Prepping a 51 Year Old British Sports Car for a Road TRip....1973 Triumph TR6

[@cheftush]

Keep the comments coming guys. Things I forgot to mention in the video that I carry….1. Fire Extinguisher 2. High Visibilty Reflective Vest/Raincoat 3. Strobing/Flashing led light for behind the car during breakdowns.

[@nickolassyropoulos3794]

See you in a few days! Great show as usual. We did an inspection and had to replace a rear hub. Went so smoothly we did both rear hubs in under an hour and a half. Keep up great work.

[@cheftush]

@@nickolassyropoulos3794 safe drive Nick!

[@ericpfiffner5615]

Love that TR6, that resto is holding up wonderfully considering you drive it quite often!

[@cheftush]

@@ericpfiffner5615 Thanks Eric, yes it’s been to many far away places!

[@jimshaver898]

Thanks Tush, this is a gold standard for what to consider in preparing for not only the Trials but also an extended road trip. I had started to compile my own list of things to pack but after watching your video and list I realise how much I had missed. I think you've helped so many of us over the years with your many other excellent videos but this one is at the very top. Thank you

[@cheftush]

@@jimshaver898 well the good thing is, if you are missing anything and don’t have a part or tool that I have, it’s yours!

[@DEMOGarage]

Well done. I’m going to need to check a bunch of that on my project. 👍🏻

[@cheftush]

@@DEMOGarage Piece of Mind 😉

[@HamishRacing]

Chef I sprint and Hillclimb with that VR1 it’s great oil I think. Thanks for all your work on the videos as I know how much work goes into yours they are so professional and useful

[@cheftush]

@@HamishRacing thanks Hamish! Hope you are enjoying your car this season.

[@ThePerformanceVideo]

Good Morning from the East Coast. The Trials are the kind of events that are the impetus for getting a lot of things done on our cars. It's a great excuse to spend the needed time getting everything ready to go. Have a great adventure.

[@cheftush]

@@ThePerformanceVideo Agreed and Thanks!

[@BruceBoschek]

Exciting stuff! Thanks. 😊

[@georgeryan603]

Garage looks great

[@cheftush]

@@georgeryan603 definitely better than it was! Thanks!

[@lordleonusa]

Good subject, useful video, thank you. I am about to take my 67 Vitesse on a road trip to the ABFM in Portland, OR, that's about 450 miles each way, so this is pertinent

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa always a good idea to do a quick inspection before a road trip on these old cars. Cheers, Tush

[@jerryhouck2708]

Good morning Dave, It's nice to have you join me for breakfast . The 6-Pak Trials sounds like fun. And I love to see people put the miles on these old classics. I, unfortunately, have been spending the last month or more working on my TR6, not driving it. New interior, carpeted trunk, taking the head off to fix a broken valve spring, exhaust issues, and a lot of little things, and now I have a fuel leak at the outlet of the pump. Then I will have to get it all tuned again. Is Elin going with you? Have fun, Jerry 😎👍

[@cheftush]

@@jerryhouck2708 hi Jerry, sounds like you have quite the list! Yes, Elin will be taking my 62 TR4 with the fresh engine rebuild.

[@TR4Ajim]

Dave I forgot to mention that another thing to check is that the hazard flashers are working correctly, (if your car is equipped with them). BTW - If your TR did not have hazards as stock, it is not a difficult upgrade to make. I added hazards to my 4A, (with lots of help from the TR Register forum), and if I can do it, anyone can.👍

[@craigwiest772]

Excellent video, Dave. Great tutorial for not only a long road trip but also for the start of the season.

[@cheftush]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@frankmgallo]

Great video a must do for every day travel

[@cheftush]

@@frankmgallo Thank You Frank.

[@lordleonusa]

Thank you for talking about the correct engine oil, too many people have no clue! Also, I have recently noticed that several oil filter companies have moved production to China, those have been moved to the bottom of my list! I like Toyota factory filters, some of which are made by Purolator at their Fayetteville, NC factory. I NEVER use anything in an orange box.

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa my pleasure. Thanks!

[@albyers5554]

great video chef

[@cheftush]

@@albyers5554 glad you enjoyed it. Cheers! Tush

[@indyme2]

A lot of great info in this video, Tush. Have a safe trip.

[@cheftush]

@@indyme2 roger that, thanks!

[@lordleonusa]

I've driven all over Europe in old Triumphs, and a fair amount in the USA and Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and mostly, I've used my emergency kit to help other people.

[@cheftush]

Me as well 😉

[@davidwarr8600]

Very thorough inspection! I have been staying away from VR1. I read that it is a racing oil meant to be changed after a weekend racing event not a 3000 mile interval. I stick with Castrol GTX 20W50.

