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TR6 my first triumph

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daverosscohen

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Hello all!

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first british car. A red 74 tr6 from texas (i live in nashville). Rust free (save a bit under the passenger floor) driver survivor car w/overdrive.

I was wondering if there was any specific literature i should buy to give me a leg up on maintanance and repairs etc. (haynes manual, or brooklands tr6 operation manual?)
also. where would you point me to buy a basic set of tools with which to work on the car?

I have a grandfather in-law that works on jensen healeys and interceptors etc who is very knowledgable that will help me, but i definitely need to start stuff on my own too :smile:

any help and advice is appreciated!

-dave
 
Dave - welcome to BCF. Sounds like you might be a bit excited ...

GREAT! You're setting off on quite an adventure.

You've taken step one. Step two: talk with your grandfather about the car, and see what he recommends, especially as it sounds like you've never worked on these cars.

Step three: keep posting here!

Question: how'd the car drive when you checked it out down in Texas?

Tom
 
Hello and welcome to the crowd!
I would recommend getting the Bentley manual for the TR6. It is very thorough and easy to understand.
 
Hey, Dave, from Clarksville!

Let me know if I can assist - always looking for an excuse for a trip!

No need for special tools - all SAE standard fittings. Can't go wrong with Sears.

Mickey
 
Welcome to the asylum, Dave!

I believe the Brooklands "TR6 Operations Manual" is equivalent to "the Bentley" that Elliot mentioned
41RiGf3dpmL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

except that the Bentley includes an owners manual (aka Driver's Handbook) as well as the workshop manual. If you can buy only one, then I'd go for the Bentley; but better yet in my opinion would be the Brooklands or Bentley plus a US owner's manual for 1974. TRF sells reprints of the year-specific owner's manuals, PN 545111/74

I would also suggest a copy of Dan Master's electrical bible if you can find one. Looks like British Wiring has them in stock
https://www.britishwiring.com/Dan-Masters-Electrical-Book-p/tr6book.htm
TR6BOOK-2.jpg
 
Dave - come to think of it, what happened to that 1964 BJ8 Austin Healey you got a few years ago?

Tom
 
I don't have the Dan Master Book, but the Lucas Electrical Fault finding manual is useful for electrical problems too. You can get it free here: https://herald-tips-tricks.wdfiles....art0/Lucas Fault Diagnosis Service Manual.pdf

The Moss Motors and Victoria British catalogs are free, and are very useful, they generally use exploded diagrams from the factory parts manuals so they show you how everything goes together, and they are free (google it).

Agree about tools, regular American SAE inch sizes, if you don't have one get a good set on sale with ratchet and wrenches as a starting point, and you will figure out what else you need as you go. That is how I started out 30 years ago, and the kit is still the core of my now very large set of tools, all with a lifetime warranty, just bring it back, no receipt needed, no questions, if it breaks they will give you a new one (or sometimes reconditioned). Quality and pricewise the stuff is more than the cheap made in Taiwan and Korea stuff, but less than the Snap-on and stuff used by many professional mechanics, but is fine for the home garage.
 
Hey Tom,

When my uncle passed away I inherited his car, and at the time i was 23 and realized i was in over my head. I didnt own a house, and the condo i was renting didnt have a garage etc etc. It quickly became obvious that no matter how much i loved the car, it needed to go. Ever since i've wanted to get into a british classic. i'm now 28, recently engaged and a homeowner, i pulled the trigger on the tr6 which IMHO is a the most realistic way for me to get into a 6cyl british classic. While a bj8 is still my dream car. I'm really looking forward to the journey ahead with this TR

:smile:
 
28... It's great to see a younger new member to the group.

Welcome.

When I was 28, I had my first TR6. As a youth, I had this dream of owning and driving a TR6 with the top down every day. That dream (and TR6) was not a disappointment, but life changes and that TR6 got away.

Now, I am almost 53.25 -going on 54. I have a red 1974 TR6 in the garage, and every time I drive it, I feel like I am 28, and my dream has come true. I also have a restored TR3, but that's a whole 'nother thing.

