[TR] Top bows and fuses

[Randall]

> I have been under the impression that the top bows that have been with the
> vehicle I am restoring were for a TR-3. Wrong...they are for a TR-4. I am
> looking for a good set for my TR-3 small mouth.

I've got several sets taking up space, Paul.  Write me off-list and let's
get together.  If you are going on the Drive tomorrow, I could bring them
along.  (Don't have a Triumph running, so I'll be in a LJC.)

> Also I need to find a reference source for the fuse
> conversions from Lucas to US buzz type.

An easy rule of thumb is to take 1/2 the rating given in the book, and round
up to the next larger available size.

Here is a conversion chart, lifted from a long-ago Buss fuse catalog :

             English Type    Buss Replacement
                50 amp          AGC 30
                35 amp          AGC 25
                30 amp          AGC 20
                25 amp          AGC 15
                20 amp          AGC 10
                10 amp          AGC 7 1/2
                 5 amp          AGC 3

Personally, I feel even this chart results in fuses rather larger than
needed,
so for example I use an AGC 20 to replace the original "35 amp" fuse in my
TR3A.
My conversion chart would go more like :

English	     Buss
  50			25
  35			20
  30			15
  25			15
  20			10
  10			5
   5			3

> What is the  oil type or weight for the AUG878 SU carbs?

Lots of debate on that topic, with no clear answers.  IMO it depends on many
factors, including weather/climate, how worn your carbs are and your
personal tastes.

The book suggests using the same oil recommended for the engine; which would
amount to SAE 40 for temps consistently over 70F or SAE 30 for temps in the
range 40-70F.  

But after some experimentation, I decided that SAE 20 worked best for me.
20W50 will work in a pinch, but IMO it's better to use a straight-weight
oil, since you don't need as much enrichment when the weather (and engine)
is hot.  The straight-weight oil will thin more as it gets hot, giving less
enrichment effect (and hence slightly better fuel mileage) when it's not
necessary.

Detergent or not; synthetic or not; high quality or not; makes no difference
IMO.  Last time I looked though, I could only find straight 20 weight in
non-detergent, so that's what I use.  $.99/qt at the local "99 Cent" store
<G>

Randall