TR2/3/3A Possible pursuit of a TR3A

[sammyb]

There are few feelings like a TR3. I'll never forget the first time I took my TR3 on the freeway (HWY288 in Houston) for the first time going 70MPH while being flanked by two huge tanker semi trailers!!! I thought I was going to DIE!

The best thing about TR3s is that everyone expects them to be slow, but you can lay a patch of rubber 40ft long without a sweat (like I did this afternoon!) They are so torquey that you get axle hop under hard acceleration. They fall off a cliff at around 50mph, but the feeling is awesome.

 

[Banjo]

Your story sounds strikingly fermiliar.
I just sold off my rusty crusty 66 TR4A to obtain a very solid TR2 project car. Now I've driven several TR3s so I knew I wanted one. I actually bought the project before I sold the 4 but Its a step twards cut down doors, and away from rust.
I coulden't keep from jumping all over my TR2 find when I found it only 5 hours away, and for $900 !!!!!.
Granted it's in boxes, but it dosen't need floorpans or rockers!
I'd say that if the car is running, and mostly rust free, that 10 or 11 $K isen't too far off.
Sounds like you have a solid plan. Stick to it. Don't let lust overpower your good judgement.
There are others out there. But if this car is all you say it is, I'd go for it!
Best of luck Guv'na!

 

[drooartz]

Well, I spent about 1.5 hours looking over the TR3 today. Here's some shots:

Good time spent with a magnet showed a lot of patched spots. The work was old enough that it could be leaded, hard to tell. It was clean work, and was impossible to spot without the magnet, even with the black paint, but too much for my taste. I'm guessing that it was done before panels were easily available. And the floors were plywood. Metal floors were under there, but covered in some sort of coating, and had spots where the magnet wouldn't stick.

I couldn't drive it, since we couldn't get it started (battery low, and it's still cold here in UT). Overall, I thought it was a decent car, really pretty solid, but the non-metal spots and especially the wood floors worried me too much. Just not what I was looking for. It was a good experience to go over one that close, and I did come away with a renewed feeling--that I really want to go with a Bugeye. I liked the TR3, but it didn't make me smile like the Bugeye does. So a worthwhile adventure.

If anyone else is interested in the car, PM me and I'll send along the owner's info. I do think it is a decent car, just not the one for me. The work was reportedly done 25 years ago or so, and seems to have held up fine.

-Drew

 

[Geo Hahn]

Think you were wise to take a pass on that one... but perhaps you should drive a good TR3 and drive good Bugeye (if you haven't already) before you make up your mind. Much to recommend both cars.

 

[mccalebr]

The FI is home grown. The previous owner is a machinist; he fitted the smallest Holley unit made to a custom piece that bolts directly to the (unmodified) intake. After sitting for a number of years I do not think the electronics are functioning correctly. The five pots on the control unit (choke, pump, idle, midrange, and power) do not seem to do much. I'm seriously thinking about pulling it off and returning to stock SUs (which came with the car). To do so, however, I need to first source several linkage pieces (bell crank lever and pivot) that are listed in both Moss and VB as not available. Anyone know of sources?

Ray

 

[mrv8q]

Does that shifter look right? It seems like there's a kink in there. It's also strange to see a blue block in a 3...

It's a pity that the dealer didn't charge the battery, as they knew you were coming. It's good advice to drive a 3, before finally deciding on the Bugeye...

Best,
Kevin Browne
'59TR3A #58370

 

[Geo Hahn]

[ QUOTE ]
Does that shifter look right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good catch. Looks like a TR4 gearshift, though with where they have installed the radio a stock TR3 stick might be a problem.

 

[Kurtis]

The pictures are all little red "x"s. Did you remove them?

 

[Kurtis]

Drew,

I think I've conveyed my sentiments through our e-mails back and forth in the past, but lest there be any misunderstanding, I think you've made a grave mistake in choosing a Bugeye over a TR4 (and since I own both, I feel qualified to make that statement!). Look at the attached picture... check out that SU bulge... is that cool or what???

<grin>

You do realize (I trust) that this message was posted with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek. Actually, I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of *your* ideal LBC.

 

[Geo Hahn]

You sound like the Festrunk brothers (Wild & Crazy Guys) always bragging about their 'great bulges'.

 

[Kurtis]

[ QUOTE ]
You sound like the Festrunk brothers (Wild & Crazy Guys) always bragging about their 'great bulges'.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not bragging if it's true, is it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Andrew Mace]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Does that shifter look right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good catch. Looks like a TR4 gearshift, though with where they have installed the radio a stock TR3 stick might be a problem.

[/ QUOTE ]It's also got a TR4 tachometer. And, in apparent homage to an MGA, it's got what appears to be an MGA-style turn signal switch mounted on the far left of the dash; perhaps the wood floors came from the same MGA. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[drooartz]

[ QUOTE ]
check out that SU bulge... is that cool or what???

[/ QUOTE ]

Very cool indeed, but I would counter that the silly little bug eyes and grinning grille of a Bugeye can't help but make one smile. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

(...and yes, I know you're joking--I really appreciate all the thoughts you've sent my way. Who knows, maybe I'll wind up with a nicer TR4 someday.)

That's the beauty of these little cars--there is one out there that is just right for everyone. If I had the garage space and funding, I'd probably try for the complete set. However, barring a lottery win, I'm forced to start with just one.

-Drew

(the pictures should be working... maybe my hosting was down when you were looking)