"That's nice dear", and "huh?" from the family don't cut it, so I'm looking for
at least one "attaboy" from the list as I share my progress and enthusiasm...
After spending way too much time/effort/$ on having the "wrong" bullet -nosed
starter that came with the car rebuilt, and then learning it was the wrong
starter, I received a rebuilt "correct" long-bendix starter from British
Vehicle Electric yesterday, and bolted it on tonight... it works! The engine
spins! A gallon of fresh gas (well, semi-fresh - drained from a snowmobile
summerized in April...) and pulling the hose off the back carb indicate a good
fuel flow. Clean oil on the dipstick, lots of suction at the carbs. With bated
breath and a shout of "clear!", a sniff of the ether paddles had it cough and
run smoothly for way more than 3 seconds! Defininitely on life support, but
alive!
Considering the PO bought it in '98 as a resto project, and never had it
running, and my belief it was unlikely I'd have a running engine in less than a
year, I'm thinking this is a giant step forward, and a huge success! ( I know
the worst is surely yet to come, but please don't burst my bubble just yet...)
Figuring stopping takes precedent over going, I'll return my attention to the
brakes this weekend - my rebuilt calipers, new lines, hoses, pads, relined
shoes and master cylinder rebuild kits all are supposed to arrive Friday.
Hoping to do some cleainng/sanding/blasting/painting (or preferably powder
coating) of the relevant parts as I proceed.
Looking (optimistically) a couple of weeks out once the brake system is done,
I'm assuming the next logical engine steps are to: check compression, rebuild
carbs, replace plugs/points/wires and try to get it running long enough to tune
the carbs. At the risk of asking dumb questions, is there anything else I
should be looking for?
I saw on a website somewhere a reference to the list's possible impatience with
people asking questions to which the answers can easily be found in the owner's
manual... considering the overwhelming quantity of information available ( I
have a Service Manual, print-out of an owners manual, Piggot and Williams
books, websites bookmarked, Parts Manual on order, etc.), hopefully there's
some tolerance to provide a nudge in the right direction to find the answer if
the questions are inapropriate or overly simplistic.
I've spent the better part of a couple of years mostly lurking this list, and
FWIT, this list has been the primary fuel for my enthusiasm and interest in
Triumphs in general, and sidescreens in particular. It was invaluable in
shaping my desire/search/acquisition of the right TR project for me. Thanks to
Mark and all for this, and TIA for all of your future support and fraternity.
Also had the opportunity to attend my first local club meeting this week
(Waterloo BCC) via a list referal, and met a terrific group of enthusiasts...
what a great passion/sport/hobby this is!
Cameron Joyce
'59 TR3A (rolling, almost running, maybe braking soon)
'54 TR2 (resting, not rolling... easily offended by being called a basket case)
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