This forum has many members who have already had, solved and repeated any problem you will ever see. Someone here understands, and will help you understand how to isolate and repair the problem. Not every one approaches the same problem the same way, and you undoubtedly will make your own decisions. -Assuming you actually do have a problem with the TR6 at some point! I think I can speak for the group, when I say we would like to see you enjoy your car as much as we have enjoyed ours.

What kind of knucklehead from Texas would sell their TR6? Please post some pictures of it.
 
That '6 looks to be in fine fettle.
For amusement, go back in the archives and look for TR6 posts.
You'll learn a lot, as many of us have blazed that trail before you.
You and your fiancee will be share great adventures in your LBC!
 
Dave,
I've found the TR6 has common issues with cars and a few unique ones. Most here know much more than
I, but here are some things off the top of my head.
- hood release, add an emergency pull
- clutch actuation, I found has little room for error, everything needs to be in top shape
- usual issues with dual carbs; they need rebuilding on occasion out and need some care and feeding
- rust (what 40 year old car doesn't?)
- sheared pin in clutch fork, reinforce the first time tranny is out of the car.
- understanding timing: cars had vacuum retard, vacuum advance and I think some had both
- oil leaks
 
HealeyZ good list, I would add a thourough check of the back axle and rear suspension, mounting points, frame, u-joints, differential mounts.

Wow! looks like a nice solid original car, looks like a fun project, make sure it can stop (blead brakes, replace rubber parts as needed) then make sure it can go (drivetrain and suspension check and refurb as needed) then drive the heck out of it.
 
I agree that a big Craftsman tool set will cover most of the tools you need. Ace Hardware also carries Craftsman and sometimes they have excellent sale prices. They also honor the lifetime return at their store if it is not convenient to get to a Sears.

You will want some basic diagnostic tools too -- compression gauge (that threads in), timing light (with advance dial) & multimeter. You can pay a little or a lot but for those I have had decent luck with the ones from Harbor Freight.

The tool list is almost endless but some others that come to mind that you may need sooner rather than later are a set of feeler gauges (setting valve lash), oil drain pan, small 110V air compressor (tire inflation), torque wrench (lug nuts) and a decent floor jack. Again, all of those are available for short money at Harbor Freight.

When the car arrives you will want to read the date code on the sidewalls to see how old they are -- it looks like it may have sat for a spell so the tires may be old. Recommendations vary but if they are 10+ years old you should get new tires before any real driving. Google will get you opinions on this and also how to read the date code if need be.

The car looks like a great driver and should keep you busy for many years to come. I still drive the TR I got when I was your age -- I am now on Social Security and still working on it!
 
Dave - you've got a great "fixer upper"! I like the recommendation "make sure it can stop ... then make sure it can go"

Any idea why the rear body is coated with all that black - except for the license plate? Did you do a test drive before buying the car?

Tom
PS "I still drive the TR I got when I was your age -- I am now on Social Security and still working on it!" -- don't take that as a negative! It's actually a *very* positive statement!




 
Looking at the above lists of 'things to check' (and recognizing that I have no experience with TR6s) I'll add that you may want to read up on thrust washers and how to check to see they are okay.

NutmegCT said:
...Any idea why the rear body is coated with all that black - except for the license plate?...
Click to expand...

Isn't that how they are supposed to be?
 
I have not owned a TR6 for 15 + years, but still have my Bentley manual just in case I get another 6.

I would also recommend a TR6 Parts Manuals. The Roadster Factory has a two volume version online at: https://www.the-roadster-factory.com/TRFcatalogues.php then scroll to the bottom. You can either view the volumes online or they have a printable version.

During the current restoration of my TR4, I believe I have used the Parts Manual more than the Shop Manual. The parts manual has graphics that show the location of every part relative to all the other associated parts around it.

Vila
1933 Chevrolet
1962 Triumph TR4
1984 BMW 633 CSi
 
Welcome, don't be shy with questions. These are robust cars that are pretty easy to work on, once you are sure she'll stop OK (as noted) just drive her some. Things that need attention will present themselves...grin.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm waiting on the transport broker to find a ride for the car.. the wait is killing me :smile:
 
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