Triumph TR3-November Project Review

Yesterday and today I spent about 4 hours doing the following:

1. Fabricated a splice piece for the inner left hand fender-took me an hour and 1/2 to complete but it looks good.

2. Went over the 4 fenders and located some more imperfections (on 3 fenders) requiring a additional skim coat-more sanding completed (most of the skim coat removed). I now need to block sand and re-primer

3. Por 15 coated the inner fender wells-front-just in front of the doors. It looks good.

The month has proven to be very productive bodywork wise-now heads down required for early December then I will probably stop working around the 15th. Hopefully I will have all the bodywork completed to final sealer primer...

Triumph TR3-More Sanding and Priming

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours in the garage-cleaned up my work area and did a 320 grit sanding of 3 of the 4 fenders. After sanding and cleaning the surface I applied primer. It was extremely satisfying to see the primer covering the "worked areas" with solid gray fenders being the result. Even after additional sanding and "glaze putty" filling the front right fender is still not satisfactory. I am going to head out into the garage again this morning and do another pass and see if I can get the surface to a more acceptable level.

Today I have to head out and procure a new can of filler and some Marine Clean to prepare the inner wheel well surface (front left) for a POR 15 application. I also plan to complete the POR 15 coating of the rear left wheel well (just a very small portion is left) as I have done some addition finishing of the radius that was not originally covered. It is very satisfying to see the surfaces covered "one by one" as I make my way through the "to do" list.

Triumph TR3-POR-15 Rear Left Fender Inner Coating

After a couple of days of non-activity I ventured back into the garage yesterday and spent about 2-1/2 hours doing the final sanding on the front right fender, cleaning up and metal prepping the right front fender rail and sanding the back left fender. I then determined it would be a good idea to coat the rear left fender inner surface with POR15 which I did... 3 fenders are now POR-15 coated (inner)-the right front fender is already painted (the paint looks pretty good) so I might just coat it with a gloss black enamel as the POR-15 would not have a good surface to bite on.

I then applied a coat of high fill primer and etch primer to the front right fender. The fender is still not where I want it to be surface wise so I may need to add some more skim coat filler to the surface in a couple of spots. Today I will do some block sanding and probably apply a guide coat to see how "rippled" the surface really is. I can feel imperfections (dips) when I rub a rag across the surface which is not a good sign. According to an Internet source I referenced yesterday the maximum depth of filler should be 1/16 of an inch to be considered a "professional" job. There is a neat electronic device I saw tested on a Youtube that measures filler depth. I know in some areas (not that many if I think about it) the depth would be greater than 1/16" and the measurement tool would pick this us. The video explanation indicated that a professional would massage the sheet metal to such a degree that a 1/16th depth would be all that was needed to make the surface perfect. Theoretically I can see this as being a good guideline as being the optimum but for my TR3 "reconstruction" it is not realistic to have this professional standard complied to. I do not have the time (nor skill set) to do this myself nor the money to pay someone else to do it. As I stated earlier it is a "fit for purpose" project and perfect panels is not part of the mix. Interestingly the car that they tested (which had a very smooth panel appearance) had exceeded the recommended depth in a few places. I can assume many folks have paid big dollars for "professional" paint jobs which hide filler depths greater than 1/16"!!! I decided yesterday that if I sell the TR sometime in the future I would disclose my knowledge around filler depth...

I made an enquiry a few days about the fender bolts. washers and nuts which I plan to put on order shortly. Hopefully today I will do an inventory of what I need and get the e-mail together.

The garage has got "messy" again (tools, supplies and fenders sitting around all over) which will require some of my attention today. I can't seem to keep the clutter down effectively. I think I need to be more mindful about returning tools and supplies to their rightful places when I finish each day so I don't have to tackle a major clean up when things get out of control.

Triumph TR3-Game Plan

No time spent in the garage yesterday. Other household tasks/priorities took precedence...

Over the past few days I have been daydreaming about setting my project completion projections into a realistic timeframe. This project will be completed if I set my intent and stay focused.

