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CUPWALKER

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I just got my hands on this '59 tr3a that has been in the family for 40 sum odd years and i don't even know where to start.
 
welcome to the forum

Get out your checkbook!!!!
just kidding ,,,,NOT!


Good luck with yer project!!
 
Turn the key and hit the button. :laugh:

Has the car been sitting? Is it drivable? Does it start and stop? Is it in pieces?

We will be more than happy to help you get through the problems and headaches.

Congratulations on you acquisition. Welcome to the Forum!
 
Neither do we. It all depends on what you want to do with the car. Do you just want to get it running, or are you into some sort of restoration? We need a lot more info. A mess of pictures would help out greatly so we can see what the general overall shape of the car is. Then, we might be able to give you a better idea of what you are in for. Let's see those pics.
 
Can't find the key. I have to take off the fenders and dig a hole to get the frame off the ground so I'd say no on the drivable.
 
If it's been in the family, ask the last owner why the car was parked and not driven. Maybe you'll find out what it needs from them.
 
Are there more holes visible than metal? Are there any floors? Is the frame visible? Does the car look like it will break in two if pulled out of the parking area? Does the motor turn over by hand? You may not be able to answer this question for a while as the clutch could be frozen to the flywheel.

As for the key, there is a number stamped on the barrel. Take that number to a locksmith to have one cut. If you are lucky enough to have a local British car shop handy, they may be able to do it for you.
 
Frame seems solid' and no the only floor left is what was under the seats. and yes motor will turn but rear brakes are froze.
 
I hope you can weld and work sheet metal, if not you better learn, a lot of work ahead on that baby..

Would I do it if it were given to me...

In a heart beat..

Have fun and don't give up the vacations.
 
If you can remove the rear drums, the car will probably roll. You may be able to take them to a shop and have them turned.
Are the inner rockers solid? (where the floors connect along the doors and fenders)
 
<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="color: #990000">prepare to become impoverished!

</span></span>Best to get a second job to support
the parts purchases.

Budget $2,000+. for auto tools, special tools
and various, sundry testing devices.

Good luck as you travel this road to
the bottomless $$$ pit.

Ask many questions; post many photos.

tinster
 
Thank all you guys for the encouraging words, and i guess it's a good thing I never intend on trying to sell this car for a profit.
 
BTW, inner sills and floors can be bought pre-formed. Still lots of fun making them fit properly, but it's looks easier to me to start with the "kit".

Not sure if they are still offering it, but if you have a little extra money available, you might look into TRF's Customer Investment Program. Basically if you loan Charles $5000, in addition to a 10% rate of return on your money, you get a hefty discount on parts (like floor pans and inner rockers).
https://www.zeni.net/trf/miniTR4/4.php

Friend of mine wrote a short tech article (no pictures) on his TR3 floor replacement (with the body on the frame). PM me your email addy if you'd like a copy. Might be on the web somewhere, but I don't know where.
 
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