TR6 Opinions wanted

[titanfan10]

Hey Triumph lovers, I am thinking about maybe buying this TR6. I want you experts to tell me what you think about some rust on the car. The car is several states away from me so I haven't been to look at it in person. They do not have any pictures yet under car so I also haven't seen frame. Let me know what you think.

 

[NutmegCT]

Surface rust is common on most older cars, and remember that Standard/Triumph probably never expected them to still be on the road 50 years after manufacture. But those few photos you share don't show the frame, undercarriage, suspension, engine area, etc. We've all seen many of these cars that look good on the outside and interior, but have major corrosion problems not on view.

Be sure to personally inspect the car before buying. Either you, or someone knowledgeable in the area where the car is now.

Been there - done that.
Tom M.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hey, neighbor -
Agree with Tom, but some of that rust looks a bit more advanced than surface rust. One has to wonder what's underneath, especially near critical frame areas.

The car does look good, though!

 

[bammons]

Looks like some pinholes in the floor pans. Some people would drive as is or slap some fiberglass on them for now. Floor pans can be replaced later if need be. Not unusual. But as stated above this is not enough to see, you need more info. Bruce

 

[sp53]

Easy to be fooled, but from I see, the car looks better than average for a car of the time. I guess the question is how much money and if the owner states the car has been restored and is a turnkey restored car or not.

 

[titanfan10]

Thanks for the responses, hoping to see some frame pics soon.

 

[Popeye]

A common rust area is above the rear wheels, where the panel meets the tub. A photo (using a flash) might show damage. (Although it could be hidden by thick undercoating.)

 

[titanfan10]

Okay Triumph experts what say you? I got a few underneath pics. I am not sure but I think the owner is an older person like me. He did not have access to a lift so this is all I got.

 

[Gliderman8]

These two pics catch my attention. It may not stop me from buying the car but I think it’s wise to have a knowledgeable person investigate these areas. Just my opinion.

 

[Gliderman8]

RATCO is your friend if you need a new frame.

 

[titanfan10]

Thanks, Gliderman8. I didn't notice that one that does look like big crack maybe in the frame itself.

 

[malbaby]

Yes..not unusual to see floor pans like that.
Chassis condition would be my main concern. You really need to have that inspected, and not just rely on pics.

 

[titanfan10]

Yes..not unusual to see floor pans like that.
Chassis condition would be my main concern. You really need to have that inspected, and not just rely on pics.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Popeye]

What is your objective with the car?

1. Full restore; you will end up with a great car, but be 30-50k in the red. My car looked like this when I bought it, and it had a lot of rust surprises. I did a lot of the work myself, but I farmed out (1) blast and epoxy paint the frame ($250), (2) repair and repaint the body (10k - cheap, the shop used my car to reduce losses during slow times... i.e. if there is no work, but you're paying the crew, they would work on my car. It took three years.) (3) Engine rebuild (~5k). Parts costs, while "only $100" each, add up fast!
2. A partial restore. The sheet metal looks good (from the photos). You could disassemble, buy a new Ratco frame (~3-5k??), por-15 the rusty floors, and put it back together. Figure 10k total investment, but can easily creep up... once you're at it, may as well redo the seats... then the interior carpet... jeez once I spent all this I may as well repaint the car... See #1 above.
3. A car that you will work on as-needed. For example, weld on some patch panels on the frame where needed (assuming you can get to them without removing the body), apply POR-15 to the floors and other rusty bits, covered with rattle-can paint. Maybe patch in some sheet metal if the metal is perforated. Some parts may look funny, but hey, who cares - we're enjoying ice cream at the Saturday Night Cruise!
4. A car in good condition that you just want to drive the day you buy it.

If it is #4 you are after, my gut tells me this is not the right car. Elliot's details suggest there is more rust lurking in other areas. Do you like metal work? It's not hard, but messy and a little tool investment ($) goes a long way.

(Counter-point: buy it, do nothing, drive it like you stole it, and when it falls out from under you due to rust, just remember the smiles you had, sell the engine, tranny, and any other useful bits, and carry on with the next adventure.)

Regardless, should you buy the car, I would suggest replacing (or very closely inspecting) all the safety bits: Flexible brake lines, brake fluids, tires, etc. Not expensive - significantly cheaper than extracting a nose from the steering wheel .

 

[titanfan10]

Hey Popeye thanks for all the info, yes I am looking for a car that meets the #4 option. I know it has been tough trying to find one at a decent price point. I will keep looking, the price for this one is 12,000 or best offer.
Thanks again,
Jim titanfan10

 

[Popeye]

You could reach out to a local CA Triumph club and ask / pay for someone to take a look. Perhaps ask the current owner to take the car to a local shop for inspection. (You cover the costs, of course - probably around 250.) I'm not current on prices, however for what it's worth: > 1974 Triumph TR6 Values | Hagerty Valuation Tool® <

 

[malbaby]

Is the second circle a crack or just some delamination of the chassis coating?
Same answer...have an inspection done.

 

[Gliderman8]

Is the second circle a crack or just some delamination of the chassis coating?
Same answer...have an inspection done.

When I circled the area in the second photo I had a similar thought (that it may be something other than a crack).
That’s why my suggestion (like everyone else) is to have an inspection done. Without one you can’t complain AFTER you bought it.

 

[titanfan10]

Is the second circle a crack or just some delamination of the chassis coating?
Same answer...have an inspection done.

Thinking about trying to work that out. Maybe getting running and hopefully driving video soon.
Thanks for all your input it is greatly appreciated.

 

[titanfan10]

When I circled the area in the second photo I had a similar thought (that it may be something other than a crack).
That’s why my suggestion (like everyone else) is to have an inspection done. Without one you can’t complain AFTER you bought it.

Thanks again.