January 2006
Since the rebuild started in February 2003 an entirely new rear body tub has been fabricated and the front body tub ahead of the scuttle has also been re-made.
Body skins well on the way to being restored, including making new doors as they were poorly made and badly rusted out. It looks like my doors are home made as they do not have the characteristics of the usual Mk1 door, but I intend to keep the uniqueness of them but make them of better quality.
The chassis was straightened and had the bottom strengthening channels replaced, all the outriggers are new, and the bottom 150mm of the cross-tube has been replaced. The rear spring mounting tube are reinforced by inserting a solid rod right through and grinding off the sections to allow for the driveshaft and exhaust.
The chassis is now about to have the re-built front suspension and rear axle installed, together with a rebuilt gearbox, overdrive, and drive shaft.
The engine has been rebuilt and fitted with 86mm sleeves and pistons. Interestingly this is a very early TR2 (1953) engine, so I suspect that the original car assembler looked around outside the factory for his engine and rebuilt it as it has a genuine Standard/Triumph overhaul plate on it; the radiator has also been overhauled.
A wiring loom (from Autosparks in Nottingham) is nearly installed, it's a very good loom too I have to say, saves heaps of time and is very reasonably priced for what it is. Alan Gibbs wiring diagram is invaluable too, wiring 80% completed. All electrical parts and instruments have been rebuilt. Nearly everything else except the windscreen and upholstery is ready to attach.
The expected completion date? Nov 2006 I hope.
Return to Part One or go to Part Three