A SPECIAL THANK YOU

My son-in-law and dear friend, Jeremy, has worked on the TR3A for months.  Sometimes even without my direction.  He did the welding and most of the bodywork.  He primed and blocked this body until his fingers bled.

Jeremy is a perfectionist and it shows in this TR3A...his finest effort.

Thanks Jeremy...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

TR3A RESTORATION COMPLETED

My friends, this has been a journey.  We have had problems with this restoration at every turn.  However, the finished product was worth the pain and the wait.

Mike and Tess came by the shop today to view their "new" 1960 Triumph TR3A.  They were favorably impressed.

Even with all the bodywork that was done and the color choice, the body is extremely straight and the paintwork is near flawless.

The interior, with its leather seats and contrasting black piping and carpets, is breath-taking.  

Under the bonnet...stunning.  This is better than new.  It's all about the attention to detail.

Hope you enjoyed the journey...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE TONNEAU COVER

Quite honestly it was more of the same.  Install two or three snaps; attach the cover to the body; stretch the cover and mark a few more snap locations; remove the cover and repeat this process at least ten times.

The cover fit very well, however another day in the sun will improve the appearance.

Worth the effort...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE HOOD STICK COVER

Now that we have completed the  installation of the convertible top frame, its vinyl cover can be fitted.

None of the lift-the-dot fasteners were fitted to the cover.  That took some time.

The cover fits very well.  A day in the hot sun will improve the overall appearance.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

As the work progressed on this TR3, I was frequently asked what we were going to do with the wheels and tires.  I received many suggestions, but very few of those "polled" were as excited as the owner and I about the choices we made.

Magically, the Sheffield Shuttle is transformed...

What do you think?  I would love to hear your opinions.  I'm actually considering whitewall tires  for the MK2 Jaguar you see in the background of the photo above.

Only a few thing left to do...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

MORE ON FITTING THE BONNET

Over a half an inch of shims were required to locate the bonnet lock receivers in their proper position.  Each of the shims are 1/16" thick.

After the proper height was determined,  blocks was fabricated to the correct thickness and shape.  Not quite correct, but definitely more pleasing to the eye.

Next the hood lift assembly was permanently fitted.  Some alterations were required in order to relieve some of the pressure created by the lift spring.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE HOOD STICKS AND HOOD

The hood stick assembly, or top bow, was in good condition except for the finish. After the finish paint was applied, the webbing was attached to the sticks.

The hood sticks are shown in the stowed position.

We began fitting the top by locating the two snaps in the center of the top adjacent to the fuel filler cap and the two front snaps on the outside corners.  

Next we will use a heat gun to "relax" the vinyl top thus removing some of the wrinkles.

Nearing completion...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INTERIOR WORK CONTINUES...INSTALLING THE SEATS

Jeremy and I spent the day permanently attaching the carpets and upholstered panels to the body of the TR.  Installing the carpeting was a bit time-consuming because we attached most of the pieces with snaps.

We chose black carpets in order to accentuate the upholstery piping.

The seats had been covered with new leather several months ago.  We set them in position today for this photo shoot.  They will be bolted to the floor later this week.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INTERIOR WORK CONTINUES...SECURING THE COCKPIT MOLDINGS

After covering the cockpit rails on the dash, doors and side panels, only three pieces at the rear remain.  These pieces have had some rough treatment over the years.  Several hours of straightening were required prior to covering them.

The fuel tank cover was fitted and secured at the top and bottom.  Additional padding was also fitted to the top portion of the cover.

Finally the remaining moldings are  fitted to the body.  They will be permanently attached tomorrow.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INTERIOR WORK CONTINUES...FITTING THE CARPETS

This carpet kit was purchased from Moss Motors and, I must say, it fit very well.  

Shown in the photo to the left is the application of 1/4" foam rubber to the stationary cover for the propeller shaft.  We use foam under the carpeting on rounded surfaces to make it fit better and to reduce drive train noise.

The carpeting for the kick panel was a good fit requiring very little trim work.  

We applied 1/2" felt padding to the underside of the carpeting for the rear deck and the floors.

Snaps have been applied to the floor, tunnel and rear deck carpets to hold them in position.  

Ready for seats...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE GLOVE BOX DOOR

This process has been a journey.  The vinyl material intended to cover the door was mismatched to the material on the dashboard. It required some time to correct the issue.  But now, all is well and glove box door fits perfectly.

All is well in TR3 land...for the moment...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE BONNET

With the latch receivers in place, and the hinges secured, we are prepared to fit the bonnet to the body.  It will be necessary to adjust the height of the receiver by inserting shims between the inner fender and the receiver.  This is a trial and error process.

Next, the bonnet lift assembly is attached to the front apron.  There was some alteration required to allow the bonnet to close completely.  The spring and the push rod were both shortened.

In the photo to the right, you will notice the installation of the prop rod.

Now the bonnet is in place and its fasteners are aligned.  When the bonnet is locked in place, the margins are within tolerance.

The TR looks like a car again... I can't wait to show you the chrome wheels.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INTERIOR WORK CONTINUES

Now that the wood panel covering the fuel tank has been fabricated, we are ready to fit the wheel well covers and fuel tank upholstery.

First we applied a layer of 1/4" thick foam to the wheel wells.

Next, the well covers are attached to the foam.

Finally, the side panels and tank cover is positioned.  Tomorrow these panels will be permanently attached to the body.

The next step will be fitting the carpeting.

Later...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INTERIOR WORK CONTINUES

The fuel tank upholstery panel had been broken and repaired so many times that we found it necessary to fabricate another one. 

There is still a bit more trimming to do on the wood panel before we attach the upholstery material, but we are almost there.

Tomorrow...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE DOOR PANELS...CONTINUED

 Fitting the second door panel didn't require as much time.  Instead of aligning and attaching the panel repeatedly,  I merely took measurements locating the side-curtain brackets from the driver's door.

The door panels and top rails were a bit difficult to fit...but worth the effort.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE UPHOLSTERED PANEL IN THE TRUNK

There is only one upholstered panel in the trunk and it covers the fuel tank and vent line.

The original panel was not in good condition.  We made a new plywood panel and covered it with black vinyl.  

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE DOOR PANELS

After aligning the doors to their proper position, we can focus our attention on the door panels.

First, we must attach the "lift-the-dot" fasteners for the side curtains and tonneau cover.

Then, the door panels are fastened into place with the stainless steel trim screws.  You will also notice the installation of the upholstered rail on top of the door.

Finally, the receivers for the side curtains are secured to the doors.

All in all, this is not an easy process.  There were several issues with fit and alignment.  We spent 11 man hours fitting this door panel alone.  Hopefully, the panel on the passengers door will be easier to fit.  It helps to be a patient person...

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253