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TR2/3/3A Finally a TR3, now what???

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triherald

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Hey guys, been looking for a project TR3 for about a year now that was not too far from where I live (shipping purposes)... I have a bunch of parts from other 3's I have owned... but this one is in pretty bad shape, but looking forward to saving it from the heap... Where to start?? Interested in any of your suggestions...

Thanks
Jack
59TR3.jpg
 
I always start with mechanical 1st then move on to cosmetic..

(you may want to start by going to the Bank!)

Good Luck
 
[ QUOTE ]
I always start with mechanical 1st then move on to cosmetic...

[/ QUOTE ]Well, I'd go along with that, if by "cosmetic" you include structural integrity. I'd make sure the chassis is solid and straight and cost-effectively worth saving; same with the tub, etc.

Hard to say from one picture; hopefully the car is better than it looks. Sad to say that some simply aren't worth saving. Now a long-door TR2 might be a different story.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I figured I would get slammed a bit on this one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

But the cosmetics is the first for me right now... I was going to make a brace for the interior to hold the tub still while doing repair work... and then on to frame... will be a long haul.. but I have the energy right now... we will see in 6months if I am still excited...

Jack
 
by cosmetic I meant body work, but of corse you want to make sure the frame is worth saving before you start anything mechanical (engine trans. etc...)
 
hate to say it, but it looks like the 4A I just cut up for the recyclers, no frame left (at all!) engine was sitting on the ground.

My advise would be to salvage parts and keep looking for a solid chassis to start with.
 
I hate to be the lone voice but I think it looks like a great project to me. These are the cars that need a person who wants to fix them. This is how we are going to save them from the scrap heap. What may not be worth one person's time might be worth the next persons time. I am glad you are saving one. Good luck and keep us posted. FYI both mine looked like that when I started.
 
Jack,

I can't believe it, no bullet holes? I would completely strip it down to the frame keep whats good and rebuild. I've actually seen people rebuild worse. Just remember it's suppose to be fun and this project is probably going to take a while depending on your resources. Looks like someones gonna have some fun!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

Harry
CT
 
Congratulations Jack!

That is a great looking project. You've actually already started the restoration ... you've taken the "before" picture. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good luck and please show us pictures along the way.

Matt
 
Ooooo.. I'm a sucker for heaps, but I'd have to seriously think about that one. That rot looks pretty deep. But if you pick up the "How to Restore Triumph TR2 TR3&3A" book you'll see them patching up some seriously crusty hulks.
TR3 frames tend to weather well. I've seen TR3s with no body left, and the frame is still good. SO you're probably ok there. But you're looking at a nut and bolt restoration here. You're gonna spend AT LEAST the finished value of a good restored TR3 to make that car right. Not to mention all the hours of labor.
But if that's what you're looking for, and if it's priced right (If he's gonna give it to you) then go for it.
But I seriously woulden't give very much for that. $100-$200 maybe
 
Now thats a project....none of that wimpy 'driver' stuff
 
That looks a lot better than my 3 did when I started. It looks like your DPO Bondoed over the trim beads on the rear fenders. Watch out if he brazed those fenders into place under the Bondo. That can be a major PIA to cut loose without ruining the fender or the edge of the tub.
Personally; I would start by taking a very, very detailed inventory of what parts are there and what is missing. That way you can be on the lookout for those missing bits while you are working on the rest of the car.
The floors and sills are likely shot so you should plan on replacing them and the front fenders look like they need the patch panels at the bottom rear. All the usual stuff.

Figure on it taking twice as long and costing twice as much as you planned and you will only end up being 50% low on both items.

Have fun.
 
Thanks guys, especially the positive support.. I know it is a project that most would not tackle.. but I am not like most!!! Really looking forward to saving this beast.. isn't that what this british car fun is all about...

And those who would chop up a british car or part is out!!
Shame, shame on you!! I bet there would be some son and father that would have loved to have that TR4 you chopped...

Oh well, thanks for the support.. I will keep the forum posted as I go... I have lots of spares from other projects, so I think I have everything, except those things that would need to be replaced anyways, bearing, etc...

Wire brush ready........ GO
 
Good for you, I wish you success.
Remember that if you paid $5000 for a nicer looking one it would still need complete restoration; so thats a lot of money you have saved towards rebuilding this one!

As Andy says, though, you have to have a solid chassis as a foundation, and the inner body shell must also be solid before you commit a lot of time and money to the rest of the car.
Good idea to start by taking an inventory so you can estimate the cost of replacing missing and unusable parts, and try to budget for the job.
Simon.
 
Shame on me? Are you kidding? Ths is the chassis of my parts car that I chopped up because the neighbor's kept complaining:
https://mysite.verizon.net/kentech0822/triumph/crusty2.jpg

Most parts were similarly rusted into the ground. You are looking at the drivers floor (where it used to be) forward to the center console. The car was a great donor for my other TRs, the flywheel is in my 3A for the 5 speed conversion, the rear end guts are in my 4A but even the rear end housing was rusted through! I salvaged everthing I could get off. Trouble is that once they sit outside on the ground, the ground moisture just eats them up.

My advice to you is still start with a good solid chassis and build from the good parts that you have.

No shame here ! ! Good luck, hope you've got a lot more money than I have, you'll need it.

Wire brush .... loflmao
 
Good for you. I hate seeing old relics, um, classics going to waste. I don't care how much work you have to put into it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I did the same on an old vintage VW convertible-- My wife cringed when I brought (towed) it home in similar condition. The abuse I took sort of made it more of a challenge, I learned a lot and all were surprised (including me) when it turned out to be a pretty nice car (at least for my meager skills)
 
[ QUOTE ]
Wanna race to see who's finished first?

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh my-- If you bring that back to life we'll give you the "savior" award!
 
Before tearing it apart, I would try to get the engine running. Find out what you have cosmeticly and mechanically before you proceed.
 
Yankee, nice!!! actually it looks like your tub is fairly solid... Well got mine out and on 4 wheels rolling this weekend... checked out the frame, and it is pretty good shape!! very pleased... Lots of work to do.. but still excited about it... Thanks for the support guys..

Jack
 
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