Wedge wasn't someone out West looking for a TR8

[tr8todd]

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1638419302.html

Looks to be a decent example at a decent price. How bad can a car from Arizona be?

 

[mrv8q]

Geo........?

 

[tdskip]

Well her seals will all be shot, but good metal is always a plus. Hmmmm...

 

[tdskip]

BTW - won't pass CA SMOG as set up. You'd have to put the Stromberg carbs and intake systems back on....

 

[TR3driver]

Or the fuel injection that was found only on CA-spec TR8.

However, I've heard from some friends that the CA smog shops aren't too picky about carb model, as long as the items on their check list are intact (EGR, smog pump, etc.). You might get away with just putting back some sort of heated fresh air induction system, if it looked reasonably stock (and passed the tailpipe sniffer, of course).

 

[Izula]

Folks-

I was the fellow looking for the TR8... I called the seller this morning. So far so good. I just need to get the wife in line. The asking price is reasonable, so that should not be too hard... Do you have any collective feedback?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[tdskip]

A pre-purchase inspection would be ideal if you can swing it. TR8 buying advice from the last conversation still holds, my comment on seals is likely to be accurate based on the TR7/8 I've seen in this area that have lived less than pampered lives but I'd rather to deal with that than body issues.

Interior trim / seats etc is all readily available.

That means that engine / drive train is key here. The Rover V8 is hard on camshafts but everything is available and not expensive. Regular oil changes are key, so see if you can find evidence of that. Not a reason not to buy if everything else looks good.

If you can get lots of pictures and post them here we can go through her for you.

At this price if everything checks out to a reasonable extend it will be hard to get too badly hurt even if stuff pops up afterwards.

Keep us posted!

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Rob -

IF it's an '81, and there's no way to tell from the pictures, it should have a round badge on the front apron, and rectangular openings for the inside door locks. The pictures don't show any badges/decals. Also, all '81's were fuel injected; this one's been converted, if it's an '81.

'81 cars' commission numbers (VIN) started with "SAT" and were 400-series. Earlier models ('80's) started with "TP".

Check here for more info about commission numbers.

If you get the chance to check it out "in person", be sure to pull the carpet up behind the seats and look at the floor - can be a weak spot for rust. Also, under the master cylinders.

Another good resource: Wedge Buyer's Guide

Keep us posted!

Mickey

 

[Izula]

Thanks Guys! I've checked the VIN: SATPZ4585BA 405223. It checks for what I'm looking for. I'm not too upset that the FI has been converted since I might have gone (or go) that route anyway. No badges because it has been repainted. I've got a wonderful magnet for just this situation... I've got the okay from the Princess, but need to confirm (you know how that is- yes sometimes does not mean yes...). I'll try to get more photos.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Izula]

Here are some photos. This is my first try here, so hopefully this goes well. (Well, only one photo is allowed. I'll post two more.)
Thanks,
Rob

 

[Izula]

Oops, wrong photo... Here's another.

 

[Izula]

And another. I've got some more if you folks want to see them.

 

[tr8todd]

Did the 81s come with a 140 speedo? I know the 1980s didn't. My guess is that the speedo was changed to one from a 79 or earlier TR7. Common mod. Who wants a TR8 that only reads 80 MPH anyway!! Stock ones will hit close to 130 mph and lightly moded ones will do 150 or more. They tend to wander over 120 and you have to really concentrate to keep them going straight.

 

[tdskip]

She's been painted, decals are missing.

 

[alfa33047]

I think this is a car from Canada and if it is the one that I looked at last year it had rust around the wheel wells. If the TR-8 wasn't 30 miles away , I would go look at it for you. The car from Canada that I looked at also did not have A/C and this car does not have A/C. Good Luck, Bill C. Mesa, Az.

 

[tdskip]

My TR8 from Canada is a twin carb without AC as well.

Any more engine bay pictures, close ups?

Check the front floor where it meets the firewall, and rear of the floorpans where it meets the rear wheel well.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Temp gauge has the icon that the later cars had, so it may be authentic. Most of them have been modified anyway!

Bottom line is its condition.

 

[tr8todd]

It's a 1981 Cali spec TR8 according to this VIN decoder.
https://www.trdrivers.com/tr7___tr8_vin_numbers.htm#1980

 

[Izula]

Here are a few more, per requests:

 

[Izula]

And another: