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TR2/3/3A New TR3 owner

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M

markctr3

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My dad taught me to drive in a TR3 when I was 13 years old. We had property near Cross Village, Michigan (some fantastic roads for a cruise!), and I remember him making me memorize the instrument panel and drawing it in the sand before I got behind the wheel. Well, dad passed away on July 1, and I decided to buy a TR in honor of my dad. It brings back a lot of memories, and I'm sure he's smiling down on me as we speak.

Anyway, I have a few (a lot of) questions...

Dayton wire wheels, or the ones from Moss?

Moss interior kit, or Roadster Factory (seats & trim panels)?

Webers or stock SUs?

Boxers or briefs?

I know these may be "personal preference", but I'm looking for opinions from people that have been there, done that.

Thanking you in advance,

Mark
 
What a great memory and great reason to enjoy a TR3!

Yes, they are mostly a matter of personal preference... mine: Dunlops wires, Moss interior, stock SUs, briefs.

I am not convinced that the Webers gain you much w/o other mods and seem to be more difficult to sort out than the very simple SUs.

On the other choices, I would rate them a toss-up.
 
My 2 cents.....TRF, SU's, and "commando"
 
Lots of debate on the first two, but if you are just planning on driving on the street and not going to heavily modify the engine I would stay away from Webers.
They are an awesome carb, with terrible street manners. They go like stink in the higher RPMs but for stop and go and idle they tend to be rough.
This can be corrected by someone who intimatly knows Webers, but can be daunting and expensive for the hobbiest.
I reccomend sticking with SUs. They are a beautiful and simple setup once your fermiliar with them. And most of thier adjustments are by turning screws or nuts for free, as opposed to ordering parts to adjust the Webers.
Enjoy your new LBC and the memories of your dad.
Welcome to the BCF, aka the Pshyce Ward.
 
I've heard lots of cons concerning the Dunlops, but I'm not so sure that they are a problem from what I've read on this forum. I got TRF interior kit, and it really looks good. And I'll agree with all the others concerning the SU's. They are a good carb, and will handle a fair amount of engine mods. I'm planning on about 130 HP and will run the SU's. They probably could handle more.
 
I bought my TR3A brand new in 1958 with steel wheels. That was high tech at that time. Everyone was fed up with the hassle of wire wheels. But then they drove them quite a few miles back then. If you decide on wire wheels make sure that the supplier you choose confirms to you that they are true and balanced. Many were not. Will he take the new rims you just paid for, back or will he true them up for free after you buy them and have your tires mounted - only to find they ride horribly ?

Don Elliott, Original Owner
https://www.britishcarforum.com/ubbthreads/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1977/cat/517
 
Mark, that is a great story. There are lots of reasons to enjoy this hobby but being able to evoke memories like that is one of the best.
My car has 2 sets of wire wheels, one set possibly original, 40 years old, the other a new set, wider and 72 spoke for strength. the second set is, I think, from MWS who make the Dunlop style. I have had no problems with either.
The Daytons have a very good reputation, if you are ordering online make sure the spoke lacing pattern looks correct as they have some designs which do not follow the original pattern.
As far as carbs are concerned, I have 2 Triumphs, one on SU the other a 40mm DCOE, both work well once set up correctly. But you can adjust SUs whereas you usually have to buy parts for Webers, so it can get expensive.
We look forward to hearing more as you get the car how you like it.
Simon.
 
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