tr7triumph.com

I am thinking about doing another project. Garage is full, so I will need to get rid of the TR8 before I start the next project. No rush to get rid of it at this point.

I would like opinions on what it is worth.

Factory 1980 TR8 carb model. 44,500 miles.

Modifications:
• Edelbrock 1403 500 cfm carb
• Mallory SS Distributor
• 4-2-1 Headers
• Rims with adaptors (4x100)
• Wood dash kit
• Previous owner painted it black – originally Persian aqua
• Custom removable hardtop (I built it)

Strengths:
• Has been daily driver for the last 2.5 years (5 mile commute) – only stranded me once (fuel pump went out - not even the original factory one, so I can’t blame Triumph).
• Arizona car – no rust.

Issues:
• Leaks:
-- Power steering – needs to be refilled every 4 to 6 months
-- I assume there are slow engine and/or tranny leaks (can’t tell for sure with the steering leek). Never need to add oil between changes.
• Gas gauge does not work – I have checked the wiring, and that tests ok. I have a new tank sending unit ready to install.
• AC is there but does not work – Did a quick test once, and it would not hold pressure. I assume there are also other issues.
• Passenger seat has some rips.
• Removable hard top has some blisters in the fiberglass.
• Paint is showing its age – some door dings
• Many rubber trim pieces need to be replaced
• Battery is not holding charge very long – Not sure at this point if it is alternator, battery, or a slow drain.
• I posted a while back about possible tranny issues. I now think it is just the bushings. Just got them in the mail, but have not installed yet.

Perhaps that 'different kind of Arizona heat' is affecting your perspective.

What you have kindly listed !!!IS!!! a project. Why seek another project when you've got this one with such a long list of fun things to do? Look at all you have on your plate now, it's at least a good six months of travails in itself.

No, keep the car. After all these chores are done, another bunch will bubble up for your continuing attentions.

Consider this, here in the machine shed in the past couple of hundred miles these items have been attended too; 1. Passenger door window regulator replaced, 2. New turn indicator switch replaced, 3. new fuel filter, 4. new 195 degree thermostat with one hole stripped out and retapped to a larger bolt, 5. replaced again the air cleaner temperature sensor, 6. new rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders, 7. new rear axle bearings, 8. Clay bared and double wax coated the paint to make the surface so slick your hand slides off, 9. disassembled and greased the rear axle link poly bushings.

These objects of our devotion never quit needing our attentions.

Mildred Hargis

Yes, there will always be more to do to the car. That is the problem. It used to be fun, and now it feels more like a chore.

Part of the problem might be that it is my daily driver, so any issue that pop up must be fixed in a timely manor. When it was a hobby car it could be fixed when I felt like it.

I wish I could afford to get an additional car, and keep this as a hobby car, but with one kid in college now and second starting this fall, that is just not an option.

If I can sell this car for a decent amount, then hopefully I can afford to buy a used pickup for a daily driver, and have some money left over to start a new project.

Okay, now the real problem comes to the surface. It's not the car, it's them kids!

How about this, right now before it gets hot again, have the A/C compressor replaced with a new, smaller, rotary style unit and upgrade to R-134 coolant. Roll on down to Auto Zone for a free check of the alternator and battery. Next Saturday replace the fuel sending unit, then the next weekend, replace the gearbox shifter housing bushings. With these four items fixed, the car will be easier to live with.

Then, from V-B, order a set of seat savers to put over your ragged seats. Installation is about 15 minutes. The rest of the list can then wait for a better time. You will have saved yourself lots of money in getting another daily car and saved money in sellers want ad costs, plus you still own a daily used piece of rare history.

So, total projected repair costs, A/C about $400.00, battery, about $125.00, alternator, about $95.00, seat savers, about $115.00. Your free labor on the fuel sending unit and gearbox bushings. Then there's the wife not being irritated by yet another old clunker in the driveway. That could be priceless.

Mildred Hargis

Sound thinking from Mildred. And you get to keep the TR!

Maxwell


2.0 TR7 FHC \ Current
1.8 Mazda MX5 \ Current

Mildred is the voice of reason!

Ron.

No, She is your conscience - Listening to Her [}:)]

Hello from Switzerland

Frank