TR2/3/3A Differences in 2 TR3s

From a couple photos I have on my computer, I noticed that a '58 TR3 has it's tach on the left, while a '61 has it's tach on the right. Was this a change by Triumph, or are one of these incorrect?

I just went out to look at my Dad's 1958 TR3A and the tach is on the left. I'm not sure if they made a change later.

I sent you a link to yahoo photos so you could check out the dash photos I took tonight.
Sean

Got em. Thanks.

Anybody know about the tach question?

Aloha Webb,

The two TR3As that I've owned both had the speedometer to the left and tachometer to the right. The speedometer has a reset that extends below the bottom of the dash through a hole in the metal dash board. That hole should indicate were the speedometer was originally mounted. If there are two holes, I guess you can't be sure which is factory made or added later.

Safety Fast,
Dave

I had to go to the "bible" (Original TR2/3/3A.) The location of the Speedo/Tach did not change throughout the whole production run, so it should be tach on right, speedo on left (even in a RHD car.)

Since most speedos have seen their knurled nut trip odometer resets fall/break off, it is common for shadetree mechanics to install the gauges in the wrong position...

...that being said, there's absolutely nothing wrong to put a gauge in a different place! Whatever works for you! On my car, the center knobs were put in the wrong order...I actually changed the knobs, but not the switches!!!! (So when you pull the lamps, you get the wipers!!!)

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(So when you pull the lamps, you get the wipers!!!)

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I thought all Brit cars were like that or worse.
D

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speedo on left (even in a RHD car.)

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That does seem to be the most common arrangement, though oddly I they reversed them for LHD TR4s. The TR3 center gauges appear to have moved around a lot (looking at factory photos and Standard-Triumph wiring diagrams). I believe the switches were also moved (wiper & panel lights) when they went to a rheostat for panel lights.

Piggott's (that "bible")a good resource but I think even he would admit there were more variations and one-offs than can ever be accounted for.

I also imagine that anything could've been done to special order. It's not uncommon to see production build sheets for old Triumphs and whatnot with nonstandard colors or different trim as specified by the purchaser.
-Wm.

Absolutely! Piggot even makes reference multiple times to the theory that if a paying customer wanted something, the factory produced it. Colors (Jay Blue, Ivory)and options like chromed wires were frequently offered when not officially on the options list.



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I also imagine that anything could've been done to special order. It's not uncommon to see production build sheets for old Triumphs and whatnot with nonstandard colors or different trim as specified by the purchaser.
-Wm.

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