Hi Folks!
This is my first post in this forum so be kind to me. I recently suffered a fit of temporary insanity and purchased a 2500TC. It needs work to the sills, clutch, radiator and other small jobs prior to an MOT. My main cause for concern however is the state of the front wings. I was considering glassfibre replacements as a cheaper alternative to repair panels. Has anybody used these? There\'s a company called smith and deakin which list them at £75 each. Any recommendations?
Regards
Jim
Front wings
Hello Jim, <br>
<br>
I would be cautious, mainly as the front wings are not bolted but
welded and are a big job to replace. Normally repair panels are a
better job. What complicates Triumphs is that everything virtually is
double or triple skinned, very good from a strength aspect but hard
work to repair the ravages of rust. The inner wing is attached to the
outer wing around the wheel arch and unless this is sealed water will
inevitably get inside the wing and cause future problems. <br>
Sill repair is also another big job as inevitably the extent of the
rust is worse than it looks. The sill is essentially a rectangular
section, but with a third shaped outer section, i.e. there is a
vertical \'wall\' inside and the length of the sill. This will
usually be rusted all along its bottom length losing a large part of
the cars strenght. Also the front of the sill rusts away and as this is
inside the rear of the front wing means removing that part of the
wing to repair it.<br>
<br>
I don\'t mean to put a damper on your enthusiasm and the Triumphs are
very rewarding to drive so I suggest do it right and enjoy years of
pleasurable motoring.<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
<br>
I would be cautious, mainly as the front wings are not bolted but
welded and are a big job to replace. Normally repair panels are a
better job. What complicates Triumphs is that everything virtually is
double or triple skinned, very good from a strength aspect but hard
work to repair the ravages of rust. The inner wing is attached to the
outer wing around the wheel arch and unless this is sealed water will
inevitably get inside the wing and cause future problems. <br>
Sill repair is also another big job as inevitably the extent of the
rust is worse than it looks. The sill is essentially a rectangular
section, but with a third shaped outer section, i.e. there is a
vertical \'wall\' inside and the length of the sill. This will
usually be rusted all along its bottom length losing a large part of
the cars strenght. Also the front of the sill rusts away and as this is
inside the rear of the front wing means removing that part of the
wing to repair it.<br>
<br>
I don\'t mean to put a damper on your enthusiasm and the Triumphs are
very rewarding to drive so I suggest do it right and enjoy years of
pleasurable motoring.<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
Hi Alec,
Thanks for the speedy reply. I know deep down that the wings should be repaired properly. I fully intend to correctly repair the sills though initially I was hoping to delay this job. Unfortunately this is required in order to achieve an MOT. I have just finished a 3 1/2 year body off TR6 rebuild and didnt particularly want to spend too much money on another car. I intend to use the car everyday so structural safety is vital as is a long lasting repair. I\'m away for a couple of weeks but will commence the sill repairs when I get back. Im expecting the inner membrane to be shot as is usually the way. I spoke to the guy at Earlparts who explained that some of the repair panels for the front wings are currently unavailable. For the moment I\'ll repair what I can and skim with filler until proper repairs can be effected.
Im planning on visiting the restoration show at Stonleigh so hopefully this will turn up a few items on my shopping list!
Jim
Thanks for the speedy reply. I know deep down that the wings should be repaired properly. I fully intend to correctly repair the sills though initially I was hoping to delay this job. Unfortunately this is required in order to achieve an MOT. I have just finished a 3 1/2 year body off TR6 rebuild and didnt particularly want to spend too much money on another car. I intend to use the car everyday so structural safety is vital as is a long lasting repair. I\'m away for a couple of weeks but will commence the sill repairs when I get back. Im expecting the inner membrane to be shot as is usually the way. I spoke to the guy at Earlparts who explained that some of the repair panels for the front wings are currently unavailable. For the moment I\'ll repair what I can and skim with filler until proper repairs can be effected.
