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TR2/3/3A Pondering the unthinkable with my TR2

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Banjo

Banjo

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Ooooooohhh I dunno. My 54 TR2 project might wind up going down the road. I hesitate to even mention it. I guess what I'm doing is dipping my toes in to test the waters. What kind of intrest is there out there for a rather rust free, low number (TS5012),dissasembled TR2 project?
Dependind on response I may post to the classifieds, or provide more details.
Rough idea of the car is: 95% there, all sheet metal, both steel wheels (with a great set of hubcaps) and a set of 48 spoke wires with adapters, 2 non #s matching engines (1 TR3 high port, 1 TR4A), original TR2 low port head and intake manifold, all original weather gear; top, boot, and curtians(non usable, but there) 2 trannies (one non syncro 1st, one TR4A full syncro)both non-overdrive. Several sub assemblies already restored and tested (Generator, Starter, Heater etc..) Original color is Geranium with black interior. no bondo anywhere. needs doglegs, and possibly outer rockers (I was going to repair the small holes in them) but otherwise the body is remarkably solid. there are 2 rows of louvers in the bonnet that were done a long time ago. Well done, and a period modification.. I was happy to leave them there.
Now I sit back and see what ya all say.
Personally I hope there's not enough intrest to make me go through with it.....
 
My first question would be why are you thinking of selling? If there's still a desire there, then it's worth keeping -- but that desire can fade. These little cars do own a bit of us, just as we own them. Lordy knows I've considered selling mine a few times during the restoration process...

In the end, it's a question only you can answer. There's only so many things a person can do in life, and if the TR2 restoration is not near the top of the list, then maybe it's not for you. Then again, it doesn't cost anything to keep it around.
 
Jeesh Drew, you been snoopin around in my head?
hehehee. Desire is the key. My resto is dead in the water money wise, and I'm just not sure if I ever did get the money, that this project is where it would go. LBCs have been a passion of mine for many years, I even restored them professionally for a while, but they are no longer the idol that I once held them as. They've really gone to just being a hobby. not my life. When I got this car, a TR2 restoration was my life's dream. I searched long and hard for a suitable TR2 project. this one definatly has great potential.
So it's not desire for this perticular project, but cars in general. It probably dosen't help to work on cars all day, then have them as a hobby too, either.
I'm still "on the fence" about really getting rid of it. I don't want to look back years from now and kick myself. But I also dont want to look at piles of parts in my garage that I may or may not ever get to working on.
So that's where I'm at.
 
Wow Ben;
That sounds like my story.
Years ago I owned and drove a bugeye to high school, (yes they had high school back then). I kept it in a corner of my Dad's barn for years thinking I would restore it. Then decided it wouldn't happen, and sold the car. Made no money as it was in poor shape. To this day, I wish I'd kept it. My excuse was the same, I work on cars all day and won't do it at night.
I guess what I'm trying to say, if this car is a lifelong dream, hide it or ignore it, but don't sell it. Long after the money and use of space is gone , the regrets still linger.
I'll bet there are a thousand stories the same on this forum alone.

JMHO Dave :cheers:
 
Don't do it. Your gonna regret it. I've let a few go over the years and could kick myself now. Just take a deep breath and stop talking nonsense. Make you car a priority once the money comes available, then come back and thank us for talking you into keeping it.
 
So, while my situation is a bit different (loads of projects), I bet part of what you are thinking about Banjo is that it can be an ongoing stress to have a project just sitting there. Always there in the back of your head, eating at you. At some point I do think it is better to cut stuff loose than worrying about it.

(ducks for cover)
 
Stop, wait, DON'T SELL IT! Just my oppinion....
I took the long road to do the resto on my car.... six long years so the $ was spread out over time. To date I still haven't driven it. I am looking forward to the spring to get it on the road, and you should be too. This spring, or in a "few springs". Unless there is a need to sell, sit back and know that it will be there when you are ready.
 
Tough decision, and you are the one who's gonna have to make it - if you can fast forward your life a bit in your mind, do you think you still want a TR2, or not? Twenty years ago, I had a very early 69 TR6 with those really spiffy fake hubcaps, but then my two sons came along and my interests and passions changed. Sold off the TR6 for a bargain - its probably rusting away somewhere near Wasilla, Alaska right now. Do I miss it? Yep. Do I regret it? Nope. When my passion kicked back in on TRs as my sons grew up I've had fun rebuilding my stash - now my garage is chock full of rusty hulks I may never finish. But I'm still having fun!

The passion part is the tough thing to figure out - don't sell because the project looks stalled, and try not to sell unless you are financially forced to. But if your interests are looking elsewhere, as much as I hate losing a TR guy sometimes thats the right thing to do. But heaven forbid, if you take another direction don't do what I did in Alaska and give the darn thing away - you know what its worth and make sure you get it.

Randy
 
Banjo said:
Jeesh Drew, you been snoopin around in my head?
Click to expand...
Quick, put that tinfoil hat back on.
grin.gif


I've had many of the same sort of thoughts about my Bugeye project. I feel that stress of having a project hanging there, even if it isn't costing me any money -- having too many things that need your attention can be stressful. Removing a few of them can solve this stress.

Also, Peter Egan once wrote this about selling a car (paraphrasing a bit since I don't have the book in front of me): "Say you came home tomorrow and the car was gone. In it's place was the full replacement value in cash. Would you buy the same car again? If the answer is no, then maybe it's time to sell."

No LBCs in our price range are particularly rare, so if this one doesn't have any special significance than you could always find another in the future. On the other hand there is no rush to sell either as long as the storage costs are free. Take some time and feel it out.

