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Selling the 6

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Webb Sledge

Webb Sledge

Jedi Warrior
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I've got a TR6 as my daily driver right now, but am looking to get a different car because I need something more practical and safe. Two seats and no fifth gear don't suit a high school student with only one car very well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif

Emerald green exterior, Valencia Blue engine bay. I have all the materials to finish painting the exterior, I just never got the time to do the work. All paint is the highest quality PPG. 4000 miles on rebuilt 2.5L straight six, downdraft Weber carbs, Pacesetter/Monza exhaust system and header, HARDTOP, completely new front electrical harness (from the seats forward: dash & engine bay), all electrical works without flaw. Rear tube shock conversion; KYB gas shocks. New Pioneer head unit mp3 player. 2 MB Quartz 100W speakers up front and 2 100W Pioneer 6x9s behind each seat. Fantastic daily driver, though I recommend having another car for luggage space and highway cruising. Numerous other small new parts... to many to list. $10,500 OBO. Email me at webbsledge[at]msn.com for more pics, info, or a phone number. I'd be glad to talk to you about the car or arrange a time to come see it. I've attached a few small pictures of it below.

[img=https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3909/15iv.th.jpg]

[img=https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/92/24gr1.th.jpg]

[img=https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3615/34op.th.jpg]

[img=https://img377.imageshack.us/img377/3523/tr6enginebay0035iq.th.jpg]
 
I have always loved that car Webb, since you introduced it to us.
Hope it gets a great new home.

Paul
 
Selling because of safety? Only 4 gears?
You can run a 6 at 140 mph.
Safety? Nothing is safe kid. It is more fun to push the edge than get knocked off by some stinking disease that comes from nowhere. Take dating for example. Something is going to get you. Get over it.
 
Webb,

My first British sports car was a TR6 that I purchased while in college. Heck, I never needed more seats or luggage space. In fact, I remember being able to move everything I owned using the car after I got married (it took more than one trip, but I didn't own anything at the time that wouldn't fit into it).

I sold the car not too long after getting married, mainly because I didn't have time for it anymore. I always regretted that decision. It was right at 10 years later that I acquired my next (and current) Triumph. I hope you don't wait that long. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Selling because of safety? Only 4 gears?
You can run a 6 at 140 mph.
Safety? Nothing is safe kid. It is more fun to push the edge than get knocked off by some stinking disease that comes from nowhere. Take dating for example. Something is going to get you. Get over it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Chris, I don't know what you've been smoking, but a 6 will be lucky to get to 110 mph on a brand new engine, not anywhere near 140. Second off, I can find a fun car that will give me driving experience without the risk of being killed by anything more than a moped. And speaking relatively, these cars have no where near the size, strength, or safety features necessary to save you from anything bigger than another Triumph. If you want to be jaded, go ahead, but I'd rather live when someone screws up or I screw up and hit something.
 
Webb-- You're at the stage that I was when I had a '59 TR3 my senior year in college. I loved that car but I would soon be getting a real job, an apartment without a garage and would more frequently be transporting more "senior" people expecting to be dry, warm and comfortable. The regular car would also be used to haul materials needed for work, play or family. Like you, I couldn't afford to store my toy and I needed to come up with $ to buy the transportation car. As an "older" person, I can now afford to have a plain ol' transportation car (05 Focus Wagon) and my toys safely tucked away. I hope later on you'll be in the position to have both-- will be interested to see what you get for your regular car!
 
I certainly don't see any desparate need for a new paint job... I guess you fancied having the blue more.

I was wondering what the T-d in coolant hose from the heater hose runs to?

Nice car - I bet you'll find a buyer soon. You're right - a TR6 as an only car would be tough- e.g. taking someone plus luggage to the airport, etc... Good luck! Pete
 
I'll also be using mine as a, well not daily, let's say as a "dating" driver since I gave my ex the Blazer. I use my F-150 daily for work but you can't really go on dates in a smelly pickup full of tools.
 
My fist car was a 63 Triumph Herald. i sold it for similar reasons. Well, I have been regretting the sale for the past 30 years. There is something special about these cars. Especially one as nice as yours. I suggest you reconsider and save it for a rainy day many years from now.

BTW - I was compelled to try to relive the earlier days by buying a 72 TR6. The car is great but it doesn't have the memories that my teenage car had.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I can find a fun car that will give me driving experience without the risk of being killed by anything more than a moped... speaking relatively, these cars have no where near the size, strength, or safety features necessary to save you from anything bigger than another Triumph. If you want to be jaded, go ahead, but I'd rather live when someone screws up or I screw up and hit something.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's your decision and sounds like you have pretty well made up your mind...

