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Re: TR3 = Recent acquisition

To: "Musson, Carl" <musson@satie.arts.usf.edu>
Subject: Re: TR3 = Recent acquisition
From: fred thomas <vafred@erols.com>
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 15:17:04 -0800
Cc: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
References: <2C985F9C9FF8D011AFA200AA006B054E34541B@cambio.acomp.usf.edu>
Musson, Carl wrote:
> 
> Well,  the parts car (TS25057) is off the trailer - I "sold" it to my
> mechanic for $1,000 in labor (engine didn't turn; rear brakes frozen;
> clutch inop; rust and bondo everywhere; no interior;  -  a real dog).
> 
> Extra engine/tranny is on a furniture dolly in the back of the garage.
> Engine turns; did a quick compression check - read around 140 on all
> four.  Will clean it up later and save it for re-insertion in my '58..
> 
> The "NEW PROJECT" (TS81802/TS81904E) is out of the truck; sitting in the
> garage.  Body shell just sitting on the frame.  Cleared all boxes and
> parts out of it.  Took an inventory of the new (still in TRF & Moss
> packaging - purchased in late 1990) parts.  At today's catalog prices
> they totaled $4,487.20.   Major items:  New Wiper Motor; New Starter; SS
> Exhaust System; Carpet Set;  All new lights etc; A second new
> distributor (see next paragraph); Most chrome and Rubber little bits for
> exterior; Brake/Clutch Master & Slave Cylinders; Carb rebuild kit &
> shafts; throttle linkage pieces;  Control Head Assy; Control box; fuse
> box; starter solenoid; -- can't think of anythng else but I'm sure if it
> was major, it was there.
> 
> The engine, transmission, & o/d unit are at the mechanics to be
> installed in my '58 so that I have something fun to drive while I work
> on the new project (traded parts car for the labor).  Will be switched
> back later.   Have rec'ts for the new o/d from some outfit in England.
> $1,099.21 including shipping.  Purchased in Nov '89.  Have rec't for
> rebuild tranny from TRF $891.25 including shipping done in early '90.
> Have rec'ts for Pistons/Liners from TRF $531.18 incl/shpg.  Have rec'ts
> for crankshaft re-work; new distributor, new ac fuel pump; new Lucas
> Sport Coil; new Alum Oil Pan; and miscellaneous parts for engine rebuild
> - all totaling about $1,250.
> 
> It appears to have a new camshaft; but can't find any rec't.  Engine was
> missing its head; but my '58 was redone in July '96 to unleaded specs
> and it will be a nice "marriage".
> 
> The front suspension and steering box appear to have been completely
> redone (no rect's); Brakes redone (calipers, drums, shoes, pads, etc.
> with new SS lines; Emergency brake cables, etc. are new.   Radiator and
> Gas Tank have been cleaned and prepped.
> 
> Body is all original.  Paint job gone from sitting under plastic
> outside.  No rust other than surface.  One minor ding on the front apron
> (center) - easily repaired.  Floorboards are either in great shape or
> have been replaced; the same for the sills and trunk floor.  (I don't
> see re-welding so I think they are original.  The area around the
> headlight indentation on the inner wings is pushed in on both sides.
> Doesn't appear to be accident damage as everything around it is true so
> who knows -- maybe after the body was apart.
> 
> Not sure where to start.  I may tackle getting the body stripped and
> primed so that I don't have to worry about creeping brown stuff.
> (Florida - Humidity? Nah)  Also it will confirm my evaluation about no
> damage etc.  (Also, my wife won't think it is such an eyesore and
> curtail her "Why did you do this?" question.)
> 
> Then I'll finish up the frame.  Can't think of any major items on that;
> just the last bits.
> 
> Interior is original (in boxes) but non-existant.  as is the wiring
> harness; wire wheels in real rough shape.  Tires hold air but are bald
> beyond belief.
> 
> What I see as missing: side curtains; rear tonneau capping; temperature
> guage (capilliary was cut); top etc; interior trim, seat covers, etc;
> front and rear "bumpers".
> 
> Windshield frame needs re-chroming;
> 
> I figure that the PO  had at least $8,500 in parts and paid labor in it.
> He did the engine rebuild himself and all labor on the frame.
> 
> My cost:  $2,100 including all expenses.  (Not counting the 1,000 for
> putting the engine in the '58)
> 
> MUCH FUN AHEAD BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD GLOAT... :^)
> 
> Carl Musson
> Tampa, Florida (USA)
> TS25264L - Driver
> TS81802L(O) - Frame off Restoration - In Progress (with a great
> jumpstart from PO)
> http://www.arts.usf.edu/~musson/triumph/ (photos coming)...

If it were me I would call the PO and demand either the bumpers or the 
upholstery kit or the money to buy new or no deal, give it back


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