Delft Blue Triumph Stag 1973 Manual Overdrive
Superb Shell, Magnificent Paintwork
Complete Bare Metal Re-Spray
Complete Engine Rebuild
Gearbox Rebuilt
Painted Underneath
New Soft-top
Rebuilt Hardtop, Front & Rear Suspensions
2008-9 Restoration
"Probably one of the best in the world"
LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING GO TO http://picasaweb.google.com/markweedon/Stag#
All the work was carried out in 2008-2009. The attention to detail has been in-depth. The ultimate goal was to create a unique example of a Triumph Stag. The car was completely dismantled removing everything. The entire car was then bared metalled in every location and the metal underneath was examined. The shell was good but 9 panels were renewed to create an even better foundation. Once the body was complete, it was subjected to a comprehensive two phase re-spray process not skipping any steps. The entire car was eventually sprayed which included the underneath of the car and the interior floor. The paintwork is of the highest standard possible. It can only be described as "near perfect". Countless items were sandblasted and subsequently powder coated. The front and rear suspensions were reassembled using new bolts, washers, spacers, nuts, etc and nearly 50 new polyutherane bushes were used to refit the mechanical elements of the car. New copper brakes pipes with new Goodridge hoses. New wheel cylinders, brake pads and brake shoes. The soft-top frame was powder coated and a new Mohair hood was fitted with all new Velcro and rubbers. The hardtop was also rebuilt and underwent a bare metal re-spray. The rear windscreen rubber was even renewed. Numerous items were chromed ranging from front and rear bumpers to petrol cap assembly, locking plates, servo housing, bonnet striker, bonnet catch, bonnet stay, bonnet retaining bar, wiper motor housing covers, elbows, throttle mechanism, dash pot lids, lifting eyes, power steering housing, power steering brackets, power steering pulley, radiator lower pipe, radiator lower pipe clip, heater feed pipe, windscreen capping, oil dipstick, oil filter bowl, boot lock, battery retaining strap, alternator sliding bracket, master cylinder reservoir, horse shoes, body mouldings and bonnet grille. Countless more items were polished to an extremely high standard ranging from sill cover retainers, the sill covers, hardtop chrome mouldings, kick plates, ash trays, steering wheel, instrument bezels, wiper arms, front light rings, door frames and alloys. Numerous items were bared metalled and re-sprayed such as front grilles, petrol tank, prop shaft and front light bowls. Countless new items have been fitted across the car such as luxury wool Triumph carpets, Kenlow Fan, radiator, battery, alternator, clutch master cylinder, boot carpets, boot boards, bonnet insulation pad, stainless steel retaining plates, door mirrors and door handle bowls just to name a few. For more detailed account please refer to other sections. The engine has been completely rebuilt with new pistons, rings, water pump, oil pump, valves, bronze valve guides, valve springs, oil pressure gauge, oil pressure switch, thermal transmitter, gaskets, O rings, oil seals, etc. All the pistons and con rods were equalised in weight and the rotating components were sent away for professional balancing. The cylinder heads were also rebuilt by renewing the inlet and exhaust valves, springs and bronze guides. High quality Payen gaskets and new studs, bolts, nuts and washers used. The oil pressure when cold registers at 60 psi and at tick over when hot reads just over ~48 psi. The gearbox was also rebuilt the details of which are available in a different section. 14" Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel. MOT with no advisories until April 2010.
