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Triumph TR6 Do I really want to do this BBS discussion at MG-Cars.info
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Triumph TR6 - Do I really want to do this
| After reading TR's are for old guys and all the work that people do on these things; and while I am 67y.o. I might be to old to enjoy by time I finish the project.. I'm thinking..! I've aguired this 1969 TR6 that's been sitting in an unheated warehouse since 1982. It's been taken apart and everything is in boxes and most things look a little worse for wear.. the only thing left attached to the car is the engine, trans and wheels. Every thing else is detacthed..It looks like most of the major parts are here. The body is in good shape without rust.. I took off the cooling fan and after filling the cylinders with WD40 couldn't turn the engine with a pipe wrench. Is this thing worth the effort or would e-bay be a better choice? What am I in for?? |
| Wally |
| Wally, Welcome and thanks for stopping by the forum with a great question. As this forum group contains mostly enthusiasts who like to drive TR's rather than trailer them, I think you'll like the responses. First, I presume you enjoy garage time because that's a prerequisite for what you're embarking upon. It sounds like you have all the bits to your TR at hand (rust-free, which is extremely important) and it's a matter of assembly. Great! Maybe you can find someone local who shares your interest and can offer practical hands-on advice. What you are getting into will be frustrating at times and you will second guess yourself many times along the way. But I assure you that once you fire it up for the first post-restoration drive, you'll be hooked. These cars are simple machines still under-appreciated in the marketplace, but with a high fun-to-misery quotient. You'll have to get used to all the "thumbs up" you'll receive once on the road. Without a doubt, "do it"! Rick O. 72 TR6 |
| Rick Orthen |
| Wally, If you're looking to restore the car to make a few bucks, it's impossible. Not only will you never recoup your valuable time and money spent, you'll never want to part with the car once you're done! Whether or not it is worth the effort of a rebuild is only dependant upon how much you really want the car. If the engine has been stuck since 1982, you're probably looking at a rebuild. Good luck whatever your decision (I hope you go for it). Don from Jersey P.S. But then again, it's not my money we're dealing with here :) |
| D Hasara |
| Wally, Only you can answer the question: Is it worth the effort. But perhaps the members here can at least give you an idea of what the "effort" part of the equation means. Assuming you'd be doing the restoration yourself, the effort is going to involve several hundred hours of your time, countless evenings and weekends in the garage and countless hours learning, seeking information, seeking to understand. You will make mistakes. At least twice someone you live with will be severely pissed at you for some car project related reason. And the reasons are many. Empty bank account is a good one. Car parts baking in the oven is another. You will make countless trips in your other car to the bolt supply store, the powder coating and plating outfit, the local British mechanic. You will spend countless hours reading the archives from this buliten board. Of course in order for all this to be worth the effort, time and money, you will need an intense desire to succeed in building yourself a loud, rorty British roadster. You really have to have a passion for it because it is a damn dificult and long road your first time through. I'v done one and I could do the second one in literally half the time. My advice to you if your have tools and some mechanical experience is do the project. Because if you sell the parts and purchase another TR6 that is unrestored, your going to need to take that car apart anyhow just to be safe. Most unrestored TR6's are a mess to tell you the truth. Good luck and welcome to the British Car disease. John Parfitt Bragg Creek, Alberta. |
| John Parfitt |
| Hey Wally A good time is what your infor!! You may irritate the better half? But she will get over it. Finished bright shiney projects make them smile. Sort of like crows. Pay no attention till its polished? Do you have something better to do? No then listen up. Did you buy the car because it gave you a bit of a buzz? Do you like the car? Are you handy and like doing things? As Rick and Don point out it may not be a good financial investment? But it will be a lot more. Sort of a part of your life? TRs Brits and old Americans cars have a nostalgia factor that keeps me young. Nope don't Golf or Garden unless wife catches me on way out. If Faron Youngs "Got 5 dollars and its Saturday Night" still gets your toe tapping or Bill Haley rocks your world? Get your butt off the chair and build the car...:) Your fit enough. Hell I have projects planned and "bought" I don't expect to finish till I'm at least 80. Kind of a retirement package. Sorry lord can't pack it in yet cars not finished..:) Can't see the project so I can't estimate the cost. But if your an Ok guy and deal with people the same. You may be surprised at how many knowlegable old guys just show up with helping hands. Welders etc. good things happen. As far as the engine goes unfortunatly a good engine rusts up faster than a worn one. I like Diesel fuel as a rust breaker. For that aplication. You will be looking at 3 weeks soak? Considering the time span it may need work. Cold storage is usually better. Rings will flex in Northern areas and that may be good. WD40 is only good for garden tools in my opinion. Can't say if you will be lucky and not need a rebuild. If the cylinder walls are original and well seasoned, you may be surprised. Since its a project. Not the daily driver just try things and evaluate as you go. By the way Don Elliot 66 is rebuilding a TR3 for someone else. When he isn't off driving across America in his own TR3. I somehow think a nice TR6 will be remembered by family far beyond any other artitifact we leave at least in the near future. Hope you decide to stay with it. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| and Wally? This is the obligatory "join up" message. The Goose will thank you. <G> Join and you'll see what I mean. Besides, that way you can read the archives. Jim |
