TR2/3/3A Finish on a 1960 TR3A Fluid reservoir?

[Got_All_4]

Just went to drive the TR3 Friday and saw something shinny on the rubber floor matt on the driver side. First thought was water but upon closer inspection it was brake fluid. The seal on the clutch master cylinder went bad and the fluid leaked out. I'll order a new kit Tuesday but I been thinking of replacing the reservoir too.

When I first did the car back in the late 70's I seem to remember it being rusty and pulling off chrome in sheets. I sand blasted it and painted it chrome aluminum. Over the years the brake fluid ruined the finish and is now very unsightly.

At many car shows I remember seeing chrome reservoirs and my recollection of mine is that it was chrome. I see Moss just came out with a re-engineered reproduction Gerling reservoir and it is black and they say quote "great attention to detail that keeps it looking period-correct and authentic looking".

What is correct? Thanks!

 

[Member 10617]

TR3ATR250,

I installed one of those new Moss reproduction reservoirs. The brake fluid has eaten away all the paint around the rim, and thus looks very much like my old one.

 

[NutmegCT]

I don't think there's a "cast in stone" rule, but Piggott and most other TR3 pictures I've seen, show a gloss black reservoir with a gloss black cap. Plus the appropriate label/decal.

Here's what I did on my 1959:

Hope this helps.
Tom

 

[mrv8q]

Personally, never seen a chrome one, only black.....

 

[Geo Hahn]

All the ones I've seen have been black. I think (hope) they're supposed to look a bit tatty.

BTW -- I have the label in the wrong position (though it looks good like that). The little words 'BRAKE' and 'CLUTCH' at the bottom of the label should be lined up with the respective output lines on the bottom of the reservoir.

Someday I'll fix that.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Mine came to me with an official TRiumph racing sock installed.

Not a lick of paint on it under the sock.....

I decided to go to black when I refinished it earlier this year...I went with the forward facing sticker as well.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd

 

[Got_All_4]

Maybe they had a chrome sock on it!!!

Chrome may not be the exactly what I saw. Could have been a zinc or nickle coating like on a bolt. M_Pied_Lourd 2nd pic is kind'a what I've seen just shinier.