Engine
After the engine was removed from the car, it was completely dismantled. The engine adaptor plate, flywheel, clutch, clutch cover, oil transfer housing, oil pump, sump, rear engine housing, oil pickup, cylinder heads, water transfer housings, inlet and exhaust manifolds, etc were all removed. It was found to have the standard pistons. The cylinders were re-bored at +20 thou and new pistons(+20) along with rings were obtained. A 20/20 hardened crankshaft was also obtained with new big-end and main bearing sets. New thrust washers, oil transfer housing O rings, rear housing oil seal and gasket, oil pickup gasket, etc were also purchased. All the rotating components were then sent off to be professionally balanced. All the con-rods and pistons were also equalised in weight. If you pay close attention to some of the photos you will notice drill holes in the clutch cover, flywheel, crank, etc. These were done during the balancing process for a V8 engine. The bottom end was subsequently rebuilt to a very high standard. A reconditioned water pump was also fitted. Both cylinder heads were also overhauled. New inlet and exhaust valves along with new valves springs, guides, etc were fitted. Bronze valve guides were used for better performance. The water transfer housings were fitted back carefully using new gaskets and on the left hand cylinder a new thermal transmitter was installed. All the valve clearances were carefully measured and accordingly the shims were replaced to give clearances that fell in the acceptable ranges, namely 8-10 thou for inlets and 16-18 thou for exhaust valves. High quality Payen gaskets were used to refit the heads back on the block with new studs, bolts, nuts and washers. The camshaft covers were professionally powder coated and were fitted with new gaskets, screws, and washers. The cam cover with the oil filler cap had its oil filter box disassembled before the powder coating process to avoid collecting grit from the sandblasting phase. Once it was powder coated the filter was refitted. New timing chains, chain guides and tensioners were also fitted. The timing cover was reconditioned and a new crankshaft oil seal as well as new timing cover gaskets used. The sump gasket was also renewed. The inlet manifold was reconditioned and fitted with new short and long Payen gaskets. Blue Hymolar was used during this process to ensure a watertight seal, as this is a common place for a water leak into the V. The exhaust manifolds were sandblasted and new gaskets and bolts used to refit them. The carburettors were completely dismantled and individual components carefully cleaned. A rehaul kit was obtained from Rimmer Brothers and the following items were renewed: - spindles, butterflies, damper seals, diaphragms, metering needles, float chamber gaskets, needle valves, plug seals, temperature compensator gaskets, washers, screws, etc. The carburettor bodies were carefully refurbished and the dashpot lids were professionally polished to a high standard. The carburettor temperature compensators were balanced to fully open at 140F. The floating assembly height has been correctly set to 16mm to avoid flooding the fuel chamber. New fuel hoses were used and the overflow pipes were also replaced. New fuel filter. The breather pipes were renewed. The coil was replaced but before fitting it was carefully polished. The resistance across the coil was measured to confirm the presence of the ballast resistor in the wiring loom, as this is a MK2 vehicle. The result confirmed that a resistor is present. The distributor originally had a set of points fitted. These were removed and an electronic ignition unit fitted. The wiring for the unit has been routed in a way as to make it least visible. The mechanical advance on the distributor was checked and is working correctly. The vacuum advance unit was also polished and when fitted the vacuum advance mechanism was checked to make sure that the base plate moves when a vacuum is created. New advanced Calcium maintenance free battery with four-year guarantee fitted. New Lucas 18 ACR alternator fitted. New Bosch spark plugs with the correct gap (0.025) along with new plug leads have been fitted. The timing has been set at 12 BTDC and the airflow to the carburettors balanced accurately. Furthermore, the fuel mixture has been adjusted to give the best performance. New air filter along with air filter to elbow gaskets, elbow to carburettor gaskets were also used. New hot aluminium hot air hose fitted. Hot idle speed has been set at 800 rpm while cold idle speed ranges between 1000-1500rpm depending on the amount of choke. New oil pressure switch fitted along with a new oil pressure gauge, which has been fitted on the driver side under the dash. Also a new oil pump has been fitted. The oil pressure readings are excellent when cold (60 psi) and at idle when hot (48 psi). The pulley was refurbished. New alternator and power steering belts also used. New high quality 20w-50 oil used with new oil filter. The oil filter bowl was also chromed. A great deal of work was also done on the cooling system the details of which are covered in a different section. The engine sounds superb, performs brilliantly and power is delivered seamlessly.
