2000 Estate Progress

Marina's Gone...but...

2010-03-03T20:48:00.004-05:00

Well, the Marina is gone and being driven daily. Yea!

However, the disposal of the 2000 Mk. I Sedan didn't work out...so...it's going to stay for a while.

Additionally, we've added a 1975 TR6 race car to be that is being chronicled at my other blog, http://riffrafracing.blogspot.com. The TR6 will eventually race in ChumpCar and 24 Hours of LeMons races with my teammates.

Finally, one more addition will soon be transported from Arizona...a 1956 Standard Vanguard Sportsman. In case you don't know, Standard was the parent company of Triumph. The great thing is that this car is already restored, so it won't take much time away from the Estate. That's it's picture up there resplendent in red and gray. Or is it grey?

Anyway, I also looked over the front end of the Estate again and my friend Steve that is a fabrication whiz came over again...so...we know WHAT we have to do, just have to find the time to do it.

Wouldn't be my life if it wasn't filled Triumphs, would it... :-)

Jamie

One 2000 should go away...

2010-02-11T11:23:00.001-05:00

Looks like the 2000 Mk. I saloon will be going away shortly.

However, that replacement I alluded to in the earlier post may come to pass. More to come!

Sanity Returns (maybe...)

2009-11-18T22:42:00.003-05:00

November update, no pictures...

Marina is almost finished, bodywork done, minor electrical issues, soft brake lines and a week of driving her to make sure she's OK and she'll be with her new owners.

2000 Mk. I sedan from the last post is going to Mike Montoya to be put back on the road much quicker than I could ever do it.

There is one other 'project' that is planned, but for the immediate future I'll be finishing off the Marina & putting a clutch in the Spitfire. More to come if the other 'project' works out...

Take care!

Jamie

Wow...it's been a while.

2009-09-04T21:28:00.004-05:00

Yes, I've been busy...with many different things. In celebration of finally getting internet capability back at home tonight for the first time in 2 weeks, I figured a blog post was well overdue.

If you're my friends, and reading this, you wonder where I've been...well...I've been out of state a lot for work. And one other trip...that's directly applicable to this blog.

Yes, there's another 2000 in the family. Why? Well...that's a long story. But first, there's the other British 4-door sedan to show you.

Here's a picture of the 1975 Austin
Marina I couldn't turn down, as I purchased her.

What you can't see in this shot is the mangled front right fender where she had met a Lexus.

After frame straightening and welding the front fender and valence back together (they were about 9" apart after the wreck) she's getting closer to being roadworthy. As usual with me, I've been able to procure all the parts, but not the time. Amazing how inexpensive parts for this car are...it led to the front suspension being completely rebuilt with NOS parts, including the lever shocks. And I thought Triumphs were built to a price...NOTHING like the Marina. But it's refreshingly honest in it's simplicity.

However...the Marina has already been promised to a family member pending it's completion, although with right of first refusal to get it back it may end up back home someday, and it's going to some very good folks that I know will take care of it. Why, you ask?

Because we have another 2000 Mk. I in the family. Her name is Holly.

Holly started out life purchased by a family in Coventry to US specs (just like the Estate we have) but this family spent some time in Holland after purchase. The family then took the car to California, and finally Houston, where I understand the original owner died. The car was kept inside and last year, I was able to connect the family, who were looking to give the car away as long as it was restored, to a likely restorer.

Unfortunately, the gentleman's fortunes took a turn for the worse, and he was unable to follow through. When he offered me the car, I decided to take him up on it. He was kind enough to meet me 1/2-way from Texas, so we drove out to Nashville, and apart from two flats on the trailer (you can see one of them in the lower left of the above picture on the spare tire bracket) the trip went very smoothly. So...it's probably good that the Marina is moving on, even if it's still attached by relation.

Holly is amazingly original, even down to the majority of the paint. Apart from the radiator cap and an aftermarket horn button, I can't find anything that isn't original. So...the plan is to put her back on the road as painlessly as possible, and drive her. We'll get to the cosmetics eventually.

I'm hoping to get back to the Estate this fall. We'll see.

It also seems that new tempting Triumphs drop into my lap every time I turn around this year. I'm currently deciding whether or not I can buy one that would put most of my other cars to shame. So watch for an update soon!

Jamie

Not much progress BUT determined...

2009-04-28T11:17:00.004-05:00

Well, I made a monumental decision (for me) last week. I had the chance to increase my Triumph count (and therefore my Cylinder Index) by adding a beautiful little Herald convertible to the stable, but passed it up to concentrate further on the Estate. So...expect a rash of updates shortly as I remove the old front fenders and finally finish welding the front end together! All words of encouragement are appreciated!!!!

BTW, any of you that attended the South Central British Car Gathering on April 17-19...wasn't that a great event! I was lucky enough to have three cars there, including my Italia (on the road and legal for the first time in 4 years, thanks to Dave Crane) and had a fabulous time. We had 6 Italias in the same place! I'm told that's the largest grouping of the cars ever in North America...thanks to Tyrone Stoner, the VTR Italia Coordinator for organizing us and providing a beautiful commemorative 50th Anniversary model Italia for each Italia attendee! :-)

Since I don't have any more recent Estate pictures, here's one of the Italias. Mine is the white one in the left rear. And for those of you that have known me a long time, yes, the one in the front left used to be ours as well (Tyrone owns it now).

Air Conditioning becoming a reality...

2009-03-27T23:09:00.002-05:00

I've purchased a new A/C system for my TR6 with an eye towards using most of the components to put A/C on the 2000 as well. The kit looks good; we'll be trying to install it on the TR6 at the TCOC Tech Session at Dave's Place the first weekend in April.

