Triumph TR6 Buyers Guide

[@evanyeagered.d.9604]

Excellent job. Well edited and researched. I purchased a '76 TR6 in '81 to drive to college. I took my future wife on our first date in the TR6. True to form, Lucas, the prince of darkness, came to visit. The starter servo would not spin the engine after we topped up the petrol. She volunteered to push start the car after feeling the clutch. Did not phase her in the least. The car started and we went on our way. Still have the wife. Still have the TR6.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thank-you for the comment. Much appreciated. Lovely story. These old British sports cars hold many happy memories for so many

[@evanyeagered.d.9604]

@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 Yes sir, and keeping that thing operational on an undergraduate's income should have garnered me a degree in automotive engineering.

[@rossilake3430]

Good job, mission accomplished. She pushed the car! Lol

[@s1nead]

I loved watching this video. We bought a new Triumph TR6 with a removable hard top in 1973. She cost $4500 plus $500 for the hard top. I learned to drive a 4 speed on that car. We found that it had a very unforgiving clutch. Many of our friends could not get her to start because it seemed they didn’t press the clutch pedal completely to the floor. The driver could not be sloppy about that! That was comical! I was a 23 year old girl and never had a problem with the clutch. Starting on a cold morning meant pulling the choke out completely, then slowly releasing. Otherwise, she would stall. I loved that car! After our son was born in 1977, we retired it to the garage for about 10 years until I started driving her again. In 1997, we moved to the beach and that was the end of her. Within two years, the rust was obvious but there wasn’t anything we could do to protect her. We reluctantly sold her to a collector (who really wanted that hardtop) in about 2010. I cried when they towed her away but she had given us many years of enjoyment. Thanks for releasing those great memories!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

A pleasure Susan. Thanks for that special message. Made my day and glad it ment so much for you. These old cars certainly are great for making memories

[@davidwarr8600]

A great inspection of the underside. In the first part of the garage view the video is reversed as if you are looking in a mirror. The car is left hand drive and then becomes right hand drive. Funny quirk.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yes, for some reason i haven't worked out how to fix yet when you film on the front camera on my iphone it reverses the image, yet the rear camera films correctly as i see it. Very strange! The car is actually RHD for the avoidance of doubt.

[@davidwarr8600]

Thanks for the explanation but there was no doubt here. British spec TR6 with the fuel injection. Apparently you can even turn videos upside down now. @@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349

[@bernardwarr4187]

I was quite impressed by the reverse direction of the rev counter too!

[@avivscrewvalla]

Superb video! Really hope you can do one for the GT6 as well!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

you never know...... thanks for watching

[@Jay-k6r]

It turns out you don't need all that stuff you insisted you did.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for watching

[@manfromanotherplace2548]

Great work! I owned a CR for nine years and I got to know it in detail. You cover all the important things that a potential "non-expert" has to know before buying. Very well done! And thank you for not using a lot of horrible music.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for the feedback. Really glad you enjoyed the video

[@johnkorsak7418]

I have owned a TR 6 for over 20 years. This is the best buyers guide I have seen. Well done!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks John. Really appreciate the kind words

[@arminschrott5388]

Ich hatte einen TR 6 Inj. War leider mehr in der Werkstätte als auf drr Straße. Das Fahrzeug konnte nicht eingestellt werden. Die Lucas-Einspritzung war nicht einstellbar. Ich vkaufte

[@balesjo]

When I was in college in the late 70s, I had a roommate who owned a TR6. He was quite nice letting me use it for an afternoon now and then. I'd head for the hills of northwest Arkansas and enjoy driving with the top down and the total experience of driving one of these wonderful cars. I loved it then and still love it today in 2022. Actually, I had a number of friends with MG convertibles. The biggest memory of those is they were always having to work on them, so learning how to repair them yourself was almost mandatory. I guess my roommate was just lucky, as I don't remember the TR6 having to be repaired.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for watching. appreciate the comment

[@morkthebuilder9943]

Brilliant video. No waffle just what you need to know. Thanks

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video

[@graemecole8863]

Very interesting, learned a lot about the injection system. Can’t wait to hear about upgrades. Well done.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad you enjoyed the video Graeme. More to come in future

[@joekanak1]

Excellent over view of what to look for when purchasing a TR6 - nice work!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for the feedback Joe. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@zekehanscom5869]

What the heck here? Some of the scenes are flipped right to left? Your video is misleading because not all TR6s have tubular rear shock conversions. Use poly bushings when possible, and convert to a non acid battery, Optima, as soon as possible.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

its a mirroring you can get on you phone when filming. all sorted now in the settings. it is actually a RHD car

[@lespratt1902]

Some jiggery pokey going on here....this car starts the video as a left hand drive, but by the end has become a right hand drive, the number plate in early shots is reading back to front, but correctly by the end???

