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TR2/3/3A Frame Demensions

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DornTRoriginal

DornTRoriginal

Jedi Hopeful
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Greetings! Does anyone have a drawing or descriptive information on what the frame dimensions for my 1959 TR3 (TS35675) should be? I think I saw them some where in the past but I can't find them at the moment.

The body shop just informed me that he thinks my frame is bent and wants to take it to a frame shop and measure the frame with a laser to make sure it is aligned and straight. This sounds reasonable, I don't think the frame has been bent due to a collision but there were a few "incidents" over the years where it could have happened, I guess it's worth the $150 to check it, any thoughts or advice?

I've been trying to get the tub painted now for four months and he just now brings this up which is odd too. :confusion::confusion:

Thanks!
 
Dorn
I will be at the Hayward show tomorrow with the 250. I can bring some info.
 
The alternative way to check a frame is to set it up on a level surface on stands and measure it in a crossing or X pattern. Use a plumb -bob to make the marks on the floor directly underneath the various points to measure. Then measure the distances of the various X lines. Each side of the X should be the same length. If any side of the X is different then you have a problem. You also need to make sure the verticle distances of the end points of the X's is the same on each side of the frame. If you wish to peruse this method and do not have a manual let me know. Alternately if you just set the frame on a level surface on four equal jack stands it should easily show up any deformity of much consequence. My opinion is that small deformities will be of little to no consequence except for the very front end where the wishbones are mounted to the frame.
Charley
 
Thanks! Dan, I was at a family affair all weekend so I did not get back to you sooner. I have the service manual so I will use that and Charley's info. I'm still a bit puzzled by the observation and I recall reading some others noticing a "lean" in their TR3s I don't think it's a bent frame and I agree with Charley, a small deformity should not be an issue unless it is related to the front end and it all seemed fine when I was working on it.... I am really bummed I didn't get to see the 250...
 
DornTRoriginal said:
...I recall reading some others noticing a "lean" in their TR3s I don't think it's a bent frame...
Click to expand...

The most common causes of a lean are a tired spring &/or with the driver riding solo, putting more weight on the driver's side of the car.

Some TRs came with an extra (short) leaf -- more like a shim -- on the passenger spring to make the car ride near level with just the driver on board.
 
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