Body
The car was completely disassembled by removing every item. It was then subsequently stripped from all layers of paint that had been applied to it through its history until the bare metal of the body was exposed. This was done not only on the exterior of the car but also inside the engine bay, boot, floor, behind the dash, under the wheel arches and underneath the car. This was not easy as in many locations under seal made this work rather difficult. On the floor of the car all the sound deafening pads were also removed to expose the bare metal floor. The car was mounted on a chassis tilter and carefully inspected to see which parts needed further consideration. The metal shell was found to be in a good condition but extra work was necessary to make it worthy of a nut and bolt rebuild. The chassis and floors were in an excellent state. In total 9 panels were replaced with new ones ranging from both rear inner wheel arches, both front inner wheel arches, one door skin, both front lower wings and finally both lower rear repair panels. The boot lid was bared metalled on both sides and was found to be in a good state. The bonnet was also barred metalled on both sides and was equally in an excellent state. One door required a new skin. The door frames were also bared metalled in areas that are not even visible. Refer to photos. The paint was also removed from the hardtop and it was found to be in a superb condition.
Paintwork
Once the bodywork was completed and all the necessary sections were renewed the re-spray process was started. It was decided from the beginning that this would be carried out in two steps. In the first phase the boot, engine bay, interior floor, under the wheel arches and underneath of the car would get re-sprayed. Subsequently, the front and rear suspensions and all that goes in between would be fitted back. Only afterwards would the second step commence namely the re-spray of the exterior. This was done for a number of reasons. As the car was mounted on a chassis tilter access to the underneath was easy and made the re-spray process of this area possible. At the same time access to the front and rear valances was restricted making the re-spray of the exterior difficult. Furthermore, the exterior of the car could get scratched during the installation of components and by postponing the re-spray of the exterior till the end the risk of this happening was minimised. However, by carrying out the re-spray in a two-step process introduces the risk of overspray on fitted components. This risk was completely averted by masking to the teeth of those components during the second phase. Please refer to the photos for confirmation. The re-spray process involved the application of various materials in the correct order. Various primers were used including etch primer along with seam sealant as can be seen in a number of photos. The underneath and the wheel arches were also sprayed with anti-chip under seal to protect the chassis during driving exposure. This under seal was then painted which acts as an additional protective layer. The interior floors were also sprayed and new sound deafening pads were fitted. The dimensions of these were carefully measured in order to match the original specification. The door hinges and boot lid hinges were eventually removed and sprayed separately. The inside cavities were finally sprayed with Wax-oyl to protect them against rust. The paintwork can only be described as utterly superb without any exaggerations.
Underneath
Boot
Just like a new car. Every rear and front suspension related mechanical part has been either renewed, refurbished or powder coated. Nearly 50 bushes have been replaced by new polyutherane variety. The entire chassis area under the car looks as good as the rest of the car with the added protection of anti-chip under seal. All the wheel arches are also in the same excellent state. The swinging arms have been polished at great cost and all the brake hoses and pipes renewed with the expensive variety. The exhaust system has been polished and the prop shaft refurbished. The boot floor from underneath looks simply superb and so does the front valance. Countless bolts, screws, nuts and washers were replaced when reassembling the car. Please refer to photos.
Every item was removed from the boot including all the carpets, petrol tank, petrol pump, etc and then it was subsequently bared metalled. The boot lid as mentioned elsewhere was bared metalled on both sides and was found to be in a good condition. The boot area and boot lid under went all the phases of a professional re-spray. Etch primer, primer, seam sealants were used at the correct stage during the re-spray process. The boot lid hinges were eventually removed and stripped of all paint before being sprayed separately in Delft Blue. The petrol tank was refurbished by having it bared metalled and then sprayed in black. It looks brand new. New boot wheel arch carpets have been fitted as well as the piece that goes in between. New boot boards have been used with a new boot mat. Under the boot board there is a highly polished spare alloy wheel. The boot lid lock cover has been sprayed blue and the catch has been powder coated. The boot lid lock has been re-chromed. The petrol cap assembly has also been re-chromed and a new gasket used.