I was going through the "plus side of the ledger" yesterday looking at the positive aspects of the project:

1. The '59 is basically sound

2. Good progress has been made on the bodywork in the last 3 weeks-an expensive and time consuming aspect of the project. The progress is boosting my confidence level the car can be completed.

3. I have the tools I need and the workspace is comfortable to work in.

4. I have enough purchased and existing parts to get the car to a drivable state mechanically.

5. I am motivated and have many of the skill sets needed to complete the work.

6. I have "budget money" set aside for further purchased of needed parts.

Triumph TR3-Straightening Out the Lower Lip-Valance

About 2-1/2 hours in the garage yesterday. First came the much delayed general clean up of the work area and then about an hour straightening out the front valance lip which I would image was distorted by a tow rope at some point. I also removed the front support bracket (about 6 bolts) from the valance with the intent of clean up and repainting. Another piece of the car removed but the action falls into the category of a "job worth doing is worth doing right". Plus it was a real treat not to be sanding filler!!!!!!!! and holding a wrench in my hand...

I ran my hand over the body work and reminded myself of how far I have come in the process. I realize there is more "detail" sanding to be done but at least the panels look smooth and presentable!

I visualized myself driving the car when I was lying in bed getting ready to go to sleep. A very pleasant experience...it has been many years (1973 actually) since I drove a TR3. I can still recall the sensations and sounds....happy recollections that I hope to recreate in 2011...

Triumph TR3-More Sheet Metal Massaging

Yesterday was a 3-1/2 hour work day in the garage-I am still focused on the fenders-2 of which have "high fill primer" sprayed on which signifies the last phase of the process. Something to celebrate for sure!!

This morning will have a garage clean up focus (I still haven't made this a priority) with an intent to look at all the fenders one more time and fill in any imperfections with glaze filler. There are still nicks and blemishes surfacing that need to be addressed and then hopefully some more high fill primer sprayed on the remaining fenders-then I plan to take a few days off (see the next paragraph)-November has been a very good month for progress which puts a smile on my face...

The temperature outside has dropped to -32 degrees C. so I am thinking of turning down the heater to near freezing today and walking away from anymore work on the TR for a few days until the temperature rises a bit. If I don't take this stand my natural gas bill will be astronomical as the garage heater is kicking on every 15 minutes or so.

Triumph TR3-Sunday Morning and My TR3

On Sunday morning I ventured out into the garage for about 3 hours of fender work. I did a final sanding. applied a guide coat and did some glaze filler application on the small imperfections. Three fenders look good, the forth (right hand front) is still not up to an acceptable standard so more rework is required. I am anticipating another hour or two to go... I am over my project estimate time wise for this task ...I have continually remind myself not to be too impatient...

Hopefully today I will get a coat of etching primer applied to the bare spots ( there were a fair number of "pings" (high spots) in the sheet metal which had to be gently massaged with a hammer) and a final 220 sanding leading up to the application of the seal primer. It will be very satisfying to finish up this stage of the reconditioning and move on to the mechanical work.

Magazine Musings

A few days ago I took out a stack of old Hot Rod magazines I had stored away and started leafing through them . For a while I used to buy one every couple of weeks but in recent years (for the most part) I have stopped buying them. Most of the magazines are from the 90's but I find many of the articles to still be relevant and entertaining. The magazines are a mecca for ideas and potential and it is always inspiring to see finished projects...

One interesting article was on the "realities" of paying a restorer to work on your car and how fast the $$$$ add up. Whenever I read this type of article it makes me appreciate the importance of buying the best possible example of the car you quest after and doing as much of the work as you can yourself. I like the idea of a driver with a focus on cosmetic and mechanical improvements as you drive. My next special interest car will potentially fall into this category.

I didn't make it out to the garage on Saturday other than to take a quick look at the POR-15 paint set up on the inner fender (it looks fit for purpose). I felt I really needed to take a break from the toxic environment (filler dust/paint fumes etc) and I am glad I did so....