Here's a link to the A/C system, if you're interested. I had previously found a Vintage Air interior unit that I think will fit in the passenger side footwell on a Mk. I, and coupled with the underhood components from this guy should work pretty well. Once I get the TR6 system up and running I'll go ahead and purchase the components for the 2000 set.

Can't wait to get started on the fenders. I had actually taken today as vacation to start on it, but I ended up laying down all day as I was seriously "under the weather". Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

This is a picture of the underhood installation on a TR6 (not mine, yet). Since the unit doesn't use either the extended water pump OR an additional pulley on the crank, I have high hopes that it will fit in the constraints of the 2000 engine compartment.

They're Here!!! And They're Beautiful!!!

2009-03-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

Picked up the fenders and valences from the bus station yesterday...they look terrific! Still in the original primer with both Stanpart and BMC (!) part number decals (BMC's were probably applied at dealership as the numbers are handwritten on those).

In addition, I got two valences. One is a duplicate of what I already purchased, a mint factory Mk. I lower valence. Second one is NOT from a 2000/2500...I'm thinking it may be a Herald but I forgot to look up the part number last night. I'll look soon and post it.

WhoooHooo! Now I don't have to worry about patching the hole!!!

Jamie

New fenders found (fingers crossed)

2009-02-25T23:46:00.004-05:00

By pure chance, two NOS front fenders appeared on eBay just as I was searching for Triumph parts. They had a buy it now...so I did! They are on their way to me now via Greyhound bus...

They are also coming with two valences...so I may have extra there. We'll see!

Also, we installed the new suspension (from Richard Good) on the TR6 at Kevin Andrews' wonderful shop, Waynes Alignment in Siler City, NC. Between that and Dave Crane solving the charging problem with the Italia, I may actually have three out of four Triumphs on the road!

Not only that, but Ally, Cristina and Ani had a great time at the Pottery Tour as well. What more could one ask for!

Cutting a hole!

2009-01-20T21:25:00.005-05:00

I finally found the pictures from where my friend Jim and I (and Ally, of course, couldn't have done it without her) hammered the fender back into shape...ok, roughly into shape, but he did far better than I would have done...and then the hole we had to cut out. The metal in that spot was just far too gone; it had previously been folded over and not prepared well, thus it was way too rusty as well as being creased and stretched. I'm still waiting to shape the replacement sheetmetal, but I have the cardboard pattern cut and waiting...

The black is from both Eastwood Rust Converter and POR-15...I'm using the POR on the inside panels and the Rust Converter (which is friendly to delayed top coating) on external panels.

It's interesting to look at these pictures today; as you can tell it was warm -- on the other hand, we had about 6 inches of snow last night through noon today. I've also attached a picture of Ally today in the snow just 'cause I felt like it... :-)

Parts still needed (not many, thankfully!)

2009-01-15T10:22:00.003-05:00

Ok, here's a list of what I still need or would really like to have (really just an excuse to update the blog). Any leads on the following would be most helpful:

manual transmission driveshaft
Stag front seats
Miscellaneous stainless trim strips (to replace drilled or bent ones)
Method of mounting cable operated gas pedal from Mk. II into Mk. I
One more pair of new (repro is fine) MGB overriders
AMCO bar for front like the one on Vern's car
Time, time, time......

I hope the holiday season was wonderful for all of you!

Jamie

Work Continues, Albeit Slowly...

2008-12-17T09:40:00.006-05:00

No pictures of further work at this point, but suffice it to say that after many hours of pounding by my friend Jim Croce, the fender is salvageable. I did cut out about a 5" x 6" area that was both too wrinkled and too rusty to save...it was apparent that the folks that preceded us merely beat the fender in and sculpted with body filler rather than actually doing bodywork. So, I've made the cardboard template and the next step is to cut the sheetmetal patch and weld into place.

I'm also on the lookout for another 2000/2500/2.5 to give me something to drive in the meantime...must be running or very close to running, but rest of condition and location are relatively unimportant. It would be nice to have a 4 spd or 4spd+od, but I'd buy an automatic if the car was right. Again, it doesn't have to be pristine, just be running or close to it.

Ally is REALLY looking forward to having her car (the Estate) on the road.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying driving the new TR6 (see pictures) and the Spitfire (see pictures). Thank you all for the continued messages of support and love.

Jamie

Pictures of current status

2008-10-10T23:45:00.006-05:00

After grinding away the paint over bondo over paint last night, I decided to post some pictures of the current status of the project.

All the items in the car are parts for the car
All the boxes on the roof, hood (bonnet) and windshield are empty boxes for shipping the Triumph parts I'm selling weekly on eBay (here's a link to my current auctions)
I'm not sure what I'm going to do about the damaged front fender. I have several friends that are better with sheetmetal than I am, I will be asking them to take a look before I decide what to do. Chris Witor has new front fenders, but at 195 pounds plus shipping from the UK, I'm looking for a more affordable alternative...
The post-it notes on the rear window are the working plan for the restoration...i.e. what I need to do next!
The weird looking thing stuck to the back of the car is the neatest trouble light I've ever seen. Comes with a magnetic back, a separate flex-head spotlight AND a built in magnetic tray courtesy of Black & Decker.

Anyway, here are the pictures:

Before I started grinding...

And after....

You can the problems best in this last picture:

So, now you know where the project stands. PLEASE write a comment or drop me a line at

tr6driver@yahoo.com I'd love to hear from you!

The project begins again...

2008-10-10T09:12:00.002-05:00

For the few of you that are following this blog, I wanted to let you know that Ally and I are doing OK, and that last night I resumed work on the Estate. After taking off a LOT of paint and body filler from the left front fender, I am left wondering whether or not I should just replace the fender or not. They aren't priced too badly, but shipping from England is incredibly high.

