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Triumph TR6 - Frame condition ?

Can you give me some info? I am looking purchasing at a 1974 TR6. It is in good shape however there is one item that concerns me.

Both doors have a 1/2 inch gap at the top of the door and a much closer fit at the bottom of the door.

It seems as if the car was bent slightly in the middle. Ever see anything like this?

The car drives fine and runs good otherwise.
Bob Dela

Hi Bob

Hard to tell without looking. None where great for fit from factory.

If there are 2 people in the car does it change?

If your in the eastern salt belt have the car checked by a pro. The center sections and trailing arm mount cross members rust out badly. If the trailing arm cross members are rusted the center section under the breast plates are as well.

Let us know

Bill
Bill Brayford

Bob,

In my experience, at this point the norm would be that you would expect frame problems. You should treat the purchase and restoration of a TR6 with safety in mind.

For example, within the past 5 years I have never seen an unrestored TR6 that was safe.

Good luck with your new hobby.

JP

73 5 Speed.
John Parfitt

John

"For example, within the past 5 years I have never seen an unrestored TR6 that was safe."

Reading another thread about safety, you bring up a very good point about the frames of TRs.
The problem of frame rust, I think, gets ignored much to often.


I agree with Bill, that "fit" was not done with a marble rolled down the join. With the gap at the top, it could be that body shims have been added to compensate for frame sag?? I do not think a 1/2" gap was from the factory....some difference yes, but not 1/2".
It is advisable to get the car onto a lift or at least up on jack stands (think safety) so you can get under to have a very close look at the frame as Bill talks about.
Good luck
Rick C
Rick Crawford

Hi Bob
When the chassis on the TR6 corrodes the car does the opposite of most other sports cars, ie due to the mounting position of the rear trailing arms it 'hogs' rather than sags in the middle. The usual signs of a hogged chassis are tapered rear door gaps as you describe.
The other cause of this can be poor quality chassis repairs, it can be disguised by reshimming the rear body, but realistically I would walk away from it, there are plenty of good 6s without buying one with fundamental problems.
Ron
R. Algie

I have seen cars with improperly fitted fiberglass front fenders. The repair shop just made them fit, but obvious wrong specs. I am not a body restorer, just an observation from looking at many cars.

dave
D Burstyn

Bob--A half-inch door gap is outrageous, but may be due to improperly hanging the doors instead of a frame problem. There is no way to know without getting beneath the car and checking the chassis. If you can't do that, be patient for another car to come along.

As far as every unrestored TR6 having frame problems, I agree for the most part. But if you are fortunate to land an unmolested six whose owner was meticulous, the chassis will be fine. I happen to be lucky in that regard as my PO laid down copious amounts of Waxoyl everywhere when the six was brand new, including the entire engine bay (which I have since removed to reveal the unblemished factory spray). That stuff affords fabulous protection!

Rick O.
72 TR6
Rick Orthen

Bob,

If you come back (join up, it's a fun place) perhaps we should talk. I'm in Penfield and can certainly go take a look at the car with you.

Jim
Jim Deatsch

This thread was discussed between 29/05/2004 and 30/05/2004

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