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TR6 Bodyshell rebuild


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After selling my TR6 last year, I've missed it so much I'm looking for a replacement.

I've been offered a part completed project (most peoples worst nightmare) with a fully rebuilt chassis, with the drivetrain already installed and the chassis rolling, a whole bunch of brand new bits (several thousand pounds worth) but the body removed and stripped bare, in need of work. There are a bunch of brand new panels with the shell, pretty much enough to restore it, but it still needs doing.

Am I nuts to try and attempt this myself or should I consider the only way to do it is to have a specialist rebuild the shell (which would make it prohibitive for me)

Any advice much appreciated.

 

Simon

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Simon, if you have the ability [and the staying power] to do it, it's the way to go, when it's finished you know exactly what you have, it's part of you not something built by someone else whose skills are an unknown quantity [both amateur and professional]

Personally I don't think I'd enjoy either of my classics as much if I'd just bought them, but at the end of the day it's everyone to their own.

Ron

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It depends primarily on what it is you are missing about your previous car - driving it or working on it.

 

If you want to enjoy driving a TR6 again, then a rebuild is going to impose a long delay which could end up with you (and probably your family) frustrated at the long hours spent in the garage and escalating costs. However, if what you really miss is working on the car, then a home rebuild will keep you more than satisfied. Unless you have the skills and time to commit long-term then you either need deep pockets to have much of the work done professionally (don't I know it :blink: ), or buy a ready-to-run car.

 

It is always cheaper and quicker to buy a well-restored car that someone else has tired of (there are many who become addicted to the restoration process and sell the completed car to source the next rebuild). Not having the skills or time to rebuild my TR3A, the only justification for a professional rebuild was the 'emotional rescue' of an elderly member of the family (a bit like spending huge amounts on vets bills for a much-loved but very sick pet), but I certainly wouldn't have done this for someone else's abandoned rebuild.

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Hi Simon

 

I reckon if you have the time, space, equipment, and skill to do it, then do it yourself, providing that the rolling chassis is as good as you'd like it to be. (I second Ron's sentiment that you then know exactly what you have) If you don't, then it will probably end up costing more than buying a "Minter" straight off. the money I've spent on mine including purchase so far is about the same as buying a ready-to-go fully restored one - admittedly due to a lunched engine and some expensive upgrades, and I haven't even touched the body or chassis yet! Ho hum...

 

Dave

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