Hey all!

Eric here with the '80 TR-8 I bought new on 10/31/1981. It's got carbs, a/c, and a push button am/fm radio. There is about 33K on the clock. Its all original except for an MSD ignition and exhaust.

For reasons I won't go into here it needs pretty much a total restoration. Also it hasn't been turned over in about 12 years.

So a couple of generic questions for anyone so kind as to answer.

1) What steps should I take before attempting to start the engine.

2) Any thoughts on mechanical vs chemical rust removal (probably 40% of the body is covered in surface rust as well as a rear fender lip is rotted through (haven't checked out the rockers yet)

Thanks for any feedback.

Hello Eric:
Sounds like your TR-8 has been enjoying the Florida weather
for some time.
Don't you just love that salt air.
Head on over to the Triumph forum area, they love all those questions.
Welcome aboard!!

Welcome, Eric, from another TR8 owner!

Moderator Tony has a great write-up that will walk you through:

Startup

It's written specifically for MG's, but pretty much universal in scope.

Mickey

Hi and welcome, Eric! Tony's write-up will give ya good info for an initial start.

Where 'bouts are ya in Florida? I sit a bit north and east of Tampa. There are quite a few of us 'flatlanders' here!

Welcome, Eric....I'm honored my buddies think so highly of my little checklist; however, truth be told, Mickey knows more about TR8's than most anybody, gleaned from his restoration.....but, jump in & you'll find lots of folks to help you.

Thanks Mickey. I checked out Tony's post and I've already printed it out and hung it by the tool box.

Tony indicated that you restored a TR-8. Can you point me in a direction about rust removal as a first step? Did you document your restoration? How would I find the appropriate places to look here?

Thankfully, I didn't have any rust issues to deal with. The body work that I had done was handled by the guy who painted the car for me.

One very good resource is How to Restore Triumph TR7 & TR8 by Roger Williams. It shows up on ebay from time to time, and is probably available on Amazon.com. There is some very good information about body repair in there.

I do know three problem rust areas for these cars: the firewall below the master cylinders, the strut towers, and the floor immediately behind the seats, where the rear suspension links are located. If those areas are solid, much of the rest of any rust damage is less serious. The book I mentioned covers a lot of that.

Sent you a private message.

Mickey