Engine Bay
Electrical
In order to ensure harmony and consistency in terms of appearance and presentation across the engine bay area every item has been somehow addressed. Numerous items were professionally chromed while other parts were powder coated. In some cases components were sprayed with special paint due to the heat factor. Many others have been highly polished. Here is a summary of the work that was carried out. New bonnet insulation pad along with new stainless steel retaining plates with the Stag logo. The bonnet retaining bar and striker have been re-chromed as well as the bonnet catch and bonnet stay. The engine and gearbox have been sprayed in heat resistant paint. The engine oil dipstick, oil filter bowl, lifting eyes and brackets, battery retaining strap, power steering reservoir, brake servo housing, master cylinder reservoir, wiper motor housing covers, elbows, throttle mechanism, dash pot lids, power steering pulley, radiator lower pipe, radiator lower pipe clip, heater feed pipe, alternator sliding bracket and bonnet grille have been chromed. The camshaft covers, air filter box, engine mounting brackets and windscreen washer bottle bracket have been powder coated. New power steering high and low pressure hoses. The servo housing was dismantled and subsequently chromed. The oil filler cap was also re-chromed. The exhaust manifolds were sandblasted. The distributor was sprayed. The carburettor was re-hauled and its body was sprayed with special paint. The ignition coil and its holding bracket were highly polished. The distributor vacuum advance unit was highly polished. The inlet manifold was sprayed. The air duct was sprayed in deep black and then lacquered. It was then polished. New air duct gaiter. The engine bay identification labels were highly polished. New sticker labels throughout. New copper brake pipes. New engine bay bulkhead insulation pad. New engine mounting rubbers. New bonnet buffers. New washer bottle tubing. New battery and earth lead. New radiator hoses. New bolts, screws, nuts, washers and Jubilee clips. New radiator. New Kenlowe Fan with adjustable thermostat mounted within the engine bay. New over flow bottle. New 20-psi overflow bottle cap. The low and high note horns were sprayed. All these items are fitted into an engine bay that was completely re-sprayed after it was utterly bared metalled. Please refer to the photos.
All of the wiring loom was removed from the car during the restoration work. When it was out it was inspected carefully to see if it was damaged at any point. The condition of the loom was found to be very good and it was thoroughly cleaned and further insulated before refitting it back in the car. Once that was done and the rest of the car was assembled it was possible to examine the electrical functionality of various components. All the electrics work including parking lights, indicators, headlights, beam, boot lamp, registration number plate lights, brake lights, reverse lights, heater, passenger and driver door lights, passenger and driver interior lights, dash panel dimmer light, electric windows, cigarette lighter, glove box light, interior light switch, handbrake light, choke light, T bar light, screen wipers, oil light, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, hardtop rear windscreen demister, screen washer motor and the Kenlow Fan. The hardtop rear windscreen demister wiring was carefully checked and the female B post contacts were renewed. As a result the demister actually works. All the light bulbs were checked and replaced where necessary.
Braking System
Cooling System
Completely re-hauled. All the brake pipes have been renewed by using the superior copper variety supplied from Rimmer Brothers. New Goodridge hoses have also been used which improve braking performance. New brake pads at the front and new break shoes at the back. The front callipers have been reconditioned. New pad retaining clips and pins. The front dust shields and rear back plates were sandblasted and subsequently powder coated in black. New rear wheel cylinders. New back plate rubber boots. New drum retaining screws. The brake drums have been finished in black. The brake master cylinder was thoroughly cleaned, re-hauled, and finished in silver. The brake servo was completely dismantled and re-chromed using triple layers. The servo was carefully reassembled and refitted. When fitting the brake pipes all new plastic clips were used following the same route as in the original car. The PDWA valve and switch along with the rear 3-way connector were polished to a high standard. The handbrake dust cover/boot underneath the car was renewed. Once the braking system was completely refitted new high quality brake fluid was used and carefully each brake was bled (in the right order) to eliminate any residual air. The braking system works just like a new.
In order to ensure continuous and efficient cooling of the engine the following work was done to the cooling system. During the reassembly phase of the engine bay the heater matrix was thoroughly flushed. Further as the engine was rebuilt, prior to re-boring, the block was thoroughly cleaned. The cylinder heads also underwent a similar process. When the inlet manifold was refitted extreme care was taken that the new long and short gaskets (from Rimmers) aligned perfectly with the water pathways. This was done in order to ensure maximum water flow with no obstruction. New reinforced water hoses were used throughout and a new radiator was also fitted. New thermal transmitter has been fitted. As a backup and for peace of mind a very high quality new Kenlow Fan was mounted on the radiator as a blower unit. The fan has a turbo speed and is controlled by an adjustable thermostat that is mounted in the engine bay. There is a switch that has been fitted on the parcel tray inside the car that allows the driver to activate the turbo mode when the fan kicks in. All the wiring related to the Kenlowe fan has been carefully insulated together and is not visible in the engine bay. New high quality antifreeze in the recommended concentration was added. A new overflow bottle has been fitted with a 20psi cap to ensure the correct pressure builds up in the cooling system for efficient operation. The water pump was also renewed.
