© 2023 by CTR ESB Webmaster J. W. Howland
1959 TR3A PROJECT
This is the documentation of a 1959 TR3A repair. The vehicle is a former restoration from 3 decades ago, previous owners had a failed engine on day one after an engine rebuild due to a blown head gasket based on overheating. Evidence of liquid head gasket repair was added based on aluminum particles around the gasket sealing points. The head removal points to running of the engine with a loose head nuts resulting in a warped head gasket. This page will be devoted to documenting the journey of bringing this TR3A back onto the road for future trips to BOG and less traveled roads!
Topics that will be explored:
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Engine
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Brakes
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Interior
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50A alternator upgrade
Tip for assessing your new project : Use the TRA Triumph judges check list to size up what you have and need to replace or restore.
To the right are pages from the factory service manual for engine specifications for your personal reference
The head was pulled with several days of gentle work. It exposed what was expected, a blown head gasket due to improperly set head nuts.
Further evidence of two types of head gasket commercial repair liquid
Three weeks of PB Blaster soak resulted in a small amount of piston movement. This told me that that the engine froze due to a long period of high heat.
I made a decision to preserve the engine and prior rebuild by not using it and pulling both engine and transmission given multiple points of incorrect installation and rebuild.
The radiator was operational but not original (no crank hole) A proper and new one will be installed.
A fresh rebuilt engine will be installed along with a either rebuilt TR3A or MOSS MOTORS 5 speed FORD T9 transmission.
The transmission tunnel was held down with less than 20% of the bolts intended.
Beware of vehicles sold as prior restored condition, are you aware of the work done and by whom? Are the correct parts and materials used?
It is common to find sections of body panels in need of repair when pulling apart the panels to access the drive train. Both pneumatic and manual edge prep tools exist to MIG/TIG/SPOT weld the panels
Original panels can be cleaned up for repair and primer using a SCT drum sander tool shown to the left.
Two reference papers on transmissions
Front brakes
Both front calipers and pads are being replaced. The original cross pipe type Girling ones no longer have rebuild kits available .
Moss Motors currently has Girling replacement calipers that fit most TR3/early TR4 chassis.
Outer Pad Wear: If the outside pad is worn more than the inside one, the mounting hardware is causing the caliper to seize. Consequently, the caliper will not be able to fully retract the pad from the disc, creating friction even when the brakes aren't applied.
Tip for rear shoe removal:
release hydraulic pressure
If drum is not aligned to expose the shoe adjuster, remove the two nuts securing the adjuster to the back brake plate.
Drums are cast iron, edges will break if hit.
Adjusters on both sides face the face of car at 2PM on the back brake panel.
