TR6 TR-6 Advise - QUICK!

[Steve_S]

A friend is seriously considering buying this car. The auction ends in a few hours and I don't know anything about what to look for in a TR-6, or what the market value is.

Can anyone give me some input on it? The photos don't show a lot but there's no time to go look at it in person before the auction ends.

CLICK HERE FOR EBAY AUCTION

 

[71tr]

This is a very nice looking car. However its difficult to see the typically prone problem areas for a TR6. Rocker panels, trailing arm mounts, differential mounts, floor pans etc. The seller says the care is completely rust free, I would be skeptical as no car particularly a Triumph is rust free. I also find it curious that he has done so much restoration but has not put in any new carpet.

 

[Brosky]

Never buy a car, especially sight unseen. in a rush.

There will be more that can be investigated properly through surrogate buyers or club helpers on a local basis.

This might be a nice car, but I would never buy a car that has the majority of it's pictures taken in the shade.

"Let the buyer beware".

JMHO

 

[Steve_S]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Rocker panels, trailing arm mounts, differential mounts, floor pans[/QUOTE]
I will be sure to ask about these areas. I also wonder why someone would apply undercoat in Southern California. It's completely unnecessary unless you're hiding rust. Maybe he just doesn't know any better.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]I also find it curious that he has done so much restoration but has not put in any new carpet.[/QUOTE]
I felt the same way. While it's unusual, it also doesn't suggest anything wrong. I wonder if he was forced to sell the car immediately for some reason.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Never buy a car, especially sight unseen. in a rush.[/QUOTE]
I agree. My friend has been in the market for some time, and this car is local to us. I told him that if we can't find anything obviously wrong with it and he ends up as the high bidder, be sure to ask beforehand if he can back out should he not like what he sees in person.

 

[kodanja]

better chance of not having so much rust coming fron California...

 

[Steve_S]

One more question... are there certain years that are more desirable than others? What happened in 1975 that makes it noteworthy that this one is a 74 1/2?

 

[TR6oldtimer]

The one thing going for the car is it is exempt from Calif. smog tests. Also, if the car was garaged since 85 or 86, there could well be little or no big rust problems. FYI, a lot, if not all, California cars were undercoated when sold new.

But a good inspection is a must before buying.

 

[Tinster]

There will be other cars.
Look/drive before you purchase or
have someone experienced look/drive for you.

I got $$ burned bad- you've been warned.

d

 

[Bugeye58]

Zero feedback, and poor English. I might be a bit leery of this one.
Jeff

 

[Steve_S]

In this case, I'm the expert. I know what to look for in general, I just don't know the particulars of the TR6. The car will be inspected in person by me and at least one other person more familiar with TRs before my friend touches his check book.

Thanks for the info, now I know where to look for the less obvious trouble spots.

 

[Bugeye58]

Good plan, Steve.
Jeff

 

[mrv8q]

As to the '74 1/2, I <u>think</u> there was a federal regulation on height of the bumpers, and so they were raised on the TR6, necessitating turn signals mounted on the bumpers. On a '74, they are under the grille, mounted on the body....

 

[Brosky]

Go to the online Vintage Triumph Register. There is a section on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a TR6. It's very helpful.

 

[Steve_S]

Great guide and exactly what I needed. Thank you!

 

[71tr]

I just noticed something curious about this auction and the black/gold striped TR6 mentioned in a neighboring thread. The bidders are all using a slight variation of the same screen name ie..7***0, n***7 etc. Is this coincidence or something more?

 

[Bugeye58]

It's a new eBay policy to protect the bidders identity, so they say.
Jeff

 

[tdskip]

TR6s hide their issues pretty well. Try to look under the front and rear fenders Steve, same with the front and rear valences.

 

[RonMacPherson]

Well, by the time I got to look at it the auction was closed.

It appears to be worth the money, in my estimation. Escondido area was susceptible to a lot of salt spray, and the dealers down in that area DID push undercoating on the new cars, installed and delivered from the lot. So unless there is very well hidden sill rot, I don't think it is a bad buy. Just as long as the sale is actual and not an ebay fraud.

 

[boxofparts]

Weber downdraft carbs can be troublesome.

I just removed a pair from a buddys car. We dug through the odd box of parts he got with it and found the original Strombergs and bolted them up and now the car runs a lot better.

I just can see where the downdraft carbs with the 90deg elbow in the manifold flow any better.

I think the webers work best on EBAY.. And they did..

Sidedraft webers might be a different story..I have not had a chance to fiddle with them. Hard to beat my old SUs on the TR3..