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Triumph TR3 - Nuts and Bolts Issues


I have launched a series of successful raids on my "miscellaneous nuts and bolts" bin to obtain replacement fasteners on the TR3A (loose bumper bracket, missing nut from bonnet hinge, seat rail nuts, etc.), but I may have hit the bottom of the barrel.

Recommendations and guidance on the best types of hardware to use, the most common sizes to stock and the best sources of said hardware would be much appreciated.

Just trying to keep it all hanging together...

Thanks!

Bill Stagg
1961 TR3A, Commision No. 67947
Bill Stagg

Bill - Most of the nuts and bolts are American Standard - Fine Thread, also known as Unified National Fine (UNF). The ones that aren't UNF are UNC (Unified National Coarse). These are much easier to find.

When I'm in the US, I buy them at any ACE Hardware. Take what you are looking for and look for what you need in the nice steel slide-out drawers or ask for help. I find all the ACE people very helpful. I have also bought some from a place in Goleta Calif.

But then, I only buy stainless steel nuts and bolts. I spent so much time grinding, chiseling, flame cutting, hammering and whatever to get out the originals, I decided to use stainless for all except where there is a need for strength and there I use "Grade 8" nuts and bolts. During the restoration from 1987 to 1990, I bought $750.00 worth of stainless nuts, washers and bolts.

I downloaded a file listing all the nuts and bolts with th S-T part Nos. It's a file 3478Kb long and I can't remember where I downloaded it from. It is called:---

Standard_Triumph_Hardware_Catalog.doc (Word)

There are 51 pages and from your TR Parts Manual, you will read the nut or bolt part no., then look up this downloaded file for the size. On the last page is the following note:----

This document was prepared in electronic format though the hard work of members of the “Triumphs” Internet discussion list, for use by the LBC community. Contact triumphs@autox.team.net for more information.

Hope this helps.

Don Elliott
Don Elliott

Thanks for the run-down, Don. I've been to see the good people at ACE and returned laden with a nice supply of fasteners.

Now, what would you folks recommend to be the essential suite of Whitworth sockets and wrenches? I've already run into some challenges "getting a grip," so the advice is timely. Also, best sources for said tools?

Many thanks!

Bill Stagg
1961 TR3A

Bill Stagg

HI Bill:
You won't need many Whitworth wrenches because almost all the nuts and bolts apart from some accessories are SAE sizes(course or fine mostly fine).
Originally they were called "unified threads".They are however SAE in today's parlance.
Chuck

Bill - The only nuts that aren't regular 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" etc. are the following and an ordinary adjustable wrench (known in British motor parlance as an adjuctable Westcott) will do nicely. I never needed any Whitworth tools.

The brass cap on the top of the SU carb dash-pots
The nuts that go between #1 Carb and #2.

The adjuster on the bottom of the SU carbs for adjusting the richness/lean mixture ratio. A small wrench is available from Roadster factory.

That's about it.

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
Don Elliott

This thread was discussed between 07/11/2002 and 13/11/2002

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