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Triumph TR3 - New owner

Well, I did it! After several years of thinking, looking, going to shows, procrastinating and generally driving everyone around me crazy, I found her.
THE car, the only car, the car of all cars, MY car, a 1956 TR3! (so what's a savings account for anyway?)
Enough about me, on to why I'm writing this.
I want to replace the tires, and I know what the factory used, but there seems to be some debate on size and type. Any thoughts on what some of you folks like or dislike and why - would be great. Same goes for the oil, too. I have also noticed some people add rack and pinion steering systems. Sounds expensive - worth it or not?
Thanks to everyone who is dedicated to the sport!
Mike Gambordella
Mike Gambordella

Mike - I believe you. I saw the pictures of your car and I know you'll enjoy driving it a lot.

I put on 4 new Michelin 165 15 tires in 1990 and drove 57,000 miles before I started to get tire ply separation. They cost me about $95.00 each in 1990. But in 2000, when I needed new ones, I found that you have to buy these from Coker. In Canada, they would have cost me about $250.00 each delivered but unmounted. So I bought Kelly - Springfield Centreds 165 15. They make them mainly for the old Beetle. I bought them in Iowa, (I was on my way to VTR-2001 in Colorado) and they cost about $44.00 each, installed and balanced. I've driven over 13,000 miles on these Centreds and they are still like new. I drive about 75 mph when I can, usually hours at a time with no problem.

I use 20W50 Castrol in the engine and change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. On a 7,220 round trip to VTR in Portland, Oregon, I changed the oil while I was out there. I fill it and keep it above the bottom line on the dipstick to about half way between the two lines. I find when I keep it at the top line, it gets pumped out down to there anyway.

I have an overdrive and for the gearbox/overdrive, I use 20W50 Valvoline. If I can find Valvoline 20W50 R (for Racing), I use that. Never use an oil with GL5 rating. It'll attack the brass and bronze parts inside. I drain the gearbox/overdrive every 5,000 miles and clean out the mesh wire screen filter before refilling. I also have a magnetic plug for the drain in the engine as well as the gearbox. In the large brass drain plug on the bottom of the overdrive, I added a small magnet and clean it when I drain it. I fill to the top line on the dip-stick for the gearbox/overdrive, and run the car in gear or drive it around the block easily, then top up the gearbox again to the top line on the dipstick. The re-fill inlet hole and the dipstick are accessible by lifting out the carpet on the passenger's side of the "tunnel" and removing the black rubber plug. I use a small funnel in which I pour the oil. The funnel can only take a bit at a time. Don't spill the oil on your carpets. Take them out if you must.

Rack and pinion is reported to be great. I have written here before what I did to improve my steering. Check the archives under "Search" at the top of each page and try different key words. I bought the kit from England. They are the same ones who came up later with the rack and pinion. They'll problably want to sell you the R&P, but why ? If your TR tracks straight, why change it ? We TR owners have a saying - "If it ain't broke - don't fix it". I want my TR3A to be as original as possible and this kit is a lot cheaper too.

I suggest you drive it and check it out. Mine really got a lot better with the kit. I've had it in for about 60,000 miles and it's great, tracks straight, no sloppy looseness and no vibration.

If you can't find the topic under "Search", write back here and I'll repeat the info.

These cars were designed to be simple. Let's keep them that way.

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
Don Elliott

Mike - Go to "Search", type "rack and pinion" then click on "all of these words" and "TR3". Then you will get it. Plus a lot more info too.

Don Elliott
Don Elliott

Mike,

As the proud two-week-new owner of a '61 TR3A, I welcome to the class of 2002! What a great time to rediscover the joy of driving something that appeals to the emotional, intellectual and kinetic sides of our personalities.

You'll notice I'm doing my part to help top the TR6 board for postings. This BBS is a terrific resource for quick information. It's like having all these experienced souls right there in your garage ready for questions, but without having to spring for beer and chips.

My only caution concerns how very tempting it is to attack the car on all fronts at once: mechanical, cosmetic, performance, safety, etc. It sounds as though, like me, you were fortunate enough to get hold of a car in great condition that can be driven right off the bat, and you can't beat being getting out on the open road.

I'm looking forward to learning from your questions, too, Mike. Fire away, and congratulations!

Bill Stagg
1961 TR3A
Bill Stagg

To all TR3, TR3A and TR3B Owners - I also have been thinking of trying to out-do the TR6 gang with their 400 or so messages. I read all of them because I can learn from them.

One thing I learned from them is that they sometimes "tolerate" it when I (a TR3A owner) submit an answer on their TR6 site.

I also learned they sometimes read our TR3 messages and I know that they are going to get really upset if we match the activity they have on their TR6 site.

Let's give it a go !

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
Don Elliott

Uh-Oh. Sounds like a challenge to me! God knows, I'm up for that. It's in good fun and all the better for all of us anyway. After all, any TR is a good TR right?

Bill, Thanks for the welcome and right back at you. I saw your "New owner reporting in" thread. I posted a "Possible new owner" right after that, then the "New owner" one. I've read them all. This a fantastic way to learn from one another. I personally plan to combine eveything I find here with the manuals I have and then hopefully draw the conclusion that's best for me.

Your right Bill, I was fortunate enough to find an excellent driver. The PO had her for twenty yrs. and the PO before him (the original builder)for 15 or so. I like that. I've also been lucky enough to have formed a friendship w/ the PO who's very glad to have me as the next owner, gives tech. advice, etc. To top it off, one of my friends was friends with the PO 10 yrs. ago in Chicago and knows the car very well!
I'm a happy camper.

Don - I must say you certainly seem to be very enthusiastic! With all that fun your having driving around, no wonder. I've learned alot from you already.
Saw all your restoration pictures too - what a job!
That was a great thing you did spearheading the effort for the memorial in Coventry. Cool.

Anyway, CHEERS, CHAPS - it's off to the garage!

P.S. I'll have a beer for you, Bill - it's going to be 60 degrees here all weekend!
Mike Gambordella '56 TR3 Comm. # TS9865
Mike Gambordella

This thread was discussed between 06/11/2002 and 08/11/2002

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