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It really makes good sense to modify the frame substantially to begin with,
so it would be great to use a spare frame for those mods. I welded the edges
of the entire frame since the spot welds permit flexing in between them.
This is a simple mod. Then I gusseted every structural attachment. If you
build a brace for the tub (I used conduit) that enables you to lift it off
with an engine hoist without twisting the tub, you can do a lot of fiddling
with the roll cage to get everything just right. I built stubs onto the main
frame tubes for the main loop attachment, with braces that weld onto the
frame right at the rear spring perch. I have a hoop under the dash and
intrusion bars that link the main hoop to the dash hoop. Then I brought a
short brace forward from the dash hoop to create hard points on the
firewall. I can bolt in a brace there that connects the shock towers to the
hardpoint, effectively creating a continuous (more or less) upper frame
brace from the rear spring perch to the shock tower. Your mileage may vary
on this last little addition--it's questionable as far as enhancing safety,
and it stiffens the frame hugely.
I like those cheesball fake minilight mag wheels just fine--the finish is
rough, and they look like they've been cast from recycled pop cans, but
they're strong and they look nice.
Don't use the TR6 wheels--much too scary. They effectively negate the
advantage of the axle conversion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kahler [mailto:Brad.Kahler@141.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 7:22 PM
To: 'fot@autox.team.net'
Subject: TR3 acquisition
After a fair amount of hemming and hawing I finally broke down and am buying
a 59 TR3 Racer (with small mouth apron) that came up for sale in Venice CA.
It will be a couple of months before the car is actually in my hands due to
transportation issues and the fact that I'm still out of the country.
I'd like to publicly thank Ken Gillanders for taking the time to personally
check the car out for me. It was his expert opinion that finally pushed me
over the edge!
As for the car itself, the frame needs some crack repair work and the right
lower control arm mount needs repair work to correct the repairs already
done done by the PO. Although I may just build up a replacement frame since
I have a couple of them laying around to work with already.
The head has been removed from the engine for upgrade work and is ready to
go back on the car. Aside from re-assembling the tub back onto the frame
and the associated work involved with that along with the re-installation of
the head, the car is basically a complete and running TR3. Currently the
only wheels available with the car are welded TR6 wheels so I'm looking for
ideas on what to use as replacements. Anyone have any suggestions?!!
There are some definite mods that will be needed before I ever put the car
on the track, chief among those is a new roll cage mounted to the frame to
replace the roll bar that is currently mounted to the tub only, and
replacing the rear axle with one of the Southwick rear axle conversions.
It was last raced in 1998 at Willow Springs. Apparently the car started
36th and finished 12th. Ken told me it has been set up pretty much
according to Kas's book.
Now that I've actually made the move to buy this car you can be bet there
will be a "few" more questions coming soon!
Brad
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