TR2/3/3A TR3 fan and motor mount R&R

[Jim Lee]

Hi all,
I just dug out a beautiful TR6 fan and a couple of brand new motor mounts that I had brought years ago and never got around to installing on my 1959 TR3A. Can someone tell me if it is possible to replace these two items without havin to remove the front apron on my TR3? Or conversely if it is worth the trouble of removing the front apron. I might be unnecessarily wary of removing it. The main danger I have heard about removing this body piece is that it is very easy to screw up the paint on the fenders and apron. I don't have the best paint job ever but I am pretty happy with it for now and would hate to chance screwing it up if I didn't need to. Has anyone changed these parts without removing the front apron?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
1959 TR3A

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Jim -

Definitely worth the trouble (and it's not that bad). I've had my apron off a couple of times, and was able to do so without any tragedy. You may want to have an extra pair of hands when you pull the apron away from the body. Be sure to disconnect the turn signal and head lights.

Having free access to the fan sure beats the contortions you'll have to do to get to it otherwise. And I don't know how you'd do it without removing the radiator, anyway.

Mickey

 

[Jim Lee]

Anyone know where I can get any step by step directions to removing the apron in the safest manner possible?

Thanks,
Jim Lee

 

[Russ Austin]

Hey Jim; Hope this will help, first remove your bumper then your grill. Mark your turn signals leads and unplug. Jack the car up and put on stands, and remove the wheels. Now for the fum part, remove the bolt that is under and below the grill (long bolt that attaches the apron to the front of the frame). Remove the two bolts on each side that attach the apron to the inner fender (this is a bar that is connected to the apron and fitted to the inner fenders.) Now start on the inside of the fenders, there are two sets of bolts. Remove both set up to the hood on both sides. This is important have two people grab hold of the fenders and carefuly pull apart. This will allow the apron to be freed, at the top of the apron inside, where the bar runs across to the inner fenders. Lift the bar and the apron will be able to be removed.

I hope I did'nt miss anything, but I may have. I have removed the apron on my car numerous times.

Good Luck

 

[Jim Lee]

Russ,
Thanks very much. This is exactly what I was looking for. I guess that this part describes the tricky part where I have to watch for chipping paint and inelegantly busting age old seals between the fenders and the apron:

"This is important have two people grab hold of the fenders and carefuly pull apart."

I would imagine that doing this the first time is by far the hardest time with stubborn bolts and captive nuts and sticky seals and so forth? Subsequent r+r's will probably be walks in the park. I shall steel myself and go very slowly. I haven't had any cooling problems but the TR6 fan that I came across looks a heck of alot more efficient than the original TR3 4 bladed fan and that has really loosened up. Also I am sure it wouldn't hurt to get the radiator recored and reconditioned while I am waiting on my new voltage regulator. Lastly my original front motor mounts appear to have the firmness of wet noodles. I can't wait to see the difference in the firmness of the engine at idle after replacing these.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
1959 TR3A TS50550