Considering a GT6 mk3

[craigjm]

aeropilot said:

craigjm said:

What is the correct triumph logo of the era?

I don't think there was one by the Mk3 era, as it was by then BL.

The Mk1 & 2 GT6 era was still the old Triumph shield, but by the early 70's it was all under the infamous BL logo.

I don't the Mk3 GT6 even had a Triumph badge anywhere on it?

That’s what I though. The only logo I have found apart from the boot badge is this one specific to the gt6



Thinking that logo might look good stitched into the headrests I’d say the MX5 seats mentioned earlier

[Yertis]

On the GT6 itself, and the TR of the same period, TRIUMPH only appeared as an all caps logotype (a generous description) on the numberplate illumination plinth, which sits on the rear bumper, squarish typeface approximately like Eurostile. It is in a different typeface on the service book, and different again on dealer signage. The whole mess was united by the British Leyland logo, used alongside Triumph *sometimes*.

You can tell a lot about the state of an organisation by the state of its branding. On a TR6, "TR6" appears in three different typefaces, all different to how it appears in handbooks, brochures and posters.

[craigjm]

Yertis said:

On the GT6 itself, and the TR of the same period, TRIUMPH only appeared as an all caps logotype (a generous description) on the numberplate illumination plinth, which sits on the rear bumper, squarish typeface approximately like Eurostile. It is in a different typeface on the service book, and different again on dealer signage. The whole mess was united by the British Leyland logo, used alongside Triumph *sometimes*.

You can tell a lot about the state of an organisation by the state of its branding. On a TR6, "TR6" appears in three different typefaces, all different to how it appears in handbooks, brochures and posters.

Good point! That’s one of the things I like about the mk3 rear, the number plate plinth

[Yertis]

craigjm said:

Good point! That’s one of the things I like about the mk3 rear, the number plate plinth

They get knocked off quite easily.

[gareth h]

This takes me back, my first car (mk2), a 19 year old yoof in '71' , rear wheel and half shaft fell off while doing 60mph (we never found them!) floor rusted out, no money for brake pads so had to use the hand brake, no tax for the same reason, but no cameras so we all got away with it, happy days.
A mate had a blue metalflake mk3 with Wolfraces, proper period mods!
Eventually replaced with a 240Z, would love another.

[craigjm]

Does anyone know if this seam is removable in some way? Would look much better without it

[Yertis]

Yes, there was one for sale like that last year, and I must admit that I considered it at one time. But actually I think those strakes help define the shape - without them the car for sale looked a bit bland, IMO.

[Mr Tidy]

I hope this happens!

No idea why, but if I was looking for a sporting Triumph it would have to be a GT6. Same as an MG would have to be a BGT, or an E-Type would have to be a FHC.

There's just something I find really stylish about that sort of profile (probably why my BMW Z4 is a Coupe).

Mind you I'd also rate an XJC as a stunning car - I'll need to track down that thread!

[AW111]

craigjm said:

Does anyone know if this seam is removable in some way? Would look much better without it

You could possibly fold it flat and then skim over with a bit of lightweight filler.

ps. My early swing-axle Herald definitely got very twitchy cornering on a trailing throttle.
I'd definitely be investigating rear suspension options for a powered-up GT6 - I'm not saying it's a widow-maker, but it was designed down to a tight budget.

[ttthilvester]

In spite of the slightly dubious, blingy 80s modifications (I'd certainly un-do them now if I could), I still think the GT6 is one of the best-looking coupes of that era.
I owned this one for over 10 years, and can't remember it ever missing a beat. Fast enough, comfortable as long as you're not a giant, great-sounding engine, brilliant access to engine bay.
Used to be decent spares network too, though this may not be the case now. Rimmer Brothers still look to have a decent supply of pretty much everything - (https://rimmerbros.com/SubCategory--Triumph-GT6--m-674), and as already suggested, the Triumph Sports Six Club were a good club for meets, advice, and cars/bits for sale.
Much loved and much missed.

Edited by ttthilvester on Thursday 24th January 10:05

[aeropilot]

craigjm said:

Does anyone know if this seam is removable in some way? Would look much better without it

I would think so, I would pressume the same construction as the standing seams on the Mini bodyshell, and I can remember plenty of 'de-seamed' Mini's for sale back in the day.

[Yertis]

One thing about the GT6 to remember is that it is absolutely minute, especially by modern standards. It always looks (to me anyway) much bigger in pics than it actually is.

