1963 Triumph Other

4 cyl.

TCF 1893L

Clear

1963 TR3B project. I've been a British car enthusiast for about 45 years and have owned quite a few of them, including the good the bad and the ugly. In 2003, I completed a lengthy frame off award winning restoration of a 53 MGTD. It was a real head turner but just too sedate and lacking in power. I decided to let er go to a west coast buyer that showed it at Pebble Beach. The TR3 has always been my favorite sports car and that includes my XKE, Healy 3000's, Mercedes 190SL, 560SL, BMW M6, and many others. So after selling the TD, I decided to add several of them to my fleet. I bought 3, drove one for awhile and then sold all of them because I was intent on restoring a 63. I searched for a good candidate and found this one: Commission #TCF1893L. Body #TSF 2408, Motor #TCF 1928E, transmission #Stanpart 304692SM. My plan was to build a number 1 show car, but drive it occasionally. I suppose by doing that, it would ultimately become a number 2, but what fun! I thoroughly disassembled, labeled, and organized parts per standard practices. I established a relationship with Ted Smith at British Auto Restorations in Roanoke Va. His company did an overhaul of the rear end, pressed the lower wishbones to original condition etc. I also purchased and installed a high quality 3/4" front sway bar. Ted advised me of several upgrades that I should consider, such as rack and pinion steering, electric fan etc. I decided to go in that direction. In order to complete the front steering and install the wheels, the rack and pinion unit should be obtained and connected. I did not purchase one. The original steering box can however, be reinstalled if one prefers . Gardner Paint in Johnson City Tn. media blasted, primed and painted the frame. The front calipers and rear shocks were rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics in NY. A new fuel tank was purchase from a company in San Diego Ca. that had been producing them for 31 years. I located a Type A overdrive with stronger TR6 bell housing and other components. I sent it to Charlie Vinco in Fla. for a complete overhaul. Note: The overhaul cost alone was over $2000.00. The frame received a total rebuild of all suspension bushings (polyurethane), new Spax front shocks, new front and rear springs, new high end brake lines, new rotors, new driveshaft U joints, etc,etc, etc. I obtained a rare ashtray cover plate, nice new heater door knobs, and many other new parts almost too numerous to mention. The body tub received new sills, rocker panels, floors, door hinges and some captive nuts. The new floors and rockers have a thin layer of surface rust that will need to be removed. There is a new metal battery box that needs to be installed as well as a plastic Amco liner.. Here's a partial list of some of the new items: Windshield glass, front grille, headlight rims, metal fender beading, gas tank, brake pads, handbrake compensator, chrome hood hinges, chrome trunk hinges, gaskets, brake lines and hoses, chrome TRIUMPH letters, chrome TR3 emblem, tail light assemblies, chrome bonnet catches. Also a number of items are original Stanparts. The gauges look very good and original, including the correct capillary temp. gauge. This is a very complete vehicle including side curtains, original transmission, wire wheels, tires, all body parts, seat frames (no springs or cushions) all interior coping, panels, dashboard, seat belts, heater and more. The nose, doors, hood, trunk lid and fenders are in decent shape, but figure that they'll need attention. The engine turns freely. Nothing original was discarded. Everything was saved as a pattern or for possible re use. There is also the very rare ashtray assembly. I became involved with other numerous projects and haven't done anything on the car for 9 years. It has been stored in the barn. I decided that it's time for someone else to take over. I am including the full restoration logbook and a stack of hundreds of photos documenting the project so far. I've invested 400 hours and spent many dollars pursuing my dream car creation. I am not a professional mechanic nor body man, therefore, a buyer should of course double check any work that I've done before placing the vehicle on the road. My vision is becoming progressively worse and I can no longer see well when welding. In addition, I'm slowing down a bit and wish to semi retire. Remember, this is a project! Please don't ask for the overdrive only, no parting out. I have priced it very low with the hope that a new owner can finish it at a good price. The car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction if it sells. No foreign buyers. The winning bidder will need to send $500.00 to my Paypal account within one hour of purchase and the balance in cash within one week. I'll be glad to assist with loading. Thomas