Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Triumph TR3- More Surface Rust Removal-'59

Yesterday evening I spent about an hour removing surface rust from underneath the floorboards of the '59 in preparation for primer and paint. It was a low stress excursion in the garage with some really great CBC radio playing in the background for company...I used some Marine Clean to start prepping the areas where I have removed most of the rust which resulted in ending off the evening with a sense of accomplishment and some visually apparent improvements in the quality of the surface for paint. I figure I am about 70% finished the prep. I really need to apply the hour now and then rule (trying to get out to the garage on a daily basis-this is the only way the project is going to get finished) to get out into the garage and get the job done vrs committing to long stretches of labor...

I also did some garage clean up earlier in the evening. Mainly putting tools away. I need to do a major purge again in the next few days to once again "clear the decks" in order to proceed with the work in an orderly, safe and efficient manner....

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Triumph TR3- 1957 Next Steps


Yesterday I uncovered the 1957 tub and cleaned off the crud and took pictures from all different angles. I seem to be vacillating dramatically on what to do next with the car as winter is fast approaching and I will have to move it out of my driveway.(once again). I spent a few moments doing a reality check on whether I can actually reassemble the car and market it? (unlikely)... There are pros from a $$$ perspective but to actually accomplish the task from a time and priority basis is much more challenging? I am growing weary of the vacillation so a decision needs to be made soon!!

Triumph TR3- Out into the Shed


Yesterday I spend about 4 hours sorting through spare parts and getting my "parts" shed in order. I decided to do this now verses having to do it when the weather is far less hospitable. My motivation is that I have misplaced the new engine mounts I purchased back in 2010 and I wanted to make sure the plastic storage tubs were close to the front door of the shed so I can sort through them when the time comes? I also moved most of the 1957 body panels (with the exception of the hood and truck lid) into the 1957 tub (that is sitting in my driveway under a tarp)-to get them out of the shed and out of the way and ready for sale... I now have much better access to the contents of my shed...

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Triumph TR3- Undercarriage Prep Started

Other priorities (work,travel, hiking, bicycle riding, gardening and other distractions) have "trumped" working on my TR this summer so not much progress to report for the last few months. The weather is changing rapidly (getting cooler) and I can see myself out in the garage more in the near future...

Some updates:

1. the body is now tilted on it's side so I can access the undercarriage for rust removal. primer and finish coat. The work got started on Thursday (3-1/2 hours spent) and I have made some good progress.
2. Yesterday I did some work on some floor board flange repair(and replacement) and some touch up on the rear valance patch panels I installed earlier in the year. (another 3 hours or so)

A fellow at work suggested I really push the body work portion of the rebuild and get it handled before winter sets in. Mechanical work and reassembly is fine in the confined space of a heated garage but bodywork is another issue (from a toxicity perspective) so that is my focus right now through the next month. I want to have the undercarriage and engine bay painted so I can start the re-assembly in an earnest fashion...