On Tuesday, September 20, 2011 06:31:27 pm XJ6SOVEREIGN at aol.com wrote:
> Hello,
> I haven't been on here in a while. I have a 54 TR2 (rhd) that I bought
> around 8 years ago. The car needs a total restoration. The sheet metal
> work was started a few years ago but then stopped, new floor pans, inner
> and outer rockers, etc. were replaced. I really can't afford a
> professional restoration on it and even if I could that cost would far
> outweigh the value. I guess my question is if I do a lot of the work
> myself excluding body and paint(which I know is 50-60% of the restoration
> cost) what's a realistic cost? I'm guessing around 15K and up, so I'm not
> sure if I should sell it or try and restore it to the best on my
> abilities. I already spent around $3,000 in parts for it 8 years ago and
> another $3,000. in labor for the sheet metal work that was done so far. So
> I have around $7,800. already in the car, and the motors not correct I
> think it's from a Vanguard. The engine has a single Solex carburetor on
> it. The car originally was exported to Singapore and was there until the
> late 70's until it was shipped to Texas, and sat and it was never titled
> in the U.S., so it would be a cool car to restore with it's history.
> Any advice or comments are appreciated.
> Joe
>
Joe,
Sorry for late reply, out of town.
I just spent well over 10K in parts, paint etc on my 72 TR6. I did all the
work myself but the engine machining etc.
You can restore it yourself just watch for the big sales during the winter
from the big 3. You can save a ton of $ in parts you might not need right now
but will in the future.
Dont get me wrong, the work it hard and frustrating at times but if you do it
right and have a professional paint job the car could easily be worth 25K or
much more.
I didnt restore my 3 Triumphs to sell. I did it for the fun of the task and
the joy of driving them.
Just my 2 cents.
Bob
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