Today I am going to venture back out to the garage and first of all do some clean up. I have a large garbage bag full of used up sandpaper that needs to be addressed. Tools need to be put away and the garage vacuumed. It looks like I have been very busy out there but I really need to regroup before I proceed....

Triumph TR3-Por-15 Inner Wheel Well-Left-More Sanding

Another productive day in the garage yesterday, spending about 3 hours on fender prep and coating the left rear inner wheel well with gloss black Por-15. (to match the other side).

I made a trip to the local body shop jobber and picked up some more sandpaper, a small tin of Por-15 and a quart of Por-15 primer (just in case I need it-I want to use up the existing can but I believe there is not enough left to finish the final coating)...I am really trying to keep costs down by using up what I have and keeping new purchases to a bare minimum. I am also fighting a bit with the concept of keeping the garage heated as the outside temperature has dipped to -20 degrees C. during the night-my natural gas bill will climb..

I did an assessment of the fender surfaces last night. I am still not satisfied with the panel quality as the block sanding has shown a few imperfections in all but one of the fenders. Fifty one year old sheet metal has some war wounds for sure. I picked up a couple of old hot rod publications when I went to bed last night and did some reading on painting cars. I am wise enough to know the time I spend now (as stated in the articles) will pay off in a higher quality paint job if I make sure the slight imperfections are handled. The hours continue to roll on.

Triumph TR3-Moving to the Front Left Fender

Yesterday I focused my attention on the front left fender. I spent about 2 hours out the garage removing paint and doing the preliminary sanding. The fender was repaired about a year ago and in my wisdom I had determined to coat it in seal primer to protect it prior to being stored. The primer and paint had to be removed-a labor intensive job.

Another coat of skim primer went on the back left fender. The splice repair looks great but required a bit more build prior to final sanding.

Today I head out into the garage to clean up and prepare for the application of high fill primer and ultimately the final seal coat of primer. Light at the end of the tunnel.

Triumph TR3-More Filler Hits the Garage Floor

Made it out to the garage after dinner last night. I spent about 2-1/2 hours doing some finish sanding on the two rear fenders, front right fender and the hood-productive work all round. I am still not happy with the front right fender "smoothness" so I added another skim coat of filler and once again sanded it down. The spray paint can I was going to use for the guide coat turned out to be plugged so no guide coat laid down as planned.

Triumph TR3-High Fill Primer-Part 2

About 2-1/2 hours spent in the garage last night. It is snowing here now and the temperature has dropped substantially (-15 degrees C at night) -it is great to be out in a warm garage on a cold and crisp fall night....

I went over the two rear and front left fender with another coat of high fill primer-let it set up and then did a light sanding with a 320 grit block sander to determine the "health" of the surfaces prior to applying another coat of high fill primer and ultimately the guide coat for final block sanding. There were some imperfections (more than I anticipated-but what's new) that became apparent which I addressed with a bit of hammer and dolly work and another application of filler where necessary. Once this was done I left the garage and came in for the evening. I like to "clear out" of the garage when I have applied filler or primer and let the products off-gas without me around to breath in the vapors. The toxicity of body work products is a real concern and I like to limit my exposure where possible. ( I always were protective safety equipment and keep my skin covered as much as possible). I am coming close to my self imposed time limit for body work (it is more an exposure issue (dust and fumes) than interest and focus-I do enjoy the work) but I need to press on for a while longer before I move over to the mechanical side. My plan is to get all the panels into the final coat of POR 15 primer and sealed up so to speak. Then I will take pictures and publish them. (probably on my Flickr account).

My wife asked me last night when I was going to start on the mechanical work which is a good sign. She has yet to come out to the garage to see what I am doing which kind of surprises me? I guess she really has no interest in car restoration-hopefully she will enjoy the car when it is finished!!

I looked at an Internet site a couple of nights ago on the restoration of TR6, this act illustrates the beauty of the Internet to find inspiration and tips...

