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Post-War Other New Triumph Herald owner

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M

mgbreis

Freshman Member
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Hi,

I'm the new owner of a '64 Triumph Herald 1200 convertible, just picked it up on Saturday. It is in very nice condition, but has been sitting for 9 years. I'm pretty familiar with lbc stuff as an mg owner, I'm just looking for any information I can find on Heralds. Any good websites, is there a manual available (haynes?), best place for parts, etc.

I'd be interested in information on upgrades, spitfire discs for example. Anything wrong with considering a 1500 engine and overdrive in the future?

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from any Herald owners.

Ryan Reis
 
Hi, Ryan! By any chance, is this the white '64 convertible recently on eBay (in Iowa)? If so, looks like you got a pretty nice Herald.

Brian's pretty well covered many of your original questions. As for a manual, you really can't beat the original factory manual. They turn up a lot on eBay, and I think there might even be a CD version. If you see a CD purporting to contain the original Spitfire 4/Mk2/Mk3 Workshop Manual, it should be the same, since that manual also included the Herald 1200 (and later 13/60 in some editions) and the Vitesse 6.

Disc brakes in front? Sure, although I personally feel it is not necessary for a stock Herald 1200. If all is well with the original drum brake bits, they're just fine. The two best arguments for switching to disc brakes on an otherwise stock Herald are: 1. you do a lot of descents down long, steep winding mountain roads, and 2. it's a lot easier to source pads, discs and even calipers in the US. The conversion is 100% bolt in; I can give you details if you're interested.

Also virtually a bolt-in would be any Spitfire engine and gearbox. Frankly, though, I'm not sure it's worth the effort and expense unless you really want to hot-rod the car or do lots of expressway driving.

My '62 1200 has essentially the same 1147cc engine yours appears to have (again, assuming it's the eBay car), and I've yet to feel seriously compromised by the 40 or so hp. My car will cruise just fine @ 65 mph or so on the Interstates; four years ago, it took me on an uneventful (ok, one new tire valve!) 2550-mile trip from New York to Minnesota and back. On that trip, I averaged around 35 mpg, which I doubt one would be able to do with a modified Herald.

That said, an overdrive gearbox would be a nice addition for slightly more comfortable and economical highway driving.

Lots more I could ramble on about, but that's a good start for now! I'd love to list your car on my Database web site, if you'd be willing to pass along the commission, engine and body numbers (which can also help me give more specific advice about various areas of upgrading, etc., if needed).
 
Another mg owner crossing over to 'the dark side'.......
 
Big congrats on your Herald aquisition. Fascinating chapter in the history of Triumph and LBCs generally. Forunner to the Spitfire. I believe one of, if not the first of the Micholotti designs. Good Luck and have fun! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Thanks guys! Yes Andy, it is the white ebay car from Iowa. My wife and I have been looking for an lbc with a backseat since we added our son to the family two years ago, we're very excited about the Herald. Funny that something like that turned up only 100 miles from home. I'm also kinda looking forward to working on something different after focusing on mg's for so long. Not that the mg's are going anywhere!

Things will stay pretty much stock for now, I just want to get it in driving shape and see how we like it. I'm a big overdrive fan though, it must be the wide open spaces here in the midwest.

Andy, I'd be happy to get you the information on the car, but it will be a couple weeks. It is stored at my parent's right now until we get back from vacation on the 25th.

Thanks again,
Ryan
 
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