To all you poor souls contemplating a frame-off restoration, here is a story
about my experiences. I bought a lonely, neglected TR-3B for $300 back in
1979 as a project car. The previous owner had attempted to re-build the
motor and never got it re-started. I put the car in storage for ten years
(in my mother-in-law's garage no less!), and when I finally got started on
the project, I let a friend talk me into taking it off the frame.
In retrospect, I would not do it again. The frame and body were both in
pretty good shape, though there was a lot of caked on grease and dirt. My
intention was to clean them up anr re-paint them to prevent any "surface
rust" from turning into rot. The body is back on now, but this added YEARS
to my project, and I came very close to just abandoning it.
I would recommend leaving the body on the frame unless taking it off is
required for major repairs, or if you are a professional preparing the car
for the show circuit.
Jim Harroun
'62 TR-3B (running again after 23 years)
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