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TR parts and Triumph parts, TR bits, Triumph Car Spares and accessories are available for TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire and Stag and other TR models are available from British car spares and parts company LBCarCo.

Triumph TR3 - Tail Pipe Extension

Where can one purchase a new chrome or alumnium finish tail pipe extension that approximates the original ones? The extension I have on my car is relatively thin, straight pipe, not finished or rolled at the end, but the ones I see in "Original TR" seem to have ends that roll to the inside a bit, and look much nicer IMO.

Got a good source?

Thanks!

Bill Stagg
1961 TR3A
Bill Stagg

I bought two in 1988 from Cox and Buckles in London, UK. Moss UK today. Check with Russell Scott - mention my name. E-mail :- rscott@moss-europe.co.uk

One I have used every day. The other is still clean like the original ones and I put it on at concours shows.

The correct ones are aluminium and quite thin walled. They should be straight with no flared inner end like you can get from Roadster Factory. I bought one sight un-seen from them and then returned it. It will fit on but it sticks out too far you have to cut it short to look almost right. But mine that are straight can be slid all the way on to have the part that protrudes out at the correct length. Then when you squash it on a curb, you pull it off, Hammer it round again, cut off 1/2", slide it on and it's like new again.

They are dull aluminium colour (not chromed or shiny)and have no inner roll at the outer end. The British engineers were not crazy. A rolled in end may look nice to some, but the exhaust performance is hampered with the last 1/4" being about 80% of the flow area compared to if it was not there.

If you find a source for the original ones let me know, I still need one. Ask if they are straight before you place your order. I went to the stock room at TRF in July and found one "original" and about 50 that are wrong. I said "That's the one I want because it's like the original. I was told I couldn't have it becuase it was their "keeper" to make sure the new ones are correct. Then I pointed out that all the new ones were wrong. "What can you do ?" was the reply.

Don
Don Elliott

Thanks for the scoop, Don. I love TR history.

How is that all those wonderful "original" examples of TRs in Piggott's book appear to have "rolled" tail pipe extensions? Is this a vanity point with otherwise originality-bent owners, or just a matter of using what's available? Or am I more near-sighted than I know?

Straight pipes do make sense.

Bill
Bill Stagg

Bill points out a lot of details that appear in the photos as being "not original". I don't remember if this is one of them.

Don
Don Elliott

Hi guys: I too, had purchased an extension from TRF and also returned it. I thought it's quality was lacking, and it just looked wrong. So bought a chrome extension at my local parts store ($3) w/ the correct I.D. (and rolled end). It had two holes in it for sheet metal screw-mounting to the existing pipe at the desired spot. Since I don't drive in the rain to speak of, I wasn't worried about rust, but I did use s.s. screws in case I need to change it. I just like the look better.

BTW Don, thanks for the tip on filling up the tranny in the OD Lube thread. I thought that was the only method. Mine's on stands all winter and I periodically run the motor and gearbox anyway...

Regards,
Mike G. '56 TR3
Mike Gambordella

Hi Mike,

I also prefer the look of the rolled-end extension. by my count, most of the cars "Original TR" had them, and they just look "right" for some reason.

Any major projects for the car during the winter? What are the chances you'll drive to Richmond for VTR this summer?

Regards,

Bill
Bill Stagg

Bill: I think the rolled end looks more "finished" anyway. No major projects; would like to replace the choke cable as the notches in the brass stem are worn, and the choke knob won't stay out once the car starts. I cut them deeper w/ a file to no avail. Would like to have my wire wheels examined for trueness, so far have only found one local source. $10 dismount/mount fee, $25 set up fee (credited towards any req. work) and then $50/hr. Kind of pricy.
I read your brake pipe thread and had a thought: You can buy a small pipe bender at auto parts/tool stores. They usually consist of a small hand held unit w/ intercahngable wheels on them for "rolling" the pipe to desired shape. I bent myself a new fuel line from the pump to the carbs, quite a lot of turns if you use the factory rout. (I did) Did it all by hand in the garage using whatever suitable round objects I had lying about. If I were to do it again, I'd invest in the tool.
Virginia? I don't know; not quite sure enough w/ the car just yet. Plus I have to convince my other half - she has vacation ideas of a different sort!
Thanks for asking -
Mike G. '56 TR3
Mike Gambordella

MIKE - UNTIL YOU GET TO FIX THE CHOCK KNOB, YOU CAN USE THE TEMPORARY FIX.

Pull out the choke know and slip a spring type clothes peg onto the brass shaft. That'll keep it out for you. Then toss it in the door pocket till the next time you need it.

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
Don Elliott

Most of the time I clip it on Nan's jacket when she's not looking...
Mike G. '56 TR3
Mike Gambordella

This thread was discussed between 10/02/2004 and 12/02/2004

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