Wow, from those photos you could tell that they weren't original. You
have an eagle eye for detail.
The car came with homemade replacements. The sheet metal is the entire
length of the floorplan area and is continuous up about 10-12" on the
bulkhead and also up the side wall in front of the doors. They have a
single weld from the driveshaft cover all the way around to the front edge
of the door. It is spot welded across the top of the sidewall and the
full weld continues across the top of the bulkhead section. The corner
seam between the sidewall and the bulkhead is also welded.
The only problem I have encountered is that floor has "bubbles" the
missing pressed re-inforcements probably would have eliminated. It has a
tendency to "pop" when getting in and out (with load and release from
load.) of the drivers side floor area and the area behind the passenger
seat. The seat rails themselves probably diminishes the problem on the
passenger side.
I have thought about putting an angle or T under the floor, securing it to
the frame on either side and either spot welding or riveting the floorpan
to it. But then again, it isn't a particularly concerning problem.
With regards to "original" vs functional, what I had to start with was
beyond attempting to get to concours or even close. There had been some
major physical damage to the front and right side (very goor repair by a
PO), as well as the floorpan situation. When getting it to metal for
repaint, I counted at least 5 different cars and maybe 7. The area below
the taillight on the driver's side has extensive fiberglass repair.
Surprisingly, there was no new indications of rust since the work was done
about 10-12 years ago. Prior owner had purchased car in 1986 and had
photos showing it to be in the same general condition as when I bought it.
My intention is a very presentable driver. And, hopefully, I will succeed.
/------------------------------------------------------------------------\
| CARL F. MUSSON, Coordinator INTERNET: musson@arts.usf.edu |
| Tampa, FL Opinions expressed are mine and not of my employer.|
\ '58 TR3A - http://www.arts.usf.edu/events/musson/triumph/cfm-tr3.html /
On Thu, 29 Aug 1996, ron botting wrote:
> Carl,
>
> I have recently undertaken the restoration of a TR3A (TS23731) and have
> been following the activities of the "Triumph List" for several weeks
> (although not actively particpating).......my question is, having
> checked out your website I was tring to determin if the floorpans in
> your '58 were factory aftermarket (NOS) or repaired, as they don't
> appear to have the factory 'pressings' for renforcement ? I am
> struggling with the option of fabricating my own 'technically sound and
> functional' floorpans vs buying NOS units from Moss or the TRF. I'm not
> yet certian just how 'origional' this particular resteration should be
> done as the car does require extensive sheet metal repair throughout.
>
> comments appretiated
>
> rcb
> --
> Ron Botting
> Surrey, B.C. Canada
> 57' TR3A (TS23731)
>
|