[@lordleonusa]

I have never, ever heard that. Be careful with the Castrol GTX, it may not have the necessary 1200ppm of ZDDP that the old OHV pushrod Triumph engines require

[@cheftush]

@@davidwarr8600 hi David, I’ve not heard that and I know quite a few TR6 owners that run the VR1. You do need something with Zinc so maybe add a zinc additive to your Castrol or buy the Castrol Classic 20/50 that has zinc in it already. Cheers, Tush

[@davidwarr8600]

@@cheftush hi, The BATANS club is always debating the controversy surrounding suitable oil. Lots of opinions but little empirical evidence. At one time VR1 stated on its bottle that it wasn’t for street use but I see now that it states that it is meant for racing and classic cars. I believe Valvoline still makes two versions of the VR1 perhaps even three. The MGA Guru has probably 500,000 miles on his A by now and he always buys the cheapest 20w50 oil he can find that has the API seal. He claims that all 20w50 has enough zinc and other additives. The local GM dealer used to sell Engine Oil Supplement, basically a zinc rich additive. I used that until it was no longer available. Now I pick up something at Canadian Tire just to be safe. Things change.

[@alanm.4298]

Many "traditional" racing oils lack detergents, which is why they need to be changed frequently (this is being done anyway, to check engine condition... looking for any signs of weqr). VR1 is different. It has a full additive packet, including detergents. So it is fine for street use. It also has ZDDP, a zinc additive required to keep flat tappets and camshaft happy... Ideal for our old Triumphs, both the synthetic and conventional versions. Many modern oils do not have this. (Alternatively, ZDDP additives are available, if using an oil that lacks it.) In fact, oils with ZDDP are not recommended for any modern car with a catalytic converter. Apparently there is some concern the zinc will shorten the life of the catalytic converter. Of course, this isn't a problem on most Triumphs (maybe TR7 and TR8... do they habe catalytic converters?) P.S. The non-detergent racing oils are.one option for the overdrive gearboxes. You don't want detergents in there because they can cause frothing that plays havoc with the hydraulic operation of the overdrive. 40w or 20w50 motor oil is about the same viscosity as 90w gear oil.

[@lordleonusa]

The only things I would add to your spares, some wheel nuts, in case they roll down a nearby drain, when you have a wheel off, fix-a-flat for the tyres, and a battery powered tyre pump. Also, some bailing wire. Spare throttle cables, if your Accelerator has those. I also carry a spare distributor cap and rotor arm. Finally, a fire extinguisher and ANSI class 3 florescent/reflective over jackets to wear at the side of the road, a first aid kit, spare spectacles, road flares and a warning triangle, spare engine oil and a gallon of water!

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa I have the spare lugs nuts, I have a full sized spare with air so I’ll not pack fix a flat or the compressor…baling wire is in there as well as duct tape. Don’t use a cable but I do pack the clips for the stock throttle shaft coupler. I carry a full spare distributor already fully loaded.

[@lordleonusa]

​@@cheftushJump Leads too!

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusaI carry a small jump box with me.

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa ok, I have the fire extinguisher ( forgot to mention it), I have a full spare distributor, I have a reflective rain coat ( also packed in the boot) and I have a flashing strobe light as part of my small jump box. I always carry oil 😉

[@lordleonusa]

Loving the access holes in the Richard Good rear hubs

[@lordleonusa]

A small but important point, on some brake light LED bulbs, it is hard to see the difference between the tail light and the brake light. Always something to be aware of. Those from Litzeupp seem to be OK.

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa yes, the litezupp brand are quite good quality.

[@lordleonusa]

My J-type Overdrive works perfectly with 75W/90 GL-4, from Amsoil.

[@lordleonusa]

I don't have ramps but I put spare wheels/tyres under the car as well just in case!

[@tomcooper5851]

First of all, thanks for all the videos. You were extremely helpful with my 1959 TR3 restoration. I noticed in this video you have matting on the underside of the hood (bonnet) for your TR6. Can I buy something like this for my TR3? I like the Triumph logo but it's not required. Thanks again, Tom

[@cheftush]

@@tomcooper5851 hi Tom, this is where I bought mine for the TR6. It’s held up very well for 18 years now…they do list them for the TR3. www.classic9leathershop.com/triumph-tr3-bonnet-liner-heat-shield

[@tomcooper5851]

Order placed. Thanks!

[@lordleonusa]

I've also heard about the poor quality reproduction angle drives, I too use DOT5 without issues, and I recommend 3 in 1 for the carbs, and I have K&Ns.😢

[@lordleonusa]

FWIW, My engine, gearbox and differential all have magnetic drain plugs.

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa the gearbox has a stock magnetic strip installed in it.

[@jamcdona]

Napa Golds are no longer made by WIX :( I have a couple of 1516's on the shelf; I'm hoping that they are pre- move to the new ones made in China. The move happened this year, from what I've read. BTW, it's great to see your white TR6 again in a video!

