Jeff (IMHO) the shroud 1) decreases the possibility of overheating 2)
finishes off the front look of the car and 3) was stock in 1960.
My 58 did not come with it but I made the purchase of the shroud from TRF
when I was ordering what I thought was needed parts. Was concerned about
the cardboard so I used the cardboard as a template and cut a new one out of
aluminum flashing. Prepped and painted it body color; installed it; and no
problems. An added benefit of the aluminum was that it added flexibility to
the shroud for installation. I can't imagine how to get the cardboard in
without creasing it.
Carl
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com [SMTP:Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2000 10:22 AM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: TR3 Radiator Shroud
I've noticed in the Big 3 parts catalogs that they show a radiator shroud
for the TRs. I've had a '58 TR3A for 21 years, and have never had such a
shroud on it. It was apparently missing when I bought the car, but I dont'
remember ever seeing any screw mounting holes in the shelf of the front
apron. The '60 TR3A that I bought last year has the mounting holes, but is
missing this shroud, and the previous owner of 20 years never remembers
seeing one either. As I'm currently rebuilding this car, I want it to
appear bone stock, but now that I've purchased one of these shrouds from
VBL, I'm pretty sure it's not going to look too good sitting in there, and
because it's cardboard, probably won't last too long. What is the purpose
of this thing? Is it supposed to help keep the engine cool? The only time
I've ever had trouble with the radiator overheating is when sitting at idle
in 80+ degree weather. Is this shroud supposed to help this problem? What
do you think, should I install it, or put it on my "Extra NEW Parts for
Sale" list (which seems to be growing rapidly).
Jeff Williamson
Belleville, MI
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