Wedge How much TR7 for the money?

[100DashSix]

Well I got back from looking over the TR7. It was very solid, couldn't find any rust, though some rubber parts would need replacing (one of the steering gaiters and both of what appeared to be gaiters covering the front springs). The vinyl hood needed replacement badly. What I especially didn't like finding out, though, was that the seats aren't original; they fit well, but looked a bit odd and I'd get more legroom with the original seats. Worse still, the owner said it needed some futzing to get it into second gear. I didn't get a chance to find this out myself, and you'll soon know why.

Then came the part where he turned the car off and back on--or tried to. It was unfortunate for the seller, really, that the car wouldn't start up again. This prompted an hour of playing with jumper cables, fuses, and relays in an attempt to get it to start up, which ended unsuccessfully.

Even if it did start, I think the torn hood and strange seats would prevent me from considering it.

Thanks for the advice, Triumph section of the forum.

Edit Oh yes, I saw an ominous "DPO" sign: A vacuum tube was plugged up with a drywall screw. Ah, and the car had AC at one point, but the compressor lacked a fan belt and no plumbing attached to the copper pipes sticking out of the firewall.

 

[DanNagy]

Now I am thinking about that TR8 in Reno! Where is the advertisement? Is it running? That's a helluva deal.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Probably best to pass on this one.

But for future reference, don't let the second gear difficulty nix a sale. Check the bushings on the remote selector. Old rubber bits become one with the atmosphere pretty regularly. Easy fix with nylon or delrin bushings.

Also, the five-speed boxes can be finicky until warmed up. And many times one finds that the wrong gear oil is used.

Again though, from what you said, this one deserves a pass.

 

[Guest]

Well I got back from looking over the TR7. It was very solid, couldn't find any rust, though some rubber parts would need replacing (one of the steering gaiters and both of what appeared to be gaiters covering the front springs). The vinyl hood needed replacement badly. What I especially didn't like finding out, though, was that the seats aren't original; they fit well, but looked a bit odd and I'd get more legroom with the original seats. Worse still, the owner said it needed some futzing to get it into second gear. I didn't get a chance to find this out myself, and you'll soon know why.

Then came the part where he turned the car off and back on--or tried to. It was unfortunate for the seller, really, that the car wouldn't start up again. This prompted an hour of playing with jumper cables, fuses, and relays in an attempt to get it to start up, which ended unsuccessfully.

Even if it did start, I think the torn hood and strange seats would prevent me from considering it.

Thanks for the advice, Triumph section of the forum.

Edit Oh yes, I saw an ominous "DPO" sign: A vacuum tube was plugged up with a drywall screw. Ah, and the car had AC at one point, but the compressor lacked a fan belt and no plumbing attached to the copper pipes sticking out of the firewall.

Do yourself a favor and skip right over the 7 and concentrate on a very original TR8 convertible. The prices are still unbelievably low for what you get. For about $7K you get very nice condition and for under $10K you still get mint, low miles car. The Spitfire is going in favor of a TR8 in the near future. I just know the prices for good original convertible TR8's are going to explode soon .

 

[Guest]

I just know the prices for good original convertible TR8's are going to explode soon .

I have a friend that just purchased a TR8 ragtop and was happy to pay 10K. What he got was a driver, that needs lots of work to bring it up to the level of Mickey or Larry's cars.

I am afraid that the explosion has already begun. Remember, there just ain't that many of them.

 

[Guest]

I just know the prices for good original convertible TR8's are going to explode soon .

I have a friend that just purchased a TR8 ragtop and was happy to pay 10K. What he got was a driver, that needs lots of work to bring it up to the level of Mickey or Larry's cars.

I am afraid that the explosion has already begun. Remember, there just ain't that many of them.

Congratulate him for us on such a great deal. Doesn't sound like you thought he made a wise purchase. Did you tell him about the forum so he can get some good restoration advice?

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I just know the prices for good original convertible TR8's are going to explode soon .

I have a friend that just purchased a TR8 ragtop and was happy to pay 10K. What he got was a driver, that needs lots of work to bring it up to the level of Mickey or Larry's cars.

I am afraid that the explosion has already begun. Remember, there just ain't that many of them.

Yeah, but there are a TON of 7's still waiting to be converted. Easy job - I'd like to do one for a daily driver and save my 8. But I'm out of room. And money.

For now... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[100DashSix]

Yeah, I think I'd like to go the TR7 route, and plan on a conversion only as a distant project. I'll have to keep looking; hopefully something within convenient driving distance will come up.