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

It’s because using the front and back cameras on the iPhone. Mirror setting adjusted now so all sorted in later videos 👍

[@skylined5534]

I wonder why the UK versions had such a significant power drop for the later cars? Maybe a focus more on economy over power? A great shame. That said, when you're driving such a beautiful little car who cares! These are beautiful looking cars, chap around the corner from me used to have a bright red TR6, it was a minter! Sounded glorious as well. Edit: that rear suspension system is sophisticated! Looks very modern actually! I had no idea these were running an IRS back end.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Sure are great cars whatever the power. some cars need to go fast. The TR is a cruiser IMO

[@calico2910]

Awesome! We bought one yesterday ans so glad to find your channel!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mikerevello3828]

Thanks for posting. I'm interested in buying a tr6. This is helpful.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it was helpful!

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

Doesn't a left hand drive feel more comfortable and correctly situated than a right hand drive UK set up?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

its actually a RHD car. the reverse camera angle made it appear LHD in some shots. now corrected on later videos.

[@richardcarter1000]

Great tips. Love my TR6. Do more miles in it than anything else in my collection. Proper car.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yep, great drivers cars. Happy motoring!

[@SebaWet]

Can A/C be added to a TR6 effectively and without ruining the dahs of the car?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yes AC can be added. Few do it but there are some examples on KZbin and the net forums of it being done

[@peterdeblois960]

With so many places where it tends to rust, I'm surprised anyone buys this model.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

they only rust if you dont take any preventative action. thanks for watching

[@NatsWorkshop]

Looks lovely must pop up and have a gander one of my dream cars this👍🏻

[@rossilake3430]

NASCAR guys own them, Paul Newman raced one. Many Rich guys had one in their flock.They are easy to work on, all of us are good mechanics for purchasing one. Us Yanks don’t even drive them in the rain, let alone the snowy winter. Buy the Best, RUST FREE car that you can afford. I bought mine in 1989 and drive on nice summer days and instantly receive smiles from fellow motorist along the motorway. My Saturn also gets a reaction, it’s usually the one that takes more facial muscles. 😢

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for the support . Much appreciated

[@edkonstantellis9094]

Thank you! This model you exhibited did not have lever dampers on the rear suspensions Please explain

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Hi Ed, Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. You are right, no TR6 had tube shocks. They left the factory with armstrong lever dampers. Many owners choose to upgrade these to tube shocks for more adjustment and firmer ride. This is covered on another one of my videos in the series. Check it out :-)

[@timwalters8951]

Have owned 4 TR 6’s over the years, brown, red, blue and white. Still a looker today, a little underpowered I think but was a fun car back in the 70’s.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for watching

[@doughaviland1729]

Have you done a review like this for the TR-250? I have a friend trying to buy a barn find.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

No unfortunately not, although the TR250 is very similar to the TR6 and has many of the same shortcomings and issues identified here as its based on the same chassis, same 6 cylinder engine and similar body construction. good luck with your search - would love one myself

[@peterfeltham5612]

Very informative review.Bearing in mind the british climate,I have never understood why these cars did not have their chassis galvanised from new at the factory,this would have limited the long term effects of the dreaded issue of rust.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for the comment. yes agree. Im guessing galvanising was'nt widely used in the 70's due to process and cost??? . Glad you like the videos

[@ejr5480]

Here’s my buyers guide; DONT BUY IT!!!!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for watching

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

0:00 Introduction and history 3:10 Chassis inspection 9:01 Suspension 10:40 Bodywork inspection 13:38 Engine review 14:37 Thrust washers 15:59 Dashboard 17:51 Test drive

[@waldocorsair]

Perhaps reflective of the European flavor, but strut shocks are an alteration of the original lever shock design. Perhaps a mention?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yes, fair observation. The car has a rear tube shock conversion , a topic covered in another video in the playlist. Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video

[@tim205Mi]

Great vid, very informative, many thanks 👍

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for watching

[@eddy71454]

Why were the US versions not allowed to have fuel injection? I bought a new one in 1971 and of course it had carburetors. I'm sure the fuel injected version would have been faster.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

I believe it was to do with the PI system not meeting US smog regulations at the time. Although i have a UK car, given a blank page id probably have carbs (twin SU) to gain more ease of adjustment and setup over the PI setup. Each to their own though. Thanks for the input.