On a side note, for a fascinating look at how humans make decisions check out "The Paradox of Choice" by Barry Schwartz. There's a video of a TED presentation by the author as well: https://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice.html
 
I for one run into this from time to time. I'm doing a complete body off restoration on a 56 TR3 and seem to hit a wall and I ask myself why I'm I doing this. When I hit that wall it seems to be when money is tight or when it seems progress is not being made. If it's money I go to restoring nuts and bolts or just cleaning parts and painting small items. That alone can take months. It still needs to be done though. And you will not spend money, only time.

As for progress you may want to work on some of the items inside the house. I'm sure it's very cold in the garage in NY this time of year. Work on the interior or other small items. Progress can be made that way. Are you a member of a local club? Use the club as a spark to get things rolling again. Have members come over and do a tech session on the car, put the body on the chassis, rebuild engine or tranny, trial fit the fenders and doors. Others will learn and you will get some work done. Car shows will be coming up, go to them they always get my interest up. Or take some time off from the car but be carefull, this is what kills most restorations.

It's winter were you are at and a TR2 does not seem that important, but spring is not to far away. I hope you can find away to get back to the car. The way our economy is right now I can understand why you may want to get ride of the car. As mentioned in other posts if you sell the car get what it's worth. People right now are stealing cars from people that sell them to cheap. What ever you do decide good luck.
 
Put it up. Put it away, store it.
chase other dreams for a time
It's practically irreplacable-
It's like money in the bank-- always worth the money
see what paths open up in your life
no regrets, emmett
 
Been in a similar situation, just not in quite so deep and close to my ears!

I had a '64 TR4 when new and always wanted another. Well I happened to find a '62 that was not too bad but needed a complete restoration. It sat in my garage for several years and it just felt good to see it there. The trouble was I just could not work myself up to starting on it. One day I suddenly realized why, it was a '62 and not the '64 I really wanted. So down the road it went.

Now I have a '76 TR6 and even though it is not that '64 TR4, I do like it. I still want a '64 and in weaker moments wonder if I should have kept the '62. But, with the '62 gone there is at least a better chance that I will one day have that '64.

Maybe it doesn't make sense to you, it does to me and that is what is really important. One day the answer will come to you also. I would wait until that time.
 
Bought my TR 4 in '90 and drove it for a year, but life came along and so into the garage for 18 years. Always had the desire but felt guilty about starting on it.

What changed? Wife said, "don't die and leave me to have to deal with a car that doesn't run. I'll just have to call the junk man. If thats what you want, let it sit. Otherwise fix and drive or sell it."

Now being restored as a driver and no guilt.
 
You know those guys who look over your car in the gas station and say, "I used to have one of these, but..."?

Do you really want to become one of them?
 
Pile it all on one side of the garage, then wall it in. After awhile you will have forgotten what is behind the wall. When you open it up, what a surprise.

Seriously, if you need the money, or in poor health, or have other life challenges, then by all means sell it. Otherwise, cover it up and give the project some time. My car sat for 15 years before I got back into it. I had the same thoughts about selling it, now I am glad I did not.
 
Banjo said:
Ooooooohhh I dunno. My 54 TR2 project might wind up going down the road. I hesitate to even mention it. I guess what I'm doing is dipping my toes in to test the waters. What kind of intrest is there out there for a rather rust free, low number (TS5012),dissasembled TR2 project?
Dependind on response I may post to the classifieds, or provide more details.
Rough idea of the car is: 95% there, all sheet metal, both steel wheels (with a great set of hubcaps) and a set of 48 spoke wires with adapters, 2 non #s matching engines (1 TR3 high port, 1 TR4A), original TR2 low port head and intake manifold, all original weather gear; top, boot, and curtians(non usable, but there) 2 trannies (one non syncro 1st, one TR4A full syncro)both non-overdrive. Several sub assemblies already restored and tested (Generator, Starter, Heater etc..) Original color is Geranium with black interior. no bondo anywhere. needs doglegs, and possibly outer rockers (I was going to repair the small holes in them) but otherwise the body is remarkably solid. there are 2 rows of louvers in the bonnet that were done a long time ago. Well done, and a period modification.. I was happy to leave them there.
Now I sit back and see what ya all say.
Personally I hope there's not enough intrest to make me go through with it.....
Click to expand...

Banjo, if you are serious about selling your TR2, rest assured there is good market for it. I hope you make the right decision. Good luck.
 
Twosheds said:
You know those guys who look over your car in the gas station and say, "I used to have one of these, but..."?

Do you really want to become one of them?
Click to expand...

And they ALL also say "I wish I still had it.""
 
All valid points fellas, I'm not sure where I'm at right now. If I do decide to sell it, I'm going to make it worth my while. I'll try to get a fair price. I've owned several vintage cars. some drivable, some never on the road. I don't stay up at night rueing my dicision to get rid of any of them. Even the ones with family history.( I would like another VW Thing, but It'd have to be in better shape than the one I had) Right now I have an 8 year old daughter, and a wife with no intrest in my project cars (she does enjoy riding in a convertable, but not anything else about the classic car thing). I've really gotten to the point where car shows just dont do anything for me anymore. I enjoy the Watkins Vintage Grand Prix, but that's really an overall event. not just a show. I am a member of a local club, with some really great people in it, but I find I have less and less intrest in the events, and little or no desire to try and get a vehicle going to join in with those events.
Maybe I should try a trade. I'd let the TR2 go for a drivable TR3. It could be kinda rough, and that'd be ok....nah.... If I'm gonna sell, I'll just settle for having the CJ5 as my ragtop, everything's gonna go.
Gotta think some more.
 
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