Dream Garage/Tool Collection

As mentioned in one of my earlier "posts" I am finding my working space ( a single garage) to be fairly confining space wise from time to time. I don't believe the restricted work space is detrimental to the success of my project but it would be nice to be working in a double garage sized space especially when the need arises to move panels around etc etc.

From time to time I find myself wandering through web-pages showing individual's working spaces and the "green eyed snake of jealousy" sometimes raises its' head. There are some very impressive home garages out there. I daydream about the potential but then realize there is no way this is going to happen in the short run so I better get back to reality and make the best use of my space as I can....

I am also surprised at how comprehensive some people's tool collections are!!! Impressive. My tool chest seems to be meeting my requirements in a very satisfactory way so at this point I am operating in a very "fit for purpose" state. I seem to be able to find the tools I need to move the reassembly along without having to go out and purchase or rent them-which is great....I will however have to go out and rent a coil spring compressor when I go to reassemble the front suspension. I also daydreamed a bit this morning about purchasing a used parts washer but realistically for the amount of time I would use it, it hardly seems worthwhile to purchase. I will make do....

Triumph TR3-High Fill Primer

I only made it out to the garage for 15 minutes yesterday. Long enough to do some panel inspection and spray some high fill primer on the cowl, right front and right rear fenders. It was good to see the skim coat of filler covered over.

While out in the garage I inspected my Niosh approved spray paint respirator with the intent of cleaning it and utilizing it for the next while. One of the reasons for the short visit to the garage last night was my uncomfortableness with being in a vapor and fume filled environment while spraying the panels. The respirator is brand new but not utilized for the past few years-just sitting on a shelf- I believe some sanitization is definitely required!!!

I also found my "spray can" trigger that I bought on impulse last year. It worked surprisingly well on the spray cans I was using. I found myself smiling as I marveled at the engineering simplicity of the design and the functionality it provided with respect to ease of spraying. Money well spent in my determination.

Once again my garage has become a bit "cluttered" with tools and body prep materials so I am going to have to regroup and get things back into some resemblance of order before I proceed.

I reviewed the MOSS Motors on-line catalogue looking at the chassis hardware that is required to mount the body. Once I remove the body from the chassis I am going to have to address this issue so I might as well be prepared..

I also spent about an hour of so going over my bodywork "how to" books and reviewing the Youtube video on applying the Duplicolor Paint System. Still scheming trying to determine if I am going to proceed with a "garage" paint job-I am still very much sitting on the fence...

Triumph TR3-Inner Wheel Well Paint Prep

I made it back out to the garage yesterday for about 4 hours total which caps off a nice run of committed time on the weekend.

My main focus was prepping the rear left inner fender well. I used some filler to sculpt out the lower fender well area where I added the patch. The surface looks smooth and "fit for purpose" . I then washed down the area with Marine wash and sanded off the excess rust. It was interesting to note the original 1959 paint application had "runs" in the primer. The reason I believe the paint is original is based on the fact the color is black (the original color of the car) and there are no layers of paint over the primer. I scuffed up the surface but determined not to smooth out the runs too much. They add character plus once the fender goes on the runs are not visible. I then sprayed on some Metal Prep which finished off the surface for paint. I took a detour trying to locate my remaining POR 15 gloss black-with no luck so I will need to purchase some today. I have been contemplating the "correctness" of leaving the fender wells gloss black verses painting them the color of the car. It is one of those "crossroads" in the project. I am not sure in the overall scheme of things it really makes a difference. Painting them white will mean extra work on my part and I am not sure I want to make the effort!

The balance of my time was spent on the front right fender (etch primer application and further skim coat prep) and cleaning up my workspace which had got a bit out of control. I still have the left hand fender to tackle with respect to the clean up of the rail for painting.

Mazda Powered TR3 Rat Rod Update

UPDATE: I did some budget calculations a few days ago and realized that a "basic" rat rod build taking in the "knowns" (with a bit of contingency built in for the "surprises") it would cost me about $4500 to build the car. This realization took the "bloom" of the project from a cost perspective. I had originally envisioned a $2-$3000 build. There are so many pieces missing on the '57 that once I started to compile the list the $$$ added up rapidly.

