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TR2/3/3A TR3B or TR2?

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erstearns

Jedi Trainee
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Perusing the rest of the ebay market now that the Dove Grey gem is gone brings to mind a bit of a question. Given the choice, knowing that it is all presonal anyway and there is no real answer, what makes more "sense" restoring a 2 or a 3B? Each will have its supporters, the 2 being I think now more rare and the "beginning" or the 3B also being somewhat rare and the "end". I myself would vote for the 2 with a nod more to history and the "just don't see one every day". My wife of course would comment differently, as in, why don't you finish some of the several you already have underway. :crazyeyes:
 
I'd do the 2. Early in the line, very distinctly different from the later models. Anyone that knows anything about LBC's would recognize it as an early Triumph. There are really no distinguishing features about the 3B only the vin number tells the story about it.

MY thoughts, Tinkerman
 
I think it would make a difference what you wanted in the car. I agree that the TR2 might be more unique. A LCB person might and a Triumph person in particular would notice. The “normal” person can not tell the difference between a MGB and a Miata. There is no way they would notice the difference between a TR2 and a TR3A/B.

If you want a car to drive, the improvements that occurred between the TR2 and the TR3B might make the car more enjoyable. If you want a rare car to show, go for a long door TR2.

Bottom line…
What do you want and does one speak to you more than the other?
 
The choice is simple for me as my interest is in driving them -- everywhere and every day.

Apart from the considerable advantage of disc brakes, the rarity & value of a TR2 would make it the less attractive alternative.

Still I love to see the '2s when they do put in an appearance.
 
I'd take the Tr2.. Oh wait, I did. To me the TR2 is a touch cooler than the TR3. No door handles, the escutchions look like a chrome leaf, the grill is distinct, and all the little differences set it apart.
Don't get me wrong, I like the TR3-3A-3B just as much as the TR2. Definatly for ease of finding parts the TR3A is the way to go.
The TR3B never held my intrest over a TR3A. There's no visual difference, the performance upgrade is hardly noticable, and some of them were just different because they were built in a different building. that's it.
My TR2 will eventually be a "TR2B" as it will have TR4A disc brakes, engine and trans. It already has a TR3 rear axle, and the original engine is long gone, so strict originality is not key.
I'll have the "cool factor" of the TR2, and the handling/performance of a TR3B.
Best of both worlds?
 
It would depend on what the car was for. A more frequent driver, the nod would go, and for me did go, to a 3A. As George mentioned ealier, the 2 would be the better show car.
The 2 is a little more expensive to restore. But, if I were to choose today though, it would be a 2.
 
Decision is over, 2 it is. I am now the owner, at least by electronic handshake. Soon to be owner of many boxes of parts, old and new, as well as a correct rebuilt original engine and trans. The numbers are supposed to match so it looks like a correct, period redo (disc brakes would be hard to pass up though). The rarity and history of the 2 is appealing to me.

With a 60 Bugeye in mid "down to the metal restoration" and a 73 TR6 that just doesn't look right to me headed down the same path, what was I thinking? Gee, just hope that an MGA does not jump up and find me, but that would complete my desired collection. My 20 year old son laughed and said he would probably be leaving a garage full of LBC parts to his son.

After reading the above sounds like I need therapy. :crazy:
 
erstearns said:
Decision is over, 2 it is. I am now the owner, at least by electronic handshake.
Click to expand...
:shocked: Wow, that was fast! Congratulations!

erstearns said:
... sounds like I need therapy. :crazy:
Click to expand...

Most definately ... although now, of course, you won't be able to afford it!
grin.gif


Good luck and please post pics of your new treasure when you can!

Matt
 
Hi There erstearns, :savewave:

Your choice for the most "Appreciating" TR is great & "Congrats" on your new found baby. :thumbsup:

Did you buy the one thats on ebay? :confuse:

Best Wishes with "All" your projects.

Wish I had the space & $$$. I need that kind of "Therapy"! :crazyeyes:

Regards, Russ :banana:
 
Erstearns: "I am now the owner, at least by electronic handshake."

ummmmm - did I miss a few days of posts? You decided between a 2 and a 3, then inspected and bought one in less than 24 hours?

yikes!

T.
 