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
As the entire car was stripped down the front suspension was completely dismantled and consequently rebuilt. Every individual item was carefully inspected and numerous items renewed or refurbished. The refurbishment process involved carefully sandblasting the items (if possible) and then powder coating it in black for extra protection and durability. When the strut legs were reassembled new polyutherane insulator pads were used between the spring and its powder-coated seat. The mounting rubber was reconditioned. New strut gaiters were used to protect the strut. During reassembly all the bolts, screws, nuts, flat washers and spring washers were renewed. The cross member was also refurbished by having it powder coated in black. All the rack mounting bushes were replaced by polyutherane variety. The tracking arms were dismantled by having their ball joints and bushes removed. It was then sand blasted and powder coated. Once they were ready new ball joints and polyutherane bushes were fitted. Similarly, the drag struts were powder coated and new polyutherane bushes, washers, spacers and nuts used. The anti roll bar along with the clamps was also powder coated and looks new. When it was refitted new mounting poly bushes were used as well as new U bolts and nuts. Both hub assemblies were completely re-hauled by replacing both inner and outer bearings as well as new seals. The link assemblies were replaced along with new poly link bushes. The tie rods and vertical links were also replaced. All the bolts, washers, spacers and nuts were renewed.
As the car was stripped to just a shell all the components of the rear suspension ended up being dismantled to individual items. The swinging arms are slightly visible when viewed from a standing position near the rear of the car. To make the appearance of the underneath the car more striking these were highly polished after they were sandblasted. New trailing arm poly bushes were inserted in the swinging arms. The sub frame arms were sandblasted and subsequently powder coated in black. The inner and outer mounting brackets were also powder coated. Purple poly mounting bushes along with new stainless steel washers were used to refit the rear suspension. The diff was refurbished and finished in black to match the rest of the components. The differential mounting plate was also powder coated and new upper and lower poly bushes used when it was fitted back on the car. The prop shaft was carefully refurbished and painted in black. New bolts, nuts, washers were used throughout the rebuild. New shock absorbers have been fitted along with new upper and lower poly bush pads and washers. The springs have also been replaced with new poly insulator pads. New inner dust boot and gaiters on both sides. New bolts, washers and nuts were used throughout.
Gearbox, Power Steering & Exhaust
Interior Trim & Dash
After being removed from the car, the gearbox was dismantled and the bell housing was thoroughly cleaned. It subsequently underwent a rebuild and the following items were renewed: - clutch release bearing, release bearing carrier/sleeve, clutch fork, cross shaft, needle roller bearings, synchro rings, main shaft bearings, front cover oil seal, countershafts, countershaft front bearing, reverse idler gear, circlips, main shaft snap rings, rear oil seal and six gaskets. It was finally sprayed in silver. When it was attached to the engine, new bolts, washers and nuts were used throughout. New gearbox mounting rubbers. Fresh gearbox oil was used once the engine/gearbox was fitted. The gearbox works perfectly and the four gears can be changed smoothly. The reverse gear also can be engaged with ease. The inhibitor switch is operative and the reverse lights work when in the reverse gear. The overdrive can be used in third and fourth gear only. The power steering rack was removed during restoration and carefully refurbished. It was then finished in black. New gaiters were used. The power steering pump was dismantled and the reservoir was chromed. A rehaul kit was used to rebuild it. The power steering brackets and pulley were also re-chromed. New low and high-pressure hydraulic hoses. The lower steering shaft was also refurbished and has been painted silver. A 14" wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel has also been fitted. The exhaust system is Stainless but it was still polished to increase shine. All the exhaust brackets and fittings as well as the rubber mounting blocks are new. The exhaust manifolds were sandblasted when the car was dismantled and new exhaust gaskets along with bolts and spring washers were used during reassembly.
