Cleaning some of the surface rust off the panels and body tub as we move from the rear of the 1957 Triumph TR3 around to the passenger side rear fender, b post and door.
A lot of progress in such a short time, brings back memories for me. I am grappling with vehicle electric issues which I detest. I would much rather be doing the metal work.
@@cheftush That's not a very common combination in a 3 but I think it would look awesome. Better get intimate with that long sanding block though. Black shows ever little ripple and flaw. But black is bad and classic too. You have the patience and skills. Go for it.
Yay! TR3 videos.... Love them. I am actually pretty unfamiliar with the TR3 body and everything is new to me so I enjoy watching a lot! Unwillingly my brain starts reconsidering the order of the projects in the Rusty Beauties shop LOL
My Dad purchased a '57 TR3 in 1960, that we had in the family for over 15 years. It was British racing green, black interior with the mini back seat, real wire wheels (at one time white wall tires), white convertible top, white tonneau cover, white hard top. The '57 was the last year didn't have outside door handles. You'd have to reach in the side curtain flap and pull the interior door strap to open from outside. He let his brother use the car once and he rear ended another car, but thankfully the front end took the brunt of the damage just over the headlights where the other cars bumper was much higher and made it's mark/dents. After that, it went through a long part time restoration at the Coca Cola plant where my father worked as Production Mgr. Nights, weekends, and whatever time he had off it was new floor boards, engine rebuild, new interior, wire wheel restoration, brakes, etc., until it was like new and back on the road and home. Sold it to someone at our local bank I used to work for after car dealerships and high school, late, late 70's or early 80's when I was in CA. That car is still somewhere (think I know but..) in my hometown and I saw it one day near that home/garage it's been stored at a few years ago. Still looked amazing! Wished I had turned around and followed it. At least I still have pictures of it!
Impressive work. I know it’s logical to pick one area and work it to completion but to start at the back, work around the corner and then trial fit the fender and door is really something. Maybe seeing this will cure my shotgun approach.
Hi Craig, for some reason, the rear seemed like the most logical place…possibly because I knew that I couldn’t fit the rear fenders properly without fixing the 3 fasteners on each side at the rear….it was also the only place on the car with obvious rust through issues.
Looking good. I suppose you have looked at the lower part of the fender and there is not too much Bondo. It is hard to tell by the video. You should have called Elin to do the spare tire area, he can get in easier.
Not really Peter. I think the body fillers are much better today…you can buy metal reinforced filler now that’s flexible enough not to crack in seams etc….Lead filling is definitely and art, I can appreciate guys that can still use it in their restorations but it’s not for me.
David, (a serious question for you): I’m aware that you are a highly skilled professional chef, but how did you also become so proficient at restoring cars? Your skill is quite amazing my friend…
Hi Phil….Well, I’ve always had an interest in cars as far back as I can remember….and I have always like to tinker with things. I always thought I’d like to restore a car when I retired…I bought my first TR6 ( a 1973) about 35 years ago and fell in love with it. I ended up selling that car, and another collector car I had at the time as a downpayment on my first home. About 17 years ago, I bought my second TR6 ( also a 73, the white one on my channel ) and imported it from California sight unseen…when it arrived, it needed to serious work to get it on the road in drive-able condition, so I set out to do that….what was supposed to be a quick fix up turned into a full frame off restoration. I was fairly well versed mechanically but had no knowledge of welding, painting, body work etc These things I had to learn first hand…with each restoration, I think the quality gets a little better with the knowledge I’ve gained. I’m pretty much not afraid to try anything…I’ve failed a few times along the way but consider that part of the learning curve. I’m still learning and enjoying the process.
23:00 Instead of the CleanSheets you might be able to use a PTFE/Teflon cutting board (the smooth ones obviously). The bodyfiller doesn't stick to it and you can easily remove it when it's dry. Most cutting boards are not made out of PTFE though, because it's somewhat expensive. But since you are a Chef, you might have good sources :D
Fascinating insight to bodywork restoration. The material costs are minimal compared to the labour costs ( labour costs zero in your case obviously.) I don't suppose that the factory was as meticulous as you are to get a good paint finish. Please turn down/off the TV in the background it was difficult to hear your commentary over it.