classic225 Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Hi guys, Finally, seven years after buying the TR I have it on the road! My goal was to restore it on a budget, so I had to do everything myself, rebuild engine, box, brakes, rear diff., welding, painting and trim. I'm pretty happy with the result, I realize that a professional body guy would have done a better job, but at least I wont be scared of parking it in the wall-mart parking lot or take it on our gravel roads. I started with an ( almost) rust free example that I bought for 3500 $, and I managed to keep it under 15,000$. I tried to keep as much of the original parts as possible to keep cost in control. Engine rebuilt was the cheapest to do, interior and side screens the most expensive. I went non original for the gas tank as a new one was almost 500$, so I fitted a second hand spitfire one, maybe one day I'll replace that. So my point....you can still enjoy TR motoring on a budget! Wonder if I can do the same with my AH 100/6? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EdwinTiben Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Congrats ! looking good ! hopefully lots of miles with fun ahead ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Bracher Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Well done!! Now, take that grin off your face, and enjoy!! And as for doing the Healey for similar money.....GOOD LUCK!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Pics, I love pics of the open Canadian roads & scenery. I have enough of the period correct red phone booth + TR pics. Menno Quote Link to post Share on other sites
classic225 Posted June 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Hi Menno, First longer trip is going to be in the mountains, I'll make sure to post some pics! Still not to sure what to do when I ran into a bear with an open car...... Yves Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EdwinTiben Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Hi Menno, First longer trip is going to be in the mountains, I'll make sure to post some pics! Still not to sure what to do when I ran into a bear with an open car...... Yves keep driving and keep driving faster ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Hello Brilliant! A man with the same attitude as me. I’m trying to do my build as cheap as possible just because, after being off the road for 40 odd years, I want to get it finished before I’m too old to drive it. I’m pleased to hear that you used a Spitfire petrol tank. I’ve done exactly the same. A perfect second hand example cost me £10. It’s a perfect fit width and height wise, just needs a slight re-route of the petrol outlet pipe. It may be down the scale on originality, but at least it’s on the road. I intend to paint my car myself as well. Not sure if I should use a 2 inch or a 4 inch brush though. Charlie D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EdwinTiben Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Not sure if I should use a 2 inch or a 4 inch brush though. Charlie D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 A friend repainted my first TR3A in pale blue Hammerite with a roller and brushes in 1972. How many on this Forum remember the 'Hammerite Horror'? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 I remember painting a Triumph Herald using Hamerite (Dark blue in my case) in 1969. I used a spray gun that attached to a vacuum cleaner output. I remember friends giving me a push start once and remarking that the sandpaper like finish helped them grip the bodywork. I’ve still got the vacuum cleaner and it still has tell tale signs of blue Hamerite on it. Charlie D. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Congratulation on getting her back on the road. Looks good. Remember that feeling when I first got mine back together. Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
classic225 Posted June 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Hello Brilliant! A man with the same attitude as me. I’m trying to do my build as cheap as possible just because, after being off the road for 40 odd years, I want to get it finished before I’m too old to drive it. I’m pleased to hear that you used a Spitfire petrol tank. I’ve done exactly the same. A perfect second hand example cost me £10. It’s a perfect fit width and height wise, just needs a slight re-route of the petrol outlet pipe. It may be down the scale on originality, but at least it’s on the road. I intend to paint my car myself as well. Not sure if I should use a 2 inch or a 4 inch brush though. Charlie D Hi Charlie, I used single stage paint and a good spray gun. After painting sand it down with 1200 grade and the polish the sh... out of it, looks really good. As for the originality and the spitfire gas tank....at least that is a conversion that you don't see. Fitting an alternator, electronic ignition, aluminum radiator or even comfortable seats are just as bad when it comes to keeping the car original, and most people out there have no issues with those. Yves Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 My car has an alloy tank. That's originality out of the window too! Just enjoy the car! I admire the people with the determination to bring the car back to factory standard. My car is more a 21st century interpretation with different brakes, modern day electrics etc. I don't care. I enjoy driving it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EdwinTiben Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 (edited) My car has an alloy tank. That's originality out of the window too! Just enjoy the car! I admire the people with the determination to bring the car back to factory standard. My car is more a 21st century interpretation with different brakes, modern day electrics etc. I don't care. I enjoy driving it I enjoy using as much original parts as possible, but i like to drive too so alloy tank, new starter, 123 ignition (build in original housing of course...) alternator in classic housing, but things like steering, brakes still original. still have to have the feeling of working hard in these cars.. Edited June 15, 2017 by EdwinTiben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
classic225 Posted June 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Hi, And that is exactly what the hobby should be about, enjoy the cars! Don't matter how you put it together or if you kept it original or not! Drive and enjoy! Yves Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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