Yesterday the "entrepreneur" in me started to do some research on the desirability of the car from a resale perspective and if there is potential to build the car and turn it over for a profit? I tempered this enthusiasm by trying to determine what the car is worth "as is"? This train of thought moved me into the "automotive art" category and how neat it would be to do the build from a artistic expression perspective!

Then I started to contemplate the tens of thousands of dollars people pay others to build custom cars (or refurbish components) and the $4500 doesn't look unreasonable from that perspective.

Yesterday I made an enquiry to a local British sports car shop as to whether or not they would be interested in purchasing the '57? This is an initial enquiry only and one I needed to make to gather some data on the desirability of a basket case project?

As I confessed to a friend, my Everest is the '59 reconstruction and I really need to stay focused on finishing the build and getting the car on the road before I start any other projects.

Triumph TR3-More Skim Coats of Filler

Yesterday was a stellar day in the garage (about 5 hours total) . I pretty well got everything done I had planned to with the exception of the left hand front fender rail clean up. Interestingly I was at the library picking up some DVD's to watch and decided to check out the automotive shelf. I located a couple of bodywork books that proved to be insightful. I will be doing some more perusing today for more tips.

I realized last night I do not have enough of the proper sandpaper (120/180 grit) for the block sanding of the components before the next application of primer which will mean a trip to my supplier on Monday. I am trying to use up all my bodywork supplies and keep expenses to a minimum.

Lots to do today: prep and prime the LH fender rail, finish off sanding the patch repair on the rear LH fender and remove the fender to access the lower inner fender patch I installed the other day and get it cleaned up and smoothed out. I also realized I do not have to be concerned about a loose fender nut that I have tried to epoxy in place and failed as I can get to it through an interior access to undo it ( I didn't realize this was possible initially) and try again-something else to add to the agenda for today. I have the front right hand fender ready to apply etch primer and fill primer so I can take it to the next level. The rest of the fenders will need to wait until Monday for the same treatment. If time permits I may do some work on the hood. There are some dings to be addressed.

I realized this morning that I have at least 200 hours invested in the bodywork to date. That is a fair chunk of time! For a while it didn't seem like I was making any progress but all of a sudden I can see results (on a bigger scale) Most of the literature I have read indicate this is the expensive and time consuming portion of a restoration and a major hurdle to overcome. It feels good to be nearly finished with only the back apron left to go. I have the parts fabricated to do so and plan to install them when I take the body off the frame (easier access)....

Triumph TR3-Left Rear Fender Work

Yesterday I spent about a 1/2 hour in the garage working on aligning the rear left fender for the final skim coat of filler and primer. Everything seems to be in order and think the fender will look good when I get finished today. I also spent some time installing the snow tires on my wife's Honda-not TR3 work but automotive in nature. I experienced some frustration when I realized that both of my tire pressure gauges have become inoperable. (it looks like it doesn't pay to buy cheap gauges) which translated into an expected trip to the tire store to top up the tire pressures before my wife took off on a trip-all this kind of threw off my garage time yesterday....

Today I plan to finish off the rear fender (filler and sanding), one more skim coat of filler on the front right fender (after some minor dent repairs-I found an area that I missed on my original inspection that needs some work) plus a cleaning up and sanding of the front fender rails (that run down the seam of the hood where the fenders attach to the inner fenders). Neither front fender has this area cleaned up and primed. A "must do" task.

