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Over zealous, sadly!!

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trrdster2000

trrdster2000

Luke Skywalker
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A good friend likes my TR6 and found one somewhere and called me on his way to see it. I said "Do not buy this car until I look at it". Yeah, that worked. Engine runs smooth with good oil pressure, down draft Webers, Overdrive switch and relay, sadly no such item attached to the wires under the car and what's there is leaking badly from the rear seal. Hit in the rear and almost pushed out before the bondo. The rust in the car would indicate a bad frame, but so far couldn't find a problem. Horns are not even plugged in. Normal rust, seals 'religious', fenders are bubbled in all corners and drivers floor pans are Swiss cheese, dash peeling, some gauges work and the bumpers look new, (go figure), convertible top in pieces, rear of car bounces like a ball and I haven't really been under the car.

He would like to make a driver out of it. I almost want to tell him to get 2 gallons of bondo, some spray primer and go at it and I will throw on a coat of paint for him. It's very difficult to tell him what I really think, he paid $3500 and loves the car.

Wayne
 
Now, as a car guy, have you ever really thought anyone that does not know cars, really listens to us? Try to refrain from the " I told you to--- ". Just pat him on the back and wish him good luck, then when something needs fixing do it right or don't do it, so it won't be your fault. Then as it progresses and he gets overwhelmed, step in and show him the way and use your elbows to push him back as you are bending over the hulk and trying to do your magic for him. Good Luck, been there done that!!
 
The temptation is to first make it look "pretty" before it is safe....the only advice that I can give is not to waste money on cosmetics until the car has a good foundation to build on...If the frame is suspect, I would start there before going any further...

Cheers
Tush
 
Lukens. Yes, indeed, he has a project.

I've watched a friend of mine restore/rebuild two or three cars that he obtained literally in baskets and and boxes. But those were classic Alfas and Jaguars. When they were restored/rebuilt, they were worth $$$$$. When it comes to a Triumph, however, no matter how much we love them, there are limits. Of course, if someone really loves a car... then perhaps there is no limit. (I'm a prime offender here!)

One has to weigh the cost (and work) vs the pleasure one anticipates.
 
LexTR3 said:
Lukens. Yes, indeed, he has a project.

I've watched a friend of mine restore/rebuild two or three cars that he obtained literally in baskets and and boxes. But those were classic Alfas and Jaguars. When they were restored/rebuilt, they were worth $$$$$. When it comes to a Triumph, however, no matter how much we love them, there are limits. Of course, if someone really loves a car... then perhaps there is no limit. (I'm a prime offender here!)

One has to weigh the cost (and work) vs the pleasure one anticipates.
Click to expand...

I think I have to fall into the category of no limit.....but only because of the family history.....Need to get back on track. I almost can take a breather because I have another week until my 90 day trail period is over.....with the new job.

I have only sourced a few parts recently but warmer weather is almost here.
 
Ah, yes.... Despite what I wrote.... I'm definitely in the (almost) "no limit" category. But I fully agree with M_Pied_Lourd: make the car safe (and dependable) first, before going for pretty. Pretty can come along later.
 
I also would encourage him to defer all driving until the integrity of the frame, floor panels etc. were addressed. I have to say, too, that if I jumped the gun on "project" and found extensive frame rust, I'd take a real hard look at just ordering a new frame. It surprises me that they are being fabricated and are reasonably affordable. An insert piece wouldn't bother me. I hope the friend has a little means to get into this, or I suppose a lot of frustration may be had.
 
All, thanks for the encouraging words and I will make it safe first, and the I is the problem, moving and don't have the time to teach him. Quicker to do it myself. Did notice I got fluid on both shoes, this is not even a good parts car!!! Got to suck it up and get with it. Oh, the bouncing in the rear, no shocks were there. What kind of people would sale a car like this.

Wayne
 
Wayne,

You probably know this already, but if you got fluid on both shoes, it probably is brake or clutch fluid leaking down, or it could be antifreeze/water from a heater hose. I would guess brake/clutch fluid. If so, don't drive the car until you make sure you have good brakes... and a clutch that is working.

As I said: I am sure you know this already, seeing that you have several great cars... but just thought I'd mention it.
 
Thanks ED, been there - done that, but you never know where someone is on knowledge of LBC's.

Wayne
 
3500 for a running drivable TR6 project seems pretty fair if the frame is good enough to not need major repairs. I spent around that for my driving project, of course i'll be in the order of 10X that by the time my project is actually done though =/ But 1/3rd of that is because of my body swap...
 
Yeah, that's a fact if yourself if doing the work, not a bad price. In this case I feel he will farm out most or hand me wrenches for a few hours at a time. Great guy, so I will do all I can. He just ordered a couple of master kits, that should make it able to giddy up and whoa.

Wayne
PS Hope I don't sound really into myself, just feel I get taken advantage of once in a while. I can hardly keep my own fleet going at 72.
 
You have two of the coolest cars on BCF though =) I'd have loved it if I had someone near me that I could go to with auto-know-how, or who could swing by and at least tell me if i'm doing things right or wrong =D As it is, this whole project has been by the seat of my pants, lots of googling and reading, but no real automotoive know-how on my part before I started =P

My love of the old MG T series and the Triumph 1800/2000 roadster is what led me to buy the body kit I'm using now ! =) Some day i still want to own a T series and a 48 or 49 1800/2000 but I'll be happy to get my former basektcase TR6 on the road again this year =)
 
Justin, Thanks and I have been watching your interesting project. If the kit was around here, I would put my buddy on to it. I would like for you to check on the price to ship the floor patch panels down to NC. Sounds like what he needs, no Concourse job needed on this car.

Wayne
 
Ha ha - He probably knows "what you really feel" already; my guess is you told him to come this site for advice.
 
Wayne I have wrestled with this very issue for many years, and the only thing that I can add to the soup is that he may be your friend, but you didn't take him to raise. You said your piece and he did what he wanted to do. Now all you can do is be a friend and commiserate with him when the going gets tough, and when you have to deliver the bad news.

This is exactly why I insist on doing a survey of any car that comes to me before any significant work is done. It is the only way that I know of to be able to honestly deal with such situations. Give me four hours and I will come back to you with a multi-page report as to what I have found, what needs to be done, what parts are going to be needed and where to buy them, rough estimates for expected labor and the obligatory statement that I do not have a crystal ball or x-ray vision.:smile:

Once the cards are on the table an owner can deal with the situation as he sees fit and I don't have to feel guilty.

Jack
 
Thank you Jack, you hit the nail on the head and I must take your attitude as the way to go. In this case, he was taken badly and was not armed with enough knowledge to protect himself I'll get it on the road with a few kits and some of my spare parts and let him figure where he wants to go and watch to see how much of the work he gets involved in, ie "HOW DIRTY HE GETS"!!!!

Thanks again, Wayne
 
And how much encouragement it takes to keep it from becoming another failed restoration. Someone who isn't really into a near complete teardown and rebuild can get easily discouraged.
 
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