Triumph TR6: my first restoration and the choices I made (incl. successes and failures!)

[@beyondthesea6857]

Sir, you are way too modest. I was inspired. Great job.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks!

[@tysongarrett8688]

Excellent job.

[@bodieb.1239]

Good job and the most helpful part of this video is showing many of us who are in the same position that Sure it can be done by the average mechanic minded person with some common sense. We all develop our skills in the process. That includes all the opinions out there. There are few experts but plenty of On Job Training people. It's all good.

[@cheftush]

Nice Transformation. I actually like the battery hold down different and cool. Excellent Job, enjoy the car!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Wow... Thanks much. Quite a compliment coming from you! Love the videos!

[@jrwill58]

You did fine! I owned a 1971 TR6 when I was in Highschool(that was in 1975).I owned a 1970 1/2 GT6+ first, then came the TR6. I have wanted another one and maybe I will get one soon. Your video sure gives me hope! Enjoy your ride, she's a beauty!

[@billdye30]

You have done an amazing job on your TR6! And it's great when you get to the stage that you can drive the car and enjoy it as you plan the future changes and upgrades you may choose to do. About 10 years ago I purchased a sight unseen 1976 TR6 and while the body and paint was in pretty good condition, the engine needed ALOT of work. It was also Chestnut Brown in color (I would have preferred BRG). But after about 2 years and a whole lot of credit card charges similar to what you mentioned, I sold it and moved on to a 1947 Chevrolet Business Coupe to rebuild. Keep up the great work. Bill

[@rozinant1237]

Very nicely done, you have every right to be proud. I daily drove a 1975 all thru the 80’s, it was the same brown as yours. I had the factory hardtop, which made it a bit more usable as a daily. I wish I still had it, I’d love to do a frame off restoration and challenge myself.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Go for it... they're on eBay!

[@GranthamAtHome]

You are totally a "can - do" guy. I wish you were my neighbour and best friend so we could sort out my TR6 together but with KZbin and internet, I'm sure I'll get there. Great video. Thanks.

[@jessasto947]

Beautiful work, what a difference! It inspires me to finish stripping the paint on my 76 TR6 and paint it. You've provided a lot to think about and great ideas. If I can get it to half the condition as yours on the exterior, interior and engine bay, I would be very happy. I really enjoyed the video!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks!

[@touchtoomuch1000]

Pretty impressive. I've always been a fan of the TR6. I don't know that I'm disciplined enough to take on a task like that but it must feel pretty dang rewarding.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you! As someone else indicated here, it's not necessarily the greatest-driving car in stock form, but every time I drive it I think about the fact that I did everything myself--which makes it the drive a whole lot better!

[@thommykent7785]

I had a TR6 years ago.I luved it and was very trouble free. Good job !

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks! 👍

[@paulmannering3831]

You've done an amazing job mate. Really great. I rebuilt an mg midget 1977 glacier white but got respray done by spray booth guy. Great job with spray cans wow!!!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you--your plan was the smarter one!

[@othonielsantos9587]

Wow wow very impressed with your job. You motivated me to start my Tr6 project.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that!

[@truxton1000]

Great job, good skills to get it at this level. I know what I’m talking about as I did up a 1970 TR6 myself, took me 3 years plus those small jobs every year to keep it up and keep improving these details, great fun. I enjoy doing the work actually more than driving it but of course it’s a great “analog” experience to drive these older cars. The Triumph TR6 is a solid car that is surprisingly well built, and in my opinion much better than its reputation. Even the Lucas electronics has been very reliable on my car, not bad for 51 years old wiring etc.

[@alex_707]

Shooting this video in daylight would have shown the true beauty of your restoration.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Yeah. I would have pulled it out of the garage or at least opened the door, but was raining when I finally had time to do the videos.

[@exJacktar]

On the whole, l think you made out pretty nicely. Hood aside, the spray bomb job looks good. My son and l have a pair of TR3B that need full restoration. We have a 75 MGB we were going to restore, but the pandemic really threw a monkey wrench into that. One thing l bought for it was a wire harness from Advance as well. It's still in the box and will go to someone when we divest the MG and parts. I like what you did with the fusebox, I'd really like more details on what you did there as your shot was just a tease. I always wanted a TR6, too, but they're just too expensive here and harder to find. I like some of your ideas, and I'll talk to my son about incorporating them into our build.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks for the comment! It's nice to know I might be helping someone else with their project. For the fuse box, I got an ABS enclosure. I think they're called "project" boxes sometimes. Although this probably isn't the exact one I used, you can see one very similar on DigiKey's website if you search for part 092330090. The one I used was fitted with a water-tight gasket. Then I drilled any necessary holes and fitted them with rubbery grommets. I think the trickiest part was finding the exact size I wanted. I also replaced the regular screws with thumb screws so that I could open the lid without tools.

[@exJacktar]

@Wannabe Triumph Mechanic thank you for the video, the lead, and the advice. I'm not 100% certain about where the best location might be, but that's a long way off yet. I see the box on their website. Thanks!

[@barry6274]

Good for you ,it is definitely fun to do . I like what i see in your car.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks!

[@wraithconscience]

HI there, nice! I love TR6s. Good job. Well done. Sure, you can go back in a couple of years and decide to re-do 2 or 3 things that will take it to the next level. But these cars (or as I say "cares") are a labor of love, an ongoing love affair, an endless love. Take a breather and enjoy your good work. (Secret tip: Don't forget the wife --remember to bring her flowers, chocolates, a beautiful chiffon scarf for drives in the open air, etc.) But well done! Enjoy it!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you!

