TR2/3/3A TR3A Order of Assembly

[Tinkerman]

I'm a big fan of lists. so far in the frame off restoration of my 1960 TR3A, lists have been a big help. They keep me on track and give me a visual way to follow my progress.
As some of you know the body is now firmly attached to the frame. I would like some guidance from those of you that have done it, on what the basic assembly order should be from this point on. I just need the basics because I can fill in the detail. As many of you have noted in other threads you hate re-dos. If I just plow on I'm sure that I will have to undo and redo stuff. I'm trying to get out of that frustrating activity.

Any thoughts on this would be greatfully appreciated.

Cheers, Tinkerman

 

[TR4nut]

Dick- Would love to help, but I'm only good at taking them apart - I didn't realize they went back together!

From a guy I watched, though, I'd make sure that 1st item on your list is firmly crossed off - make sure panel gaps are the way you want them and adjust pads appropriately. My thought only, but I'd probably get the external fittings on soon as well, bumpers etc to make sure there are no nasty alignment surprises.

Randy

 

[martx-5]

I feel that the FIRST thing that should go in after the tub is on is the wiper mechanism under the dash. Hook up the motor and make sure it's working properly. To get at that afterwards would require alot of dash disassembly. I ran the motor with a small (10 amp) battery charger.

After that, just work from the scuttle back. Pedal box etc. The dash area requires the most thought on proceeding, so just look at things, have the items laying around, and the sequence of events will start to fall into place.

 

[Don Elliott]

The order is as follows. Check the list. Pick an item that is easy and must be done before others. If you are wiating for a part, put that item far down on your list. Do what you feel like doing today. You need to feel progress and anything at all will get you that feeling. Then go to the list for the next easiest item. If you have a problem as to how to install or solve something, think about it, ask on the forum, come to your own decision and then the task will be an easy one with the correct result because you didn't rush into it before you were ready. You don't want to do something and then find out later that it's not right and then you have to do it again.

Do it right the first time.

It will pay true rewards later on when it's finished and you know it was done right.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

The order is as follows. Check the list. Pick an item that is easy and must be done before others. If you are wiating for a part, put that item far down on your list. Do what you feel like doing today. You need to feel progress and anything at all will get you that feeling. Then go to the list for the next easiest item. If you have a problem as to how to install or solve something, think about it, ask on the forum, come to your own decision and then the task will be an easy one with the correct result because you didn't rush into it before you were ready. You don't want to do something and then find out later that it's not right and then you have to do it again.

Do it right the first time.

It will pay true rewards later on when it's finished and you know it was done right.

Compared to many other cars, TR3's are super easy to work on, and very forgiving. Enjoy!

 

[TR3driver]

I feel that the FIRST thing that should go in after the tub is on is the wiper mechanism under the dash. Hook up the motor and make sure it's working properly. To get at that afterwards would require alot of dash disassembly.

I sure hope it's not that bad! I've been ignoring the wipers on TS13571L with the intention of overhauling them later. The rack binds, so I'm pretty sure at least one tube will have to be replaced.

But I also elected to leave out the (optional) heater, and glovebox; so I don't expect the wipers to be a problem when the time comes.