Just got a TR7!!!

Just got a TR7!!!

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Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Wednesday 23rd December 2015
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Hi guys. A trip to my local garage to enquire about repairs to my VW ended with me buying a TR7!
Totally random, I have always liked them and it was just parked there...

Basically its a (Java?) green August '77 FHC, last taxed in 1994. So it has been off the road for 21 years, but stored indoors luckily. Interior ( green tartan inserts ) is pretty mint, the dash like new and even carpets good. Only major faults are the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder need new seals, exhaust rotten and the rear deck ( big filler ) is rotten. Also someone in the past has poorly attempted to paint on "victory" white stripes, they really comically funny they are so wobbly!!. But it is rock solid everywhere else and needs no welding, just a respray which I can do no problem. I got it for only a few hundred pounds as the guy had bought a yard full of old cars, mainly 2CVs and he just wants rid. Result.

Main problem is I fear the rear deck is hard to find a replacement panel for, does anyone know where I can buy one from?? Thanks.

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Thursday 24th December 2015
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The first thing I though when I saw it was rally car.... But it is so original and the interior is virtually like new I think I will keep it 100% original and just enjoy it. It has only done68,000 miles and looks like it had led a charmed life until the lunatic put stripes on it. I think I feel drawn to it as my first ever car was a '79 mini 850 in Java green, it's like I was meant to save it!!

Will still throw it up a few hill limbs just for a laugh though😎

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Thursday 24th December 2015
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Wacky Racer thanks for the link! 😉

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Thursday 24th December 2015
quotequote all
I had a r ally cool '72 Scimitar I used to love just cruising around in listening to 70's funk! Regretted selling it. I think this I will keep 100% original and do the same,.

As you say, I think they have aged really really well. They are cool little cars now.

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Thursday 24th December 2015
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That's nice. Giving me inspiration!

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Monday 28th December 2015
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I think he had basically one sound car, requiring restoration though, one 24hr 2cv race car, and about 7 others of various states from parts cars to plant pots. I know, I enquired myself!! I'd love a tuned 2cv 😎

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Sunday 21st February 2016
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No sorry!

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Sunday 21st February 2016
quotequote all
update....

Got a used 90% perfect rear deck from S&S, ad my mechanic weld it up and weld it in. Done a great job!

Also borrowed a pair of 15 x 7 minilights from a friend who sprints his TR8, and purchased a set of 3" Forest arches. Have spayed them Java Green and today I am taking them down to the car to offer them up. If I like the look then I will fi them and buy some slightly wider 15x8 for the rear befor the respray. Should look quite tough Java Green all over with the arches.

Planning on getting it on the road for the summer.

The engine although running is an unknown quantity. If it is not good, toying with my mechanic and a friend about doing an engine/gearbox transplant with a cheap 130bhp 1800cc 16v MX5. It seems logical as should provide performance similar to a Dolomite Sprint conversion. £500 can buy you a whole suitable donor car. Also can be turbo / supercharged fairly cheaply upto 250bhp on standard internals.

If it all works out, we can keep the engineeering drawings for engine mounts etc. and maybe get a local firm to supply kits for the conversion. We think we can run the small engine loom with plug in Megasquirt ECU to simplify the electrics. We shall see!

Furyblade_Lee

Original Poster:

4,108 posts

225 months

Sunday 21st February 2016
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I have heard it is an absolute myth that fit? FWD for a start and no sump ?