[@eddy71454]

@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 -I agree about the ease of adjustment but going from 150 h.p. to 104 like mine had is a big drop in performance.

[@Sentosaman]

Well shot and some good pragmatic tips. These cars are easy to work on and bring joy as long as you stay on top of routine and preventative maintenance! I’m on the lookout for one now and have seen a few “dogs” which have been ruined. 😎🇬🇧😎

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for the feedback Kevin. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@davidroland6431]

Hi. Thank you so much for this video. It's very worthy & helpful for me. I realy love tr6 & wait for finding one. Good luck!!!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johndavey72]

Concise , precise and very well explained ! Don't suppose you have a spare CP chassis ? ! Thanks for sharing !

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks John, Glad you enjoyed the video. Unfortunately not - I think i could sell one 100 x over if i did :-)

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for watching

[@bshnabel]

Excellent Guide. Thanks

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterwilson2588]

As the owner of a TR6 that I have been returning to good health, I feel this was a brilliant summary of what to look for on a TR6. Well done and I am looking forward to catching up on the rest of your TR6 videos. Cheers and Happy New Year

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks Peter for the comment and feedback. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series

[@guidodemaio7632]

When I was in the US Air Force I ordered a 1970 Tr6, when arrived back in the states I had to go to the Port of New Jersey to pick up the car, had to pay $14.00 duty on the car, first stop out of the Port was a gas station very little gas in it, total cost of the car with shipping and Insurance was $2,800.00, what a deal, same yellow, black back convertable, note they put 14 miles on the car to come over as a used car.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for watching

[@bridego]

Good buyers guide. Well done Sir. Thank you.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for the feedback. much appreciated.

[@dandavenport4565]

Tremendous review

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks appreciate the comment

[@WasabiJohn]

Excellent video on what to look for on TR6s... Just bought one w/38k miles on it in excellent shape that had the interior gutted... It came with an all new complete interior that had not been installed and in boxes!!! Thanks for the quality video!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it helped!

[@kenwhite1053]

well done. Cheers

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thankyou and thanks for watching

[@stwhite5135]

At 10:19 you explain that the rear drum brake has a disc and caliper inside. I've seen the inside of many drum brakes but have never seen a disc and caliper inside. Although I have never seen the inside of a TR-6 rear drum brake. So there could be a disc brake in there. But if they put a disc brake on the rear why would they then enclose it in a drum thereby negating the benefit of cooling airflow, one of the advantages of the disc brake? No offense but your lack of knowledge about something as simple as a brake makes me doubt everything else you say. Love those cars. They were a part of my youth.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

thanks for the extensive question. No hidden science here! They are standard triumph TR6 rear drum brakes as they left the factory. If i said disc it was just a tongue tied moment when youve got several things going though your head while trying to sound elegant to camera. Not my first 'faux pas' if youve watched all of my other videos and im sure it wont be the last. Other than that, glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the comment and feedback and hope you enjoy the rest of the series

[@davidbroker2451]

Hi...bit confused...you start the episode in what appears to be a LHD, which then transforms into a RHD ...Is there a reason/explanation ???....

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yeah its quite simple really. the videos were shot on my phone which reversed the image when using the front vs back camera. Its is a UK RHD car in reality. Its a phone setting apparently so will get sorted for future videos i hope. Well spotted though :-)

[@LICobra]

Thanks for the guide, I owned a TR4A back in the 70's and looking to acquire a CF TR6...

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad I could help

[@MGB-learning]

Outstanding video and presentation. I still prefer the MGB or MGC.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

It just so happens im friends with a guy who has a lovely MGB and im trying to line it up for a buyers guide ......... time will tell :-)

[@MGB-learning]

@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 You did an outstanding job on the video. Almost sold me on TR6s. LOL

[@racketman2u]

MGB is actually a better handling car, because the TR6 IRS is a poor design, but the TR is much better looking and has a much nice dashboard and engine (yeah, theres the MGC for a nice six, but rare as hens teeth)

[@brombrom1522]

Thank you, a nice rundown. Just a suggestion, how about having a rough example alongside to contrast as you go through the underside of the car?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Good idea. If I get the opportunity I’ll bare it in mind. Thanks for watching 👍

