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TR2/3/3A TR3 restoration resources?

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I'm in the planning stage of a '59 TR3a project and just ordered a copy of Williams' "How To Restore Triumph TR2-4a". I'm not going to pay $200-plus for a used copy of Piggott's much-sought-after book unless absolutely necessary. I was wondering if anyone had ever picked up a copy of Williams' "How To Improve Triumph TR2-4a" and what they though of it? I am going to keep the car fairly stock, but it isn't going to be a true "restoration" as I now understand that term to mean (apologies to my Dad and other purists!).

Thanks in advance.
 
welcome to the forum - I think both Williams books are decent, it just might give you some ideas. And you can get Piggotts for a lot less, just look for his latest book which combines all the previous TR books. But of course it is your money vs enjoyment issue, I happen to like to grab these books when I get them for a decent price.
 
Hmmmmmmmm. I think I have all of them, but haven't looked at them in years. Mostly to check out colors, what was painted what or orientation on the originals. Night-stand dreaming material. I have a '59 TR-3A also, and unless you are totally anal about restoration to original (sounds like you're not) or are seeking a concourse competition, no need. I think if we had long-door TR-2s, that'd be different. I mean, there were tens of thousands of our cars produced... That being said, nothing I've done can't be reversed (electric fan, rack and pinion) by the next owner.

On the other hand, my Triumph Service Manual (a red hardbound book from the factory) is falling apart, torn, dirty, and greasy. But-- Absolutely the one book you want, or a reprint thereof. Very well written, too, in the King's English. Tells you the procedure to follow to do everything. Especially useful to have the Moss catalog page open to what you're working on at the time.

That being said, working on these cars is simple, but not easy. For example, the manual will tell you to remove the three so-and-so bolts-- simple enough to follow, but chances are that one of them will be frozen or will just shear off in your socket--i.e., the "not easy."

Between that manual, the TRF and Moss catalogs, and this forum, you don't need much else. Oh, and a checkbook. Best of luck!! Jim
 
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