You should be able to get a restored car (totally rust free - at least now, if
not before the restoration ) for about $15K, so $12K sounds like a lot for this
car. Typically, when cars sit the first problem is the fuel dries out and
becomes varnish, thus clogging all filters, lines, etc. Then the hydraulic
systems are likely to have pitted somewhat, and seals do dry out all over. It
sounds like more than $3K to get it back to pristine condition, so $12K is too
much, and do you think it is really 12000 or so miles, or 112000?? I'd guess by
condition that it is likely to be 112000. Good Luck in your search
Phil Bates
Jack Gagnon wrote:
> I was looking at a 75 TR6 that is for sale today.
>
> The car has been in storage for at least 10 years and only has 12,390 miles.
>
> The body and frame are solid and rust free, but the paint and body are a bit
> abused. There are at least 2-3 dings in the hood , 2-3 dings in the
> passenger door, , a 2-3 inch scrape/dent in a fender lip, multiple scratches
> throughout etc. The rear quarter and tail light were replaced due to an
> accident when the car had 6000 miles around 1979. The fender re-paint does
> not match the rest of the car very well. Someone was a bit over zealous
> with the buffing wheel and has gone down to the primer in a few spots on the
> hood. The finish is pretty shiny otherwise.
>
> The carbs were cleaned a few years ago and the guy messed up the temperature
> compensator so the car will not idle when warm.
>
> The top is ripped and needs replacement.
>
> It has the original red-line tires in the rear that are a bit cracked, The
> front tires were replaced with blackwalls.
>
> The steel wheels were recently repainted and looked like they were pretty
> rusty before the paint. The trim rings are new because the old ones were
> rusty.
>
> The chrome bumpers are pretty well pitted and have bare spots beneath the
> lights like they have been in the weather. The guy said that the car was
> stored inside, but the pitted bumpers, rust pits on the steering wheel tell
> me otherwise at least for a period of time.
>
> The carpets and seats are excellent except for a crack in the dash.
>
> The stereo is not stock and has been replaced with a Jensen am/fm cassette
> with speakers mounted the tranny hump/console.
>
> The clutch slave cylinder (the owner says it was the master, but I saw the
> new part beneath the car near the tranny) was just replaced.
>
> They have a new exhaust that has not been installed. The brake rotors are
> rusty and need to be cut.
>
> The guy wants over $12k for this car and I have to say I was a bit
> disappointed in the condition of the car given the low miles.
>
> I am a bit leery about what might go wrong with this car given how long it
> has been sitting.
>
> What types of failures are likely after sitting like this? engine main
> seals? brake calipers? transmission seals? radiator?
>
> I understand the low miles is pretty unique, but how much is that worth
> given the overall condition of the car?
>
> I have only looked at a few TR6's so far, how hard is it to find rust free
> cars?
>
> I think the car is worth considering, but I do not think it is worth the
> money they are asking. What is the lists opinion?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Jack
>
> -------------------------------------------------------
> bullitt@cybertours.com
> http://www.cybertours.com/~bullitt
> -------------------------------------------------------
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