Im planning on visiting the restoration show at Stonleigh so hopefully this will turn up a few items on my shopping list!
Jim
Hello Jim, <br>
<br>
you can try some of the other specialists, of course, at least the MK2 sections are more readily available than the MK 1.<br>
If you know the TR6 then so much of the saloon is the same
mechanically. Interestingly there is a view held by some that the
saloon has a greater potential for performance modification due
to it\'s very rigid body. Whilst it\'s not that heavy, it\'s weight,
being a four door, is against it. <br>
<br>
What date is the Stonleigh event by the way?<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
<br>
<br>
you can try some of the other specialists, of course, at least the MK2 sections are more readily available than the MK 1.<br>
If you know the TR6 then so much of the saloon is the same
mechanically. Interestingly there is a view held by some that the
saloon has a greater potential for performance modification due
to it\'s very rigid body. Whilst it\'s not that heavy, it\'s weight,
being a four door, is against it. <br>
<br>
What date is the Stonleigh event by the way?<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
<br>
The show if my memory serves me correctly is the 30th October. I\'m on the lookout for a drivers side parcel shelf, panels and carpets (cash flow depending).
Now that you mention performance, I have a late TR6 cam which I\'m tempted to fit! I\'m not sure if its worth the effort at the moment though. I will probably tweak at a later date! I have been amazed at the performance of my \'6 with a few mods and if I can get the carbs to work 1/2 as well it should be a great car. Incidentally, the saloon had only done a few hundred miles in the last year so I was surprised that the car made it back 170 miles without a hitch other than the cost of filling the tank!
Now that you mention performance, I have a late TR6 cam which I\'m tempted to fit! I\'m not sure if its worth the effort at the moment though. I will probably tweak at a later date! I have been amazed at the performance of my \'6 with a few mods and if I can get the carbs to work 1/2 as well it should be a great car. Incidentally, the saloon had only done a few hundred miles in the last year so I was surprised that the car made it back 170 miles without a hitch other than the cost of filling the tank!
Hello Jim, <br>
<br>
I have just checked the service notes and see that the Mk2 PI from
MG75001, the TR6 (no chassis number quoted)and the 2500TC 1974 MM1 -
MM20000 used the same 311399 cam, so that may be a waste of effort. <br>
2500 TC and S MM20001 on used the 307621 which has reduced timing and lift 1858 0.240\" against 1050 0.215\".<br>
The early TR6 cam was more radical 3565 and 0.250\" lift.<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
<br>
<br>
I have just checked the service notes and see that the Mk2 PI from
MG75001, the TR6 (no chassis number quoted)and the 2500TC 1974 MM1 -
MM20000 used the same 311399 cam, so that may be a waste of effort. <br>
2500 TC and S MM20001 on used the 307621 which has reduced timing and lift 1858 0.240\" against 1050 0.215\".<br>
The early TR6 cam was more radical 3565 and 0.250\" lift.<br>
<br>
Alec<br>
<br>
-
Alan Chatterton
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2945
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:18 pm
- Location: Redditch, Worcestershire
For front wings, I assume you mean the wheel arches are gone (as usual!)
Can I suggest that you use half wings? These are basically a repair panel that is everything from about 3 inches below the wing top to the full bottom. Fit is very good and you don\'t have to disturb the wing top which is the bit very difficult to do.
These are quite cheap at about £180 per side, and they make a much better job. Mine has had a half wing and it looks great.
I have one if required, cheaper than £180!!!
Rgds
Alan Chatterton
Can I suggest that you use half wings? These are basically a repair panel that is everything from about 3 inches below the wing top to the full bottom. Fit is very good and you don\'t have to disturb the wing top which is the bit very difficult to do.
These are quite cheap at about £180 per side, and they make a much better job. Mine has had a half wing and it looks great.
I have one if required, cheaper than £180!!!
Rgds
Alan Chatterton