Greetings from the land of the Greatest Snow on Earth!
My name is Donn, I recently retired from the military and decided to get back to a fond pursuit of my youth- British Sports Cars- to give me something to do. My dad had a TR2, Bugeye Sprite and a number of repair and sell MGs when I was a teenager. I drove both the TR2 and the Bugeye more than he did. I actually owned an Austin Healy 100-6, learned automotive mechanics keeping both it and my 67' Mustang running. I always thought that I would pick up where I left off some 40+ years ago by restoring an Austin Healy. Since my first house cost just a little more than a decent AH 3000 Mrk III (at current prices), I decided to try a different path. I just recently purchased a 1960 Triumph TR3A, TS64802, Black with Red leather interior.
Nice car, appears mostly original, straight body with no appreciable rust anywhere-but we all know that there has to be rust somewhere. Definitely a "driver" with the need of some TLC. So this will soon be my project car. All the gauges work (move) but they are sun-bleached and both the tach and speedometer need help telling the truth! Some of the chrome is pitted, the leather seats look awesome but sun damaged, and the oil leaks- IMHO- a bit excessive. Also the steering box while providing excellent exercise needs some help.
I had an excellent opportunity to get to know this car. I purchased the car in Connecticut and immediately drove it back to Utah. Perhaps a bit foolish on my part--but an adventure none the less. Three and a half days on the road, one Lucas catastrophe (electrical failure-the light switch disintegrated taking out the charging system) and a gallon+ of oil later and we made it! The car actually runs better now than when I bought it. The long drive must have blown out some carbon and cleaned the carburetors but unfortunately did nothing to revive the oil seals.
My goals are to keep this car looking as original as possible-- with some caveats. Since this car will continue to be my "driver" I will focus on improvements to safety, reliability, and -OH My- I really need an over-drive if not a 5-speed!
Cheers,
Donn
My name is Donn, I recently retired from the military and decided to get back to a fond pursuit of my youth- British Sports Cars- to give me something to do. My dad had a TR2, Bugeye Sprite and a number of repair and sell MGs when I was a teenager. I drove both the TR2 and the Bugeye more than he did. I actually owned an Austin Healy 100-6, learned automotive mechanics keeping both it and my 67' Mustang running. I always thought that I would pick up where I left off some 40+ years ago by restoring an Austin Healy. Since my first house cost just a little more than a decent AH 3000 Mrk III (at current prices), I decided to try a different path. I just recently purchased a 1960 Triumph TR3A, TS64802, Black with Red leather interior.
Nice car, appears mostly original, straight body with no appreciable rust anywhere-but we all know that there has to be rust somewhere. Definitely a "driver" with the need of some TLC. So this will soon be my project car. All the gauges work (move) but they are sun-bleached and both the tach and speedometer need help telling the truth! Some of the chrome is pitted, the leather seats look awesome but sun damaged, and the oil leaks- IMHO- a bit excessive. Also the steering box while providing excellent exercise needs some help.
I had an excellent opportunity to get to know this car. I purchased the car in Connecticut and immediately drove it back to Utah. Perhaps a bit foolish on my part--but an adventure none the less. Three and a half days on the road, one Lucas catastrophe (electrical failure-the light switch disintegrated taking out the charging system) and a gallon+ of oil later and we made it! The car actually runs better now than when I bought it. The long drive must have blown out some carbon and cleaned the carburetors but unfortunately did nothing to revive the oil seals.
My goals are to keep this car looking as original as possible-- with some caveats. Since this car will continue to be my "driver" I will focus on improvements to safety, reliability, and -OH My- I really need an over-drive if not a 5-speed!
Cheers,
Donn