Ken,
See answers below.
>
> OK, I know it's not a Spit, but it is a Triumph and it is my
> other dream car
> (besides the Spit of course.) Besides I know you folks and
> know you all
> have opinions.
That's okay I have a Spitfire and TR3a. It seesm to be a common combination
to have :-)
>
> I've been looking at a 58 TR3A. It's a three owner car.
> Cosmeticly the
> exterior is very good. Paint and chrome are sharp. There is
> some bubbling
> along the rockers and evidence of bondo but overall the sills
> and floors all
> look very good. Interior could use some freshining up on the
> dash (43 year
> oll plastic knobs) but overall is not bad and upholstery is
> good. Has Side
> curtains, top, and tonneau in good condition.
The knobs are easy to restore, just did it on mine and they came out great.
They look correct, I am not sure I like the new plastic ones as much.
>
> The car runs very smooth with good oil pressure but seems to
> lack power. It
> also diesels. I didn't notice any smoke. I'm thinking
> something as simple
> as timing and carb adjustment???
That is usually the case. The timing is easier to set up than a spitfire,
it's static and I have a document on my website on how to do it. Pull the
plugs to see the real condition of the engine. Mine occasionally diesels as
well and I am trying to work that out. Not hard just some tinkering.
>
> Brakes are stiff but effective. Tires good.
>
> Clutch doesn't engage until last moment (but doesn't slip) - is this
> adjustable.
Master Cylinder need replacing cause it is one the way out, hard to say.
>
> Steering has lots of play though the car tracks ok - steering
> box? Tie
> rods?
If it is original then the steering box is a worm gear not Rack & Pinion.
Not too hard to fix. There is an adjuster nut on the box and that may help.
>
> $6000 + seems like a lot for a car that isn't ready to drive
> 500 miles, but
> the problems don't seem huge and the foundation seems there
> for a really
> nice car/ rolling restoration.
>
> Am I crazy? Should I grab it? Does my diagnosis seem
> reasonable. Come on
> experts!
Hmm, can you post some pics somewhere??
>
> Thanks
> Ken St.John
> '74 Spitfire 1500 (Lil Red)
> '65 Spitfire Mk II project "Ol Blue"
>
Also, there is the Triumphs mailing list FYI, triumphs@autox.team.net
Hope this helps
David A. Templeton
'59 TR3a - 9TS54226L ( "9" denotes the CDN import on year of mfr )
'74 Spitfire - FM10491L
http://www.trandmustang.homestead.com
Located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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