The dash and all the wiring loom along with the driver and passenger insulation pads were removed during the restoration. The pedal assembly was also taken out. The instruments were all removed to release the instrument dash wood. On the centre console the choke, cigarette lighter, heater switch and rear screen switch were all removed to also free the console wood piece. All the seven dash wood pieces were thoroughly cleaned, prepared and finally lacquered. All the instrument gauges were individually opened and cleaned with their surrounds/bezels polished. The instrument glasses were also cleaned before reassembly. The dash rail/outlet finisher was bared metalled and then subsequently painted. The windscreen rubber surround was renewed when the screen was refitted. The dash was thoroughly cleaned and refurbished. The parcel tray was also cleaned and refurbished. New dash rubber pads were fitted on both sides. The pedal assemblies were powder coated and new pedal rubbers fitted. All the steering covers, (upper, lower and channel) have been cleaned and refurbished to a high standard. The steering wheel is a 14" wood-rimmed Mota-Lita which has been highly polished. New sun-visors and their hinge mechanisms bared metalled and re-sprayed in black. Both kick plates have been polished to a high standard. The rails on both seat bases have been cleaned and look good. The seat recline handle on driver and passenger seats were removed and highly polished. The front and rear ashtrays were both highly polished. New door trim clips and buckets. New door rubber grommets. Powder coated both door catch hooks. Polished the interior door handle on both sides. Polished the finisher on the control knob for both door quarter lights. Polished the centre console lamp steel outer rims on both sides as well as the T bar lamp chrome surround. New handbrake gaiter/gauntlet. New tyre pressure sticker on drivers’ side. New commission plate on passenger side. The door hinges were removed during the restoration phase sand blasted before being re-sprayed separately. As a result they look like new. New bolts and washers were used to refit them.
Carpets
Seats
New high quality, luxury wool, Triumph Carpets fitted throughout at the very end of restoration. This was done to ensure that the carpets remained in their original new condition. During the restoration the old sound deafening pads were completely removed and at the correct stage new ones fitted with the correct dimensions. They were fitted in exactly the same places. All the wirings have been secured and taped down where necessary. The carpets match the interior very well and the contrast they create against the blue paintwork along with the bright chrome-work is striking. The quality of these carpets cannot be over emphasised.
The driver and passenger seat bases and squabs are in very good condition both in terms of foam and seat covers. The rear seat, back rest, B post covers, cubby panels, door trims and the Tonneau cover were thoroughly cleaned. There are a few imperfections here and there. The seat base rails have been cleaned and the reclining handles polished. The interior complements the paintwork tremendously well. The interior looks good and smells like a classic car.
Hardtop
Soft-top
The hardtop was completely rebuilt. All the chrome strips and mouldings were removed in addition to the rear windscreen and the side windows. The paint on the hardtop was then stripped completely in all locations to expose the bare metal. Only then it became clear that the hardtop was in a great overall condition. There was minimal surface rust but the integrity of the structure was sound. The hardtop underwent a full bare metal re-spray in Delft Blue. The headlining has also been replaced and looks good. A few clips are partially visible around the rear screen rubber. This could be improved on at a later stage. All the stainless steel mouldings were highly polished. The chrome fittings at the back and under the side windows were fitted using special clips and are therefore secure. The locking handles have been individually polished. New rubber seals have been fitted at the front and at the back of the hardtop. The side windows chrome surrounds were also polished. The chrome strip around the rear windscreen was also polished. The rear windscreen rubber has been renewed. The wiring in the hardtop for the rear windscreen demister was checked and found to be continuous. The female contacts in the B posts for the hardtop rear windscreen demister were renewed. The demister actually works. The hardtop can be removed and put back with ease.
