Michael,
I think you finally found your car. Mine was in worse shape when I got it,
and I'm sure many of us could say the same thing. Sounds like it ought to
be in the $4 - 5k range. If the price is right, you might want to make the
big decision.
Look, you're never going to find exactly what you pictured in your mind for
a car. Life is full of compromises. You may learn to love the grey
interior. If not, change it to black. It's a low priority. Among the
higher priorities is the fact that it sounds like the carbs will have to be
machined and rebuilt. That's what I'm doing this winter too.
Good luck!
Sumner Weisman
62 TR3B
> Date: Mon, 07 Dec 1998 20:33:55 -0800
> From: Michael Ferguson <fergie@ntplx.net>
> Subject: Have I FINALLY Found it??
>
>
> Folks, the following is a (probably too long) account of a '59 TR3 that
> I'm closer to buying than any car I've looked at so far! I'd appreciate
> it if you'd read this and offer any suggestions or comments. What does
> it sound like is wrong with it? How much do you think it's worth?
> What'll it cost to make it a presentable driver (FAR from Concours, but
> not embarassing). I could really use some expert advice.
>
> Good, solid body/frame. Some surface rust on floor pans and minor bondo
> in a few spots (lower wings). Otherwise, no rust anywhere! Fiberglas
> front apron, but rest is all steel and he has a somewhat rough, but
> restorable steel front apron as part of the deal. Definitely needs
> paint. Some cracking and quite a bit of fading on bonnet and boot lid.
> Needs stripped inside and out and resprayed. Looks good from a distance,
> but...
>
> Compression is between 150-155 on all four cylinders. Says he has
> receipts for engine rebuild, but I haven't seen 'em. Oil pressure very
> good as well. Started easily and ran very well during my 45 minute
> drive. (HINT: Either wear a jacket or put the hood and side screens on
> when it's 40 degrees outside - a sweatshirt is NOT enough! Don't ask me
> how I know this. 8^)
>
> Some slop in the steering - maybe 1/2" steering wheel movement with no
> wheel movement. At about 40MPH, there's noticeable shimmy / cowl shake.
> Ok at lower or higher speeds. Pulls to the right when braking. One new
> brake caliper.
>
> Engine idles a bit high. Adjusted throttle linkage set screw down to
> 1000 or so, but after running awhile, RPMs back up to 12-1500. Some
> black exhaust and black, powdery looking spark plugs. Deal includes a
> Unisyn. Sounds like I'll need one!
>
> Decent condition interior, but it's a light gray vinyl w/ gray carpet.
> Really would rather black, but owner doesn't seem to care about
> originality (or that I DO care). Top is brand new, but also gray. Side
> screens are original in VG condition, but they've been colored gray.
> Tonneau is good (and BLACK). By the way, the car is painted burgandy.
>
> All instruments work. Owner says it has a new clutch - again no
> receipts, but it did seem smooth.
>
> I didn't notice it, but owner told me the non-overdrive TR4 transmission
> sometimes slips out of second gear. Why?
>
> Car has not been driven much in the last several years.
>
> Chrome wire wheels in good condition (slight surface rust in hub area),
> new stainless exhaust, new wire harness (installed), no tools (jack,
> crank, etc.). Original horns replaced by louder ones. Horn button under
> dash - steering hub button doesn't work, but turn signals do.
>
> Bottom line...
>
> What do you think the car is worth? And how much more do you think it
> would cost to make it a nice, presentable, reasonably reliable (huh?)
> car? I'd really appreciate your collective wisdom. Thank you!!
>
> - --
> Michael Ferguson
> Vernon CT
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