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TR2/3/3A TR3A radiator duct

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tmc

tmc

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I'm working on the "nose" of my TR3A project, getting ready to install the grill. But first I must deal with the fiberboard radiator duct. I've "fiddled" with it some but don't see exactly how it attaches. I also can't decide how best to paint it. I believe the front side should be same color as the body and the back side flat black, but not sure that's "correct".
 
I believe the factory did not paint it at all, leaving it "natural" black. But adding some paint is a good idea IMO, as it will help keep it from absorbing water and turning to mush over time.
 
<span style="font-size: 12pt">I don't think they were painted at all since they fitted sometime after the body was painted.(IMO)

When I did my restoration it was missing but there were two holes drilled on each side of the "floor" that corresponded with the 1 1/2" flap of my TRF replacement.

I set it in with SS slotted pan head sheet metal screws which seemed to be what the factory preferred for attaching things to sheet metal body parts. (brake & oil lines, fuse box, control box, etc.)</span>
 
The radiator duct was painted body color and each one had it's own part number according to the color desired. There were nine colors available to choose from.
(see page 85 of the Spare Parts Catalog for choices)

Service Information Sheet 1/13 issued Mar/Apr 1959 states the duct was added by the factory at TS 40104. They were attached by 6 countersunk screws (YA 0404) and cup washers. These were retro-fitted to older wide-mouth TR 3A's prior to TS 40104 and these may or may not have the holes for these screws depending upon the needs of the vehicle owner. A sampling of TR3 owners has shown that S-T very soon went to only 2 screws on each side.

Gary
 
Celtic2 said:
The radiator duct was painted body color and each one had it's own part number according to the color desired. There were nine colors available to choose from.
(see page 85 of the Spare Parts Catalog for choices)

Service Information Sheet 1/13 issued Mar/Apr 1959 states the duct was added by the factory at TS 40104. They were attached by 6 countersunk screws (YA 0404) and cup washers. These were retro-fitted to older wide-mouth TR 3A's prior to TS 40104 and these may or may not have the holes for these screws depending upon the needs of the vehicle owner. A sampling of TR3 owners has shown that S-T very soon went to only 2 screws on each side.

Gary
Click to expand...

Where did you get the "service information sheet" and the "Spare Parts Catalog".
 
There are no holes in the floor of my apron.......that was made by a metal fabricator; the one he cut out was covered about an inch thick in Bondo, so I doubt he even saw the holes. This car had no duct anyway. My "fiberboard" duct is tan....actually looks like hard cardboard. I'll just paint it the same color as the body, or at least close, as the paint work is finished. I'll go find a TR3A around here somewhere to see how/where it sits in the apron mouth.
 
In the States, the UK issued Service Information Sheets are usually called service bulletins and were issued to Triumph dealers as supplemental information to the repair manual. Reprints of the Spare Parts Catalog can be found at the major parts suppliers as either paper or CD. In addition, original manuals are occasionally found on eBay. Although I don't have one, it is my understanding the the Bentley's manual offers the best bang-for-the-buck by having the Owners, Repair and Parts manuals all in one binding.

In the meanwhile, check out this link for a partial extract from the Service Information Sheet.

https://triumphregister.lefora.com/2011/04/30/tr3a-radiator-duct/#post6

Gary
 
Celtic2 said:
In the States, the UK issued Service Information Sheets are usually called service bulletins and were issued to Triumph dealers as supplemental information to the repair manual. Reprints of the Spare Parts Catalog can be found at the major parts suppliers as either paper or CD. In addition, original manuals are occasionally found on eBay. Although I don't have one, it is my understanding the the Bentley's manual offers the best bang-for-the-buck by having the Owners, Repair and Parts manuals all in one binding.

In the meanwhile, check out this link for a partial extract from the Service Information Sheet.

https://triumphregister.lefora.com/2011/04/30/tr3a-radiator-duct/#post6

Gary
Click to expand...

I have the Bentley Shop Manual, but it wasn't accompanied by the parts manuals or owner's manual. I haven't found the latter for a reasonable price, yet.
 
I looked at a TR3 that the guy had made the duct out of sheet metal using the fiber board as a pattern. He then painted it the same color as the car before installing it. It looked real good and will probably last as long as the rest of the car.
 
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