TR2/3/3A TR3A Rear Close Out Panel

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Hi Guys,

Had some free time today to get back on the 3A project and was looking forward to making some progress when I find myself back inside on the computer typing out this message.....

Frustrated....

Ok. Here is the problem. As some of you might recall, I bought a new rear valence for the car and welded it in a few weeks back. I decided to continue on trying to get the rear of the car back into shape and planned to start this morning on the close out panel that runs vertically from the bottom of the spare wheel pan where it joins the bottom section of the valence. Here is where I have the issue.

There are two ways to potentially install this piece with the bottom flange that runs along the spare wheel pan pointing to the rear of the car (which is correct I suspect) vs pointing to the front of the car.

Here are some pics (and you will see my issue)

Flange pointing to the front of the car.

Flange pointing as I believe it should to the rear of the car.

Here is a pic of how the old panel was installed from the factory I beleive.

Flange pointing towards the rear of the car.

Now what upsets me( if this is correct) is that the Valence that came from the vendor allready comes with the bottom horizontal closing panel installed. With this panel installed, if gives me no access to be able to weld the bottom flange to the spare wheel pan. In order to do this, I would have to drill out the horizontal close out piece from my brand new valence. How stupid would that be...

Anyway, if someone could confirm that the flange should be pointing to the rear of the car it would be appreciated before I get my drill out to spend the morning drilling spot welds instead of welding.

Cheers,
Tush

 

[AlWallace]

Dave,
I have tried to get some photos for you. I hope these help although it may not be answer you wanted. It would appear that on my car the flange is pointing to the rear of the car. You can see the spot welding at the bottom and nothing for the small flange which would indicate it is facing the rear.
Al

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Hi Al,

Thanks for the photos.

I have been thinking about it a bit more and have taken a look at some photos that I had filed away.

It almost looks like the flange is back towards the rear of the car running across the spare tire pan and then it flips to facing forward where the spare tire well ends on either side.....

Going to take some more shots of mine from the end caps and compare to some other photos I have as to how the side stiffeners, end close out panels and rear mounts come together.

Temporarily, I moved on to welding on the front drivers side body mount...happy with the results there.

Cheers,
Tush

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Here are a couple of pics from Mallard (Keith).

I think that I can see what I am describing up above. Looks like the flange runs towards the rear of the car up until it ends on either side of the spare wheel pan. It then looks like the flange flips towards the front of the car and continues out to the side stiffener.

A couple of pics from Keith that I saved.

If anyone could confirm this it would be appreciated. Looks like now I have to drill spot welds and bend some metal to make the closing panel work....

Cheer,
Tush

 

[CJD]

One option would be to drill holes through the bottom of the wheel tub, and then hole weld through these holes. You can even drill the holes from the bottom of the tub, before you fit the panel. Be sure you can get a grinder in the tub for any cleanup afterward...

John

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

I looked at mine, and it appears to be toward the front on either side and toward the back in the middle -but it's very hard to tell (and there isn't much remaining originality on my car). But I wonder what difference does it really make? If by odd chance you happen to get pulled over by the Triumph Originality Police, and they are informed enough, and they do happen to notice that it's welded wrong way round, do you think they'll have a box to check on your ticket?

If it were me... well, I doubt I'd have gotten as far as you did already. The sins I'm committing during my restoration are minor compared to the previous -I'm sure you can say the same.

Jer