Antenna Bumper Saved the Gas Tank

[Robert Brennan]

7794 was clobbered by a Chevy truck with a trailer hitch the day before yesterday. Although the fender sustained some damage being bashed against the gas tank, it could have been a lot worse.
I don't intend to fix the damage myself, but I am curious about the procedure. To remove the fender, is it necessary to remove interior fittings?
The car was pushed sideways about 3'. Is there other possible damage I should be on the look-out for?

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME
TC7794EXU

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[Stan Teitge]

Robert can you tell me what the diameter of the steel is on your bumpers. I have a drawing of them but don't have
the correct size of steel.
I would look for a bent wheel on the opposite side to the bent bumper.

Stan Teitge
TC6680
Duncan B.C. Canada

[Robert Brennan]

Good idea to check the opposite wheel, Stan. The antenna is 3/4" diameter.

Bob

[Gene Gillam]

Bob,

Should be able to unbolt it with no problem. All of the internal connections are to the inner fender.

Gene

[Steve Simmons]

My condolences, but it could certainly have been worse. A full sized pickup backed into my MGA a couple of years ago and it wasn't pretty. The truck's bumper ran right up onto the fender.

[Robert Brennan]

Funny how seemingly simple repairs on houses and cars can grow into major projects. I'm now seriously considering a full repaint on 7794 instead of a limited fender job.
Is anyone familiar with reading material that deals with tearing down a TC to paint? I've removed the body panels on a TR-3, stripped them and sent out to a body shop with success, but it looks more involved with a TC.
I'd also like to find the right dark green for an EXU.

Bob Brennan
S.Freeport, ME

[Bob Grunau]

I would look for frame damage, possible bent after impact?

[Robert Brennan]

No frame damage or bent wheels. I'm looking for a sample color of "Almond Green", and, or pics of TC's TD's that color.
I'd appreciate any suggestions regarding paint codes and brands. Thanks in advance.

This is where 7794 was smacked:
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/08/29/l ... ter-shack/

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME

[stephen stierman]

Tearing a TC body down for paint is no more difficult than a TR-3 or any of these old cars, basically unbolt all the panels and remove and decide whether you are going to leave the tub on the chassis to paint or not. Probably no reason to remove unless extensive wood work is needed and even then a lot could be done in situ. I think the question is how are the panels under the existing paint? Any repair needed? And I would take it all down to bare metal and start over again using the correct paint systems primers and such. A million opinions on paint types and brands so I wouldn't go there!

[Robert Brennan]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm in agreement with the "in situ" diagnosis with the body tub. The PO did such a great job of keeping 7794 up to snuff, that I hope a simple strip and repaint will work. How many jobs have started out with that expectation, I wonder?
Have decided to not use the antenna bumpers since I have the original EXU bumpers, which I've sent to Doug Pelton for refurbishment/replating.
My plans for putting a Toyota W-58 5 speed into the TR3A have suddenly taken a back seat to the needs of the the TC. They are just like children, aren't they!

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME