Drivers seat...

With the drivers seat frame repaired and the back cover from the donor I was almost ready to assembly it - I needed the clean both the base and back covers before fitting. I used Autoglym's Interior Shampoo and Vinyl & Rubber cleaner.

The donors back was slightly faded compared to my passenger seat, but after a couple of shampoos it seemed to bring the colour back.

The vinyl cleaned up ok but there are couple of areas on both seat that look a bit bleached so I may need to get some recolouring product.

I started with the base, using some spray adhesive on the foam and front tubing of the frame, I slipped it over checking it's position and using the clips to hold it place.

The same for the back with some extra strap to hold the central part the back in place and pull down the side which clipped into slots. Then I fitted the side trim covers, head rest and the runners.

The base at the back isn't as tight as the passengers but I think it will be ok after some use - me sitting in it one day!

I'm happy with the result - one more thing ticked off the list!

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

Drivers seat trim...

I was keen to remove the passenger seat from donor car to see what the colour match was like.

Depending on the match, it could be a straight swop or use it to repair - the black/red check of my seat hadn't seen the light of day for many years under the covers in the garage.

The donor seat looks faded to me, so I'm going to try cleaning it first to see if it brings the colour up.

If not, use the front side panels, sides, back vinyl panels and get my centre stitched in. Sounds easy but I'm sure it won't be.

[Left - Original and Right - Donor]

1hr

Donor car purchased...

On arriving and getting the paperwork done, I started by pumping up the tyres - the backs were low and the fronts flat.

With my brother-in-law Steve, we tried pushing the TR out of the garage but one of rear wheels was seized. Using my car we pulled the car out and spent about 30 minutes trying to remove the brake drum  - finally after a lot of hammering the drum pulled off. Didn't bother putting it back on just refitted the wheel to the hub!

Using the trailer wench we loaded the car and set off for home - I followed in my car for the 60 miles journey only stopping for petrol and checking the straps. Interestedly the TR had it's photo taken twice on the way back by passing cars - keep an eye out for them.

As we approached the Godstone junction another 4x4 and trailer passed us with a nice dark blue AC Cobra - I was tempted to drive on and follow it home, but no!

We dropped the car off at the bottom of the driveway and the following day using a winch I pulled the car up and through the gates and back into a space in the garden I had recently cleared.

Lots of good parts to play with, sadly the radiator has a large circular dent in it which will show as I intend to remove the fan/viscous coupling and pulley assembly when refitting a Kenlowe kit. The rad looks like a newer replacement so if need to get my original repaired I could do this one.

The passengers' seat back is unmarked and if the red/black check matches mine it will be great replacement for my split driver seat, if not the black vinyl panel can be used to repair it.

6hrs

Sitting pretty or not...

Next removing the seats, four bolts and wires disconnected and lifted out.

The drivers seat has had some repairs to the front vinyl side panel about 25 years ago – time to do it properly, also a split in the piping will need replacing or repair.

I need to strip the seat completely as I think the frame may be broken and some welding required.

1 hr

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