On the other hand, I'm not sure who's been talking to you, but it sounds like bull to me. I think you are underestimating the car, or overestimating modern safety devices, maybe both.

Yes, air bags are good, but those are probably the single "biggest" modern improvement that will really make a car safer and *can't* be fitted to a TR (AFAIK).

This is just my opinion, but it's based on personal experience.

Many years ago I was hit from behind by a drunk driver. I was in my TR4, stopped in a left turn lane, saw him coming but had nowhere to go, so I could only mash down hard on the brake pedal to keep from being pushed into oncoming traffic. I still got spun around pretty good.

That drunk was driving a full size 'Merican pickup truck, had 10 passengers in it with him and was estimated to be going more than 30 mph. He left no skid marks, so the cops guessed he never saw me and didn't even try to brake (improved rear lighting would be a good safety improvement on the older TRs).

The car and I were both damaged, but repairable. A shoulder belt and "street" roll bar probably helped prevent more injury, but the seat broke free (original lowback style) and I broke the steering wheel with my chest. The car's gas tank was punctured by the RH bracket, but fuel level was about half and none leaked out. I walked away with my worst injury being a cut on the back of my head, actually caused by the seat belt mounting bolt on the roll bar, of all things. (Note: I said I think the "street" roll bar helped, but in terms of adding some structural strength to the car. I have little confidence this type of bar would help much in an actual rollover, due to the fact that it's mounted on sheet metal rather than the frame and because it's somewhat narrow to allow the soft top to be raised and lowered. Thankfully, TRs are low-sitting and not inclined to roll over very easily.)

My point though, is that the car absorbed the impact pretty well and survived better than I'd have ever expected, protecting me in the process. In fact, many years later I was in a nearly identical accident in a VW Scirocco (modern safety features, unibody design with crumple zones, etc., but no air bags). This time I was hit from behind by a drunk in a full size van and pushed into the rear of another full size van that was fully stopped at a red light. The VW accordianed and was totalled, collapsing to the point that I had to crawl out a window.

Both the TR4 and the VW have great road holding characteristics and low center of gravity, are not inclined to roll over easily (something I've *seen* a modern SUV do all by itself on dry pavement at highway speeds, when a driver over-reacted). I think a sportscars' nimbleness might be helpful avoiding some accidents, too, although in my examples I had nowhere to go and just had to sit there and wait to be hit.

A good set of seat belts in a well-maintained TR, maybe also a roll bar, along with improved exterior lighting and quality seating, will go a long way toward protecting nearly as well as anything on the road today. During it's current restoration, my TR4 is getting at least a rally/autocross style roll cage, better high-back seats and 4- or 5-point harnesses. I will likely also go to brighter halogen bulbs in the tail lights and probably will add a high third brakelight, maybe on the rollbar. Because of the gas tank's location, I'm considering a fuel cell.

I'm a careful driver. Riding motorcycles all my life has taught me to watch out for the idiots. But things can and do happen anyway. The best we can do is prepare and be aware, no matter what we are driving.

I always wear a seatbelt, even though a college friend was killed *because* he was wearing one in what I consider a very unfortunate fluke accident (a low-speed roll over in a topless Jeep... his 3 passengers weren't wearing belts, were thrown clear, and walked away with minor scrapes and bruises). And, I don't drink and drive (although I might have done when I was young and very foolish!)

If a different car makes you feel safer, that's great. But, whatever you buy, preparedness and awareness will still be your most important "safety devices". I think a lot of drivers are lulled into a false sense of security because of all the fancy safety devices they have wrapped around them in their modern cars. Of course, I'm mostly on California freeways where drivers chat on a cell phone, sip their Starbucks, consult their Garmin and put on eye makeup, all at the same time while maintaining 75 mph and a single car length between their front bumper and the car ahead.

On a lighter note, a trunk rack might help with the luggage space concerns. I recall picking up a friend from the airport in college. She was returning from a two month holiday break and had her entire wardrobe with her... 5 large suitcases *will* fit in and on a TR, with the top down... in Colorado... in a January snow storm. It was only a 35 mile drive, thankfully! Thawing out was fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Hi Alan,

You've described one of my worst nightmares, and I can't believe that it actually happened to you twice! I'm glad to hear that you came out of it OK. What's the saying about the third time....?

