Steve Terrell's Journal
Home Page: Steve Terrell
Mechanicsville, VA, USA
| Total Posts: 1 | Latest Post: 2019-01-23 |
| Table of Contents | RSS Feed |
Wanted to make an entry to my journal to document some of my experiences in getting my current 61 TR3a back on the road. I purchased this car
https://www.triumphexp.com/phorum/read.php?5,1522801 in mid September, 2018.
The seller had originally advertised the car in April, and I responded, but heard nothing as did several other interested potential buyers. I was quite surprised to receive a call from the seller in mid Sept, stating he was ready to sell. I immediately drove about 30 miles north to meet him and bought the car. I hired a rollback to bring it back to my garage and started to evaluate my purchase. I found the car to be remarkably rust free, only a small amount on the inside drivers valence. Floors and rockers are 100% solid, look to even have original paint. Fenders are also solid, and look to have at least one repaint.
The problem with the car was someone put an incorrect starter in at at some point in the early 90's and it chewed up the ring gear and clutch plate, and that's where it sat for 25 years, apparently indoors judging from its good condition. The previous, short term owner had disassembled it, but that's where he lost interest. I obtained a good ring gear, a rebuilt Lucas starter, new clutch and TO bearing and put it back together. All hydraulics were rebuilt, new U joints, rear pinion seal, new tires, new old stock water pump. Fuel tank was removed, professionally cleaned and sealed, rebuilt fuel pump and new gaskets in the carbs. Changed oil and filter, replaced radiator hoses, and started it. Everything appears good, good oil pressure, no overheating. I installed a new carpet set from TRF, along with new seat belts and fuzzies. Leather seats were in good condition. I am sending the side curtains to TRF for rebuild next week.
Today the Virginia weather was a balmy 50 degrees, so I took it for a 40 mile shakedown drive with no issues. I had my AAA card safely tucked away in my wallet just in case!
Now I need to decide what to do with the car long term. I love the TR3, I had one in the early 70s when in college, but have been without a British car for many years, having transitioned to Porsche's after my children graduated college and moved out. The car is a good driver, and looks decent from 20 feet. I intend to drive it for the next year or so, and then possibly pull off the fenders and have it repainted.
Stay tuned, taking it to local Cars & Coffee next weekend to its first public gathering in at least 25 years.
https://www.triumphexp.com/phorum/read.php?5,1522801 in mid September, 2018.
The seller had originally advertised the car in April, and I responded, but heard nothing as did several other interested potential buyers. I was quite surprised to receive a call from the seller in mid Sept, stating he was ready to sell. I immediately drove about 30 miles north to meet him and bought the car. I hired a rollback to bring it back to my garage and started to evaluate my purchase. I found the car to be remarkably rust free, only a small amount on the inside drivers valence. Floors and rockers are 100% solid, look to even have original paint. Fenders are also solid, and look to have at least one repaint.
The problem with the car was someone put an incorrect starter in at at some point in the early 90's and it chewed up the ring gear and clutch plate, and that's where it sat for 25 years, apparently indoors judging from its good condition. The previous, short term owner had disassembled it, but that's where he lost interest. I obtained a good ring gear, a rebuilt Lucas starter, new clutch and TO bearing and put it back together. All hydraulics were rebuilt, new U joints, rear pinion seal, new tires, new old stock water pump. Fuel tank was removed, professionally cleaned and sealed, rebuilt fuel pump and new gaskets in the carbs. Changed oil and filter, replaced radiator hoses, and started it. Everything appears good, good oil pressure, no overheating. I installed a new carpet set from TRF, along with new seat belts and fuzzies. Leather seats were in good condition. I am sending the side curtains to TRF for rebuild next week.
Today the Virginia weather was a balmy 50 degrees, so I took it for a 40 mile shakedown drive with no issues. I had my AAA card safely tucked away in my wallet just in case!
Now I need to decide what to do with the car long term. I love the TR3, I had one in the early 70s when in college, but have been without a British car for many years, having transitioned to Porsche's after my children graduated college and moved out. The car is a good driver, and looks decent from 20 feet. I intend to drive it for the next year or so, and then possibly pull off the fenders and have it repainted.
Stay tuned, taking it to local Cars & Coffee next weekend to its first public gathering in at least 25 years.
20181012 174559
20190112 083848
Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question?
Sign in or register a new account — it's free