[@cytoaudi]

Great video!! Super informative. Hope you’ll do a number of these for different brands and models. Nice job!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Cheers, Thats the plan! Hopefully they'll be a MGB and Healey sprite video in the future

[@Music66666]

Many thanks for your help with the decision on which classic sports car to purchase. 👍👍 look out next Spring I will be on the hunt for the TR6. I have nearly completed your chapters, just watched your tootle down to LeMans. Something i might like to do👍 Cheers Rob

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for watching

[@Music66666]

A question ☺️would it be the 150bhp to go for or the later 125 bhp fuel injection or the US Carb model then having them set up properly as there seems to be a lot that have made the return journey. I am hankering on the 150 though ☺️

[@shmac96]

How can you get one that has the higher power ratings? Or what mods can you make to an American variant to get those British numbers? Thanks for your video!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

the UK early ones had 150hp, the later ones 125hp. main differences were the PI system, throttle bodies, compression ratio, cam and metering unit tune

[@harryw9598]

great the steering on the right side..

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Uk car! Thanks for watching

[@psmyth7661]

Is that a hole in the radiator?

[@psmyth7661]

Look at 15:02

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

well spotted. i do think it has a small hole and am exploring alloy radiator options

[@rafaeldiazus]

One of the best inspection walk throughs! Thank you Sir.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kCI251]

Seems like a few drain holes in the bottom of the frame would let any moisture get out?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

And in! Thanks for watching

[@DavidS94938]

is it possible to retrofit a USA-spec with the fuel injection of the UK models?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Yes in principle however you’d need to research like for like cams, metering unit configuration and settings plus if there are and head and compression differences to ensure it runs properly. I’d recommend going the full EFI route if injection is of interest

[@TeddySkov]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks for watching

[@dimik3855]

Great review mate. I just want to add: a quick indicator of the condition of the frame. Drive one wheel up on a sidewalk and try to open and close the doors. Any problems mean too much frame flex.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Good tip!

[@anthonyvee]

By the way, a very informative movie. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make it.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonedwards5070]

Got a big gap at the top of the drivers door but it’s an ex florida car and has no rust at all

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

enjoy. thanks for watching

[@brucesilverman7159]

Thank you, very informative...

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Youre welcome Bruce. thanks for the feedback

[@mattharte7334]

Excellent video very helpful and really well it together

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anthonyvee]

Beautiful! I wish I had a nice one like this one....

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jockwar]

Great info I have drove one loved it 😎

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Thanks 😊

[@bigredjeepyj3436]

Fantastic video, well done!

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewpreston4127]

Tbh, yours didn't sound that great on start up. Rough.

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Well spotted Andrew. It is a bit rough cold on the choke, but once the choke is in runs well and smoothly. My video on the PI engine tuning explains how the throttle balance springs can be very difficult to set as the throttle pull acts in the opposite direction to the choke pull. I always set the idle to the throttle cable for good running at the expense of choke setup. Aftermarket linkage systems can solve this.

[@matthewblue7839]

You mentioned the idle was low too, if set higher, would that smooth it out as well ?

[@devarajh861]

Can i get this car in india?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Of the 100k made , 90k went to the US and 10k stayed in the UK. If some did make it to India its likely to be a low number

[@devarajh861]

@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 Thanks for the info sir

[@donaldedwardglick1506]

Very informative.. Do you know if there are any restrictions on installing a PI on an American Tr6? AND.. Is it worth the effort? Is it a reliable upgrade?

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

The US has its own smog laws which is why the PI system was dropped from the US in the first place. I guess depending what state you are in youll know what regs are in place. The PI system comes with its own issues - heat build up being the main one causing fuel vapourisation (not good in hot states). It is a bit smoother and when setup well is reliable but my opinion is it wouldnt be worth the cost and hassle to retrofit from a well tuned carb setup

[@jamiemcneil9462]

Find the most rust free model you can. Replace the drive train with a small block V8 like a GM 327 or 350 with turbo 300 auto trans and a Dana rear. Soften up the suspension to get a nice ride that will not rattle your teeth out, now you will have a reliable and interesting convertible.

[@skylined5534]

Which is thoroughly devalued and ruined. If you want an engine swap a small high revving 3 or 4 cylinder turbo would be nicer, you want to go around corners after all!

[@justindaley2460]

You really don't want a TR6 if you plan on swapping out the motor

[@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349]

Very true. Thanks for watching