Hopefully today will be productive although at this moment I am not feeling too energetic and/or motivated? I am sure once I get out in the garage and turn on the "tunes" things will move on as they should...More to follow

Triumph TR3-Panel Adhesive

Five hours in the garage today. A record I think? I managed to apply panel adhesive to the rear left fender splice and attach it with rivets which should provide a super strong bond. Next step is to grind down the outside and apply some filler to cover over the seam. I did a check of the fender radius and it looks good at first pass. I also cleaned up and installed the angle brackets that were needed to secure the floor boards to the firewall sections. The first part of the operation went really well...but I ran into problems after I applied the panel adhesive and realized I only had 1 (one) -1/8 drill bit for the drilling out the rivet holes and of course it broke twice!! leaving me with a short stubby bit to try finishing off the installation. Frustrating to say the least but I think I got the angle bracket installed tight enough with the existing rivets and a floor jack from underneath to clamp the floor to the bracket. I am going to need to go back and further secure the angle bracket after the adhesive sets and I remove the jack. A bit of a struggle late in the day but I made good progress for sure.

I really felt cramped in my single car garage today. Not really enough room to move around at times which is something I have to work around that complicates whatever process I am involved with. There just isn't a whole bunch of room on the sides of the car. Oh well-on the upside is the space is cheaper to heat in the winter than a double garage....

Triumph TR3-Inner Fender Patchs

Yesterday was a quiet day in the garage...I only spent 1 hour working on the left hand side rear inner fender patch preparing it for final attachment plus cleaning up the fender splice. I pulled out the grinder and cleaned up all the surfaces that will come in contact with each other. A small productive step....

Triumph TR3-Hanging the Fenders/Project Direction

Yesterday I determined after an hour of sanding and body prep that I was going to reposition the fenders and cowl on the car so that I don't have to move them around so much in my very confined work space (a single garage). This strategy was inspirational from the perspective of seeing the wonderful shapes of the TR3 come together-I love the sweep of the doors and subtle curves of the rear fenders where they follow the trunk lid contour. I am now going to remove the fenders one at a time to work on them. I also scanned the body work to see how the fenders and cowl are looking. I am pleased but also aware some more finish prep is needed before the primer goes on. Hopefully I will get some pictures posted once this happens.

I also had to regroup and go through my sandpaper collection to sort out the grades. I was surprised at how many sheets I had available. It was time well spent. Fortunately I had everything I needed to continue on with the finish sanding on the filled areas without having to venture out for more supplies. I also had to clean up my Shopvac filter so the unit would function properly. I have a special filter installed to reduce dust creation. The filter was incredibly contaminated and as I cleaned it I realized just how much of the skim coat of filler landed up in the Shopvac.

I spent about an hour on positioning the left back fender and bolting it down so I can put the lower splice piece in and have it align properly. I was going to go back into the garage last night and clean up the splice and lower body patch but other priorities took precedence.

I laid out my "revised" project plan on paper yesterday while eating my lunch. After about another 12 hours of body prep and priming (estimated) I am going to remove the body from the frame. I need to do this as the undercarriage of the body needs to be prepped and painted. At this point the project can take 2 different directions: one is to move the frame outside and continue working on the body or move the primer coated body outside (well covered of course) and reassemble the powder coated frame with the best parts from both cars. At this point I am leaning towards the "mechanical" reconstruction just because I want a change of pace but the practical side is also screaming out that I should finish the bodywork and get a coat of paint on the car before I store it outside...I am using POR15 primer which I think is not as porous as other primers so outside storage would not be an issue. I will need to follow up on this.. Of course once the body is removed I will "temporarily" have 2 "basket case" Triumphs which is a bit disturbing.

All in all a good day yesterday and I look forward to more of the same today....

Triumph TR3-Setting My Budgetary Intent

Yesterday I reviewed my project plan with a focus on cost estimates to finish the reassembly. I believe I have enough money set aside to finish the car but I am concerned about having "contingency funds" available to address any "surprises" that come up.

I have a majority of the parts (new and used) already collected so I am anticipating with the exception of a new fabric roof and wiring harness my $$$ outlay is going to be reasonable?

During the reassembly I am going to have to "sort out" the mechanicals to determine which components of the two cars I am going to incorporate with an eye on reliability and drivability. Luckily (with the exception of the clutch and starter solenoid and motor) I have two of everything to go through. Hopefully the '59 has a solid drivetrain and I will be able to keep it whole. My earlier Triumph ownership showed issues with transmission integrity ( syncro health for example) which may mean a transmission change out after the car is reassembled and driven. Not a big deal.

