Its my turn to find a diamond in the rough, guys. I looked over a TR250
today that may be for sale. Its in New Mexico USA but I won't say more
'cause one of all y'all may horn in on the deal :-) If I decide (well,
really my wife decides) that its not for us I'll be happy to refer those
with serious interest. I'd like to hear from other people about what I
should be looking for (problem areas) specific to a TR250 that are
different from a TR4A.
Here's the results of my visual, no lift inspection.
1) Original blue paint, some what faded. Chrome is good (lights and
bumpers.) Steel wheels with old redlines mounted.
2) Doesn't appear to have any serious body problems with four exceptions:
- rust under battery that hasn't penentrated the battery tray and is
confined to the area between the shelves. I believe this can be cleaned
and painted without any major welding.
- large dent in rear fender behind the wheel. However, the wheel arch
is
straight as are the mounting flanges and the taillight section, so this
appears repairable.
- large dent in the vertical part of the trunk lid. The bottom of the
trunk lid is sprung out, I think this may need a new panel to get it straight.
- One corner of the hood has sprung up (the typical damage when
unknowing
people let the hood fall instead of closing it.)
3) No signs of rust in floors, sills, rockers, A or B posts. Really in
good shape here.
4) Car was garaged about 12 years ago with a shot tranny or overdrive (yes
its there.) Around 75K on the engine which wears a thick coat of
Triumph-brand oily sludge. Oil has been slung up onto the underside of the
hood from the front of the engine. I couldn't check the thrust washers
since the clutch was inoperable.
5) Interior is serviciable, drivers seat needs recovering, crash and dash
pads need replacing. Gauges look good, dash is starting to crack from
age. Top needs replaced.
6) Of course, brakes, suspension, and body seals are old, cracked, and
weathered, and will need renewel.
7) Best of all, no signs of a DPO except for two after-market horns mounted
down by the front lower valence. Everything else looks pretty good
(including the carpet.)
The guy doesn't know how much he wants for it. I'm sure its a great
restoration candidate from the condition of the body. I don't know for
sure, but I believe the car has spent its life in New Mexico. It may be a
serviciable driver after brake, clutch and transmission repair. However,
I'm suspicious of the engine, from the amount of sludge and oil slung
around the engine compartment.
Cliff Hansen
hansenc@flash.net
1966 TR-4A CTC 64615L (piecing the firewall back together)
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