Wedge Thought exercise - a wedge as a daily driver?

[Darrell_Walker]

I often think about using my TR as a daily driver, or getting another "interesting" car. I know that all of our cars have probably been used as a daily driver at some point (and some still are), but I just don't think my 4A is weather-tight enough, nor has the de-misting capability to be a daily driver in the Pacific NW (it has been known to rain from time to time). If I could find a surrey top (or other hard top), that might solve the weather-tightness, but not the de-misting.

So lately I've been thinking about maybe a TR7 or TR8. It would have to be a convertible. For those of you who drive yours in the rain, do they keep the water out? I would store it in a garage at night, so that would help. How is the de-misting system?

Assuming those points pass, what should I look for in the car? I understand that I should go for the last few years. TR8s are a lot harder to find, and more dear. For a fun daily driver, would a 7 be a better choice?

Pretend my budget is $10-15k, including the car and any needed work or recommended mods. What changes, if any, would be recommended?

 

[tdskip]

Hi Darrell - they make good daily drivers. They are bigger, manage air flow better, the 5 speed cars are nicely geared for modern traffic and the ventilation system is definitely better than the early cars. Poly bushings and stiffer springs make a big difference, and once equipped they handle quite well.

You should be able to get a pretty good condition TR8 for that, or an exceptional TR7.

We can get the word out for you once you are ready to pull the trigger.

 

[apbos]

craigslist Ask and you shall receive

 

[PATR8]

I would guess I use my eight as my daily driver from May thru early November. I have a pretty serious commute every day, about 120 round trip. There are days with my 8 (non ac-ed) it gets too hot ( i am getting old, it never used to be to hot to go topless)so i take a different car. The ride is fine, cruises fine at highway speeds, reliable, and attracts attention still.

I have had my eight for about 10 years, annually I put over 10,000 miles on it with a few exceptions (like deployed or a bent hub i spent 3 months chasing to diagnosis)

I would say go for it

 

[PATR8]

I would guess I use my eight as my daily driver from May thru early November. I have a pretty serious commute every day, about 120 round trip. There are days with my 8 (non ac-ed) it gets too hot ( i am getting old, it never used to be to hot to go topless)so i take a different car. The ride is fine, cruises fine at highway speeds, reliable, and attracts attention still.

I have had my eight for about 10 years, annually I put over 10,000 miles on it with a few exceptions (like deployed or a bent hub i spent 3 months chasing to diagnosis)

I would say go for it

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

I considered that a few years ago. In my case I decided I was not a good enough mechanic to keep a classic car running as a daily driver.

I got a Miata instead and have been happy with my decision.

If you feel you are up to the maintenance, go for it.

 

[tdskip]

Rich brings up a good consideration, but most people find their TR8s to be pretty robust. Late cars, FI is an easy way to tell, have good build quality. Good specialist support via Woody and Ted.

 

[DNK]

There just too frickin far away Tom!

 

[justin_mercier]

I'd think a wedge fixed head coupe would be a better daily driver than a drop head coupe. They can be had for little money too. 4 to 5 grand can buy you a great condition FHC wedge ready for driving and only needing cosmetics / upgrades of preference.

As far as daily commute vehicles go... automatics aren't bad for commuting. Not as "fun" to drive for driving sake, but a lot less hassle in traffic. TR7s and 8s both came with borg werner 3 speed automatics as an option. Don't know how many were actually sold with them, but they're out there.

 

[John_Mc]

And here's one just across your northern border. I'm assuming those are Canadian dollars so it might still be within your budget. If you want the one in Sunnyvale, I'll drive it up there for you!

 

[John_Mc]

Ah, choices, choices!

 

[glemon]

My brother bought a '79 TR7 convertible new and used it as his daily driver for 10 years or more, he always said it was a good car and the bad reputation not deserved, at least for the later production 7s, as stated they have a nice cockpit and much better ventilation.

I drove a 4A as a daily driver throughout the 80s, lack of AC and winter rust put and end to that adventure. You are right about the de-mister too, I would think you could up the power or upgrade the motor to get more air flow if you wanted to put in the time and effort. A later TR250/6 top frame with the side seals would probably make a big difference too.

Greg

 

[tdskip]

BTW - TR8 values are firming somewhat. Good ones used to be 8K cars, now 10K+ is more the norm for very nice examples like the guys found. Ratty ones, like mine, still turn up for 3.5 to 5k from time to time, but as always it is worth buying the best you can find unless you are a masochist like me.

 

[tdskip]

TR7;

https://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/2250007284.html

 

[Mickey Richaud]

If I still had mine (Paul's), I'd be drivin' it!

 

[Darrell_Walker]

And here's one just across your northern border. I'm assuming those are Canadian dollars so it might still be within your budget. If you want the one in Sunnyvale, I'll drive it up there for you!

Actually, isn't the Canadian dollar worth more than the US dollar these days?

Kind of cool though, a 1982, which only went to Canada, I believe.

 

[tdskip]

And here's one just across your northern border. I'm assuming those are Canadian dollars so it might still be within your budget. If you want the one in Sunnyvale, I'll drive it up there for you!

Actually, isn't the Canadian dollar worth more than the US dollar these days?

Kind of cool though, a 1982, which only went to Canada, I believe.

Might be titled as a 1982, but would have been built in 1981.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

And here's one just across your northern border. I'm assuming those are Canadian dollars so it might still be within your budget. If you want the one in Sunnyvale, I'll drive it up there for you!

Actually, isn't the Canadian dollar worth more than the US dollar these days?

Kind of cool though, a 1982, which only went to Canada, I believe.

Might be titled as a 1982, but would have been built in 1981.

OK, I was going from this line I saw in the Wikipedia page:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]
However, all 1980 models sold in California, all 1981 models (of which only 352 were produced including 20 cars for the UK market) and all 1982 models (of which all 69 went to Canada) featured a Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system with a specially designed Lucas fuel injection computer (ECU).
[/QUOTE]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR8

Still makes it a rare example.

 

[tdskip]

Huh, I guess I stand corrected. Thanks Darrell!

 

[GBRandy]

As far as I have ever read, the last production for TR8's was in October of 1981. What is referenced as 1982 "model year" must be a designation thing for Canada.

All 1981 cars were the fuel injected versions. If a 1981 exists with carbs, it was done post factory.