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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Project Cheapskate TR4

June 6, 2011 10:11 p.m. oldtin Dork

So I picked up a cheap 1963 Triumph TR4 in December 2010 ($750). The original goal was a vintage racer. Finances are a bit tight so it might take a while. For now, the goal is a driver, possible A/X vintage car on the cheap with an eye toward vintage later. The budget is $1,500 to get it to good looking driver status. The car has been sitting for 10 years. The upholstery was shot - being a Kentucky car, a possum had taken up residence in the cockpit. Maybe it should be project possum bottom. It is fairly untouched other than a few unidentified, unwired switches and tin foil wrapping around the fuel line in the engine bay. Started stripping body panels tonight to see what's inside. The tally so far is $32 for paint stripper and steel wool.
June 6, 2011 10:59 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

I always loved the lines of the TR4.
June 6, 2011 11:04 p.m. ValuePack Dork

Looks like a good score for the money, tinworm and possum lavatory included. And holy flared 'BGT!
June 7, 2011 5:04 a.m. Shinsen774 Reader

You need to attend the Richmond Triumph Register Swap meeting in Richmond, Virginia Saturday June 11, 2011, to get parts. Richmond Triumph Register - Swap & Sell Meet, British and European, 1518 Willow Lawn Drive, Richmond Virginia. 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
June 7, 2011 6:12 a.m. NOHOME Reader

Some challenges there. Resist the urge to go mental on looks and drive it in the "Well Patinaed Survivor" class.
June 7, 2011 6:27 a.m. stan SuperDork

Like Mr. Wallens said, great lines on these and always one of my favorites. I just went to an auction Saturday for a TR4A. It went for $650, but I don't think it was as good as this example and only had mice living in it...
June 7, 2011 7:36 a.m. bravenrace SuperDork

My favorite TR.
June 7, 2011 8:39 a.m. racerdave600 HalfDork

I spent most of my college life nursing a '67 4A around, I loved that car! I even did a head gasket replacment once on the side of the road! Good luck and keep us posted!
June 7, 2011 9:01 a.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

In reply to oldtin:

Back when I had my Midgets in Kentucky a possum decided to live in the engine bay. Maybe possums in KY just like old British cars. It seems like there are going to be more active build threads about LBCs then anything else on GRM between this one, the V12 B and hopefully I will start a build thread on my Spitfire.
June 7, 2011 9:04 a.m. Woody SuperDork

When I was in high school, I remember seeing a TR4 several times at a park that we used to hang out at. It had obviously flared fenders over wide Panasports and was painted a really dark metallic red, almost burgundy. It was very well done and beautiful and it was one of the first heavily modified LBC's that I remember seeing. I haven't seen it in years but I hope it's still around.
June 7, 2011 9:13 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

last TR4 I saw was on tour with "moving out" the Billy Joel Musical. It has been butchered with the guts of an electric golf cart to move it around stage on it's own power.

Shame too.. the metal work was in really good shape too
June 7, 2011 9:19 a.m. Raze Dork

killer price, sweet project!
June 25, 2011 10:00 p.m. oldtin Dork

Every one of the 50 year old nuts and bolts are putting up a fight. I've resorted to chemical warfare with some fire thrown in for good measure. Fenders are stripped, started on the hood. A couple more days and the outer panels will be down to metal (or bondo). So far it looks pretty straight with a couple of bruises and a few spots where the tinworm had its way with it. Found a replacement fender for the rotten right rear. Not so happy with the thick coat of undercoating. Nasty stuff to get off.
June 25, 2011 10:09 p.m. ckosacranoid Dork

looking ngood old tin. so how is the project on the ohter side going? we really need to see that one on the road this year also.
June 25, 2011 10:17 p.m. oldtin Dork

Just realized the engine's gotta come out one more time for something I forgot.. Need challenge legal wheels and tires and sorting out the ignition...
June 25, 2011 10:36 p.m. ckosacranoid Dork

ok what did you forget this time that the motor has to come out again for?
June 25, 2011 11:12 p.m. oldtin Dork

Test fitted without a pilot bearing. At least it gives me the chance to make the fixed cross member under the trans. removable.
June 26, 2011 10:22 a.m. stan SuperDork

Be thankful the TR has such small areas to scrape!

And where do you find the time for two projects???......
June 26, 2011 11:14 a.m. integraguy SuperDork

The TR3 I bought back in the mid '70s was the same red and red color combo. I didn't know about accurate restorations so I changed it to BRG with a black interior.

I wish I still had it, or a 4 like this one.
June 26, 2011 11:49 a.m. oldtin Dork

This one gets a sympathetic going over with an eye to vintage racing

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