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Wedge Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years...

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Izula

Izula

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Hi- New to the board, but playing with Triumphs for 20 years! I'm looking at a TR8 that has been stored indoors for 15 years and now has 'jelled fuel in the tank' and a 'deteriorated slave cylinder'. The master cylinder has been removed for replacement as well. It is a 1980 with twin SUs. I'm going for a look tomorrow and wanted some advice on what to specifically look for since I'm not familiar with the Rover engine. The car has not been driven much since it was stored. Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated. You guys rock!

Thanks,
Rob
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Unless you are looking to go thru the entire car, my advice is to stay away. You are far better off buying a higher mileage car that is driven and cared for. I have had 10 TR8s and at least another 20 TR7s. They like to be driven. They don't like to sit. You will go thru an amazing amount of money and even more aggravation trying to sort everything out. At the very least you are looking at new tires, a battery, a tired convertible top, rebuilding clutch masters and slaves, complete brake overhaul, fuel system and carb rebuild, and nine million electrical gremlins. Add to that, the car is pushing 30 years old. It will most likely have dried out seals, a weeping radiator, and ratty interior. Only buy a cheap fixer upper TR8 if you plan on highly modifying it and you are just going to replace everything anyway. I've been down this road twice, and I still can't believe I was dumb enough to do it a second time. A year and a half after buying my last fixer upper, I'm still trying to sort it out. I'm sure I'll find even more wrong with it once it hits the road. Here is a pic of my $2500 money pit.
 

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Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

And this one started out as a $2000 gem.
 

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Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Thanks TR8Todd- your advice seems sound. At this stage in the game, I'm more interested in driving a TR8 rather than rebuilding one. I'm familiar with the day to day maintenance and occasional repair and that is part of the 'joy' of owning a British sports car. However, it is very tempting to start another project... ("must .. not .. eat .. forbidden doughnut..."). I'll go and give it a once over anyway to help my wife better understand my Triumph sickness. Thanks!
edit- Nice photos! Your Gem and Money Pit look quite nice.
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Now that my rant is over, here is what you look for.
Rust behind the seats in the floor where the rear lower control arms mount.
Rust under the brake and clutch masters.
Rust in any of the body seems. Specifically along the nose to front fender and rear fender to rocker cover. Also look under the windshield.
Coolant leaking from heater control valve on AC cars. It is located just above where your right knee is when you are driving.
Make sure it comes with the convertible top cover and the fresh air plenum in the engine bay.
Common problems are worn lobes on the camshaft, worn out door seals, broken window regulators, faded carpet, torn drivers seats, shifter bushings, dried out suspension bushings, intank fuel pump and sender, steering column bushings, leaky power steering rack, noisy rear ends, tach needle that sticks at 0 then suddenly comes to life, front end wobble at 45 to 50 MPH, carbs that won't idle down after warm up, cooling fans that don't come on, broken knobs, ratty steering wheels, and gauges that are finicky. You will often find serious wiring damage behind the dash from people trying to stuff an aftermarket radio or alarm system in the car.
All that being said, TR8s are wonderful cars if they are taken care of. Modified ones are truly fantastic driving machines. One ride in a nice TR8, and it will go to the top of your must have list- even if you don't like the shape! I see so many TR8s needing work sell for under 6K and many that are done and in fantastic condition go unsold for 8 to 10. Most of the really really nice ones don't make it to the open market. They are sold by word of mouth between the core group of TR8 enthusiasts. Only someone who has labored over one of these for years wouldn't bat an eye at one of the best examples changing hands at $15k plus. Go look at the car. Go for a ride in a nice one. When you are ready to buy one, come back. We''ll point you in the right direction.
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Sounds great! I am ready to buy in the 6-7K range, but can go higher. Where is the best source for reasonable mods? I'm actually kind of partial to the '81 with stock EFI, but just because I'm a bit of a traditionalist and I can respect the low production numbers. I'd modify an average '80 with no regrets if the result is more dependability. I happen to love the shape- I saw a new white TR8 drive by in '81 when I was a kid visiting Disney in Florida and I've been hooked since. I resurrected a '79 TR7 back in high school (20+ years ago!) and got my chops in terms of car troubleshooting and repair. That led to an old spitfire and two GT6s plus parts in a barn in NY. It's time for a TR8. One to drive and enjoy. I just missed out on a nice forum member's ride about 3 weeks ago... Keep me in mind when another 10K beauty comes around. Thanks!
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Hi Rob - while not that man where made the do seem to come up fair frequently. So now that Todd has scared you - and mind you I'm not disagreeing with them - let me tell you that these are also fairly robust cars. The Rover V8 is a great engine, and really responds to tweaks. Not crazy 400+ horsepower stuff, but going from stock to 200 or more is pretty easy, and easily reversible. Trust me when I say she'll move along just fine.

New poly bushings, springs and shocks will give you a very nice ride / handling balance. TR8 are also great highway cars.

If you haven't joined the TR8 mailing list you should, good people, amazingly helpful, and if you ask about finding a car we'll do just that!

Welcome aboard!
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

tdskip said:
If you haven't joined the TR8 mailing list you should, good people, amazingly helpful, and if you ask about finding a car we'll do just that!
Click to expand...

Thanks tdskip. I've just joined... now I have to get back to work.
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Since no one else has asked, and it is probably a safe assumption, but is it a convertible or a coupe?
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Shawn,
Car in question is a convertible. I'm not really considering a coupe, although a hard top would definitely be a nice addition.
Thanks
 
Re: Help with TR8 assessment - stored for 15 years

Rob -

I've had my TR8 for a few years, and still love the thing. Took a drive to Nashville (about 45 miles) yesterday, and had it out again today. The alum. V8 has a distinct feel and sound which is intoxicating, as far as I'm concerned. And with lowered springs and poly bushings, the handling is excellent.

Mine has the Holley carb and a mild cam with headers. Not a screamer, but it can certainly get out of its own way.

Keep us informed about your search.

Mickey
 
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