The original soft-top material was discarded leaving the frame only. This was sand blasted and then powder coated in satin black. New Mohair hood in black with beige underneath was obtained from Rimmer Brothers and fitted onto the frame. New Velcro, rubber seals and webbings were also fitted. A new soft-top stricker was used for the locking mechanism. New Hood stowage Warning sticker added to the stowage area. The result is a jet black hood fitting over the frame and complementing the paint work. The hood has only been erected and the car driven for less than a few hours. The soft-top can be erected and retracted with relative ease.
Chrome-work & Exterior
Alloys
Extensive work has been done in this area in order to revive the sparkle and novelty of this classic. Front bumper blade, over-riders and plinth re-chromed. Rear bumper centre section, over-riders and corner pieces re-chromed. Front and rear mouldings re-chromed. Front and rear horse shoes re-chromed. Front grille badge holder re-chromed. New front grille badge. New front bumper plinth Triumph badge holder and sticker. New front number plate. New driver and passenger door mirrors and arms. Fuel cap assembly completely re-chromed. New rear number plate chrome surround. New rear number plate. Bonnet grille has been re-chromed. Windscreen chrome surround has been highly polished. Windscreen wipers were dismantled individually, highly polished and then reassembled. The hood closure catches have been polished along with the windscreen capping. All the chrome-work on the hardtop was removed and highly polished. The alloys have been highly polished to an extremely high standard. New alloy wheel centre disc stickers. The front grilles were stripped from paint, then polished and repainted in black leaving the edge of the grille unpainted. All the front light rings were highly polished. The rear lamp chrome surrounds were highly polished and new lamp lenses along with foam gaskets from Rimmer Brothers fitted after the internal filters were thoroughly cleaned. The twin large bore stainless steel exhaust system was highly polished. New rear wing leaping Stag badges. Highly polished sill retainers and sill covers. New driver and passenger door handle chrome bowls. New door handle gaskets. Highly polished driver and passenger window frames. Both door chrome mouldings were highly polished. New door weather strips. Driver and passenger inner felt strips were also polished. Perfectly straight body stripe in silver. The B Post top cover plates and pillar cappings have been highly polished. Both driver and passenger Triumph kick plates have been polished. The driver and passenger locking plates have been chromed to an excellent standard. All this complements the paintwork creating a classic with absolute presence.
The original alloys were all removed from the car and sandblasted. This process removed all the black paint and evened the surfaces throughout. It was then polished to an extremely high standard. Subsequently, it was painted black in the correct places. Once ready the tyres were refitted and the wheels were balanced. The weights were placed on the inside of the alloy and therefore are not visible. New leaping Stag centre disc stickers were used before fitting the alloys back on the car. There is also a spare alloy in the boot, which has also undergone the same process.
Handling
History
The car starts first time, every time by using the choke giving an RPM of 1000-1500 depending on the amount of choke used. The car be driven straight away and the engine warms up after a few miles. When the choke is disengaged the RPM drops to 800. The temperature never rises above the mid point on the temperature gauge and for those hot days at the traffic light or cruising in the south of France there is a Kenlowe fan. The oil pressure when cold registers at 60 psi and at tick over when hot reads ~48 psi. Having rebuilt the front and rear suspensions using new poly bushes the ride is smooth. The new ball joints and track rod ends also play their part in the superior handling. The power steering feels right and the car handles corners very well. There are no unwanted noises when going over bumps or when turning. The rebuilt manual gearbox performs well and all gears can be engaged easily. The overdrive can be used in third and fourth gears.
In addition to old MOT certificates and receipts from its previous owners, a huge amount of history has been created for this car as a result of the 2008-2009 restoration. When purchased in June 2008 I decided to undertake a full colour change from yellow to delft blue. Dvla was then notified and the new log book was updated. The engine since its was rebuild, has done a mere 350 miles. Four previous owners. The restoration work comes in the form a CD, one folder and two albums. One album is a photographic record of the car, detailing the work that was carried out from start to finish. The other album is of the car when it was completed. There are nearly 400 photos in these two albums. The folder contains all the relevant documents relating to the car. The CD contains all the photos in electronic form with additional information.
Hundreds more photographs of complete restoration stored on a compact disk, these can be e-mailed if so requested.
Always interested in any part-exchange of interesting cars that make you smile.
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