I am anticipating "unneeded" parts will be marketed to generate additional funds. The big question is timing on when these parts should be sold?

The only "financial wild card" that is apparent right now is the clutch assembly which I have not had an opportunity to inspect to see what the wear looks like? The $300 estimate to replace it is not in the budget right now. Hopefully there will be enough disk life left that it will not have to be replaced immediately?? I have a new throw out bearing available which will be installed regardless.

I have to keep the perspective the car will be driven very few miles and it will probably take years to wear out the used components. If I was going to tour etc then I would have to re-evaluate my approach and replace marginal components with new. If I determine to sell the car next year then the new owner can make those decisions...

Triumph TR3-Duplicolor Paint Job-next steps

Yesterday I spent some "think time" on whether or not I wanted to proceed with the Duplicolor "home" paint job I had originally planned to do on the Triumph. My real issue is a shortage of $funds and a consideration of the trade off between having the paint job done professionally vrs getting the car on the road in a timely fashion on budget? I have already purchased the paint and have a compressor and paint gun in my garage ready to go so I am on my way to the "shade tree mechanic " solution. I have been perusing the YouTube postings showing people who have actually completed a paint job and it looks fairly straight forward. The paint is very forgiving with a very open re-coat window which gives me an incentive to "give it a try" to see what happens.

I have some previous painting experience- a VW bug in the mid 1970's. The paint job actually turned out fairly well. There was one small run (there are a lot of curves on a VW) that was hardly noticeable that I never repaired. It was overall a very satisfying experience and was done for a very reasonable price. All my subsequent paint jobs have been done by professional shops. My 1979 Ford Camper Van (which I still own), a 1962 Volvo 544 and a 1986 Mazda pick up truck all received "cheap" paint jobs after I completed a majority of the body work. I spent the most time on the 544 body prep and the results showed. The Ford and Mazda had more "fit for purpose" finishes which made them presentable but not up to body shop standards.

For now I will continue working on the panel prep as it will need to be done regardless of who does the finish paint job....

Tr3-Monday-More Skim Coats of Filler

3-1/2 hours in the garage today. It seems my quest for ripple free fenders required still more skim coats of filler (4 coats on 2 of the fenders) and block sanding. I am making good progress but it is taking much longer than I anticipated. Nothing new there. Next I am going to have to apply a guide coat of paint to determine where the subtle peaks and valleys are? Two fenders and the crowl feel pretty good to the touch. the other 2 fenders are a bit suspect? Fortunately the car is going to be painted white which hides some imperfections. I still want to take it as far as I can before applying paint but I am not expecting perfection. My goal is to have a reliable driver that looks good from 5 feet away (or maybe closer?)....

TR3- Saturday and More Skim Coats of Filler

Today I spent 4 hours today in the garage. The heater kicked in and out warming the space to a very pleasant 60 degrees F. Another 2 skim coats of filler were applied to the fenders and crowl section. Lots more sanding done and as a result I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with respect to straight panels and a reasonable surface for the final paint prep. Tonight I went out and applied some additional filler in a couple of places. Hopefully tomorrow I will finish off the preliminary filler sanding and move on to the block sanding prior to another coat of primer being applied to all the panels.

TR3-Still Working on Fenders

Yesterday I got out into the garage for about an hour-not as much time spent out there as I would have liked but it was a busy day full of distractions and commitments. I did some more finish sanding on 3 of the 4 fenders and realized after I was completed another skim coat of filler is going to be needed on all 4 fenders. Hopefully today, this will happen!!!

On Sunday I took out the Haynes Repair manual and looked at the section on the front suspension disassembly and repair. The exercise was to orient me to the components and start me down the road on the reassembly. I think it was time well spent as I look forward to doing something other than body work. My plan is take the bodywork to a "semi finished" primer state and then start working on the mechanical reconditioning. I have a more than a few bodywork hours left before the wrenches start turning.