My oldest kid has run into someone who was a couple TR3's for sale. He knows I had a tr250 and he asked my advice on buying one. He's looking for a hobby car.

I only owned the one triumph and it was not a pleasant experience. Anyone else have any words of wisdom, pro or con, I can pass along.


fltsfshr

 

TR3 As are plentiful. These were made from 58 to 62. In 1959, the engne displacement was increased fron 1991 cc to 2138 cc. Later in 62, Triumph introduced the TR3 B. They all had 2138 cc engine and most of them got the all synchro gear box. The 3 Bs are rare. They are a US only vehicle and considered the most desireable.

Old TRs, like all British cars are suceptible to the tin worm. The TR3 is a frame on car, so body work is a bit easier than on unit body cars.

 

tell him to make a good sized, pile of crumpled up dollar bills in front of the car.
Light the pile on fire and see if he sees any signs in the fire telling him to buy the car.

If the flames goes out and he still is comfortable with the idea, tell him to go ahead and buy it.
He used to wasting money and he won't be in for future shock.

 

Yup. There are a ton of TR3's out there. Nice enough if you like that body style. Now a TR-250....I'd LOVE to have one, but right now the Spit4, Spit6, and TR6 are in line for or are currently being restored (or will be once the temps are closer to 90 than 100 and the garage cools faster). Pretty much any 50-year-old he gets is going to require work (human or automotive). Expect it.....depend on it. With a Triumph (I can't speak for other makes), travel in packs. Somebody always has a spare part or knows what to do to get it back to your garage.

 

I love old British cars. But, I would only recommend them to someone who loves to tinker with old cars because the "do list" never ends. There's always something that needs fixed. I have a national award winning car, yet here's my current "do list".

MGA Maintenance Pending - JULY 28, 2009

DIP SWITCH Move location!

MASTER CYLINDER Check for leaks around cap.
Pipe thread tape used on threads 7/22/09. Still small amount leaking on 7/29/09.

TRANS LEAK Check fluid level often!
Front seal has dried out or front cover not seated properly. Leaking out cotter pin hole. L to H = 1qt Castrol 20w50. Be positive it is the transmission; change to a different color fluid. If so, replace both front and rear trans seals and replace clutch disc.

Topped up: 7/16/09 @ 875 miles. No loss @ 1111 miles.

TIRES Buy 4 tires. Three are 7 years old and one 12 years old!! 165/80R/15. Three of my Michelin XZX have date codes 3802 (Sept 2002) and one is 048 (Jan 1998). New Michelin are $187 each with shipping!

WIRE WHEELS Paint all five 60-spoke wheels before installing.

OIL CATCH PAN Added 7/23/09 but not working properly.

CARBS Lower idle after engine warmed.
Lube linkage. If still hard shifting into 1st gear, check the linkage setting on the master cylinder.

SPEEDO Not acurate.
62=55; etc. Trip odometer doesn

 

^
Good thing you are mechanically inclined.

You gotta really LOVE those cars to spend that kind of time maintaining them.

 

The devaluation of my S2000 meets or exceeds the maintenance cost of a well sorted British sports car. And the old British car increases in value.

 

Speaking of which, we need to see pictures

 

I'm not sure what year or model Triumph you owned fltsfshr, but my experience is the older Triumphs, TR3's and 4s, aside from a few electrical issues were pretty durable cars. They were built tough as nails. Mechanical parts these days are plentiful and relatively easy to find, though not inexpensive, but good body panels are a lot tougher to find. Someone brought up rust, and it can be an issue for cars in a damp climate, so it is important to find one with as little or no rust as possible. I have owned a 1964 TR4 for 30 years, (my first car). I've never had reliability issues and the car still looks about the same as when I bought it. Currently it is in non-running condition due to restoration. Good luck., they are fun cars.

A couple parts places:
Victoria British
Moss Motors
Many others as well.

 

I bought a 68 TR250 I bought it as a project car. It was in tough shape when I bought it.

It's on that car I learned that some things are not worth saving.

It was an ugly caramel yellow too.

fltsfshr