Triumph Repair: TR6 Purchase, dirt cheep, train noises

Question
Hi Howard, I am seriously considering buying a TR6, probably '75 or '76. I am quite good mechanically so having to do work on the vehicle does not intimidate me. However my knowledge of the TR6 st this point is quite limited and I don't want to buy something and then find out that I have a major repair problem on my hands. So my question is what are the major issues with buying a 30+ yr old TR6. What are some of the challenges I should expect and what are some things that I should definitely avoid? I live in Arizona. Also, what are some of the best resources for getting educated on the TR6? Thanks so much...Greg

Answer
Hi Greg,
As with any 30+ year old car you should closely examine it for signs of rust and bondo body repairs. If it is running you should drive it and check it like any standard trans car. If you are paying a price other than "Dirt Cheep" I would want to know what the results of a compression test, look at oil pressure cold and hot and be sure it does not overheat when running and there are no unusual drive train noises or free play and no steering free play. If you can put it on a lift, you should check "U" joints and look at the upper right front differential mount on the body as many are broken and may need to be rewelded.
Bounce by hand on all four corners of the car to check for a bad shock. These cars are much stiffer than the same year domestic car.
I hope this helps,
Howard