I have a couple of friends that are much better at bodywork than I am, so I'll get a second opinion before doing anything rash. UNLESS SOMEONE OUT THERE ON THIS SIDE OF THE POND HAS A LEFT FRONT FENDER SITTING THERE FOR SALE!!! (hint, hint!)

Anyway, thanks to those who have provided emotional support during this time. You know who you are and we love every one of you... :-)

Jamie

Loss and Sadness

2008-05-19T20:24:00.005-05:00

I've lost the most wonderful woman in the world. My wife, Cheri, unexpectedly collapsed April 29 and died May 8 without regaining consciousness. There probably won't be any posts for a while as Ally and I find our footings.

12 days before her collapse, Cheri bought me a Spitfire for my birthday...she remarked how I hadn't seemed myself since I sold my yellow one to fund this Estate project. I therefore am including a picture of Ally in the Spitfire (taken the day I brought it home) and my favorite picture of Cheri and Ally.

Update

2008-04-10T08:09:00.007-05:00

It's hard to believe I haven't updated the blog since December. I'd LIKE to say that much has been accomplished, but that hasn't been true...at least on the car. Home maintenance and repair, job, and time with Ally have taken their toll on car work time. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and some progress has been made.

No new pictures of them, but the nose cone and front valence have been bead blasted and are awaiting coating with Eastwood products for rustproofing and prevention. A few more parts have been sourced also:

a nice nose cone badge finding it's way across the ocean courtesy of eBay

a second set of wood pieces so that I can try refinishing them myself (eBay)

a center console without the speaker hole but with that cool Triumph script (eBay)

much better condition Stag brake rotors (eBay)

and finally, something really cool, adjustable camber/caster plates from Australia (KMac, off of eBay)

Once the TCOC Gathering is finished (April 18-20) I hope to be starting on the car again. Maybe next time I post I'll have real progress to show....

And if you're reading this before 10 PM EST on April 10 and you're in the triangle area, be sure and tune in to WPTF am 680 from 10-11 pm and you'll hear Paul Morro and myself talking about British cars on the Tom Kearney show!

I'm Not Using a Sawzall Anymore!

2007-12-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

For a long time, it seemed that the last tool I used on the car was always a "sawzall" (a power reciprocating saw if you aren't familiar with the term). Now, it's starting to go back together. I haven't touched the car in December (and probably won't until January), but wanted to post some pictures of where we are. I had to visit Harbor Freight tools to get enough vice grips to hold the front end together to take these shots. I fabricated the silver pieces using 2X4's in a vice and plain sheetmetal...basically they were to fill up the space between the other two pieces. Thankfully, they will be behind the grille! But at least it looks like they fit OK. Here's some closeups as well. You'll see I still have some beating and pounding to do, especially on the ends of the brown nosecone part. I think I'll have to tack the top edge first and then alternate persuading with tacking as I go around.

Another one for sale & more bodywork progress

2007-09-27T10:26:00.001-05:00

Here's another chance to join me in my madness...there's another sedan for sale on eBay. It may not have as solid bodywork as the last one I posted did, but it sounds much better mechanically. I wonder why they took it off the road?

BTW, while I'm thinking about it, if anyone out there has a really nice trim piece for the fake hood scoop I'm interested. The one I have is quite pitted, but I'm not sure I'm willing to shell out $100 or more for the reproduction ones that appear from time to time on eBay.

If you're interested in the sedan, here' s the link to check the auction out:

<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Triumph-2000-1966-Triumph-2000_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6469QQihZ018QQitemZ280154285660QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW>

As far as Chrissy (my car) goes, right now the nose, lower valence and two new panels I fabricated for between them are being held on by vice grips. I had to make a trip to Harbor Freight tools to get enough...but it's nice to see the car starting to look complete again. There is still some shaping work to do to make sure all the panels lineup but I hope to get to some of that this weekend. Once all trimming and tapping is done, I'll take the panels off one more time, protect everything I can with paint, reposition them back and start welding. That should take some time and I'll definitely need some help with holding part of the nose in the right place. I'm also going to be welding up the holes for the original nose badge as it won't be reinstalled. I've never really cared for it, and as the "TRIUMPH" letters will still be there I think that's ornamentation enough for now.

Reconstruction at Last!

2007-09-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

Finally! After many nights of pounding, copious applications of sanding, elbow grease and POR-15, as well as my humble attempts at welding, the "under the nosecone" section of the Estate was finished today. It's a terrific feeling to be putting the car back together instead of deconstructing. Now, on to the side panels just below and to the outsides of the center portion. I'll have to temporarily position the nosecone, lower valence and grille to get the spacing right for the paper patterns.

No, the welding is nothing pretty, but it is strong. I wanted to make sure that if the car was ever in an accident again, the front would hold up at least as well as it did when it was new. I'll be carrying my wife and daughter with me and I can't imagine more precious cargo.

You can see from this closeup shot that I actually ended up replacing the entire corner of the piece. What you can't see is that both the front and side edges are formed under to create a flange for other parts to weld to. The front flange was OK...the side flange didn't exist...so I measured the other side carefully (assuming IT was right...) and tried my best to match up with it. We'll see how the nosecone fits. Just laying it up there this afternoon it looked pretty good, but once I clamp things into place I'll know for sure. That's it for this installment; more soon I hope!

OH, what a deal....

2007-07-29T20:58:00.000-05:00

I'm probably lucky this isn't in North Carolina...a RUST-FREE saloon just surfaced on eBay. At this point it's $300 no reserve. AAARRRGGGHHH!

Here's the link. Good luck to someone living near Oregon...

<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-Triumph-2000-Saloon-Rust-Free-Complete_W0QQitemZ150146351634QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150146351634>

Having visited the hospital this week as a patient, I have no other news to report. I'm feeling fine now so hopefully there will be more progress this week... :-)

Jamie

Back to work with rusty metal...

