1956 TR3 which whitworth wrenches / sockets , and positive ground stuff ?

Hi

I hope to go look at a 1956 TR3 next weekend that has sat for 8 years , 

not sure what the plan is , but was wondering which Whitworth wrenches/sockets are needed or can I use SAE / Metric that I already have ?

Also  I assume its  Positive ground ,  is the coil also positive ground ?   does it have a positive ground fuel pump like my old XK120 had ?

Anything else to think about ?

Thanks for your ideas......

I can't answer any of your questions but good luck with your potential purchase. I like British cars but I don't know anything about them. Sounds interesting though.

We have a '57 and a '59.  I don't specifically recall any Whitworth on the car.  Maybe the banjo bolt on the SU floats or brakes.  I could be thinking of an MGA.  I don't know Jag stuff, but most post-war MG/TR/AH hardware is SAE.  The TR3 has a mechanical fuel pump.  The coil doesn't have a polarity, but could be wired + or - ground - not that it really matters.  It'll run either way it's wired, but will have a less vigorous spark if it's backward.  There is a procedure to ground the generator briefly to polarize it, otherwise the charging and electrical system isn't polarity specific.  Swap the wires on the ammeter and you're good.

Get a sets of Whitworth Combination Wrenches and Sockets by King Dick.  Because who doesn't need some King Dick in their toolbox?

Only Whitworth sizes on a TR3 are on the carburettors and a few tiny British Associated bits on the Lucas and Smiths components. All of the mechanicals are SAE threaded with inch measurement heads. 7/16 Whitworth carb banjo bolts can be faked with 13/16" US wrench. 

TurnerX19 said:

Only Whitworth sizes on a TR3 are on the carburettors and a few tiny British Associated bits on the Lucas and Smiths components. All of the mechanicals are SAE threaded with inch measurement heads. 7/16 Whitworth carb banjo bolts can be faked with 13/16" US wrench. 

thanks , are there positive ground coils etc ?

Can confirm: SAE is all you need

In reply to californiamilleghia :

Yes positive ground.  

I'd imagine most bolts are SAE fine thread, as that's what MG was using. And positive ground! 

Here is some good info on coils, and how to make sure polarity is correct.

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig104.htm

I sure loved the TR3 that I drove for a few hours one fine Michigan July afternoon.  So fun on a twisty road at relatively low speeds using all 50 HP and  1" of suspension travel.  That's what it felt like anyway.

Thanks for the Info , glad its SAE wrenches , 

I know when I was helping my buddy with British motorcycles there was a lot of Whitworth , so i was confused what the cars were.....

Owned a bunch of these. No special tools needed except as already mentioned.

Don't worry about battery polarity - leave it as positive ground unless you install a modern negative ground radio or other electronics in which case it takes 5 minutes to repolarize it for negative ground.

Pay attention to body and frame rust and suspension condition.