TR2/3/3A tr3 rear fenders

[sp53]

Hi all does anybody know if the early and late rear fenders for a tr3 are different. I made an assumption they were the same and when I tried to fine tune them the early fenders did not fit too well on the later body. I have the original late fenders, but they are quite rough and I will have to start over!

 

[Geo Hahn]

I am under the impression that taking a wing from one TR3 and fitting it to another TR3 will usually require tweaking.

Assuming by 'early' and 'late' you mean pre- & post-TS60000 then I would think the difference would be considerable since they actually laid down new tooling in addition to introducing the readily noticeable changes (e.g. hinge plinths).

 

[TR3driver]

Early fenders don't even fit early cars very well, unless it's the one car the fender was beat to match at the factory.

 

[Don Elliott]

When I restored a late TR3A (TS 81551 L), the whole left side of the car had been "creamed" flat and I don't know what fenders I got or what type of TR they came from, but they went on.

 

[mrv8q]

NFI, but TRF has a weekend sale on TR3 fenders and wings... if you're feeling flush, check 'em out!

 

[martx-5]

I used early rear wings on my post 60,000 body restoration and had no problem with fit. I had more of a problem putting back the front wings that had come off the original late body. Go figure...

 

[Don Elliott]

Repro wings have a reputation of not fitting. I have heard that these "new" wings require so much fiddling and cutting to make them fit that it's cheaper to fix original wings. Also the rear curve down below the rear tail-lights is straight and you will have to build up the curve of the rear valance for a smooth finish. And it will never look right to a concours judge or another TR owner who has a keen eye.

See the photo.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Repro wings have a reputation of not fitting. I have heard that these "new" wings require so much fiddling and cutting to make them fit that it's cheaper to fix original wings....

I can vouch for that from personal experience. Granted, it was a good 20 years ago, but a buddy and I ultimately passed on the chance to help another club member restore his TR2, primarily because neither of us had anywhere near enough bodywork experience (or tools) to make the repro wings he'd bought fit his relatively straight, unmolested tub!

Years later, I made good use of that experience to negotiate a fair (but by no means outrageous) price for a good pair of TR3 fenders I was selling!

 

[sp53]

Thanks all I got the 58 front fenders to fit the 61 body fine by myself, so I figured the 58 rear would fit the 61 also and they kinda did. The passenger side fits better than the driver and the car has been banged around and is off the frame. I had to really hold them in place to make them like even a maybe. My friend owns the body shop and he is doing the work for a remodel I did on his house. He does most the work himself, but he also has one of his employees do the work. My body shop experience is minimal, so I do not want get involved too much. We are go buddies and I know how time and money can really bend light. He is a pro, so I basically have turned the body work project over to him and I am thinking he will cut beat and fit this thing together and turn it into something that I could not. Thanks Art for your note that lets me know that it is possible. It is kinda funny Art but many of the problems you have experienced, I too have had. I had an oil gauge needle come loose also.