Michael,
> 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.
Guess I shouldn't answer any of the questions then!
> 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...
I'm assuming you used a magnet to determine no bondo in most places.
Other wise sounds reasonable to me. But remember, I'm the one that buys
up old rust buckets.
> 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^)
Engine sounds good. Test driver sounds like he was a little weak on
knowledge of what the term "wind chill factor" means!
> 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.
Seems reasonable.
> 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!
Carb adjustment, valve adjustment and ignition should solve that.
> 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.
Other than it not being in your prefered color scheme it sounds good.
> 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?
Hopefully someone will speak up about this. Seems like there could be an
adjustment here but I don't know what it is.
> 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.
Just a wiring problem on the horn I would assume. Electrics are easy to fix.
> 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!!
I'm not the one to answer this question. I still haven't learned not to buy
the low end cars!
Sure sounds good to me though. Why don't you tell me where its at and I'll
stop buy with my trailer......
Brad (Lincoln Nebraska 402-464-1502)
My Web Site Http://www.141.com/triumphs (updated 12/3/98)
1964 Spitfire4 BFC25720L -- 1973 Spitfire 1500 FM3353U
1962 TR4 CT288L -- 1959 TR3A TS41311L
1951 Dodge Truck B-3-B-108
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