TR2/3/3A New to Forum, New TR3 Owner, Dashboard Question

[Lbp]

Hey everyone. I just obtained a 1957 TR3A - my first British sports car since my Bugeye in the mid 1970s. This is an early TR3A (38000 range). The dash is generic wood (plywood?) and I suspect it's not original. There is no place for the glovebox - it's a radio instead (that doesn't yet work)! Did any come with original wood dashs?

Also, while I plan on doing most of the work myself, it would be nice to have a fall back. I learned about Olde English Garage in the Introduction section of the main forum page, but I'm in Alameda (S.F. Bay Area) and someone in the East Bay would be a lot more convenient. Anyone have any good mechanic suggestions in the East Bay?

LOVE this car!

Bill

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hey, Bill --

No, TR3's all came with metal dashes. Up until the 3A, they were completely covered in vinyl to match the seats; from the 3A's, the center section with the four gauges, switches, and indicator lights was painted in wrinkle black. Some previous owner must have made the dash you have. And there was a glove box as standard.

If you want to return it to original status, dashes are often found on ebay. Or someone here may have one.

At any rate, if you don't already have one, get a Moss and Victoria British catalog - lots of parts available, plus they are good references in general.


Mickey

 

[TR3driver]

Except that some cars were delivered with a radio in place of the glove box.

Also, there is a copy of the factory parts manual available at https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2H2NJt34OffMWQ4N2EzZGQtNjc0Ny00YmE2LWFiN2UtZWYzMjNjNGFiYzY4

 

[SPACER]

I believe Revington has a nice upgraded wood dash for the TR3A with glovebox.
I have one and while it is not original, it looks great to me.

Bob

 

[SteveBones]

I replied with a couple of suggestions via your other message. I hope that helps.

Steve

 

[Don Elliott]

I don't understand your TR3A being about the range you quote. All TR3s have a TS No. below TS 22013 and the first TR3A was TS 22014. I bought my TR3A brand new in May 1958 with Comm. No. TS 27489 LO which the build record states was built on Feb. 14th, 1958,

Here is my black TR3A at Bronte Creek (1200 British Cars) last Sunday.

 

[TR3driver]

Gee, Don, lighten up. Let the poor guy at least get his feet wet on the forum before we start telling him how "wrong" his car is!

Certainly wouldn't be the first TR where something funny happened along the way to either the paperwork or the commission plate. I owned TS39781LO for many years before I realized that the paperwork didn't match the car (paperwork had a different number in the TS41xxx range). Still no idea how that happened!

BTW, Bill, welcome to the asylum! We're all friends here, tho it can be hard to tell sometimes
:wink:

 

[PeterK]

For reference, TS29694 L here, build date April 9 1958

 

[Tr3aguy]

Welcome....

My car is similar in number and if you are referencing the part that holds the gauges, it is metal....I have a spare if you would like to go back to the original setup....PM me if you need it, we can work something out.....but I have seen them on ebay as well...