Having said that, I'm 6'1" and found it very comfortable, and for me the smallness was/is part of the appeal.

[//j17]

AW111 said:

craigjm said:

Does anyone know if this seam is removable in some way? Would look much better without it

You could possibly fold it flat and then skim over with a bit of lightweight filler.

It's been done by a few people but it a lot of work. Under the black trim piece is the externally welded seam between at least the outer wing and rear deck but from memory I think it's actually be between those two and also the inner wing. As a result the options are to fold the flanges down and weld inside, or try to get a strong butt weld between three different panels. Possible, but a lot more work than just spot welding along an exposed seam and shoving a piece of trim over the top, either on the production line or in your own garage.

AW111 said:

ps. My early swing-axle Herald definitely got very twitchy cornering on a trailing throttle.
I'd definitely be investigating rear suspension options for a powered-up GT6 - I'm not saying it's a widow-maker, but it was designed down to a tight budget.

Only the Mk1 GT6 had the same 'fixed spring' design as the Herald so only those suffer rear end issues (and even then only if driven badly). The Mk2/early Mk3s all had the Rotoflex rear end that puts pay to all those issues (though unless you're sitting on a stock of original Rotoflex couplings you might want to swap to CV joints, unless you like taking the rear axel apart every 6 months). Late Mk3s shared the 'swing spring' design used on Spitfires from the Mk IV which does as good a job sorting the rear end as the Rotoflex design, but for a lot less money.

[Yertis]

ttthilvester said:

In spite of the slightly dubious, blingy 80s modifications (I'd certainly un-do them now if I could), I still think the GT6 is one of the best-looking coupes of that era.
I owned this one for over 10 years, and can't remember it ever missing a beat. Fast enough, comfortable as long as you're not a giant, great-sounding engine, brilliant access to engine bay.
Used to be decent spares network too, though this may not be the case now. Rimmer Brothers still look to have a decent supply of pretty much everything - (https://rimmerbros.com/SubCategory--Triumph-GT6--m-674), and as already suggested, the Triumph Sports Six Club were a good club for meets, advice, and cars/bits for sale.
Much loved and much missed.

Edited by ttthilvester on Thursday 24th January 10:05

I think I preferred the previous pic

[craigjm]

Yeah im 5ft 10 so I fit fine. They are tight and small but that’s part of the appeal

Thanks for that info about the rear seam. Something to be done when it’s down at the bare metal then I guess.

Just found this renovation of a TR6 with a BMW M3 engine!

https://www.davintosh.com/2011/08/30/bmwotd-triump...

Edited by craigjm on Thursday 24th January 15:32

[gnc]

back in the seventies i had a mk1 and then a mk2 i was 18 stone and 6 ft , still managed to fit comfortably in and never killed myself by driving stupidly, did blow a diff on the mk1 though. beautifull looking car, would have one now but they are just to small.

[Stevesmg]

I had this mk2 about 6yrs ago, I think the mk2 is the best shape the colour is how I got it but it's not original but it was like a metallic magenta.
Steve.

[craigjm]

Stevesmg said:

I had this mk2 about 6yrs ago, I think the mk2 is the best shape the colour is how I got it but it's not original but it was like a metallic magenta.
Steve.

I actually prefer the rear of the mk3 I think it looks more “modern”. Although I actually prefer the front of the mk1

[craigjm]

Been discussing this today and the consensus amongst friends appears to be that if doing an engine swap to forget the TR6 engine and go for a BMW 3.0 straight 6 from the E46 era with around 250bhp. Could be worth looking into.

Decision made then I will do this but need to get the Jag on the road first which will hopefully be April May and then can start this towards end of the year.

I’ve learnt so much doing the Jag that I would structure the project differently which would make it faster to achieve

[GT6 Jonsey]

If you are thinking of modifying a GT6 this is one of best places to bounce ideas around, lots of knowledgeable triumph tinkerers on there
http://sideways-technologies.co.uk/forums/index.ph...

craigjm said:

Been discussing this today and the consensus amongst friends appears to be that if doing an engine swap to forget the TR6 engine and go for a BMW 3.0 straight 6 from the E46 era with around 250bhp. Could be worth looking into.

Decision made then I will do this but need to get the Jag on the road first which will hopefully be April May and then can start this towards end of the year.

I’ve learnt so much doing the Jag that I would structure the project differently which would make it faster to achieve