[@jamcdona]

Just checked- My Napa gold filter says 'Mann/Hummel', which make WIX filters, so I'm good.

[@lordleonusa]

​@@jamcdonaI believe Mann-Hummel filters are made in China

[@cheftush]

@@jamcdona I’ll check this one John.

[@lordleonusa]

@@jamcdona Mann-Hummel are now made in China

[@pucman1]

If you bend those u shaped tabs in on your stands it will keep the ratcheting part from pulling all the way out!

[@lordleonusa]

I changed all my incandescent bulbs with LEDs, except the rear number plate lights, and the front parking lights, because the Halogens from the L.B.C. Co. are brighter than any LEDs I've found. p.s. you didn't check the hazards, which work on a different flasher unit.

[@cheftush]

@@lordleonusa correct, I didn’t check the hazards…there are some things best left alone 😉 Those switches are known to crumble, so I’ll save it for when I need it 😉

[@lordleonusa]

My hazard switch came from my late Father's Triumph 2000TC Saloon, and I have one spare ​@@cheftush

[@alanm.4298]

FWIW... GL-5 is preferable for the differential, unless it is a limited slip. BUT, GL-5 should NOT be used in the gearbox. The reason is it contains sulphur compounds as the additive packet... which will damage brass parts in the gearbox. There are no brass parts in the diff, so no worries and GL-5 has a higher extreme pressure rating than GL-4. That's a good thing in the diff, to keep the ring and pinion gears meshing happily. Yes, GL-4 can be used in the diff, too. It will probably be fine in cars that aren't driven very hard. A limited slip differential isn't standard in a TR, but if one is installed a different gear oil or additional additives may be needed.

[@cheftush]

@@alanm.4298 haven’t had any issue with the GL4 in the diff and it’s available oil locally so I’ll stick with it. Cheers, Tush

[@darrelldamare6839]

David, Didn't know the TR6 had a sliding driveshaft, that's why I watch the CHEFTUSH and Rusty Beauties channels. Only had my 1975 TR6 for 2.5 years. I'm also preparing for a 4 hour roundtrip drive in 30 days. My driveshaft has a set screw rather than a Zerk/grease nipple. I assume that's the way it comes from the factory. So is the sliding driveshaft splined?

[@cheftush]

@@darrelldamare6839 yes, it is splined and should be greased now and again. Cheers, Tush

[@darrelldamare6839]

Enjoyed the video, I've had a 1975 TR6 for 2.5 years. I include a washable painters suitas part of my "travel kit" in case I have to perform a roadside repair and don't want to ruin my good clothes. You made a comment about the diff saying that the rear cover must be removed to drain the diff. I have a very minor oil seepage along the rear cover gasket. Elin said he never tried removing the cover with the diff mounted in the car. Have you tried this? I'm concerned the locating pins and the big Ring Gear my prevent the cover from being removed since it's such a tight fit. Thanks

[@cheftush]

@@darrelldamare6839 good question, I’ve never tried to remove the cover with the diff in the car…I’d always assumed it could be done though. Perhaps I’m wrong!

[@davidwarr8600]

@@cheftush workshop manual should tell you.

[@lordleonusa]

I worked in autoparts, I don’t rate armourall products, finding them a bit oily. I prefer Griot's, Meguairs and Turtle Wax.

[@cheftush]

The only armour all product I generally use is their tire shine. I do like the gel. I also like the Auto Glym tire shine.

[@TR4Ajim]

Dave. I use the VR1 as well. Regarding the spin in filter (I have one too), do you prefill the filter with oil before installing it? I always have with all my cars just because it seemed like something to do.👍

[@cheftush]

@@TR4Ajim yes, I pre fill and use some old engine oil on the rubber gasket….

[@othonielsantos9587]

Hi do you use both fans at the same time. The original and the electric one always?

[@cheftush]

@@othonielsantos9587 no. The mechanical fan alone is good about 95% of the time. I only use the electric fan if I’m in heavy stop and go traffic.

[@othonielsantos9587]

Wow thank you for your prompt answer. Thank you. I really enjoy all your videos. Be blessed

[@MrMikeyspfx]

Just curious, I see that you have drilled and slotted rotors on your brakes. Were those a standard item on your 6? I am looking to improve the brakes on my tr4a and was wondering if the upgraded discs provided any improvement at all thanks in advance and thanks for the videos.

[@cheftush]

@@MrMikeyspfx Drilled and Slotted were aftermarket. They do help with braking along with a good set up pads. In my next TR6 build, I’m going to upgrade the calipers with ones off a Toyota Hilux Truck. I have them standing by.

[@MrMikeyspfx]

@@cheftush that’s interesting. Isn’t the Hi-lux truck the same truck as the Tacoma ?