

[Dale]

Welcome to the forum. Keep us posted about your TR3.

 

[Tinkerman]

EIL, welcome to the forum, lotsa good info here.
I used black enamel from ACE hardware. The TRA judging manual specifies black. However it's your car so if you want to paint it flaming red then by all means do so. I'm a "do it like it came out of the factory" kind of guy, but that's me.

Good luck and keep us posted. Pictures, lotsa pictures are real good.

Cheers, Tinkerman

 

[Banjo]

I third... Black. But I also agree with Tinkerman. I think it's more important to have a project you like, than to worry yourself to death about if it's "correct". that said, I still like to keep things as original as possible. but that's because that's what I like. my engine is black. But I've seen some snazzy red ones!

 

[HerronScott]

I'm a traditionalist as well so mine have been and will be black, but Banjo is right regarding some snazzy red ones. Tab's TR4 engine is one of those!

Tab's *nice* red TR4 engine

Scott

 

[Andrew Mace]

Over the years, I've known several knowledgeable folks who have sworn that the red engines in their TR3s were that way from the factory! But they typically were black as noted above.