Glen Milligan Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Hi All, I’m a new member , I recently introduced myself on the tr6 forum, I’d like some advice on a tr4a that’s advertised on eBay. The car is shown as a ‘runner’, and solid. Maybe suitable for me as an entry point into ownership, I’m thinking of it as a runner that I can gradually improve over time, maybe eventually going for a full restore. All advice would be appreciated, thank you Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 (edited) Hi Glen, although the asking price is not big money there is obviously a lot to spend money on. Bumpers £800, Dash £300, interior £XXXX, engine £xxx bay, no overdrive £2000 Pax door/car respray etc etc. More significantly is what you can;t see. There has been a big poor quality repair to the chassis on the rear near side chassis rail. You really need to go and see it in the flesh and just get set in your mind how big the task will be. However being EX USA it may actually be rust free(ish) and thus make it worth rebuilding. Take the rose tinted specs off and go and see. Good luck Roger Edited February 15, 2020 by RogerH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumpht-tr4/184164759493?hash=item2ae11337c5:g:324AAOSw1nVeNUYl For the full advert Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trchris Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Hi Glen As Roger says you need to go see and bear in mind what you end up buying there will always be something you find that you didn't see first time round but don't despair its all part of the joy of owning a TR and there's so many good people here to advise and help good luck Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 (edited) Hi Glen ~ I'd strongly advise you to try and take a member of the Register with you who knows about TR's. Please don't go in 'blind'. I'd have reservations about the plated chassis in particular. Another mystery ~ if it's an American TR how come it's right hand drive?? Tom. Edited February 15, 2020 by Fireman049 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Glen Milligan Posted February 15, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Thank you all , very quick replies there ! So much superb experienced advice , exactly what I was hoping for! I’m not in a huge hurry, it’s really all about acquiring a car for the ‘long term’ , a car such as this ( a solid runner) may be the way to start and certainly a good hands-on way to learn about them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Hi Tom, the ebay seller states that he changed it ver. roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Hi Tom, the ebay seller states that he changed it ver. roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JeffR Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Hi Glen, While there's plenty of unseen things that could be a problem with this car as other people have commented, the overall impression I have is that its a pretty solid car The body shell looks overall good - it also seems that the floors arent't rusted out which is a bonus compared to many UK cars at that price, so it's potentially a good starter car which may not need major body restoration. I sugest you contact the Group Leader of your local group and see if he/she could arrange for someone to go with you to see it. Personally, I think you could be on to a winner. All the best, JeffR Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 Glenn having read the full advert, it looks a pretty solid tub to me. Chassis isn't,t horrendous, and most of the issues you can see. I,m with Jeff above, it might just fit your bill of a rolling, "Spread the Cost" Type of restoration, I would not buy without seeing, but it is hard to label expensive from this cursory veiw. Absolute key, whatever you are looking at, take one, two or three other pairs of eyes with you if poss. as an example I looked at two TR4 A in the past fortnight, for a new club member, both good looking on top, one chassis was horrendous the worst patch welding I ha ve ever seen, and was condemned in minutes, the other a not perfect but good car and was bought. John. PM if ever you want a natter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malbaby Posted February 15, 2020 Report Share Posted February 15, 2020 If you are prepared to spend another 20K plus, then buy it. Seems to me that he seller bought the car from the USA thinking it was going to be a minor rebuild, but soon realised that a complete restoration was required, and that is big money. I would not buy the car at that price. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
little jim Posted February 16, 2020 Report Share Posted February 16, 2020 That's about what I paid for my 4A, (some years ago). I intended to do all the repairs myself. (And did - except for gearbox) If you have to pay someone to do the fixing it will add up to quite a bit, but price wise it seems pretty fair to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lee Dutton Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 Glen, not sure where you are but I live 15mins from Basildon so would be willing to view the car may save you some time.(I own a fully rebuilt TR4a) Cheers Lee Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 I'd be worried about that chassis. Not just the repairs, but the not-yet-repaired parts with visible rust damage. It's a strange mixture of TR4 and TR4A too, like mine. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy303 Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 3 hours ago, stillp said: I'd be worried about that chassis. Not just the repairs, but the not-yet-repaired parts with visible rust damage. It's a strange mixture of TR4 and TR4A too, like mine. Pete Not so strange - its a TR4A with solid rear axle (SRA). They were sold only in the North American market, unknown most anywhere else. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Glen Milligan Posted February 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 I’ve decided that this car isn’t for me, it may well be a really good car for me to start with but there’s just too many question marks for me at the moment. I’ll happily keep looking and learning, your advice and input is valuable, many thanks !! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Glen Milligan Posted February 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 5 hours ago, Lee Dutton said: Glen, not sure where you are but I live 15mins from Basildon so would be willing to view the car may save you some time.(I own a fully rebuilt TR4a) Cheers Lee Thank you kindly! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 Good for you Glen, wise not to rush in..... I’m fully aligned with all the valid concerns around the chassis ‘repairs’ and condition.. Just for info, if you are not already aware, the 4 and 4A have the same shape = superb Michelotti styling..... However, the 4 has a much, much more robust chassis. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted February 18, 2020 Report Share Posted February 18, 2020 18 hours ago, Andy303 said: Not so strange - its a TR4A with solid rear axle (SRA). They were sold only in the North American market, unknown most anywhere else. Yes, I know that, I was thinking of the missing stainless door trim, and the advert title (although he correctly calls it a live axle 4A in the description), and there was something else that I've forgotten! We do see some live axle TR4As over here, but as far as I know they're all repatriated from the US. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 18, 2020 Report Share Posted February 18, 2020 23 minutes ago, stillp said: ! We do see some live axle TR4As over here, but as far as I know they're all repatriated from the US. Pete They are as they were US market only. Mine came back from New Jersey. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Read Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 Glen decide what you want. Are you looking for near concours, a rollling restorationt hat you can improve as time goes on or a restoration project? Some times what looks good may need a great deal of work particularly if its been off the road for a while. I recently bought an ex states tr4a irs rhd, it needs some cosmetic work and a great deal of mechanical eg brakes steering ect, this I can do myself and its not going to break the bank, cosmetic work tend to be more specialist and expensive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ocheye Posted February 22, 2020 Report Share Posted February 22, 2020 Hi Glen My advice would be to join the Register and attend local meetings and get to know your group. My experience in Cumbria has been fantastic. So much experience to call on, and very friendly too (unlike some car clubs which can be a bit snooty). Make a few friends in your local group and they will help you choose the right car for your budget and skills. I rushed in but was relatively lucky. I could easily have bought a lemon. Mine is a running restoration and it is proving loads of fun to drive. I wanted a car that I could drive straight away and am not interested in perfection for the showfield. I'd rather arrive with the car covered in mud after a great drive! Everyone has there own agenda Good luck with your search Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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