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TR4/4A New member w crazy TR4a

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AZTR4a67 said:
I am just trying to size this puppy up and plan my next move. The motor is toast (burned valves) so the whole thing needs to be rebuilt. Tranny: unknown but I do know it is the 4 speed w/o overdrive :-(. Suspension and brakes: the parts are there in C- condition. Body and paint: C- but the parts are there. Interior: D- condition.

so my dilemma is whether to put $10k into the car and rebuild it, but then I still have a car worth $10k and 100hp and a positive ground electrical system. If it has had front end damage (which is pretty evident) then it will never b a concourse type car.

Or, rip it all out; drop in an aluminum Buick v8 or a boosted Toyota w a bulletproof w50 5 speed. Keep the TR6 seats and redo the interior however I want, pull the body and tub for sandblasting and paint it anything other than BrG, yuck (original for this car according to the Comm plate) and drive the **** out of it.

is it a good enough car to try and restore to original or is this a case where it would never be good enough to be considered "original" so why try.

Bill (heavy sigh, hands in pocket, kicking stone across the driveway)
Click to expand...

To answer your question, if it were mine I would clean up interior and body with the least amount of effort and expense. Too bad you hate BRG as it's one of the more popular colors. Same with engine. Possibly just doing the head would be enough? I would never change out the engine for anything but original tractor motor, that 100 hp car is a ball to drive. If you do it will be less desirable for most buyers down the road. Redo the hydraulics and brakes. With luck maybe gearbox is ok which you will find out once it runs and stops. But a driver now rather than yanking the whole thing apart which will take lots of time and lots of money. But it's not my car.
 
Thanks KVH and Sail,

it looks like I bought an interesting car. TR4 fenders and grille, aftermarket top, replacement engine, TR6 seats, TR250 steering wheel, and I haven't even touched the tranny or rear end!

I think I will do my best to preserve the car. It is an interesting mix of parts from several cars, but since I have most of the bits, it makes the restoration a lot easier. The front end shouldn't be too big of a deal to put right (new grille and add sidelights). The engine is complete and I do think I can get it running with just a top end rebuild. The gas tank will have to be drained and cleaned and the carbs will need to be rebuilt.

I like the TR6 seats so I will have them stripped, refoamed, and reupholstered. Carpet is easily acquired on eBay. The dashboard can be rehabilitated.

The frame is pretty scary! Looking under the back end, I can see a couple of places where it has been repaired. It is also boxed and extended so that the frame is nearly touching the rear bumper. I don't know if is straight so it looks like I'm gonna have to pull the body/tub and take it to an expert.

but, first step is to pull the head and have it rebuilt. If I can get it running, I will have a better reason to sink more time and money into this project.
 
KVH said:
My little Moss book would say it's a 1966, not 1967, if I'm reading it correctly.
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Based on the build dates of mine it was probably built in late September or early October 1966 but sold in 1967 and thus got registered as a 1967. My second one below has a registration of 1967 also.

1966 Triumph TR4A

  • VIN: CTC72159LO
  • Body: 71922CT
  • Engine: CT72497E
  • Paint: 25 (Triumph Racing Green)
  • Trim: H11 (Black Leather)
Built: August 31, 1966


Scott
 
Since the car is a hodgepodge, if you want to make a fun car to drive by using modern parts, engine, transmission, etc., you will probably save money in the short and long term and have a more reliable ride. However it will not be "original"...but it is not original now. It is your car, your toy, your enjoyment. Don't let us sway you either way. Do what makes you happy. If that means tracking down similar car parts to try to make it original-like, go for it. By the same token, if a miata engine and 5 speed float your boat, that might be fun too. There are a lot of interesting cars at britishv8.org, including some TR4/4a. Good luck with whatever you decide to to!
 
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