FITTING THE WINDSHIELD

 Bill cleaned and polished the windshield frame and glass.  We lined the frame's mounting flange with a thick rubber tape to protect the car's finish.

You will also notice the installation of the windshield wiper wheel boxes.

We also purchased new polished fasteners for the windshield frame.  

Basic black and chrome...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INSTALLING THE HORNS

After the horns were cleaned and repainted, they were both bolted in place on each side of the radiator.  Next, the hot wires were connected to each horn and the ground wires were attached to the chassis.  After the trafficator wiring is connected, the installation will be complete.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

COMPLETING THE IGNITION WIRING

Start up day is almost here.  Today we connected the distributor and coil wiring.  First, we set the crankshaft to the top dead center position (both the intake and exhaust valves are closed on #1 cylinder).  Next, turn the distributor so the contact is aligned with the rotor.  Connect the plug wires in the proper sequence (the firing order is 1342).  Remember, the distributor rotor spins counter clockwise.

Tomorrow, we will connect the oil pressure and water temperature gauges and preset the newly rebuilt carburetors.  Hopefully we will start the engine sometime in the next couple of days.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

RESTORING THE STEERING WHEEL

 Pictured to the left is the original steering wheel for the TR3.  With only a few minor defects the restoration should be fairly straight forward.  Since the trafficator is a bit time-consuming to remove, we decided to refinish the entire  wheel assembly in place.

My friend and fellow enthusiast, John, accepted the challenge.  He began by repairing the problem areas with an epoxy compound.  John is a pro at this.

 After the repairs are made, the wheel is prepped for the application of the epoxy finish.  Notice the chrome spokes and trafficator have been masked off.

Two coats of epoxy finish were applied allowing at least 24 hours curing time between coats.

Finally, the wheel and trafficator are polished to a soft luster.  It looks amazing.

Stay Tuned...
Tom McCurry
Tommy's Topless Cars
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
843-338-2253

FITTING THE FUEL TANK

The fuel tank had been restored some time ago, so the installation was not difficult.  The coupling hose, vent line and wiring pigtails are fitted before the tank is set in place.

The straps and cushions are attached and the new filler cap is positioned in the rubber coupling.

From inside the trunk you can see the vent line as it is routed to a hole in the trunk floor.  The fuel gauge wiring is connected in the lower right hand corner of the tank at floor level.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE COOLING SYSTEM

We begin by attaching the cooling fan to the crankshaft pulley.

Next the radiator is set in place and the top hose fitted before tightening the mounting bolts.  The lateral braces are attached securing the radiator at the top.

After connecting the bottom hose the installation is complete.  

Did you notice the hole in the radiator?

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

BODYWORK CONTINUES...

The assembly of the engine compartment is progressing nicely,  and the bodywork on the remaining sheetmetal parts has continued throughout that process.

Most of the body parts have been primed with epoxy primer, blocked, repaired where necessary.  Now several coats of high build polyester primer have been applied.  

Next these pieces will be blocked and prepped for the application of the final coats of 2K primer.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253