TRIUMPH TR2 RESTORATION

The pictures above are what we are after, apologies if I have breached copyright somehere with this!

 

TS1852 is not expected to be a true concourse car for a couple of reasons the first being about the cost to do that as we are a long way from a good beginning and I can't afford the professionals so my simple skills are all we have.

 

Secondly I wanted to have a car that looks original but had some of the comforts and safety features of a more modern vehicle such as disc brakes, a reliable electrical system, a heater and music. However I was not going to modify the body and was not going to do massive visual changes like modern seating. I was keen to go back to the original colour, mostly because I liked it, British Racing Green with a red trim, leather preferably. Also needs to go a bit harder than the orginal car without massive engine changes.

 

So the plan is

 

Motor

Upsize the motor to the 2138cc (commonly know as the 2.2L motor for some poor mathematical reasoning) by replacing the wet sleeves and pistons used in the later motors, ported and polished head and hotter road cam profile. The engine already has the later version high port head fitted with larger SU's (1 & 1/2"). Extractors and retain the 2" exhaust system. I now have an electronic distributor and high torque starter motor as well as an alternator and electric fan. This will be modified to run off a sensor in the upper tank of the radiator. The radiator has already been recored.

 

Running Gear

The original car did not have overdrive, an essential option for this car but due to lack of availaibity I have had a Triumph 2500 gearbox with a more reliable J type overdrive rebuilt ready to be fitted. A later model Girling axle has already been fitted and this was rebuilt not long after I got the car due to an unfortunate separation of teeth and cogs.

 

Brakes

The vehicle is alredy fitted with TR3 discs at the front. I have rebuilt the calipers and master cylinder, rear brakes look pretty good so have cleaned them up and painted backing plates and drums. No immediate plan to put a booster on.

 

Steering and Wheels

The plan is to convert to a rack and pinion steering from the worm and peg. This is a common modification as a result of the advent of radial tyres compared to the old cross plies. I am currently considering buying the whole set up including steering column and intermediate shaft from Moss or Rimmers but not yet decided. Any advice here would be appreciated. No hurry on this at this time. This conversion will allow me to fit a smaller diameter steering wheel.

 

I am still tossing up on the options of minilite mags or widened steel chrome rims with the original hub caps. Watch this space but don't hold your breath, we are a long was away from that. A note on this, I have purchased a set of widened steel rims and the intent is to paint with silver paint as a first step and see how they look. I can always get them chromed at a later date if I thins that is the way to go.

 

Suspension

I have replaced all bushes with the neoprene versions. I now have a anti roll bar for the front courtesy of Smithees of Batemans Bay and will be fitting softer front springs for a more compliant road ride with the roll bar to give better cornering. New shockers are to come of course. I have chosen not to modify the rear suspension at this stage other than having the rear lever arm shockers rebuilt. I may review stiffer rear springs at some time int he future but not mission critical for this stage.

 

 

Interior and Comforts

Preferably red leather seats (depending on the bank balance at that time) and trim although I already have brand new black carpets coutesy of a birthday present from the wife a few years ago so black carpet is the go. They haven't seen the light of day yet! I intend to put heat shield material under the carpet to deaden sound and reduce heat into the cabin. On the matter of heat, an aftermarket heater will be fitted and a stereo, still working on the speaker location at this stage that doesn't involve big holes in panels. I have a couple of ideas but anyone with some practical knowledge would be welcome to provide some input. Gauges will be standard wherever possible.

 

 

Budget

Don't ask....

 

SO HOW DO MY PHOTOS COMPARE TO THE ABOVE? SEND ME AN EMAIL THROUGH THE CONTACT PAGE TO STATE YOUR OPINION. i WOUD APPRECIATE FEEDBACK.

 

Think that covers that