Temporary engine stand...

Well I say temporary it may be for a while - to make space in the garage and allow me to fit the flywheel, clutch and gearbox. I needed to get the engine off the large stand and be able to move it around easily.

I find some old lenghts of steel angle in my fathers garage to make a stand which I will then fit to my trolley.

Using the lower engine mount as a staring point, I measured the distant to the side mount which luckily lined up. I made a frame and welded the front mounting point then a couple fixing points to pickup on the rear plate. Once the gearbox is attached I will add additional supports.

4hrs

Clutch master repaired...

With the master cylinder final stripped (thanks Pete for the high pressure blast) I put the body and parts in the ultrasonic cleaner for a couple of hours, using the repair kit I then reassembled it.

The slave cylinder is far to rusty to rescue, so I will need to buy a new one with connecting pipe. Also a new 'Girling Ltd' alloy cap to finish it off.

3hrs

Sitting pretty...

With my new welding skills it was time to start on a small job before tackling the body work - my drivers seat back had always wobbled and when removing the seat back cover I spotted the frame was split at the base.

On removing the lower seat cover I noticed a crack in the rear base plate and then the front leg mount fell off in my hand - great BL welding!

Cleaned off all the paint around the areas and repaired the welds – for my first bit of welding on the TR I was very happy.

2 hrs

Murex welder...

Since my training last week I've been keeping an eye out for a MIG welder - spotted this one on eBay with a old TIG welder and accessories. I won the auction and picked it up the other evening.

Few bits to replace, earth lead and nozzle and tips etc. Also need arrange to get gas from a local supplier.

Standard brake callipers...

Pulled the box out with callipers I had stripped off last year, some of pistons had corrosion around the top edge were it touches the pad. So I removed callipers off the donor allowing a pick of eight or I may need buy replacements.

I had decided to refitting the standard two pot calliper for now, but will fit 6J x 14" Minilite alloys that allows me to upgrade 4 pot later which will not fit in the standard 13" wheel.

Stripped both sets, picked four good pistons and refitted with new rubbers and seals and coat of silver paint (won't last long - but looks good).

4hrs

Heat shield...

Between the starter motor and exhaust is a heat shield. One of the clips had broken off and the other was wobbly.

I made up a couple of fix plates and re-riveted them back on after a coat of paint.

2hrs

First time welding...

So over the last year or so when meeting up with my fellow members of the "Black Finger Nail Gang" Pete and Dick at our local TR Register gathering - we have had many conversations about me doing the welding on the car.

Having never had the need or knowhow to weld, I was angling for one of them help or do it for me.

No such luck - instead I had a generous offer to come over for the days training by Pete. When I arrived all the equipment was laid out and explained what it was used for.

After some safety instruction it was time for my first mig weld. The first couple goes were what you would expect but after a while not too bad.

So far this was all done with welder setup for me - now it was my turn! To show me the affects of no air or gas, amps turned up and down, fast and slow wire speed and clean and rusty material.

I had a go at stitching and angle welding (90 degrees) and finally butt welding – I was a little worried about this to start!

Many many thanks to Pete and Dick for a great day - I'm now looking for a mig welder and equipment so I can practice!