In a message dated 99-03-01 17:53:40 EST, jawa@capital.net writes:
<< Not intending a flame war but I've got a question that I need help on.
I've got a chance to buy a mint '79 TR7, no rust, never driven in the
rain(or at least, not too much ;-)) with 14,000 miles. However, I've
been getting the impression that owning a TR7 is not the way to go i.e.
low power output, not very collectible, parts hard to come by etc...
My question, is this a correct impression? Should I pass this up and go
with a more collectible model(TR6, Spitfire)? Are parts plentiful for
these vehicles? I've noticed there are plenty of restoration books out
there for them. I should mention that I'm new to restoration work hence
this is why the TR7 is so attractive to me(that, and it's a two seater
Triumph!!!).
>>
The best car to buy is the one in the best condition. Buy the one which
has been well maintained and repaired whenever there was a problem.
Believe me, a 14,000 mile TR7 can turn out to be a nightmare if not an
ounce of work has never been regularly put into it since 1979. It can be
a great car if it has been driven and properly looked after by a caring
soul (or two) for the last 20 years.
TR7's, TR6's and Spits are wonderful cars to drive, but they must be
driven and maintained. If neither is done on a regular basis, they quickly
turn into dung. Don't worry, parts are plentiful for ALL three models from
many competitive sources in the US and abroad, and they are cheaper
than many modern cars' parts.
Join your local British Car Club or Triumph Club. Consult the Vintage
Triumph Register' s (VTR) web site. VTR has Vehicle Consultants for
each model....E-mail them or telpehone them. Talk to a trusted mechanic
or friend in the know about cars. Ask a lot of questions about each model.
Lastly, get a ROM (Repair Operations Manual). This is kind of like a
*cookbook* for cars. A particular model's ROM will list the procedures
for repair and replacement of most every component on a vehicle.
You'll be surprised how much you will do on your own with a good
tool set....almost everything. I HATE working on cars....Biggest waste
of time (next to gardening) that I can think of, however I've saved a lot
of money in repair bills at the mechanics shop by doing it myself . I've
learned a lot too, and I still am learning. I am able to do it because I can
read, have a set of tools and a ROM...if I can do it, anyone can. Lastly,
when you need help you can always contact the TR7/8 List or Spitfire
List or Big Triumph List (this one) to ask your questions....there are lots
of folks on these lists who LOVE working on cars......they probably like
gardening too.
The best car is the one you like to drive. Try them all. Just remember
to buy the very best example available to you, drive it regularly and take
care of it. Good Luck and have fun!!
Best Regards
Kirk Yonker
81 TR8 Fi Dhc
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