When this car came to us originally, we discovered that the cylinder head was damaged to the point that repairing it didn’t make any sense. Looking further, so were the pistons and the block. So, we built a new motor. Now, the car is back over here for installation. Here it is sitting in the car. Hopefully, Dean will have it running within the week.
This car has been in the shop a LONG time. The carbs are on it, now, so Dean should be firing it up fairly soon. It’s a full restoration, so everything is real clean. I’m partial to clean.
Better Than New
We got the radiator back from being re-cored and have installed it. I think the only thing left is to weld in the replacement rear section of frame and then see if the car will start. It’s possible the carbs need to be done… my memory is failing me. At any rate, it will be good to get this one back under it’s own power.
Re-cored radiator back in place.
This Triumph Dove came in with a no-start condition, which is mechanic-speak that means, “Doesn’t run”. For more background on this particular car and better pictures than I take, see the Hemming’s Sports and Exotics article on it here.
This car is dressed in period rally style. The Dove was a TR4 converted from a roadster to a GT-style car by Harrington in the U.K., the same folks who did the Harrington Alpines. There were somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 TR4s done this way. Scroll through the pictures and take a look. Once we determine what’s going on under the hood, I’ll post an update.
“Commodious” Back Seat.
I walked in last week and Chip had this 510 up and running. It seemed like he did it in 10 minutes, but that’s likely because he hadn’t mentioned it the last time I was there. The shell looks a little rough, but he’s replaced all kinds of suspension and mechanical goodies, so it started right up and ran like a top. Under the hood is a new master cylinder, new fuel pump, radiator, fuel filter, fuel line… I can’t remember everything.
Well, those are some fancy looking wheels. I definitely should have asked him what they are.
New sway bar and bushings.
New torque control arm bushings
Chip separates the collar from the tube so he can set the height where he wants it. I think he told me he cut the springs about a quarter of a coil, also, but check with him for the final figure if you’re thinking about it.
This all proves to me that you can’t leave a racer in the room alone with a 510. These kinds of things happen.
This car is so red it burns my retinas. The distributor has been to Advanced Distributors and the carbs were refurbished by Gary Martin, both prior to coming to us. It’s here for the final details to help those two (distributor and carbs) work perfectly together.
This MGB came in because it was running, but not well. It had an automatic choke that did not work very well. The owner was agreeable to converting it to a manual choke, which cured the problem.
This TR3 has been on the sidelines for a while, but it’s back up to the top. The motor is ready to fire once the carbs arrive, which has probably transpired since I took the photos here. It’s all downhill from there. Take a look at the current state.
Interior Shot
Underneath the Hood (Bonnet if you’re checking in from the UK)
But seriously, it doesn’t have to be a TR6. It could be any car. I just have TR6 pictures with our Laser Alignment tool to show you. I’d be glad to explain to you how it works if I had that ability. Chip has that ability, so you should talk to him. He really understands this alignment stuff. You can blindfold him and push him out the garage door and he will go in an absolute straight line… it’s amazing.
So, bring your sportscar to the car chiropractor of Richmond. Just imagine it how it will drive after a few slight adjustments…
TR6 – all lined up.
Another TR6
Steady progress continues on the TR4A that has not run in an unknown number of years. Dean has continued to tackle issues as he gets to them. I’ll have the pictures tell the story.
The rebuilt steering rack is in place.
The generator is on the workbench because it was vibrating. See the next picture for the reason.
My photograph isn’t the best, but you may be able to see where the threads on this mounting bolt are worn out. The bolt will not tighten, which lets the generator move quite a bit. The mount is available, so a new one is on the the way.