On Mon, 7 Nov 1994, Will Zehring wrote:
> Local advisors of
> mine suggest, however, that I will be heartily disappointed in the car as a
> driver, that it is bogg slow...
True. 0 to 60 time is somewhere around 20 seconds, and that's only if
you're willing to rev it out to the redline (which few TD owners do). The
thing has only 54 horsepower, after all.
> has bad brakes...
Drum brakes all around, but of reasonably modern design. They aren't as
good as your MGB's, but they stop the car well enough.
> no weather protection...
Your informant is a wimp!
> totally unsuited to modern highways and cruising speeds...
55 MPH is close to 4000 RPM with the standard axle ratio (5.125:1), which
is pretty busy and tends to wear things out rather quickly. OTOH, the
engine stands up to it remarkably well _if_ it is very carefully rebuilt
and maintained.
> and in general, has the ride of a sitdown lawnmower (i.e. *rather* stiff).
See earlier derogatory comment about your informant.
> They say parts availability is very difficult...
Not so. Between Abingdon Spares, Moss Motors, and a multitude of lesser
vendors, there's virtually nothing you can't get for a TD.
> and heaven forbid you need major engine or tranny work.
Both are straightforward designs which any good shop can handle _if_ you
provide the needed parts and the shop manual.
> These advisors suggest I look at Morgans, cars with similar
> cosmetic appeal, fewer mechanical shortcomings, and more ready parts
> availability (Triumph parts, in the case of the Plus Four).
True, a Triumph-engined Plus Four has plenty of acceleration and can
cruise all day at above the posted speed limit. OTOH, Morgan prices are
considerably higher.
> Yesterday I as I went up the stair
> I saw a man who wasn't there
> I didn't see him again today
> I wish to God he'd go away!
Isnt that:
As I was going up the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there.
He wasnt there again today.
Oh how I wish he'd go away.
:)
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Chip Old 1948 M.G. TC TC6710 NEMGTR #2271
Cub Hill, Maryland 1962 Triumph TR4 CT3154LO (daily transportation)
feold@umd5.umd.edu
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