This is a car at the California Auto Museum. They called to find someone that knew TR3s to decide if they are going to keep the car in the museum or sell it. My task was to figure out how original the car was. Turns out most of the car was still original with a few exceptions.
Chrome or Stainless 48 spoke wires.
New radiator with electric fan
What looks like yellow weave wallpaper on the dash
New BRG paint job. The engine compartment, under fenders, and I assume under the car were not painted. Looks like the paint color there was a leaf green at one time.
It did still have the crank for the engine and the original jack. I have not seen those in a long time. The curator asked if it would start. 20 sec of cranking and it started right up. There was evidence of gas leak from the bottom of the carbs, but overall it ran pretty well.
I think the museum will keep it and perhaps turn it into a car that people can sit in.
That extra fiberboard panel is nothing like yours above. Never seen one before. If you happen to get to the museum, take a look.
Jerry