quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
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If you plan to wrench on that TR6, you'll need tools. Whitworth/British Standard, maybe even metric, too.

Now that I was not aware of. Good to know. Thanks. Metric I have. Guess I will be accumulating Whitworth/Wentworth/BS as needed.

A TR6 has zero Whitworth fasteners on it.

I had one for many years through college and put myself through college repairing British Leyland cars.

So what is is? Metric? British Standard?

Metric.

that's good. I had until recently a BMW motorcycle and still have a Triumph MC so I have metric tools already.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kho,

TR-6 is a great looking car, and fun to drive, and as noted, since they rolled off the line been fraught with issues that require a bit of patience and effort.

Watched a few shows with people who have converted classics to EV's, and I think that I'd consider it for an older classic vehicle, especially one that has lots of mechanical issues or maybe if you find one missing the engine, blown engine.

It's going to be faster, quieter have less problems with todays fuel in 1970's engines, aka ethanol.

https://stealthev.com/company/

So, when did the Brits change over to Metric hardware?

An aside: A move over to Bosch electrics would also be a plus.

i have owned a TR-6 for last 10 years or so... nice little car, haven't driven it in the last couple of years, getting the itch to trade it for another similar beast..
they/it has issues, anything almost 50 years old will.... I always preferred the chrome bumper cars...

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
So, when did the Brits change over to Metric hardware?

An aside: A move over to Bosch electrics would also be a plus.

Around 1970, but SU carbs, fuel pumps and a few transmission bits still mixed in Whitworth with metric and American Standard until maybe the early 80's. Morgan might be an exception :-) Not to dispute Mars, but I helped a local kid with his unknown vintage TR-6 refill the rear lever shocks; seem to recall the fill plugs required my Whitworth tools. Mostly they get used on the Velocette, Gold Star and early 60's Triumph bikes these days

OP - I understand that itch, best of luck on your car search. Looking forward to seeing pictures.

quote:

Originally posted by kimberkid:
Before I got my "Dad-Approved" first car...

LOL - that brought back some memories. Back in the 80's I was looking for my 3rd car and found a Mazda RX7 on a used car lot that was within my budget. It had seen better days, but it was a cool looking car. I brought it home for a test drive and dad, seeing it in the driveway came out to look. First thing he said was "Hope you didn't buy this". While trying to show him what a great car this was and it only needed a few things fixed, I rolled down the driver's side window and it suddenly dropped and would not come back up. I took that as a sign, immediately admitted defeat and drove it back to the dealer. We still laugh about it today, but damn I really wanted an RX7.

Don’t confuse a car with a hobby. A hobby is not a bad thing, unless you were expecting a car.

Every bolt nut and fastener are imperial. No silly metric fasteners on a TR-6. Even the slotted screws are English.

Most every fastener is fine thread too. That provides no shortage of entertainment value when you're trying to remove a near on 50 year old fastener that has been moistened periodically throughout its life.

There is no doubt that my TR-6 has contributed significantly to the inventiveness and creativity of my profane vocabulary.

You should get a good smallish cold chisel. Learn how to sharpen and use one so you can crack nuts without destroying the several hundred dollar assembly it was holding to the car. It is a useful skill to have when working on any older vehicle.

Don

If you want to have a little fun, go to Hemmings or other sales sites and read the glowing descriptions of great their cars are.
Sure flies in the face of my British experiences.

To quote P.T. Barnum: Many people are gullible and we can expect this to continue!

KHO, if you are really set on a little car like the TR-6, get one... life is short, I have enjoyed "the ride" with mine, sure it takes a little tinkering, but there is nothing like the shake, rattle, and roll of a little british car tearing down the road!!

moss motors was the go to company for parts when I had my MGB and TR7. they are bigger and better now.

Just to add what others have said check the frame for rust issues, especially in the T shirt area of the frame. Also check the engine for thrust washer wear, easy to check just google it. New wiring harnesses are available to end the electrical problems, most of which are due to age or owner repairs, especially on the grounds.
General consensus is to avoid the tube shock conversion in the rear as it can lead to frame cracking. Lever shocks are available and can be upgraded with a heavier weight oil and valving adjustments.
I owned a 69 I wish I never sold. They are great fun. Most people automatically start messing with the Stromberg carbs and that is where issues come in. A lot of what people think are carb issues are really ignition. Consider getting rid of the points and going to an electronic conversion like Crane or Pertronix. Add a heat shield if one is missing under the carbs to avoid vapor lock. Parts are plentiful and cheap.
As for the Miata, great cars, I have one now. Always starts, no oil leaks, more comfortable, and bullet proof. And not a fraction of the soul of a TR6.I'll be looking at selling mine and getting another TR6 in spring. 6 Pack and The Triumph Experience are great sites to learn more and see whats for sale. If you want anti lock brakes and airbags these aren't for you. No modern safety features in fact but a real driving experience. I say go for it. For $30K you will get a mint one. You can buy a solid one all day for $15-$20K. And yes, you will have to work on them. Get a Bentley manual and enjoy the experience.