Projects
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Carl Musson's TR3This slideshow (click on image) is of the body-off restoration of a 1961 Triumph TR3A. It was started in September 2001 (YES, 2001) and has been delayed a few times due to work, family, and a variety of other reasons.In the Fall, 2007, the project was re-kindled in earnest. After much discussion and research, it was decided to powder coat the entire car as the undercoat. Exterior panels and areas would then be 'finished', primed, and painted in a matching 2-stage (base/clear) urethane paint. The car will be British Racing Green with Tan trim. |
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(Jul 2009)
The car body came back from being 'dipped' and it will now have all necessary major body work completed. (Oct 2010) All body panels have been straightened mounted/dismounted and it is ready for powder coating. When it comes back any minor body imperfections will be addressed and exterior/visible areas will be primed and prepped for painting. (Mar 2010) All body work is complete and it is ready for the first trip to the painter. The body is still off of the frame and all body panels are 'loose'. All exterior or visible areas will receive three coats of color and two of clear. (Mar 2010) Now to the chassis and drive train. The engine and transmission were rebuilt in 2002/03; On Mar 8, they were removed from the chassis which was completely dis-assembled. Frame was sent out for powder coating. (Apr-Aug 2010) Engine was cleaned up; all accessories removed checked out to make sure the long wait hadn't caused any issues. Did send the distributor out for rebuild. Radiator and Fuel Tank were boiled and treated. Transmission/clutch were also re-examined but no issues. Drive train was re-assembled along with exhaust system. It is ready for the body. (Aug 2010) It is now a car again. Body, chassis, engine and drive train are re-united. It now returns to the painter to receive four more coats of color and three of clear (or is it the other way around). (Jan 2011) The car is back from both trips to the painter and the process of assemblying the 'little bits' progresses slowly. (Mar 2011) The project has been delayed slightly waiting for vinyl matching the seats to be custom made. It is surprising how many different areas are affected by not being able to install the dash. (May 2011) The vinyl is scheduled to arrive the first week of May. In the meantime, I have installed the heater, wiper motor & rack, wing beading, boot and other 'bits'. Doors are still off awaiting the interior, bonnet still waiting to finish the electrics. I can't wait to start the next phase - but patience.... (July 2011) Whew, the vinyl finally arrived. The dash fascia is complete with gauges and all electrics. Temp Gauge on hold for now. I am still working on the electrical connections - Talk about a bunch of 'spaghetti' behind the dash. Started putting it together and realized I hadn't connected the heater correctly - so, back it all came out. I did find that both of the rheostat switches I had were not working... Ordered replacements from England. (Aug 2011) The switches arrived in eleven days... Great turnaround - contact me if you want the source. So now the dash is almost complete with all connections working. This weekend I am installing the headlights, taillights, etc. I need to update the photos - will do that soon. Completion is NOW anticipated in time for the All British Car Show in Safety Harbor in October Comments: cfmtr3a@tampabaybritishcarclub.org Thank you for looking! | |