I must disagree with your "disc brakes would be hard to pass". I drive my drum brake equipped TR2LD about 4,000 miles per season and as long as you keep the front drums adjusted, they are quite adequate. Still you must remember that even an 80,000# 18 wheeler can stop faster than you. It begs the question "Why buy a TR2 to turn it into a 3A"?

I resent the term "Senior Member".

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
 
I have to admit I was already most of the way there on the decision to by the 2. It was the one listed on Ebay. I threw the question to the forum just to get a few opinions prior to pulling the trigger, or pushing the button as it was. I did not inspect but given that it was apart, in boxes etc. the pics told most of the story. With a fresh rebuild of the original engine and trans, matching numbers, and other assorted new pieces or rebuilts it seemed like a good, calculated risk. There were good pics of the body pieces and the description seemed detailed enough, after corresponding with the seller I felt like giving it a shot.

Hopefully the engine rebuild will be finished in a week or two and I can go up to pick her up and see what I really got. I purchased my Bugeye from a dealer in Ft. Worth and that worked out good. This one is much closer and gives me a chance to work my way through the finger lakes region and sample a few Niagran sweet wines.

Hope I am not scratching my head too hard when I see it. My goal is to fill up my garage with my projects instead of my friends. 2100 square feet seemed large when it was empty.

I agree with your comment about turning a 2 into a 3. As I mentioned this is one that I would likely keep as it rolled off the line.
 
Lou Metelko said:
Still you must remember that even an 80,000# 18 wheeler can stop faster than you. It begs the question "Why buy a TR2 to turn it into a 3A"?
Click to expand...
Lou, I think you answered your own question !

I owned an early TR3 with the front drums ... that thing was scary to drive ! Never pulled the same way twice, and overheated easily on CA mountain roads. But the brakes on my 3A would easily match modern brakes, those great big front discs are awesome !

BTW, early TR3s are nearly identical visually to late TR2s, but have front discs as original. Best of both worlds, IMO. Unfortunately, TS13571L was converted to the wide-mouth front apron before I got it, and I'm probably going to leave it that way.

Unless someone wants to give me a 'correct' apron
grin.gif
 
erstearns said:
This one is much closer and gives me a chance to work my way through the finger lakes region and sample a few Niagran sweet wines.
Click to expand...
Give a hollar as you're coming through.. I could meet you at Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen for some mouth-watering ribs, and a bit-o-sportscar history.
You got Mark Gibsons car in Fairport right? He's less than 2 hours from me. I wish I had the $$ for that car. I've seen it in person, you bought a good,solid project.
 
[/quote]..I could meet you at Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen for some mouth-watering ribs, and a bit-o-sportscar history. You got Mark Gibsons car in Fairport right? [/quote]

Ribs, sports car history.....what could be better? (Beer too?) Correct, Mark Gibbons car. I will look on the map and see how that fits in the plan. Given that it is a boondoogle of the highest order, what you suggest seems like it would fit right in. I will seriously consider it and update you when I figure out the "plan". :cheers:
 
Hi There erstearns,

"2100 Sq Ft" Garage!!!!! :thumbsup:

"OUTSTANDING"!!!!! :bow:

The avg. house is`nt that big!!!!

Why not post a pic of your "Home away from Home" so we can all drool.

Regards, Russ :banana:
 
Your are right, it is bigger than my first house. It is the typical building, thought it didn't need any work when purchased but now have repaced roof, windows, competely rewired, alarmed, HVAC etc. Spent more time over the last year working on it instead of in it.

I saw a thread the other evening where another member commented that he got cable into his new garage and another opined that with only a radio in his allowed for him to get more work done.

After reading that I realized that much time is spent at my "dog house" socializing, gathered around the beer fridge or in the rocking chairs looking at and talking about the projects we should be working on.

I may go back to that threrad and post a few pics and details about my digs (I am waiting until I get my newest project back here and the Bugeye back from the blaster). It has the advantage of being a few miles from the house, when I go there to hide it takes some effort to find me.
 
Lou, after awhile you get used to the term "senior member" after all we are in our "golden years" heh. I really get hacked when young guys say to me "how are you doing young man?"
Ah well at least were still up and taking nourishment and working on our TR's, YEA/

Cheers, Tinkerman
 
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