| Jim Deatsch |
| Hi Wally! I too would like to offer encouragement, but must point out a couple of cautions... The car is disassembled; you realistically have no idea how many small bits and pieces either mechanical or trim are missing. If you have to replace a lot of small items the cost may be substantial unless you can get them used from swap meets, parts cars etc. Join a local Triumph club, see if you can get these things locally at reasonable cost, maybe even have someone look over the car with you. Since the car is apart it may be tough to figure out how some bits go together, ideally before restoration you photograph assemblies and pack the away together labelled as to what they are. Not having seen things together makes the project longer and more frustrating. On the positive side, you may be retired at 67 and have time for a project like this. If there is a Triumph club in your area you will be surprised how many will offer help. Also, the upside of the car being apart is that you can see how good or bad critical items like frame and body are. ALL parts for these cars are available, even the most obscure, and not unreasonable in price; and they are pretty simple, so not beyond a first-time restorer. I did this with a TR^ that had been in a garage for 13 years-you can do it! Simon. |
| Simon Rasmussen |
| The time thing was what I was going to add, but Simon beat me to it. I wish I had more time to work on my cars. I don't bend quite as good as I used to, but I seem to find ways to get to the hard stuff better than I used to, experience I guess. You can farm work out to specialists if you want to, and those other retired guys can be a great help. If the car calls, do it. I haven't lost my desire a bit for these cars. Even though people think my latest is a "midlife crisis" machine, I've had a Triumph since high school and they still give me the same thrill as they always did. Must have always had a "crisis" of some sort.. |
| Tom |
| Buy a good driving car and enjoy it!!! dave |
| D Burstyn |
| Thanks a lot guys for your input.. While the cylinders are soaking with a mixture of mystery oil and brake fluid, per local mechanic, and the arrival of a couple supply house catalogs; I'll be thinking..! Another person told me about a guy who belongs to a club and will get back to me.. The car looks simple and being that it's already stripped down so far it looks like not much effort to take the body off the frame if I can figure a way to lift it.. 4 strong guys or 6 old men might do it..! Reading over your articals made me look at the heater core and at this point looks pretty easy to remove and check so while I think; I might take the heater out.. Oh; what am I starting.. Maybe I should listen to D.Burstyn.. Thanks again everyone. |
| Wally |
| Sorry to disagree with you Dave..But if you do not want the car for the enjoyment of working on it..than buy a "MIATA"..the enjoyment and pride of accomplishment that I get from working on the car myself is "my" reason for having a "old" car Peter B. |
| Peter Becker |
| Wally, What you are starting is many hours of enjoyment! I got my 74 in much the same shape as you describe, but the engine was already dismantled. the pistons had been wrapped in '83 newspapers. Had only 48,000 mi, everything in great shape, so I elected to leave the body & frame alone (for the time being) and had a local shop do an overspray, rather than strip back to bare metal. Only regret was not doing the diff mount upgrade, it's still ok, but I think about it often! (self-torture) The joy of putting it together is far outweighed by being able to finally get in it & 'motor about'.... I stopped for coffe this morning on the way to work & came out to 4 guys (45to 55) all standing around the TR6, commenting how good it looked! That's worth it! 2 drove off in a new Mini! Have fun with it....the rest of us are! happy moToRing.....Rod |
| Rod Nichols |
| Okay Rod; what's the diff mount upgrade? My differential is out of the car so am I to assume re-installation should be with a new mounting system? By the way the oil mixture did work and with the help of a large pipe wrench the engine did turn over spilling my mixture all over the garage floor as the cyliders came up...LOL Opps..! Lesson number one; "THINK" I do see that if I am going to proceed with this project this site can be very helpfull and I would want to be a member. What's required? I can't imagine any physical abuse. It seems that emotional and physical abuse comes from the car itself... Thanks again; Wally |
| Wally |
| Wally, Basically, the diff mounts need to be boxed in. I believe Charlie Ballard did his not too long ago, and they are available thru the Roadster Factory, possibly a few other suppliers? This strengthens the mounting points considerably, and is a very good upgrade anytime, but especially when you have the body off. And yes, 6 old guys can lift the body off. (Recent experience with a friends project.) Oh, yeah, the word 'project'....this is a Pavlov's dog thing with me now, every time someone says that word around my car, I cower away in fear.... I heard that so many times when people saw the car or pictures...."Looks like you gotcherself quite a project there!" Enough. Use this URL: http://www.british-cars.co.uk , click on 'Triumph' and follow the directions to become a member. The archives alone are worth much more than the price of admission! Then, when you are a member, You get abused by Jim D!!!! Rod |
