possible new triumph owner

[19_again]

Hello there, I'm usually over on the MG forum but the dark side is starting to appeal to me more and more. I have a chance to pick up a GT6, I've always thought they were one of the best looking bodies around. But moss doesn't specifically list them as available models, are there parts availability issues with them>
Thanks,
Mike

 

[SCguy]

I'm 5'11" and I had trouble fitting in my former 73 GT6. My head used rub the roof and it drove me nuts!

They are also know for having weak rear ends and they don't seem to have increased in value the way TR6s have. I love the looks though!

 

[TR_Jim]

There are parts that are not common with the Spitfire that are not available, but most parts are. You can get a good idea of what is available at SpitBits.

https://www.spitbits.com

 

[vagt6]

The GT6 cockpit is relatively small, and some folks with poor bodily flexibility or leg/back problems may have difficulty with ingress/egress.

However, I'm 6'2" and 200lbs. and had absolutely no problems with comfort in any of my GT6s. And, my head never touched the ceiling (stock seats). In fact, I found <span style="text-decoration: underline">ample</span> of head room, with at least 2 inches, maybe more in stock GT6s (warning, Miata seats may significantly reduce headroom for taller folks).

If you're relatively healthy (flexible) and not taller than about 6'4" or so, you be as snug as a bug in a GT6. I think it's just fine for everything but very long/multiple day road trips.

Although the GT6 is a true GT car, it is not the most comfortable. But then, who buys a GT6 for <span style="font-style: italic">comfort</span>! :laugh: For example, an MGBGT offers the driver a noticably more comfy driving experience (monocoque construction = less rattles; it's a safer car in a crash; larger interior, etc.). But then, it's <span style="font-style: italic">not a Triumph </span>(body bolted to frame = rattles, shakes; more of a "driver's car", etc.).

There is <span style="text-decoration: underline">plenty</span> of aftermarket support for GT6s (especially MK IIIs, the most plentiful GT6), and you can find help and expertise in abundance in the web. Spitfires share most parts with the GT6, so parts, by and large, are readily available.

A word to the wise: nice examples are increasingly hard to find. Good luck trying to find a nicely-sorted MK II with no rust. IN fact, there's a nice-lookng MK I on EBay right now! And if you get one and ever wish to sell it, keep it as close to stock as you can with mods that are reversible (keep the old parts). Serious collectors simply will not pay top dollar for obviously modified examples.

Go for it: I don't think you'll regret it if you have the budget and skill to enjoy the car.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

In high school, when the GT6 first came out, it was my dream car. Still would LOVE to have one, but no room for it, either physical or fiscal!

Maybe someday...

 

[tdskip]

In high school, when the GT6 first came out, it was my dream car. Still would LOVE to have one, but no room for it, either physical or fiscal!

You say that like having space or funds are a prerequist? When have either of those stopped any of us Mickey? LOL.

 

[tomshobby]

I traded my '64 TR4 for a new '67 GT6. I loved the car and kept it until '76 when we had 2 kids and a 300 acre farm. It was in great condition but since it did not have room for the kids and could not pull a plow it was sold, for $300.
I was 5'9" tall and 170 lbs when I bought it and it fit great, still 5'9" but 230 lbs and am sure I could not get in one again.
My transmission and rear end both broke one time. The starter needed the brush springs replaced a few times. Other than that it ran strong and trouble free for the 75,000 or so miles that I had it.

 

[19_again]

Thanks all for the great input, Although here in Cow Hampshire not being able to pull a plow is a definite demerit of 3 points. I'm a short guy so height isn't a problem, well that didn't come out exactly right but you know what I mean. The TR6 is another great looking car to be sure, but there are a lot of them and the GT6 is just so coool!
Thanks again.

 

[rotoflex]

I think it's just fine for everything but very long/multiple day road trips.

I'm 5' 10", around 150 lbs, and have always been very comfortable on long trips in the GT6. Probably the longest was driving from Mobile, AL to Portland OR (and back, back in the day when I would stay awake long enough to do that). It's my favorite car.

Nobody has mentioned the weather inside the GT6 yet. Somebody should.

 

[Mark Jones]

You are allowed an MG and a Triumph in the same garage

The GT6 is a very nice looking car. From what others have told me the downside of a GT6 is the heat.

 

[vagt6]

You are allowed an MG and a Triumph in the same garage

The GT6 is a very nice looking car. From what others have told me the downside of a GT6 is the heat.

The heat problem is easy to fix, takes a little work, no problem. If you leave the car stock (i.e., without modern insulating materials in the firewall, cockpit and tunnel cover), it may get hot. But, if it's well-insulated (not hard at all to do), no problemo.

And if the heat really bothers you, install A/C. It's as easy to do in a GT6 as any other LBC, probably easier because the bonnet comes all the way off!

 

[19_again]

I have used the self adhesive heat shield material on the B and it's made a big difference, it sounds like the same material needs to be applied to the GT6 firewall and elsewhere? I'm about to install Moss's MGB exhaust shield that goes between the exhaust and the floor board. I've got a Peco system and Moss can't vouch for the combination.

 

[vagt6]

A key point for shutting out heat and noise in a GT6 or Spit is the tunnel cover. Hard plastic ones may be had nowadays and they are infinitely better than the stock (cardboard with horse hay lining) tunnel cover.

I lined my plastic tunnel cover with Dynamat, then secured it to the floor with soft rubber strips around the periphery of the cover. Worked like a charm. I essentially cut off outside air from entering the cockpit through the tunnel cover: this dramatically reduced heat in the cockpit.

Put good (non-flammable) insulation material everywhere you can on the cockpit side of the firewall (I did the pans and most of the interior, including beneath the headliner). Be sure to use fire-resistant material, do not skimp on this important point. Lining your cockpit with flammable material is not a great way to enjoy your LBC if a fire breaks out!

Using modern insulating/sound-deadening material vastly improves your driving experience in a GT6, and it's not noticable unless you're a councours judge.