TR6 Restoration

[SistersofPercy]

Asking for the other half....

He's had a TR6 garaged for about 15 years. His Dad did a few things on it such as completely rebuild the engine, but then he sadly died and other half couldn't really face the project without him.
We're now at the stage where we can afford to look into getting it finished. At present we have a solid shell and chassis and 95% of parts to rebuild. Car will also need a respray.
We've had a few quotes of £15k+ which seem huge based on what needs doing (one quoted £12k for respraying alone which amused me). Obviously the car holds huge sentimental value to him so I want to be sure that wherever it goes is half decent.

We're Staffs based, but willing to look at anyone who can do right by the car.
Any suggestions?

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Join a Triumph club as a first step and ask around? and/or look at the Triumph section on this forum.

Edited by Mr Teddy Bear on Thursday 2nd March 19:04

[GSalt]

Join up with both of these owner groups:
www.club.triumph.org.uk
www.tr-register.co.uk

Used to love my TR6, even if it was a bit of a shed. Might still have a few manuals if you need them, I know I've still got the Motalita steering wheel..

[rallycross]

Good luck with it id say generally avoid anyone who claims to be a specialist as most of them rip people off with crazy prices for basic work - can you farm jobs out - find a good garage and an auto elec to get it ready for mot/ roadworthy then find s small body shop for the paint, find a local trimmer for the seats/trims/hood.

[M3333]

rallycross said:

Good luck with it id say generally avoid anyone who claims to be a specialist as most of them rip people off with crazy prices for basic work.

I would agree with this. They are nice cars but the hype about them is a bit mad and they are over rated IMHO.

Find a decent old school mechanic and a normal but recommended body shop, they are very simple cars to work on.

[larrylamb11]

Given the brief snippet of the back story to your husband's TR6 and that you are asking essentially on his behalf, I would be tempted to get in touch with these guys https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_SOS & http://www.channel4.com/programmes/car-sos
See if they would be interested in doing a program on the car and the story. They might be prepared to take it on and complete it as a surprise with your collusion.

[KateV8]

If you gaze north up the M6 from where you are you'll find an industrial town called Runcorn. Here we have a fantastic garage, long established, that could finish your project to a high standard at a good price. Their bread and butter is earned on moderns but they've been in business since time began and their heart is in classics. Last time I was in there they were just finishing a 1920's Austin, resto. PM me if you want details, I have to stress I have no connection with them other than as a satisfied customer.

[SistersofPercy]

M3333 said:

They are nice cars but the hype about them is a bit mad and they are over rated IMHO.

Thanks all. Some things to think about.

Have to agree totally with that statement, it's not a car I would have chosen personally (I had a TR7 for a few years and much preferred that) but it's a sentiment thing for him I think, his Dad restored the engine bit by bit from what I gather. I did try Car SOS a while ago, and got as far as sending photos to producers but heard no more unfortunately.

We've emailed a few places today and have some new places to think about.

[majordad]

I like them, nearly bought one in 1975 but did not have enough money.

[TVRJAS]

My Brother's was sitting in a garage for roughly the same period of time of 15yrs always saying next year he will restore it.

Well he finally bit the bullet and restored it about two and half years ago using my Cousin who owns a garage but outsourced some of the work to people he knew.

New paint,interior,roof,some engine work,bumpers etc etc and although he's family(so probably looked after him) I'm pretty sure he told me all in was about £8,000.

I'ts certainly not concourse condition and still has a few minor things to do but it looks pretty good to me. One thing I can't work out is why oh why they didn't paint the inside of the bonnet,makes no sense to either myself or my Brother.

Other people who know a little more about this type of work have said they have done a very good job,but I still wonder about this bonnet not being done.

I should be speaking with my Brother over the weekend and will ask that the price is correct that he originally told me (We all sometimes forget about a few bills)

Of course then I'd have to ask my Cousin if he want's to take on another one,but if you don't have any other options then at least this could be a start.




EDITED: Only just looked at your profile after posting and notice you are from the Midlands which is the same as my Cousin and Me/Brother which could also work out for you. (I missed the bit where you said Staffs)

Edited by TVRJAS on Friday 3rd March 22:14

[832ark]

Have a chat with Alex at Body Beautiful in Bridgnorth for paint. Not cheap but real good. Everyone who sees our MGA comments on the quality of the paint.