Folks, the following is a (probably too long) account of a '59 TR3 that
I'm closer to buying than any car I've looked at so far! I'd appreciate
it if you'd read this and offer any suggestions or comments. What does
it sound like is wrong with it? How much do you think it's worth?
What'll it cost to make it a presentable driver (FAR from Concours, but
not embarassing). I could really use some expert advice.
Good, solid body/frame. Some surface rust on floor pans and minor bondo
in a few spots (lower wings). Otherwise, no rust anywhere! Fiberglas
front apron, but rest is all steel and he has a somewhat rough, but
restorable steel front apron as part of the deal. Definitely needs
paint. Some cracking and quite a bit of fading on bonnet and boot lid.
Needs stripped inside and out and resprayed. Looks good from a distance,
but...
Compression is between 150-155 on all four cylinders. Says he has
receipts for engine rebuild, but I haven't seen 'em. Oil pressure very
good as well. Started easily and ran very well during my 45 minute
drive. (HINT: Either wear a jacket or put the hood and side screens on
when it's 40 degrees outside - a sweatshirt is NOT enough! Don't ask me
how I know this. 8^)
Some slop in the steering - maybe 1/2" steering wheel movement with no
wheel movement. At about 40MPH, there's noticeable shimmy / cowl shake.
Ok at lower or higher speeds. Pulls to the right when braking. One new
brake caliper.
Engine idles a bit high. Adjusted throttle linkage set screw down to
1000 or so, but after running awhile, RPMs back up to 12-1500. Some
black exhaust and black, powdery looking spark plugs. Deal includes a
Unisyn. Sounds like I'll need one!
Decent condition interior, but it's a light gray vinyl w/ gray carpet.
Really would rather black, but owner doesn't seem to care about
originality (or that I DO care). Top is brand new, but also gray. Side
screens are original in VG condition, but they've been colored gray.
Tonneau is good (and BLACK). By the way, the car is painted burgandy.
All instruments work. Owner says it has a new clutch - again no
receipts, but it did seem smooth.
I didn't notice it, but owner told me the non-overdrive TR4 transmission
sometimes slips out of second gear. Why?
Car has not been driven much in the last several years.
Chrome wire wheels in good condition (slight surface rust in hub area),
new stainless exhaust, new wire harness (installed), no tools (jack,
crank, etc.). Original horns replaced by louder ones. Horn button under
dash - steering hub button doesn't work, but turn signals do.
Bottom line...
What do you think the car is worth? And how much more do you think it
would cost to make it a nice, presentable, reasonably reliable (huh?)
car? I'd really appreciate your collective wisdom. Thank you!!
--
Michael Ferguson
Vernon CT
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