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Wedge TR8 Info?

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DougF

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I'm going to look at an 8 tomorrow (Thursday). It is reported to be a low mile, under 20,000 mile '80.
Anything hidden that I need to look for? It could very well be a gem, but then again.
 
I would look for rust in the usual places, bottom of the door, etc. Also look for cracks around where the rear control arms mount to the body. Try pushing the body sideways above the rear wheels see if you hear pops in the suspension. Check the Engine K frame for damage.

I'm not sure if the TR8's came with the 80mph speedo from the factory, so if the speedo is a 140mph version the actual mileage may not be as indicated.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to seeing the car.
 
Hi, Doug -

Rust, and then some. Check the strut towers closely, as well as the area directly under the brake and clutch master cylinders. Lift up the carpet behind the seats and check the corners there; if there's rust, there are problems, as that's the area the rear links are attached. Get underneath and check floor pans, etc. Also, check on top where the rear fenders meet the area just ahead of the trunk lid; there's a seam there that can be a problem.

Electrical issues are common, but usually a matter of poor connections and grounds.

Power steering: leaks, noises, etc.?

Also, make sure it's a true 8; the fifth character in the VIN should be a "V". If it's a "J" it was a 7.

Good luck, and let us know what you find!

Mickey
 
Thanks, I will. It's part of an estate auction this weekend. Also included are two TR parts cars and an MG, None of which are given any specifics.
 
When I was looking, I used the buying guide from this site . It was very helpful.

Early cars had the 140mph speedometers. Later cars had the 85 mph unit. I don't know the cut off but I think all convertibles might have had the 85mph unit. Not a "for sure" though.

Good luck with it.
 
I went to look at the cars this afternoon. The TR8 is very nice. A couple very small dents, a couple scratches, and some scuffs in the drivers seat. It is a gold car, with 22,000+ miles. It was purchased out of Connecticut maybe 10 or more years ago.
The two parts cars. The first is a long door 2 that was last registered in '62. Very rough, but fixable with deep enough pockets. The other is a 3 that had been wrecked early in it's life and rebodied with a very unique fiberglass tub purchased out of Long Beach, CA. Both of these are supposed to be original owner cars.
Everything is titled.
 
No pictures. The TR3 reminded me of the old '50s styled boats with less pronounced rear fins. It had a low slung deck lid reminiscent of a Porsche Spyder. The front was more on line with a Elva Courier. The windshield frame was integral with the body and very bulky. The body as a whole was rather tubbish. The door openings were minimal and would require a lot of practice getting passed.
The literature showed a hard top, which I did not see. There didn't appear to be anything hinting to a soft top.
Overall, the car isn't that memorable, but you would be the only one on the block with one.
I'm not bidding. No more room. Some friends may go who have expressed some interest.
 
Someone got a fantastic deal on the 8 @ $4950. The TR2 sold for $225. and the kit TR3 went for $650.
 
Greetings Doug...

Got to put another face to a BCF member...

And I picked up the kit TR-3.

The TR-8 went to a friend of mine...
Drew Jennings from Volant.
(I was bidding against him until I saw who it was)
 
I met Drew that day. A friend of mine knows him through the restaurants. He got a great deal.
The kit ought to present an interesting challenge. Are you going to put it back on the road? Don't break the glass! The literature on the car disappeared, I hope you got it.
A fellow club member bought the TR2.
 
My brother and I are going to split it.
We've alloted one day a week for restoration work.

Drew manages the Iron Bridge Inn on Rt 19.
And he said he didn't even really want the car.
It was just going so low that he couldn't help himself.

When we went in to pay for the La Dawri, the guy in charge of the auction gave us all the paperwork...
Including an original title!!!
 
I had been told all the cars had titles which was a big surprise.
It would be interesting to see your car when it isn't buried in a shed. I'm sure it gives the car a different look.
I haven't been to the Iron Bridge lately, though I drive by fairly often in my travels.
I'm only two miles from the Log Cabin and stop in on occasion.
 
True...
We got an original title & a executor of the estate/power of attorney type letter.
That all should make it very easy to register.

Will post some pictures Sunday or Monday on "other British cars"
 
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