| Rod Nichols |
| Wally, Welcome! Jim doesn't abuse you - he gets the goose to do his dirty work! Boxing in the diff mounts is a must do. Those of us that had the mysterious clunk when starting out will attest to it. If you've got the body off, it's worth the few bucks it will cost to have the piece of mind. You never know, yours might already have been done. Don from Jersey CF19053U (number etched in brain) ('74 with interior out, carbs off the manifold, wife on my case to put it back together and drive it, 9 month old crying for daddy to come in from the garage for playtime (he doesn't understand yet that daddy playtime IS in the garage)) (I can't afford it, but I'm keeping it anyway!!) |
| D Hasara |
| Hi Wally. I am sorry to have put a doubt in your mind with my post last night suggesting that you find a good driving car and enjoy it. I visit this web page every day, and find it an extremely valuable resourse of information regarding the maintenance and reconditioning of my 76 TR6. I have much respect for the knowedgable people here who along with myself, work hard to preserve and keep our cars on the road. I really do not wish to cause a contraversy here but you have a very serious decision to make. You do not mention whether you have any automotive experience or expertise, the facilities in which you will take on such a project nor the extent of tools and equipment which you have available to you. Be realistic and concerning consider the time, and the amount of money involved to put the car together to the extent to drive it and enjoy it. Now that you have some catalogues price the cost of seat covers, panel kits, carpet kits mechanical components and don't forget the missing trim pieces, gaskets, fasteners etc. Consider shop supplies such as oils, solvents, rags, etc. and additional tools required Add this up. Then consider the cost of a decent paint job, rebuild of electric components, tires, alignment, coolant flush not to mention the electrical sorting necessary on cars that are on the road today, let alone one which has been disassebled. I love working on my british cars, but I drive them in between required maintenance, improvements, and issues which arise while they are in use. This keeps me busy and I have much satisfaction and enjoyment while working on them. I have owned so many MG's I cannot put a number on it, several Healey 3000's, a Mini, more than several Jaguars and yes, miata, which is a fantastic car, especially with a supercharger. I presently have an A, two B's, V8, TR6 and am trying to make the same decision as you regarding a total rebuild of an MGB V8 which I can jump into and with a little coaxing can take for a drive today. I attend many classic car auctions including Barrett Jackson and see what cars sell for, what is invested in them and how much they are penalized if not correct. I think the project which you are considering is fantastic, but repeat, be realistic as to your resources, including financial, and the time to put it together. I have witnessed the purchase and sale of abandoned projects for cents on the dollar of the value of new parts still in their packaging alone. Thats why I always suggest one to consider buying the best car you can for what you want available to invest, and enjoy working on it for maintenance, improvements, and necessary repairs as you go. The cost of new parts arriving weekly will quickly match the price of a driver. I apoligize to anybody I may have offended, and really do not intend to create any contraversy. I have much respect for the advice available here. In the meantime, good luck, enjoy driving and maintining your cars and keep them on the road. dave |
| D Burstyn |
| Wally I have to leap into this discussion, I recently acquired a 76 TR6 that had been started as a full restoration almost 8 years ago (his wife finally said enough is enough). I have never fixed a car other then put gas in it and now two months later I know every bolt and every inch of the car. The instant gratification of a part fitting just right, of seeing the car moving one step closer to driving can not be described. I am lucky in that my SO is supportive (claims she is no longer a golf wido, now she a grease monkey widow)...the hours are long but well worth it. I spent alot of time reading manuals, parts catalogues (great sources of how to build a car) and with help from the guys (and gals) on this site and a few other enthusiasts. I will be ready for the British Car Day in September when she (the car, not the wife) will make her debute. I am actually starting to think about doing a spitfire for the wife now and she wants to learn too...so I say GO FOR IT bob |
| Bob Craske |
| Hi Wally iam on my second tr6 the first was a 70 and the one i have now a 74 ,which was sitting in a garage for 20 yrs i started a frame on restore 4yrs ago and hope to be driving it by late summer. the only suggesting i could make before you embark on this wonderfull journey is drive one and then enjoy the rebuild. malcolm |
| malcolm |
| Wally You have mail. Mines completely apart. Mail if you have questions. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| Hi, Don from New Jersy, I've just purchase a 74 CF19062U. They might be built by the same crew! wow! Paddy |
| Paddy |
| Paddy, It your 74 is together (mine ain't), take a ride out to the border of NJ/PA on 78. I live in Phillipsburg. Don |
| D Hasara |
| Don, will just do that one of these fine weather weekends I will email first Paddy |
| Paddy |
| Dave Burstyn; A well put comment! You are right. "Projects" are not the answer for everyone. Some guys just want to drive. I think that your comments like everyone's are equally valuable! Like you said, "keep them on the road". Brian |
| B. Towne |
This thread was discussed between 08/06/2004 and 15/06/2004
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