2007-07-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

I'm getting used to seeing old rusty metal at night. Here's to getting rid of it one way or another!

It's been a while since my last update. Here's some of the parts purchases:

A NOS front lower valence...I just LOVE the old Stanpart label. Don't know if I can save it but I'll try...

A NOS front nosecone. Nice eBay seller packaged this really well from England.

A set of 7X15 wheels. Yeah, they're LOUD, but the color ought to work well with the cream paint and red interior. Thank heaven for the upsurge in AE86 Toyota drifters that have the same bolt circle and offset as TR's.... :-)

So, where we last left the project I had to attack the nose. First, one half came off:

Which was enough to expose that there was a lot more work to be done. Then, the other half came off. That's the new nosecone below:

Unfortunately, I'll be creating some panels myself using the old cardboard and transfer method. You can see why here:

Yes, there's actually supposed to be sheetmetal there. Oooops. I only wish that the "craftsman" that did the previous work actually was one.

I'll try to update sooner. Maybe by the next post I'll be attaching rather than detaching!

Jamie

It's been a while...

2007-04-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

Back from the Gathering (see StormBear's blog on the right for a great report and some beautiful pictures) and I want to get back working on the car. Well, as you can see, we've accomplished much (not!) since the last post. However, I've answered enough questions about "where is the car" that I figured I'd better update the blog. The good news is that I have some new sheetmetal, and I am progressing with cutting out the old metal. You'll notice in the picture above that the lower valence is no longer attached to the car. Contrary to what you may think, this is actually a good thing. The original valence had much bondo and bends...now there is a genuine NOS Stanpart lower valence panel waiting to be welded on. And the nose panel, also a NOS Stanpart panel, has arrived from England. The large box on the hood contains parts from Chris Witor from England, the only specialist I'm aware of in parts for the 2000/2500/2.5PI line. So far, I've sourced just about everything I need except a driveshaft...even new weatherstripping hasn't been an issue.

I'm shooting to have the car completed by November...that will be the 40th anniversary of it's delivery! With all new polyurethane bushings, the Stag anti-roll bar, new shocks and struts and 15" TR6 wheels, the car ought to feel pretty good on the road. The Stag front brakes (Ted Schumacher of TS Imports is rebuilding mine right now) should help keep it safe, along with the new seat belts.

Since my daughter Allyson will be spending a lot of time in the back seat, Cheri and I are currently considering installing a DVD player in the roof...I'll bet, if we do it, that it will be one of the very first times one's been installed in a 2000. BTW, although it's really not correct, I've started to refer to the car as the 2500, since that's really what it will end up being.

If you take another quick look at the photo at the top of this entry, the TR6 engine on the left hand side of the picture is what will power the car. As I recall (it was rebuilt over 10 years ago but has been turned over and kept oiled since) the engine was balanced, slight shaving of the head, 20 over pistons and a "stage 1" cam that was only slightly more aggressive than stock.

Enough for tonight. I hope to show real progress by the next entry!

Some welding repairs

2007-03-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

These were actually taken before the priming, but I thought they were worth it from a contrast standpoint with my foolish attempts to weld the existing metal back together. Now, I have a real battery box...

The moisture is from coating the box with OSPHO...I'm using that stuff on the advice of someone that knows a lot more about this type of thing than I do.

It's SO nice to actually be putting parts on rather than taking them off!

The NOS valence came in, and it really is NOS, down to the Stanpart label! Only one major part to come by now...a manual driveshaft.

Wow! Some primer applied!!!

2007-02-13T00:57:00.000-05:00

Over last weekend, finished the welding on the battery box and both sides of the front panel that the radiator bolts to...treated everything with Ospho and actually primed 3/4 of the engine compartment. Unreal, it's the first thing in a long time that I've done to the car that wasn't taking something off.

I'm hoping to take vacation again this Friday and will try to accomplish some more. I just won an auction on eBay for a NOS front valence, which as you can see from the pictures Chrissy needs pretty badly...

Gotta get her on the road!

Jamie

Pictures from recent work

2007-01-19T22:35:00.000-05:00

The first couple of pictures show the metal as it was left by the previous "bodyman." Actually, that's not quite true as I had already done the rough straightening before I took these pictures.

Picture 1 shows the radiator support panel, now roughly straightened and welded back together, along with the back side of the "nosecone." You should also note the cut in the grille support thoughfully supplied by the previous "bodyman."

Picture 2 is a shot of the same area on the other side of the car from a more vertical angle. You can also see the holes left in the support. These will be stabilized and fixed.

Picture 3 is the battery tray after A LOT of pounding and welding. I still have a few pinholes to fix here.
Picture 4 is another shot of the area in picture 1.
Picture 5 is another shot of the sliced grille support. It will be re-welded after reshaping the opening is complete.
Picture 6 shows the area under the LH headlight. The fine, smooth surface you see was deemed enough by the previous "bodyman" and was left for painting. Needless to say, it won't stay that way.

Pictures 7 and 8 show the commission plate and the two body number plates. I found the upper body number plate interesting...especially the low number, 51. Any idea if this plate was fitted to special order cars like this one?

Hope you've enjoyed the latest look...I hope to get back to the car in a few weeks!

Finally, a little progress!

2007-01-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

I can't say there's a lot that's been going on with the estate lately. Between my new job and a lot of sickness in the family, plus the holidays, there just hasn't been a lot of time. I did find about four hours to work on the car between Christmas and New Years, though. After finding out that the "new" nose that had been put on the car was installed over some...less than pristine (diplomatic enough?) bodywork, I kept going. Managed to weld up most holes, still have a little to go, bent the battery tray and radiator support panel back into shape, and did the rough reshaping of the grille opening necessary to fit the grille back in! Apparently, it was a better idea at the time to flatten the grille instead of making sure the opening was the stock height. Consequently, I've used a scissors jack and some planks to jack the opening back to it's correct height (!). The pictures tell the story...

