TR4/4A Rust bucket, save, sell, or part out

[Rut]

I picked up an early TR4 that has rust issues (lots) and I’ve also got a barn full of TRs and parts. At my age I need to be selective about what to restore, but I love them all. It’s raining for the second time this winter, once for 35 days and once for 45 days, so the car is covered and on the trailer. I’m officially out of room and I need to do something with some of my projects or they will just rot away. Any significance to an early rust bucket with parts from who knows where, motor, transmission, body parts, commission number, no title (AL is a no title state for old cars), etc.?
Rut

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Rut,
I have CT 110 L, early cars have a couple small things that are different but nothng that sets them apart. What you going to do with it, I have room.
Marv

 

[Andrew Mace]

Any chance of some photos, especially thr "rust issues"? That expression can mean something very different here in upstate NY than it might in AL!

 

[malbaby]

Sell the car to someone who will restore it. Maybe even add some of your spare parts to sweeten the deal.

 

[groupdeville]

Or...(I'm aware that this is heresy) get the car running and street legal with your spare parts to use as a daily-driver without worrying about scratching it. There are lots of restored cars out there, but relatively few folks who happily enjoy a TR every day of the year.

Bondo and pop-rivets are your friends, and you might win an an award at Concours D'Lemons.

 

[STeve 1958]

I like the idea of a daily driver. I drive this one when the sun shines. It's not nearly as pretty when viewed from below and still needs some engine work and a synchronizer.

 

[TRopic6]

CT101...That would be a neat number to save - One-o-Wonderful.

 

[Rut]

The car is on the trailer and covered...once the rain stops I’ll take some pictures. Think Fred Flintstone front and rear.
Rut

 

[mrv8q]

View attachment 57848I like the idea of a daily driver. I drive this one when the sun shines. It's not nearly as pretty when viewed from below and still needs some engine work and a synchronizer.

Steve, you are driving my car’s doppelgänger... or I’m driving yours!

 

[Rut]

Here are a few pictures from earlier today. What’s left of this 4 is pretty much a bitsa, the engine is frozen and it’s been about 6 colors.
Rut

 

[malbaby]

Anything is possible...miracles take a bit longer :adoration:

 

[Marvin Gruber]

A racer! Whats the dash look like?
Marv

 

[Rut]

A racer! Whats the dash look like?
Marv

No dash, seats, interior, brightwork, steering, frame is shot, etc.
Rut

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Aha, I relooked at pictures. You are hiding the overdrive trans. I just caught a glimpse the solinoid. That shoots the value up considerably.
Marv

 

[Rut]

Marv,
Good eye! I may use the OD on a 4a project, but I have no idea if it works. I don’t think it was original to this car, but I really haven’t checked it out that well. I’m in the process of evaluating my options as far as ‘thinning the herd’ and keeping what’s important to me...what I can honestly have a chance to restore. The rest will be parted out or sold as is, including this 4.
Rut

 

[Marvin Gruber]

No O at the of vin plate so very unlikely it was original to car but who cares at this point. You have it for one of the 4As. I try to put an overdrive with every car I restore. Not putting one in this last 250 but I not taking it all the way down either. Like you, I need to "thin the herd" as well.
Marv