Triumph Repair: 1976 TR 6 Trail arm support, proper alignment, arm support

Question
I live in Evansville Ind. I have a 1976 TR 6 that has frame rot in the driver side trail arm support. I don't want to remove the body if I don't have to. But, I don't see any other way to get the repairs done. I have installed all new interior and carpet , refinished the wood and replaced the padded dash. Should I bite the bullet and pull the body off, or what ?
The rest of the car is in fair shape . The engine seems to run good and tranny is good. I think there may be some wear in the U joints allowing slack when letting off the gas to coast. Or in something else. Not to excited about all this. Kenny

Answer
Ken,

I have heard of cases of the frame repair being carried out with the body still in place.  Not sure a) how good a job was done to maintain proper alignment and b) how long the repair lasted.

You may be able to find a skilled/creative welder that can do the repairs with the car still mostly together.  I'd personally bite the bullet had do what's necessary to remove the bodyshell.  There are only something like 16 or 20 bolts holding the body to the shell, so it's not a huge job to remove the body.  The problem is that the tub (bodyshell) needs to be braced properly across the door opening or you run the risk of having the rockers bend/break.  If the tub is in good shape you might get away with just having the doors in place.  The more you remove before hand (seats, etc) the better.

I wish I could give you more cheerful advice.


Cheers,

Jim