Mock Dash Layout

2006-09-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

Doug's been busy again. At the same time that I was trying out a pattern for the "new" gauge section of the dash, he was putting the reworked gauges into a mock dash setup for my approval. Needless to say, he got it!

Time for an update!

2006-09-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

From left to right:
Existing speedometer, cleaned up
Tach, created from scratch including "SMITHS" face
Triple gauge, with voltmeter replacing amps.

WOW!

And these aren't even the real faces yet...just paper copies temporarily placed.

I can't thank Doug enough. Next, we're (he's...I'm just support) taking on converting one of the rectangular MGB oil pressure gauges to look like these and mounting it where the ash tray used to be...

Here's the picture of the finished transmission I forgot to take and load last time...

Believe it or not, this is the rusty remnants of the pins and spring clips that held the pads in place in the Stag calipers. You can imagine what the calipers looked like. They've been cleaned, I've bought some used but good pistons to replace the corroded originals that have been removed, and I'm awaiting a seal kit to try to rebuild the calipers. We'll hope that I can get by with a rebuild as a professional sleeving job is really expensive (although nice!).

Finally, here's the gutted engine compartment. I have to decide what color the car will eventually be before putting the engine in so that I can paint this properly. Right now, since I must stay with the red interior, I'm leaning towards a creamy white or dove gray (grey?). Any votes out there, or other suggestions???

Jamie

More work done...

2006-08-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

Finished the tranny (but forgot to take a picture of the completed assembly!) O/D installed, additional switch added to top cover (who has a 5/8-13 tap anyway?...thankfully, a metric one was close enough)

Here's the next rebuild job: a set of Stag calipers...at least I was able to obtain a set of good pistons for them on eBay...

Finally, a shot of the rear of the car. All the bins in the rear are filled with parts!

Pictures (2nd try)

2006-08-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, here are the pictures I was having difficulty posting...

First one is of the sending unit before Doug's cleaning/refurbishing. Second, one of the disassembled triple gauge, fuel gauge that's being turned into a volt meter, and you can see the cleaned (and now functional!) sending unit in the background. Finally, the "new" gauge temporarily put into place.

Doug has replacement graphics for the face and gauge planned. He really does phenominal work! By the time we have the 2" tach in place, the only other gauge I'd like to have is oil pressure. Since I don't smoke, maybe we can do something with the ash-tray part of the dash...

Jamie

Miscellaneous Update

2006-08-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

Not much progress as far as assembly goes...but...lots of parts acquisitions and some dash/gauge progress (thanks to Doug!). First, current assembly state.

This is the rough order of what I have to do to get the car back on the road (feel free to object/correct/suggest through comments!)

Finish assembling the tranny (top cover/OD/nose)
Pull already rebuilt TR6 engine from TR6 and put front plate & sump from 2500 on.
Marry up engine/clutch/tranny
Clean up and repaint underhood area (means deciding color for car, see below)
Mount engine/tranny from underneath
Re-install already rebuilt front suspension
Install driveshaft coming from California (a deal I couldn't refuse, was planning on making one up)
Turn used Stag rotors, rebuild Stag calipers and install front brakes
Replace rear shoes/wheel cylinders/drums as necessary (have all 3 new)
Replace flex brake lines
Modify Mk. II RHD gas pedal to fit LHD Mk. I (may be interesting...)
Coat fuel tank with liner after shaking chain for a while to break loose crud & clean
Reinstal fuel tank and refurbished sender (thanks Doug!)
Have radiator re-cored for increased cooling, because...
the next step will be to install the new heat/A-C system (R-134) that Dave and I are designing
Mount master cylinders/slave cylinder (have all new or rebuilt) and connect/fill/bleed/fill/bleed/fill/bleed/etc...hydraulics (DOT5, I'm not going racing)
Rebuild HS 6 carbs (have kits) and install w/exhaust manifold
Trailer to local custom exhaust shop for fabrication/installation
Reinstall front seats and install new seat belts front and rear (already have)
Cover split vinyl on top of dash and install new dash center/gauges/radio/etc
Debug electricals (this could take weeks...I've never even hooked up a battery at this point)
Debug engine/mechanicals (if there is a major risk here, it's the differential/halfshafts, I'll look at the halfshafts while underneath and do U-joints if needed, but I'm not touching the diff...car had 57k miles so I'm trusting it's OK)
Any minor interior cosmetics
Blast TR6 wheels, paint, buy/mount/balance tires
Replace center emblem in TR6 centers and install
Install new wiper arms/wipers (already have)
Install bumpers
I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, I reserve the right to edit this post!
Install child seat and let's go Triumphing!

Now, as to color choices. As previously posted, I just can't get into the green and red combination. Since I have a new red carpet set that came with the car, and the front seats are largely newly reuplolstered in red...and the rear seat is still in original red leather...I think I'm stuck with a red interior for the forseeable future. I'm thinking that leaves me with a limited selection of colors, especially since the body has some waves....so right now the leading candidate is a two tone combo of red roof/off-white body, using period colors. What do you think?

Parts...I've gotten a lot since my last post. For example, a NOS 2500 O/D shift lever (eBay), a pair of sidelight lenses (a kind-hearted British saloon enthusiast), speedo cable, NOS bumper overriders, Lucas Square 8 driving lights, front wheel bearings, strut gaiters, u-joints, rear window heater kit, lug nuts, tie rod ends, side mirrors (all eBay) have all found their way into the garage.

Finally, here's some of the work Doug's been doing on the gauges and dash. He's found that the triple gauge I purchased (supposedly from a later 2000) isn't exactly the same as the original, so we're going to have to create a voltmeter from another gauge. The pictures explain it better than I can, but I can't get it to load tonight. So I guess that will have to wait for next time!

