Track-look / rat rod tr3?
 

Question. My phone just rang with an opportunity for a tr3 in pieces. To do it right would be expensive and take forever. Also, I just don't care about perfect old cars. I like drivers.

My 16 son is excited to do this with me. We are low on cosmetic skills but mechanical skills are good enough for old British junk.

We both could use a project. We are both a little bored. I showed him a picture of an old TR with no top or windshield. He thought it was cool. I would aim for all go and no show. Strip the stainless. Remove most interior. No bumpers. Perspex windshield. Like an old track dog that had been in a barn look.

I see the pluses for this. Please Talk me off the ledge with a reality check. Also. My wife will mostly hate it but she does recognize that projects are good for the son and I. My wife is not a deal killer.

Tell me why I don't need this in my life.

Thanks! LWJ.

Sorry, I'm all in with your plan!
Great project that will result in an affordable fun driver. One that will be a blast to drive on track that will be thrilling to drive at modest speeds.

Put a solid roll cage in it and you can both have fun taking turns in it.

Will want pics as it progresses.

Cheers Richard

^^^ I know! It has many benefits. Calling on rational, level headed counter arguments.

Good luck with that around here. 😃

Wait, I got something for ya. Go for a speck Miata, easier to find parts etc.
Completely different deal tho, much less coolness.

Cheers Richard

Ok I've been working in getting my head leveled for you.

The low cut knuckle dragger door on the 3. Leaves you vulnerable to any passing pickup truck.

Let me add that my brother had a TR 3. The first sports car in the family. Well except for our grandmother's 356 in the early 60s. I had a TR 4 that I did some traveling with.
My brothers went thru a couple of TR 6s. And end d up with a MGB v8, so getting level headed is not natural.

Cheers Richard

Plan on trailering it? I'd be terrified to drive a TR3 in today's PDX area traffic. Zero side crash protection...just look how vulnerable the poor girl on this old book cover is..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1529908765.jpg

I also agree that a father/son car project is a great idea it is a moment in time you both will never forget . Having said that I would pass on the Triumph and get an early Miata . It will be SO MUCH more reliable with modern car safety ! Handles like a dream it's a go kart with fenders . Parts are available everywhere and relatively inexpensive . Buy one in good shape appearance wise and you bypass the skill set of bodywork that you say you don't have . Good luck with whatever you end up with and take advantage of this teaching moment ! And there is nothing wrong with involving your wife also , it can be a great family project .

At least your son is car guy, interested in doing something.....

Thank you all. Paul, love the safety warning!

or junk the old tractor motor/trans in the tr3
and replace with Miata units from a wreck

or even better a honda s2000 motor/trans

driving a slow car fast.....
 

I fondly remember my 3A. So low, sitting in the driver's seat I could put my palm on the ground. OK, I have monkey arms. Also, you can stash all kinds of stuff in the spare tire storage and no po-po will ever know.
I killed it in '82. Mourned the loss ever since.

Could be fun.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1529940523.jpg

[QUOTE=jamesnmlaw;10085027]I fondly remember my 3A. So low, sitting in the driver's seat I could put my palm on the ground.

I also have fond memories of my '59 TR3. I'd consider another one if I ever sold my car. It would just be cool to drive around in with the top down on nice days.

I think it would be cool. If I had that opportunity, I'd build it up without putting any effort at all into pretty, just scrape the big chunks of spooge off the components and get busy putting it together.
A rusty old frame, new suspension and brake consumables (only where needed), good tires, sort out the cooling, get the running gear working with as little effort as possible, do your best on the wiring, and then whatever body parts that come in the kit screwed/welded/wired/taped together without going crazy, clean off the windshield and go out and have fun..

Getting to a road like that from the PDX area would be quite problematic. Sure a lovely photo though...love the dark green.

Price parts tonight, and get a feel for what it costs. If that doesn't scare you, go for it.

My goodness, that does look extremely dangerous!:eek:

Brush paint it matt camo. Stick RAF rondels on the doors.
Perfect...

There must be some really small people in that car. I imagine the car is small and it looks the passengers can barely see over the windshield.

Cool car though.

They are tight if you have shoulders, but the footwell has enough length that you can sit in it with your legs out. Hardest part of driving one is the giant steering wheel that hits your legs. But then I’m 6’2 so ymmv.

Being able to reach down and touch the ground is kinda cool though.