Well,
The report on the rolling chassis in a few words: Not real bad! I actually
see at least 4 or 5 square inches of shinny gloss black! No serious rust
holes or anything so all is well with the Ole Lady TR3B's Frame. Not bad for
being under there for what, 44 years. A few issues with bent up things: The
driver's side front suspension bump stop bracket is way bent up and distorted.
Now this is the car that was hit right under the driver's side frame rail
real good at one time in it's life. I had the smashed part in front fixed long
ago but have long been suspicious that the frame is twisted as a result of
this hit.
The Ole Lady steers real hard and I am questioning whether a twisted frame
is contributing to that all the while knowing that TR3's are going to steer
hard as a matter on design. All steering and suspension components have been
rebuilt and will be gone thru again. I am aware of the exact frame measurements
provided in various manuals but has anyone done this procedure of checking
for frame straitness? Should I take the bare frame to a professional?
Other than that, here I am wondering if I should strip it and paint it or
have it powder coated? I have been told that powder coating will cost around
$500. That is not bad all things considered. But I am still am a Spray Can
Type Guy by nature and Eastwood has some new products out there that I could
do
myself without the hassle of stripping the frame down to nothing, hauling it
around and waiting for it to be done.
That is the Good News. The Bad News is condition of the Ole Ladies' Body.
That will have to wait for another post but as I write the poor girl is headed
towards the media blaster. It is kind of sad to see boxes of TR3B instead of
a running Ole Lady! I want her back ASAP.
Regards,
Darrell
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