1959 TR3A
Restoration

Because the car runs strong and no rust appears to have invaded the frame (thanks to the self-rustproofing nature of British cars) I chose to have the body worked while still sitting on the chassis.

Everything that could be reasonably removed was taken off.  The windscreen stanchion plates were left on because 40+ years in that position has them virtually welded into place.  The aluminum stoneguards are still in place as replacements are difficult or impossible to obtain.

Since the engine will be in place during the bodywork and painting. many of the various engine compartment components were removed to allow the firewall and inner wings to be refinished.  A useful quality of these old cars is that even in this dismantled state with the wiring harness and all electricals removed the engine can be started and the car driven by simply reinstalling the battery and wiring the hot side directly to the coil.

The floorboards looked pretty good for originals, certainly solid enough to avoid replacing them.  Under the padding protecting the center instrument panel are the oil pressure and coolant temperature gauges... these were left in place to run the engine as both are mechanical gauges directly connected to oil and coolant lines.

One pair of seatbelts were left in place for the ride to the bodyshop.  The gas tank appears rust-free inside and out and thus will not be removed, though the felt pads that should be under those straps will be renewed.

Just prior to these photos the car was pressure-washed, removing dirt and grease that probably dated from the Eisenhower administration.

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