Tranny update, gauges, another 2000 on the road and other parts

2006-07-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

I've only been able to work on the car one day since the last post, but it was a GOOD day. My friend David came over and after re-arranging engines on engine stands, we managed to get the majority of the transmission assembled with new bearings and layshaft. David was particularly resourceful in figuring out a way to press off and install the new bearings with a homemade Spitfire spring compressor (I don't have a hydraulic press). All I have to do now (besides finding some time) is install the top cover, nose piece and overdrive (already assembled).

Another friend has helped me with the lack of a tachometer. Doug has created a "concept" dash for me and is helping me understand the details of what it will take to add a tachometer. Doug has converted many old mechanical gauges to electric operation and has restored his wife's GT6 Mk. I and a beautiful Mk. I Mini Cooper S. His Mini sports a gauge where he even made the gauge facing himself...but you can't tell it from looking. I hope mine turns out 1/2 that well. Here's Doug's concept of what our wood insert will look like...

We're hoping that the gauge on the right, which the seller on eBay said was from a 2000, will fit with the bezel from the original triple gauge as it would allow me to have a voltmeter rather than an ammeter. I've always felt more comfortable without all those amps flowing behind the dash. The center gauge will be a construction of Doug's, made to look like a period Smiths-type gauge. Wish us luck!

Other items I've recently acquired for the car include a period Smiths rear window defogger kit that looks too good to use, a set of NCSU floor mats to match the red interior carpet, new seat belts for both front and rear, a set of Lucas "square 8" driving lamps to get some light on the road and an original set of microfiches for early, mid and late 2000/2500/2.5PI cars and a microfiche viewer (thanks craigslist!)

Finally, Steve has his 2000 Mk. II on the road and recently attended the VTR National Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas. We missed getting together on his way back but hopefully that will happen soon!

Jamie

Gee, it's been a month. Some progress!

2006-06-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it's been almost a month since I last posted. Must have something to do with spending a week at the beach and having a 13-month old running (!) around...
But yes, there has been some 'Triumphant' time as well. Progress includes:

Standard TR6 tranny has been disassembled, cleaned, and rebuild parts ordered. The internal components of the tranny are the nicest I've ever seen. I almost didn't have to replace the countershaft (!). However, someone in the TVR's history must have loved to hang their hand on the shifter when in fourth gear, because the shifter fork is really, really worn. One's been ordered from TRF, along with many other items.

Front struts, brake drums and shoes, and numerous other eBay purchases have been received and prepared for installation. I'm happy to say that everyone I've dealt with on eBay for parts for this car has been super.

As you can see, there's plenty of parts on the car...just not INSTALLED on the car!

As a side note, we in North Carolina are very proud of our 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes! I admit freely to watching games rather than working on the car... :-)

39-Year Old Assembly Error Found!

2006-05-23T21:31:00.000-05:00

Boy, I'll bet this car had some creaks and groans in the right front! As I took apart the fourth strut assembly (two from the Stag parts from Dave Crane, two from the 2000) this Sunday, I noticed that the top of the strut assembly looked a little different than the others. Apparently, some Triumph assembly line worker was a little off the mark with his placement of the rubber pad that goes between the spring and the upper spring rest.

In case you can't tell from the picture, the ring was fitted ABOVE the spring rest. It's in perfect, un-blemished condition after 39 years of being totally useless. The metal-on-metal spring to rest contact, however, left a lot of iron oxide particles...

Here's another shot with me holding the ring (to left). The stuff that looks like cotton wool is various insect nests/egg sacs....soon to be gone.
One of the things all this disassembly means is lots more parts to beadblast. Here's some of what I'll be trying to get blasted soon:
Finally, I splurged! I really didn't want to bolt that rough looking badge on the left to the rechromed bumper...so...look what I found on eBay! NOS, it even has the right badge in it, now that the TR6/2500S engine will be going in... :-)

Oh well...still searching for some more time. I did manage to drain the tranny as well; it already had a magnetic drain plug (some crud attached, but nothing to worry about) and had pretty clean oil. Next step is to get in and find out what I need to replace (besides the inevitable countershaft and cluster gear bearings...) Guess that's all for tonight. Hope to see some more comments!

More progress...albeit slow progress!

2006-05-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

I realized that I had neglected to post that the overdrive and mainshaft had arrived from Ian in New Zealand. Ian has previously provided overdrive conversion kits to two of my friends, and they're both happy, so I expect things to be fine with Chrissy's conversion. Ian also supplies 2000/2500 parts, so if you're in need in the land of OZ, drop him a note. Ian's e-mail is roslian@xtra.co.nz. You can see the overdrive to the left.

And here on the left is the transmission it will be mated to. I've rebuilt Triumph TR and Spitfire transmissions before, so this shouldn't be too difficult. I'm going to wait until I've cleaned and stripped the transmission down before I order parts...I'm sure I'll need a layshaft and countergear bearings...the rest we'll just have to wait and see. This transmission was originally in a TVR 2500, so it will be seeing drastically different duty in the estate.

Speaking of projects, here's another one. I took apart one of the Stag front strut assemblies that Dave, the best Triumphguy I know, was kind enough to find for me. This had spent some time in a junkyard, so I wasn't expecting too much, but I did learn the following:

I need to use my stronger spring compressors when undoing the castellated nut at the top...which won't be hard now that the weaker version was bent by the spring (no injuries, thankfully)
The almost 40-year old bond between the rubber and metal of the upper portion must be of a very high quality, because even on the Stag units that look a lot worse than the ones off the wagon, the bond is still very strong
I am unable to open up the strut housing (probably a good reason why Chris Witor says this isn't a DIY job) so I will be purchasing housings that have already had the cartridges replaced
Finally, since I can easily compress the Stag strut with one finger, any thoughts of using the existing struts went out the window.

