The time to fit the engine and gearbox has finally arrived. The gearbox has been fully reconditioned but came with an early TR2 overdrive cover which means overdrive would only work in 4th gear (rather than 2/3/4th as a TR3 should). This cover has now been changed for the correct type and wired in so o/d works in all the right gears. The gearbox is the correct 3 synchro type for the TR3 rather than a four synchro model for a TR4. It’s a common upgrade to change to the four synchro gearbox but I would to keep the car as original as possible. And after all, it’s not difficult to wait to fully stop before engaging first gear. The gearbox is also fitted with the correct short throw gear lever rather than the long one fitted to a TR4. This is important so that your hand doesn’t foul on the bottom of the dashboard when changing gear.
It’s a small detail, but you can see in the first image that the correct lock nut has been fitted to the gear lever. I’ve failed to find the correct threaded nut from either Moss or Rimmer and this should mean the gear knob now fits correctly.
All of the perished/missing blanking grommets have been replaced with new. The heater tap under the bonnet, which looked like it came from someones central heating, has been replaced with the correct brass type, and the reconditioned wiper motor has been fitted.
All of the copper brake and clutch lines are being replaced with new. The previous pipes had been sprayed green when the car was painted last time.
Most importantly you can see the steering column has been fitted now so at last, the steering wheel will be on the “right” side.
1959 Triumph TR3A 