What's under you're Christmas Tree?

[Winston]

Well I'm pretty sure there's a new fuel pump under mine, but we'll have to see. I think I've been fairly well behaved this past year. My post today really goes to the heart of next season. On a previous thread (Houston we have a problem), I explained that I was having rear wheel bearing issues.If nobody minds I'd like to use this thread to continue the discussion.
If you're like me and can only be a warm season warrior then you know how one has a tendency to think ahead to next spring when the cover comes back off. I have been doing some serious research about repair and rebuild of the TR4A's IRS. Remember I'm out here in flyover country. There's one and only one LBC mechanic in Des Moines he and I have visited at events in the past but when I called him at the shop and we talked he told me he does not touch the IRS unless it's an R&R. I found one other fellow who works at the oldest and probably most trusted Transmission garage in town, he used to work Triumph IRS and is willing to do the work at $55.00 per hr. and parts plus.
I then called an old freind who owns the wheel and axle shop in Des Moines, I knew I could believe his take on the repair. Sure enough he used to do them but they had to fight and fight to get the job done and he said "it had been years since the last Triumph came through the shop". Well you can see where that leaves me.After reading and re-reading the Haynes I'm not very comfortable about taking on the shade tree project myself, and if the roadster is down too long my patient other half may not be as patient.
I'm torn..... do I take it to the Wheel and axle shop I trust or should I research other rear axle alternatives.I would sure like to leave it stock but........
All the input I can get from the Forum members and any lurking vendors will be greatly appreciated in this very important decision.

Thanks, and have a happy holiday,

Winston TR4A IR$ ($ no typo).

[ 12-23-2003: Message edited by: Winston ]

[ 12-27-2003: Message edited by: Winston ]</p>

 

[Cain]

I'm pretty sure there's a stereo and speakers under the tree for my TR6. I've also requested a couple of books regarding TR6 restoration. Hopefully I'll also get some $$$ to 'invest' into my LBC. (Yes, I do have my wife convinced it's an investment.)

Happy holidays!!

 

[Guest]

Winston,
Breaking down the differential and/or the axles on the Triumph IRS is tricky at best. Unless you have the proper tools and know-how, I would suggest you get a pro to rebuild your units. I had mine done at TRF and they are as good as new. Pricey? You bet! No worse than my Chevy dealer fixing my Tahoe rearend though.
If you want to dance, you gotta pay the band.

Bill

 

[aeronca65t]

What's under my tree?
It might seem kind of unexciting to non-racers, but....a new AMB timing transponder (no more stopwatches!)

 

[vagt6]

Winston, I feel your pain. I'm not a skilled mechanic, but I can repair a lot of stuff. However, I don't have the time, skill or tools to do the big jobs. I live in a small VA town with no LBC mechanic. I had to travel 170 miles each way to get a guy to help me install an overdrive gearbox in my GT6. Then, I found a closer Triumph specialist (!) only 33 miles away (Joe Hash's Triumph, LTD, in Grottoes, VA). He really knows Triumphs and his hourly rate is $45 which is about $10-$20 less than other reputable LBC mechanics in this region. He also allows me to assist him which really brings the total cost down.

Sure, we must pay the piper with repairs on these cars, but when the relatively low cost of owning your LBC is considered, it's still a good deal. In fact, it's probably less expensive than restoring an old Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, etc., and our LBC's are a heck of a lot better looking!

There's always someone who can safely repair these cars if you look hard enough. Maybe there's someone in the next town or City? If so, try to adjust your schedule to take the car out of town for occaisional, needed repairs.

Good luck with your IRS repair. Let us know how it goes. And, don't give up!

 

[Basil]

The only thing car-related I got was a really nice coffee table book about the 50th Anniversary of the Corvette (don't worry, I have lots of British car books already).

Basil

 

[tony barnhill]

Nothing car-related under my tree....though I did get a couple of tickets to "the Graduate" starring Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Malvo) of "the Soprano's" as Mrs. Robinson

 

[Sherlock]

I picked up a couple of older die-cast models - a 1957/58 Standard Vanguard (Corgi) and Ford Cortina Mk 1 (Dinky Toys) - the Vanguard was in excellent condition but minus box (not that that I care about that...) and the Cortina is excellent overall just needs some paint touchup and also minus box.

 

[TypeRboy]

Santa brought me a front vented disc brake conversion and adjustable coil overs for my installing pleasure. The Cortina should stop a lot more and lean a lot less!

 

[Winston]

Now that'what I call a great present!

Winston TR4A IRS

 

[StagByTriumph]

Santa hid a special gift for my Stag made by Jeff Boston in the UK. It is a Draught Excluder for the Stag BosScreen Stag Accessories
Santa made me work though, put a dozen puzzle pieces in as many boxes all wrapped with bows, then I had to guess where the thing was stashed from the puzzle. So Christmas Day, 50 degrees F, out blasting around in the Stag under Colorado clear skies and sunshine, it don't get too much better than that!

 

[MDCanaday]

I got nothing car related under my tree this year, but I did get the wife some new brake rotors for her car. Got a good laugh out of it when she tried to shake the package and guess, but couldn't lift it!!!
MD(mad d0g)

 

[Steve]

Likewise, nothing car-related, but some useful stuff nonetheless. No handkerchiefs or socks either!! First time for that to happen.

 

[kindofblue]

Roger Williams' TR250/6 Resto Guide. Also the Allmand Brothers Band DVD - both of which were on my Amazon wishlist!