Finally, I wanted to show the stockpile of parts waiting to be attached to Chrissy...can't wait for some time to actually install some of them! Good thing she's got a lot of storage space!

Gathering Pictures

2006-04-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

Vern Brannon drove his 2000 saloon daily driver to the Gathering. Vern really does drive this car daily. I believe it came from Oregon as it has a PTOA sticker on the back window.

I hope at some point to get a steering wheel like this one for the Estate.

There's an interesting story behind the tear in the hood sheetmetal (visible just to the side of the "hood scoop"). Apparently Vern was driving the car one day when the original fan blade lost a blade...which left, rather rapidly, while creating the tear along the way. Vern has since replaced the fan...and this led me to buy a TR250 fan for Chrissy.

As far as progress on OUR car, I've done some more blasting and painting, but there's a lot more to do. I'm still struggling with the eventual brake specifications. At this point, I'm leaning towards a Stag M/C, Stag front brakes, and possibly putting a proportioning valve into the system to keep the rears from locking up rather than replacing the rear brakes with Stag brakes. Anyone got any experience with proportioning valves? They seem pretty affordable on eBay. I've also acquired some more parts off the list that never seems to end...but will eventually.

One more thing...it's lonely out here. If you read this, please post a comment so that I know you did...:-) Thanks!

Jamie

Update...but not much to report

2006-04-24T22:03:00.000-05:00

It's been pretty busy lately with the TCOC's main event, The Gathering, which was last weekend and was a great deal of fun!

The latest issues are how to rig up the throttle (I'm going to try a late Spit 1500 cable attached to a highly modified RHD pedal assembly) and what to use for a brake master cylinder. At this point I'm going to start off with a NOS 2000 master cylinder...but that may create a "long" pedal with the Stag front calipers. We'll have to see. If I have to go to the Stag brake M/C I'll have to relocate the clutch M/C in one way or another. Two solutions were posted to my question on the forum, one to move the cylinder over, one to create a part that relocates the cylinder forward and to also extend the pushrod. We'll have to see.

Also, my friend Doug from Durham has offered to help me figure out a way to get more gauges into the dash without it looking horrible. I really want a tachometer, and I would prefer a voltmeter over the ammeter.

More to come, I'm sure...

Aussie Parts Arrive!

2006-04-12T12:27:00.000-05:00

Yea! The parts from Australia are here! Here's the box from Andy:

Note the "This way up". The box was very solidly constructed, and I can at least say that the local DHL delivery folks did pay attention to the directions...it was in my driveway that side up!

I eagerly unpacked the box (LOTS of screws):

I now have in the garage awaiting cleaning, fettling and installation:
SU carbs, linkage and manifold
Gas, brake and clutch pedals
Remote air cleaner assembly and ducting
Sump for 2.5 engine
Engine mount spacer plates

And the bumper and sidelamp have been repacked and sent on to Stephen...

Now to find some time!

Here's the latest progress

2006-03-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the picture below, the front suspension and brakes have been removed from the car:

It's a lot easier to deal with than the TR series, that's for sure.

Here's what the springs and struts look like. I think it's strut replacement time:Most importantly, Chrissy now has a transmission, and the TR6 has regained an engine. Brian (on the left in the picture) was kind enough to sell me the engine and transmission from his 1973 TVR 2500M, which has a small-block Ford in it's future (!)

Thanks to both Brian and David for helping me pull the engine and tranny last Saturday. Now, to mate the TR6 tranny with the overdrive and mainshaft coming from New Zealand... :-)

2006-03-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

We're getting closer! Parts continue to arrive (thanks to eBay and TRF) and I'm starting to refurbish parts. The steering rack was pronounced "good to go" by Kevin Andrews of Wayne's Alignment last weekend at the TCOC tech session and new rack boots are waiting to be installed.

As Triumph Stag parts are much easier to come by in the US, I will be using suspension pieces from a Stag to add an anti-roll bar to the front of the wagon as they are apparently interchangeable with the 2000.

Triumph had an interesting way of shoehorning the larger 2500 engine into the 2000 engine compartment. They moved the mounting holes for the engine 1" to the left (since they are on angles, it actually results in a 0.6" movement) and added spacers to the right side of the engine (as seen from the driver's seat) to rotate the engine back to level. Here's a diagram that Andy drew explaining it to me:

Down below this is the move I will have to make with the mounting holes. There's really not enough material to just drill, so I'll be adding some metal as well....break out the welder!

I have to point out that the sedan/estate front suspension is much simpler and easier to work on (as long as you have a suitable spring compressor) than the TR series...at least in my opinion. It was nice being able to drop the whole thing at once...

Until next time!

Jamie

Yet another green and red sighting...and more work done!

2006-03-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

Saw a post on the Club Triumph board about a '67 Mk. I estate for sale in England, so I followed the link. Yet another Conifer Green/Matador red combo! What gives with this color scheme???

Ok. I've actually gotten some work done in the past couple of days. Pulled the pedalbox, pedals and brake booster, blasted and repainted them along with the replacement harmonic dampener for the TR6 engine. Today, the front brakes and most of the front suspension got removed/cleaned. Definitely going to need some new bushings, but there must have been some recent work done on the brakes; the calipers look rebuilt with new pistons, the ball joints are new, and I think the tie rod ends are also. Good old Timken bearings that look good enough to clean and reuse, and no bad surprises.

Tranny woes!

