TR2/3/3A ???? TR3 Factory Markings ????

[mallard]

Some people may think that I'm a little strange about the little things I do when I restore a car. I try to restore them as original as I can. One day there will be very few cars left that are the same as when they left the factory. That is why I like to keep them original. I was wondering if anyone knows what these factory markings stand for. I have made stencils of these markings and I plan to put them back on the car after painting. I also have recorded all the other small markings on other parts, mostly just a paint swipe green or yellow.

 

[DNK]

That was the paint by # number

 

[prb51]

Keith,
Nice touch. Many car restorers do the same and I've read interesting articles about the diff marques and the factory markings.
I'd be interested in a compilation for a couple of reasons: 1. Just interesting from the hobby standpoint. 2. Can really assist in determining a cars 'unrestored' condition.
I'm only familiar with the painted on engine markings...that sometimes huge TR3 painted on the intake side of the block, and the occasional spring stripe.
What do you suppose was inspected/verified when those marks were made?

 

[PeterK]

When I re-did the front suspension of my 3A, I noticed that the lower wishbones were color coded green and yellow on each side. I also found these marking when blasting a set of spares under layers of grime. So I replicated it on my refinished arms.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Maybe whose turn it was to make the tea and how many cuppas were needed?

Glad you're documenting and preserving these -- as mentioned, there was likely a prominent T R 3 on the block (just above the starter). A search of the archives may turn up a photo. Only my TR4 still has that mark (kinda a red-orange paint applied with cheap quarter inch brush or someone's finger.

<span style="font-style: italic">BTW Keith: Can you mention where you are in AZ? You're probably aware of the many drives and club activity since you've had your 6 for 3+ decades but I was just curious. </span>

 

[angelfj1]

"Some people may think that I'm a little strange about the little things I do when I restore a car"

Mallard: Not strange at all, IMHO. I think what you are taking the time to do is wonderful. You are restoring the car so accurately that it will have many of the original unique "glyphs". You may never know exactly what they mean but that's OK.

Here's a shot of my original rear occasional seat complete with symbol.

Also, prior to rebuilding the engine, we were able to make out the original "TR3" lettering on the block. I am sure you know that Triumph would assemble engines for various models in advance of their need on the assembly line. In order to identify them when needed, they would paint the model number in bold letters on the block. Here's a photo showing the lettering reproduced as accurately as we could.

 

[prb51]

I've seen that large TR3 marking and it cracks me up....I can imagine how that took place as someone continually sent the wrong block to the wrong assembly line.
"I'll fix this bloody problem" whilst slapping red/orange paint about....

 

[PeterK]

Must be from when Laverne would sit when Shirley sat up front with Squiggy.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I've seen that large TR3 marking and it cracks me up....I can imagine how that took place as someone continually sent the wrong block to the wrong assembly line.
"I'll fix this bloody problem" whilst slapping red/orange paint about....

When you think about it, though, it makes good sense. From the quickest visual glance, there's not much to distinguish a bare (no valve cover, carb, manifolds, etc.) TR long block from that of a Vanguard. I'm sure it was much easier to look at a largish paint marking than to get close enough to read either a "TS" or "V" prefix stamped on the side of the block! (I'll leave engines destined for Morgan +4 models out of this equation for now....)

 

[mallard]

Thanks for all the great photos and storys about the markings on your cars. So many parts on these cars had marks or stencils that you don't get with replacement parts today. Many of the componets that I restore for the car will still have the correct lettering that I try not damage them when I rebuild the part. Some times the paint can be polished or just touched up so you don't have to remove the lettering. I know this all slows down the restoration but I'm in no hurry. It's been two years already, I'm sure two more to go.

Keith

 

[Geo Hahn]

I've seen that large TR3 marking and it cracks me up....I can imagine how that took place as someone continually sent the wrong block to the wrong assembly line.
"I'll fix this bloody problem" whilst slapping red/orange paint about....

Sort of the automotive equivalent of the surgeon's 'REMOVE OTHER LEG'?

 

[davidk]

Here are the markings on a 74.5 TR-6 engine that I bought to replace the GT-6 engine that's in my '74 TR-6. Not sure what these markings stood for:

 

[martx-5]

Sort of the automotive equivalent of the surgeon's 'REMOVE OTHER LEG'?

Hey, I just went in for surgery on my broken right wrist on Friday. In pre-op they asked me which arm was I getting the surgery on. I looked at them like they had two heads, as there was a cast on the right arm. They said it's a Federal law that we have to ask. They then wrote some letters on the right arm with a marker. :laugh: After thinking about it, I'm glad they went through the ritual.

 

[Roger]

Could you imagine the parson's wife, in her new Vanguard, wondering why the thing was so fast?

 

[Andrew Mace]

Could you imagine the parson's wife, in her new Vanguard, wondering why the thing was so fast?

Well, if it's a fast Vanguard you want, the opportunity to own one is back again!

 

[angelfj1]

yet another