Andrew Mace wrote:
>
> On Sat, 1 Aug 1998 fergie@ntplx.net wrote:
>
> > ...questions about buying a TR4.
> >
> > 1) I realize that a car with fiberglass fenders won't win any concours
> > prizes, but otherwise, is there any reason to reject a car for that
> > reason alone? I didn't even know they MADE glass fenders, but found a
> > car with them and just wondered if it was a good idea.
>
> Depends. Some fiberglass fenders are of much better quality (i.e., fit
> and finish) than available repro fenders. Of greatest importance is the
> reason for their being fitted. Was the PO serious about lightening the
> car? Was he/she serious about decent appearance AND structural
> integrity...which leads to the final question -- to what do they mount?
> Solid inner fenders front and/or rear? Wrinkled inner fenders? Pop rivets
> and plastic filler? Once you figure out why they're on there, it's up to
> you whether you like them or not.
>
> True confession: neither my friend (when he first bought his TR250 awhile
> back) nor I (for the first couple of times I saw his car) noticed that
> his front fenders were fiberglass. They're that good on his car. Now the
> rear fenders on that car are another story: they're steel -- mostly --
> with a LOT of filler in, around, over and through fenders and seams. A
> masterpiece of sculpture, but not really proper bodywork! :-)
>
> > 2) If I find a car that I like, but that doesn't have wire wheels, what
> > can I expect to pay for a set of painted wheels, splined hubs and
> > knockoffs in reasonable condition? Or are they even available used?
>
> They're available used, and a complete "kit" could range anywhere from
> about $150 up. And likely you'll get what you pay for, and less. Many
> things to look out for with used wire wheels, especially spline wear on
> wheel and/or hub, and broken/loose spokes. Check out the maintenance
> section at <http://www.vtr.org> for some good tips on wire wheels. If you
> REALLY like them, and you REALLY enjoy driving your car a lot, it's
> probably worth spending the money to purchase all items new. They're
> readily available, albeit not cheap.
>
> --Andy
>
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> * Andrew Mace, President and *
> * 10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant *
> * Vintage Triumph Register *
> * amace@unix2.nysed.gov *
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks, Andy. It seems there are no hard and fast answers to any TR
questions, doesn't it? The more I hear about wires, the more I think new
ones would be a better alternative, but then I hear bad things about
some of the new ones too! Have always known wires were a relatively high
maintenance item, but it just seems to me that an LBC (ANY LBC!) just
isn't complete without them.
Michael
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