Rear lights wiring...

After removing the boot lid, I carefully pushed the rear lights wiring into the cabin of the TR – at this point in time I don't intend to strip the interior of the car other than the drivers seat that needs attention to the frame.

30mins

Boot lid removal...

In preparation for removing the petrol tank, I unbolted the lid and stripped out the wiring for the number plate and interior light. The left hand hinge assembly had broken away from the body many years ago, so will need re-welding into place before the body work is started.

1hr

Starter motor...

With the exhaust manifold removed, I removed the three bolts and lifted out the starter motor.

Also removed the battery leads.

1hr

Exhaust and manifold...

With three remaining bolts to remove, the first two came out quickly but third top centre just wouldn't budge. I used some heat being careful not to overheat the cylinder head – but it still wouldn't move.

So out with the hacksaw and I cut off the head of the bolt. When I get the cylinder head off, I will need to drill out and re-tap the thread.

The manifold and front downpipe lifted out without any problems.

3hrs

After 25 years, the exhaust system had a few holes

Exhausted...

After hitting Sainsbury's early for the Christmas food shop, which was madness, I took refuge in the garage.

Decided it's time to remove the exhaust – the tailpipe and center box fell off [literally].

The front down pipe and manifold proved to be difficult with seized nuts and bolts. The three center bolts the manifold didn't match any for my spanners or sockets, so I said to myself it’s time for a beer and Christmas TV!

Merry Christmas to all.

2hrs

Headlamp lifting motors...

After carefully marking all the connectors on the headlamps, side lights and motors I unclipped the cables and removed one of the motor retaining brackets so I could photograph the position of the bolts to help when refitting.

Also removed the two horns, one from each side.

1.30mins

Left hand side

Right hand side

One of the lifting bracket/hinges with motor

Connectors ready to be wrapped for when the TR is resprayed

Wiper motor and washer...

Looked for an easy job today as its bloody cold - stripped out the screen washer tubing from the wing and removed the washer pump motor.

Also removed the windscreen wiper motor and rack with wheel boxes.

1hr

Nice wheels!

New photo from 1986...

Found another photo of the TR at the weekend - 3rd May 1986 my wedding day. Pictured outside the reception waiting for us, a drive to the airport and two weeks in Ibiza!

She turns...

After 24 years of sitting, waiting for me – I turn her crank tonight!

After removing the four NGK plugs I gave each bore a good dose of DW-40 and then gently with a spanner turned the nut on the front pulley, I turned and she moved smoothly.

A great relief – if it was seized who's to say what I would find.

30mins

3, 2, 1 Ignition...

On a wet and windy night the distributor cap and leads are removed, and then the distributor assembly is unbolted and lifted out.

Carefully marking wires and connectors, I removed the Lumenition optronic ignition kit I had fitted many years ago. Bagged and boxed.

1hr

Fuel Pump and Carburettors...

Removed fuel pipes, fitter and fuel pump to give me access to the four nuts on each carb. Carefully lifted off the pair of SU HS6 carburetors with linkage into a box for storing – I will be cleaning/painting as I overhaul and service them later. New fuel pipes and fitter will be required. Flexible mounting rubbers removed and checked. 

Also removed dipstick and tube.

2hrs

Photo updates...

Almost out of the garage, with the seized brakes removed, it's easier to manoeuvre the car around. 

My garage was converted from an old out-building which had the end brick wall removed and double doors fitted, but with different ground levels – I have a 3" drop to the driveway. 

So with the engine still in place, I didn't risk not being able to push it back if it rained.

The original Peco back box I fitted is out of it's 12 months guarantee – by 23 years!

This is my daily ride, Saab 93 Aero Hot convertible which I've owned for 6 years.

Finally got it...

Well after days of using DW-40 on the retaining screw on the L/H brake drum. I drilled the head off and removed the drum, stripped out the brake shoes and removed the brake cylinder. Cleaned and bagged.

I drilled out the remaining part of the screw and will need to tap out the thread on rebuild.

3hrs

My new best friend!

Hand brake attachment – for my reference only for when I refit with new shoes

Retaining screw...

Still having problems with R/H rear drum, one of the retaining screws won't move – borrowed a impact screw driver and 4lb hammer - hopefully this should shift it, if not I will have to drill it out. 

30 mins

Radiator, Fan and Hoses...

Removed the radiator hoses, the expansion hoses outlet on the thermostat housing broke as I removed the hose, may need a new one if it can't be repaired. Cooling fan and pulley removed. Top and bottom radiator brackets bolts removed and radiator core slipped out without any trouble.

2hrs

Some rust on the radiator and will need to get pressure tested [recon replacement is £155 aprrox].

Brackets, fan, hoses and expansion bottle boxed and ready for storing.