I was sitting in traffic on I-70 one afternoon, can't remember the exact reason for the jam. I do remember HEARING the semi behind me locking his brakes and starting to slide. I watched him through my Mazda's rear view mirror as his trailer wagged like the tail of a dog. He ended up on the shoulder next to me, with his front bumper about even with my shoulders. Definitely an Oh Sh*t moment.

It's good to hear that a TR can take a hit. Please just don't let it be mine!

Thanks for sharing your experiences,
 
Hey, Webb.

If you need the bucks, sell it to a loving owner. I had the same dilemma (sp?) years ago - no room, not safe with kids, so sold the MGB. I got the twitch a few years later, though and got the TR6; you will, too. It's got'cha.

Brent
 
Man, I'd love to find a home on the front of my TR for that nice chrome license plate frame that's currently on your front bumper. Any extras by any chance? Email me if so. Thanks!
 
Very nice looking car Webb. I'm sure you will have no trouble selling it. Wish I had the money and space. I love the color. Good Luck
 
I've had my 74 since college in 77 and have even had a dorm sized refrigerator on it to move. Great stock luggage rack. I drive mine every day as long as I can in the summer, @ 6-8K a summer. I travel in sales from southern Wi to the UP of Michigan once a month. I have 152,000 miles on it. 2nd clutch engine and gearbox. Did a frame off @ 12 years ago, all but paint myself. I just love to drive it. It gets thumbs up and approval from everyone. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif Perry
 
Web Sledge, I can't help but feel a sense of mourning every time a triumph is sold, but I do know where your coming from, for needing every day pactical transportation. We have all been where your at, and some day you'll be back to where we are, when your wanting something a little more exciting to just drive for the sake of driving. My triumph is the only car I've owned that makes me want to take the longest way possible, to get to where I'm going, good luck and let us know how things turn out.
 
Webb, I feel your pain.
As with all the other stories the members have related I have my own tale of woe. Many years ago I was forced to sell my 1973 240Z that I bought new & owned for 15 years. I sold my 71 TR6 to buy it. I put alot of money & modifications into that car & it was fast. My wife & I decided to buy a house and although she new how much I loved that car , we both new it was necessary to sell it to buy the house. We had a 5 year old & a 1 year old & needed a "practicle" car.
It was almost fifteen years later that I looked at my wife & told her it was time to become impracticle again. In my head I was thinking about my 240 & TR6, both cars that I was always drawn to even when I owned the oposing model. My first love , the TR won out.

These things are circular & your needs will come full circle eventually. Get a toy you can enjoy & still cart the family around in. There are plenty to choose from. I personaly think the BMW's are awesome cars , I have always had one in my driveway & I'm a big fan. I do think that the M series is a great car to buy new or just off lease but not appraching the trouble or maintainence periods. The standard 328 or 330i have more than enough grunt for the street with a more reasonable and conventional repair rate. I also agree that BMW dealers or BMW competent mechanics do not replace parts indiscriminately , their diagnosis is usualy based on thorough training & troubleshooting progressions. This car has already raised some red flags. If it's your intent to maintenance the car I think it's a handfull, the M series motors are a hole nother animal. If you have the funds to have it serviced , well than this is a no brainer.

What ever you decide I hope you'll stay a member & contributor to this forum.

Best of luck.
 
Hey, Webb, too bad you're selling the TR6. Want a more "practical" car?? Get a GT6!!!!

Anyway, best of luck in your sales efforts and I hope you continue to contribute here. BTW, I suggest selling it on EBay, I've had great success there having sold three cars for higher than retail value each time.

Cheers and best wishes.
 
Webb,
You have done a remarkable job on your TR. I hope that market forces allow you to see yourself selling it quick and for a good price. With the internet around you'll certainly have more visibility than the local paper.

I certainnly can understand the concern about being vulnerable driving something that size. It reminds me of being on a motorcycle. Always looking around for the inattentive 3-ton vehicle driver. One of the folks I work with has an old Volvo 240. It can be fixed using bailing wire and bubble gum. The car is a rollcage in wheels.
Interestly, I once had an opportunity to buy a 240 with a 350 V8 and twin 700cfm carbs. Total sleeper for $2k. I too was going to school and making that same investment in my education made more sense. That was to prove to be one of my better decisions.

Thanks for your inputs, questions and spirited discussions.
I wish you well.

Jeff
 
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