2.5Pi Mk1 Restoration

[2SwissTriumphs]

As i´ve recently started proper restoration work on my 2.5Pi Mk1, I thought i´d start a little project diary on here to keep track of progress. The car has been off the road since 1983, in storage at the garage where I work for around 12 years. In that time my boss could have sold it at least 3 times to people wanting an engine donor for a TR5 or TR6. Luckily, he is also a fan of Triumph saloons - owning both Mk1 & 2 Pi´s as well as 2 Dolomite Sprints and a 1300 FWD - and refused to sell unless the car would be returned to the road (only 6 Swiss Mk1 Pi´s are known to us). I´ve owned the car since July but due to recently renting new workshop premises and getting things setup, only minor work has been carried out so far. The fuel tank was removed to be cleaned out and I had also previously overhauled the ignition system. Now it´s time to make a real start on restoration as my workshop is up to a reasonable standard.

The car in the company storage lean-to.

Pulling out with a small Toyota as the rear brakes had seized !

A quick rinse off to remove plenty of dirt and dust.

Rear adjusters released and brake drums persuaded off.

Some old part-worn tyres to replace the 35 year old ones and get rolling.

This was all between July and November. I had a 6-week trip to Canada and a very hectic time at work during these months too.

[2SwissTriumphs]

Then we loaded it up onto the company transporter and took it up to my workshop. Once delivered, I lifted the car up onto axle stands and removed the complete suspension, steering rack and rear axle assemblies.

Corner assemblies.

The differential and subframe comes out.

All the removed parts go back down to the company workshop as my workbench is still lacking its top !

And at the end of today, everything has been further dismantled, ready for cleaning and sandblasting over the next couple of days.

That brings things up to date for now. Apologies for the very long initial posts but I hope the background information makes for a more complete story !
More progress, pictures and updates as often as I can.

Martin.

[steve28]

Great looking project you have there, good luck sorting it.
there's people over here that would kill for something like this
steve

[leesellars]

Hello Martin
Do not throw anything away or lose anything. Spares are a bit thin on the ground.

Lee

[2SwissTriumphs]

Time for a progress update I think

All the suspension components have been blasted and are now in 2-pack primer.

I´ve also drilled and tapped a drain plug hole into the differential casing and started the rebuild of the differential internals. New bearings and thrust washers for all gears.

More pictures coming soon !

Regards,
Martin.

[2SwissTriumphs]

A few more pictures from February - progress has been slow due to work commitments and impending house move but things are still getting done.

Firstly, the differential is finished and painted.

And now has a drain plug too ! (I´m not sure why Triumph never fitted these ?)

Also, i´ve repaired the Pi steering wheel I have (which will replace the 2000 item currently fitted) by hand-forming some brass rivets to hold the centre and rim together. Then the rim has a hard rubber profile bonded onto it which will be sanded into a circular form. Once this has been over-layered with dense foam and trimmed in leather, the wheel should appear standard but will have a slightly thicker rim.

Next up should be the front struts and hub assemblies. I´m just waiting on a set of rubber spring pads.

More coming soon !

Regards,
Martin.

[2SwissTriumphs]

Tonight i´ve finished the assembly of the front struts. New springs, dampers, top bearings, gaiters and washers. Lower legs and spring cups sandblasted and painted.

Things may slow down a little now as my house move is gathering pace. Hopefully I can get the trailing arms cleaned up and perhaps rebuild the steering rack and propshaft over the next few weeks.

Regards,
Martin.

[2SwissTriumphs]

Hello folks.
I was rather shocked to notice recently that it´s been some months since I last posted an update on the restoration progress. Things have been moving along but not quite as fast as I would like, mainly due to other projects absorbing time and the setup of the workshop absorbing funds. I´m sure you all know how such things happen !

As it now stands, the suspension, steering, brakes and rear axle have been completely rebuild and are tucked safely up in the loft. I plan next to rebuild all the hydraulic cylinders and then begin emptying the engine bay, restoring everything piece by piece until only a long block remains.

However, my girlfriend has recently bought an MGB (please forgive me, I tried to find a GT6 but no such luck !) which I have promised to make roadworthy for next spring. This isn´t a huge undertaking but does involve welding, paint and mechanical work as the car has lain dormant almost as long as my Pi. It´s a runner and a driver though so it´s already leagues ahead of the poor old Pi

I´ll post up some pictures of my car part filled loft soon and I promise not to forget my Pi whilst fixing the MGB !

Stay tuned,
Regards,
Martin.

[David Withers]

Progress maybe not as fast as it was, but still impressive! Thanks for keeping us updated, Martin.

[2SwissTriumphs]

Here we go:

The completed driveshafts added into the big pile of.....

restored Pi parts in the loft !

Now it´s onto the hydraulics

Regards,
Martin.