Valve Cover Hold Down Bolts/Garage Clean up/Project Discussion

Time in Garage: 2 hours on Saturday

Not a lot of time spent in the garage over the last week ...Social events in the evenings during the workweek and other distractions/interruptions/ priorities this weekend have dominated my personal landscape trumping Triumph work sessions.

I did manage to get my valve cover hold down nuts  un-seized which is another step completed in the engine block reassembly.

Spent about an hour tidying my garage. Heading out to do more of the same today.

Stopped to talk to a neighbour yesterday while walking my dog. After some conversation about his new fence the topic shifted to how my Triumph project was going? As the conversation progressed I started feeling more and more defensive. I admitted to him I was growing weary of having the car disassembled in my garage but I also didn't want it to become a Kijjiji statistic (unfinished project) and to be sold returning 25 cents on the dollar! I cut the conversation short and moved on. Lots of sensitivity related to the topic for sure?

Summer Solstice Garage Time

Time in garage : 2-1/2 hours

Worked on the front suspension (replacing nuts etc and installing a missing bolt that was misplaced for the rack and pinion mounting bracket) plus refitted the right hand brake calliper. It required a slight grinding modification to the body of the calliper where it mounts to the support bracket to address some excess material the was causing the calliper to rub against the rotor ( and bind) when tightened down. A simple fix that worked well.

The previous weekend found me cleaning off my work bench in order to free up a working area and cleaning up generally. I have some ideas for future improvements in storage efficiency that need to be done based on my limited space availability.

I purchase an alternator replacement kit from Moss Motors that was on sale for $50 off..by looking at the installation video I determined it would be easier to install with the body off the chassis than on so I splurged so I can have it on hand. 

I have an offer in hand for my 1957 tub only. Currently contemplating my next steps! 

No Wrenching In The Neighbourhood

Yesterday I took the Rack and pinion mounting bracket to a welding shop to see about getting a modification made. I couldn't seem to communicate what I needed done in a way that the fellow understood...I also don't think he was  too interested in doing the work either which didn't help the situation ..he  recommended another shop which is better suited to taking in a small project which I appreciated.

I have done no work in the garage since March 10th...it is now May...my work contract is consuming my time and energy and keeping me away from "wrenching" on my Triumph...one of many excuses..ha ha...

Rack and Pinion Mount/Clutch Install

Back into the garage this afternoon.
Time spent: 1-1/2 hrs

Removed the rack and pinion bracket so the new tab can be welded on.
Cleaned off the flywheel clutch plate surface.
Installed new clutch.
Drafted out new "to do" list

Listened to the radio-choosing of the new Pope on "Cross Country Checkup" on the C.B.C.-interesting phone in quests...

Looking towards some warmer weather so I can get the engine block painted.

Checking out ads on Kijjiji looking for a cheap utility trailer to move body around...

Need to do another clean up of the garage. Woodworking tools spread about...from Kitchen reno...

Looking to Magnus Walker (major 911 Porsche obsession) for inspiration-to get my TR3 project/enthusiasm refueled

Trial Fit -Rack and Pinion

It looks like I am going to have to modify the mounting arrangement for the Moss Rack and Pinion conversion after all...frame is straight and to spec and the steering knuckle assembly still does not clear the frame appropriately...I will send an e-mail to my supplier and give them an update....

I did mock up a 'fix" that should be structurally sound and not take too much time to execute...I plan to take pictures and document the process...

Time spend: 30 mins