2006-03-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

Ok...for future reference for all you big Triumph fans out there...a Stag BW35 is not the same as a 2000 BW35. You can see the pictures here to the right, the 2000 is above the Stag. Although they look similar, the Stag input shaft is 1/4" longer and slightly larger in diameter. This means that it WON'T fit into the 2000 torque converter (I tried)...and it means that I'll be punting and looking into a manual transmission conversion. Eventually its what I would have liked to do anyway, but I really didn't need the headache now. Thankfully, there's a terrific Triumph guy named Andy Thompson in Australia who's helping me with the carbs, intake, oil pan and the other items that it takes to fit the TR6 engine. Here's a picture of "my" carbs that he posted to the Club Triumph forum:

Also, Ian Priestley in New Zealand is working on putting a package together with the overdrive and mainshaft to convert a standard TR6 tranny to work with a 2500 A-type OD unit. Finally, I hope to get the engine and transmission from my friend Brian Kelly's TVR 2500 that he's converting to a Ford V-8 unit.

So...here's hoping that "a plan comes together!"

Talk with previous owner!

2006-02-28T21:06:00.000-05:00

Today, I made contact with Steve, one of the past owners of the estate, from New Paltz, NY. I appreciate the time he took to fill me in on some of the earlier history of the car. Apparently, Steve found the car outside a service station where it had apparently sat for some time, victim of neglect and a mild collision. After Steve bought the car, he replaced the "nose cone" and acquired another front bumper. He also swapped out the front seats with those from another car. He added wheels from an MGB (the ones that appear in the pictures). Once he got it back to the house, he couldn’t get it started…"drove him insane". He removed head, decoked engine, etc…and it still wouldn’t start. Finally, he found that the engine had very little compression. He then put a TR6 engine in, had to change oil pan to make it fit. Steve drove it for a while, he commented that it drove nicely. After about a year, he sold the car to Vern, whom I bought it from.

So...as the parts roll in from eBay, the saga continues. Now if only I could find some more time!

Anyone want to join in the madness???

2006-02-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

There's a nice looking 2000 SEm sedan (one of the ones with all the additional features) for sale on eBay right now.... <http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4614114125>

Green...and red???

2006-02-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

Now that I know that the conifer green and red interior are original...as in it left the factory that way....

It STILL isn't growing on me.

However, I did find a period advertisement that shows that someone at Standard-Triumph liked the color (colour, I suppose) scheme....

Stag tranny coming

2006-02-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

Two big items of progress:
1. Thanks to Andy down under, a conversion kit to help the 2000 become a 2500 is being assembled for shipmnent.
2. A rebuilt BW35 has been purchased off of eBay and will soon be heading to NC from Buffalo, NY.
Now, on to find a torque converter.... :-)

Ok...Now I know more, but it just raises more questions...

2006-02-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

OK...more information:
I received the BMIHT package on the estate, and it's only raised more questions... -- The car was built 24-Oct-1967, despatched 17-Nov-1967. -- Destination was "Personal Export Delivery for Mr J. W. Hanes, c/o Standard Triumph Eire Limited (does this mean that Mr. Hanes was just an individual in Ireland, or did he work for Triumph in Ireland?) -- under "Other Information", it states that "This vehicle was originally issued with the Coventry registration mark NHP455P"...so I guess this means that Mr. Hanes drove the car in England prior to ????

Can anyone shed any light on the above?

Finally, I've made the decision to pursue the TR6 engine option. Consequently, I need to ask Chris Witor about obtaining the following from a 2500:
1. Oil pan
2. Intake manifold, carbs, linkage, air filter housing, skinny air chamber, mounting for housing, etc.
3. I'm still thinking that the front plate, rear plate, and flex plate for the automatic will transfer.

If any of you think I need something else, please let me know.

NOW, I'm asking yet another question. Is the BW 35 from a Stag the same as the one from a 2500? I'm thinking the input shaft would be different if it were a manual tranny, but wouldn't an automatic be the same (just the two tangs on the torque converter?) If the bolt-on bell housing is different, I could use the one from the 2000. The reason I'm asking is that there's a rebuilt Stag BW35 on eBay for far less than I can get one rebuilt for...anyone's input is welcome!

Engine Stripdown

2006-02-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

No pictures (yet) but some interesting items found during engine stripdown:

Rocker shaft, rockers, camshaft, lifters were absolutely pristine...must have been replaced
Timing chain has more slack than I've ever seen on a Triumph engine, tensioner worn out
1 main bearing through to copper (why just one?)
Rod ends and rods were engraved but miss-matched (1 on 2, 2 on 1)
Rod bearings looked OK
Thrust washer in rear was HAMMERED...leads me to believe it was in a manual tranny car at some point
Pistons had terrible galling, but on a 45-degree angle from either axis (weird...)

So...now I'm looking eagerly at the TR6 engine, already rebult, sitting there...and going hmmm...

I've asked for help on two UK Triumph sedan sites, hopefully I will get some help before going further...

What do we have here?

2006-01-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

Well, after splitting the tranny and engine apart in the wee hours of Sunday morning (Ally was kind enough to wake me at 4 am), all is not well. The torque converter is supposed to have two "tangs" on the backside that engage the pump in the tranny. One tang is not there at all, and the other looks like it's been welded back on...so...I know I'm on the lookout for a Borg-Warner type 35 torque converter at least. On the bright side, it helped having a multitude of manuals (thanks eBay) to figure out how to get the tranny separated. Also, nothing to concern me about the engine yet...

Now with pictures of OUR car...

2006-01-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots of OUR vehicle, and, more importantly, our daughter with the vehicle she's responsible for! Ally apparently is at least OK with the car based on facial expressions... :-)

She's home!

2006-01-18T08:04:00.000-05:00

On Monday, 1/16/06, Cheri, Allyson and I picked up our new "family car" from Vernon Brannon in Charlotte, NC, and towed it back to Raleigh with the trusty Durango. Pictures to follow once I take them, but on the left is the factory brochure.