[@tomhughes9107]

Great vid! I have a '75 in for inspection and safety cost right now. It might be my first classic.

[@Rialas]

I did a very small section on my bumper, turned out ok. But the fumes, breathing that stuff in isn’t a great idea, can’t see how you managed such a huge undertaking.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

I agree about the fumes... that two-part paint is deadly stuff. I turned my garage into a makeshift paint booth, complete with box fan and HVAC filters, and I wore a long sleeves, a hood, and a full respirator mask. Not fun during a southern summer!

[@Rialas]

@@wannabetriumphmechanic3306 Glad you took some care. Horrible stuff I grew up around. Dad had a bodyshop.

[@NialPowerCork]

Nice job, well done, nice to have the satisfaction of having done everything yourself. That makes it your 🚘

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks! I feel like I know almost every part of this car by now... and every part is connected to the memory of a challenge!

[@jimifed2798]

Very nice u whipped that Triumph right back into shape ! Great idea on the air cleaners. Just a reminder don't hold your foot down on the clutch pedal on a tr6 it's bad for the thrust bearing if your at a light get it into neutral. I think the crank thrust bearing and original rear hubs are the worst design flaw on the tr 6 and maybe the lack of cam bearings but there great classic cars to own.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks for the kind words and the reminder... I try not to!

[@James-ol6rw]

Looks great! Congratulations.

[@MichaelStephenson51]

I was pretty impressed. I painted my own TR6 in the garage. I did use "real" auto paint and an hvlp gun. Turned out OK. I guess passed the ten foot test. I wanted a car that I am not afraid to drive. I didn't think the paint had to be perfect. Like you said, I am not winning any shows but these cars were made to drive and have fun. I have also rewired mine with the Advance AutoWire kit. The original wiring on these things was adequate (at best) and after almost forty years far less so. Keep up the good work and keep enjoying your 6.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks! It sounds like we've probably fought many of the same battles!

[@2727579]

Great job👍

[@mikehoroho8453]

I have two a 72 and a 74 nice work I'm in the process of restoring both. Posting on KZbin as I progress.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

That's a great idea... I wish I had taken video as I worked!

[@darrenfechner5613]

great job mate Im yet to start my resto.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks! It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself, so get to it!

[@paulmannering3831]

Love your work wow

[@davidschock9952]

l am working on mine☺️as I post this. I hope I do as well. I am spraying my car with tractor paint from Tractor Supply. Oliver green as it seems to match British racing green. I am not going to clear coat for the very reasons that you showed us. I respect your work and hope I do as well.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you very much. You're thinking is smart... I wish I had gone with the single-stage as well. But, live and learn!

[@rogerkrey]

Did you have the bumpers re-chromed professionally. ????

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Nope. Just cleaned/polished them and used a little silver paint on the bottom of the front bumper where the chrome had flaked off.

[@randygibson7538]

Hello, I just bought a 1971 TR6. Thank you for all of the information. Where did you get the fuel pressure regulator? My TR has been converted to an electric fuel pump. I have a cheap fuel pressure regulator but feel like I need something better. Thanks!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Actually, that is a cheap regulator. Pretty sure it's a Holley, and I think maybe I had to replace the spring in the regulator to get it to work right. Then I screwed a pressure gauge into one of the outlets.

[@fullmetalx225]

Great job on your tr6. I recently inherited my late father's and I am looking to start a restoration, but unsure where to begin. Do you have any advice on a good place to start for beginners? Thanks!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Hi! Thanks for the comments. My priority was just to get the thing running and driving in a relatively safe manner, but I ended up doing a bunch of cosmetics as I was finishing that. The fact that the car actually worked was encouraging/motivating. So I'd say start with the basics of getting the thing running (assuming it's not)... clean the gas tank/fuel lines, rebuild the carburetors, maybe plugs and wires/oil/water/etc. Make sure to go through the brake system before taking it out on the road! And don't make the same mistake I did... check the gearbox and differential oil before you drive it!

[@bryanheidtman2476]

now finish that drywall in the garage! lol love the TR6

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Ha! I would, but I’m only renting right now!

[@randallwilliams4817]

Getting this result with Rustoleum tells me you could have accomplished a great job with actual auto paint. If you were willing to sand as much as you did here, you would have gotten there no doubt. And, it would have been easier. Since you like sanding so much, you are perfect for a home paint job. Consider this: Carefully sand the paint down in increasing grits stop at 400 with the primer just showing through. Buy two quarts of Nason Ful-Poxy. This seals up what's underneath and provides uniform surface profile. Apply one coat. Since you're not in a booth, sand 400 to remove bugs and nibs. Spot in where you sanded through. Sand to 400. Buy an Atom-X, Astro, Finish line, or such quality spray gun Amazon, borrow a compressor. Buy a gallon Nason Ful-Cryl 2. You can go around three times or more. Spray the first coat, let cure, sand out bugs and nibs with 400 wet. Spray another coat, sand out bugs and nibs with 400 wet. Keep going until you have enough left for one more coat Spray the last coat. Don't sand with 400. Let fully cure. Sand 1000,2000,3000, and polish. It will look great and it will last a long time. I have a video on this "BRG", and it was the first time I ever shot this stuff, now I use it all the time. Looks great, not expensive. Carry on!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you for the tips. BTW, It looks like you have some great videos on your channel... I look forward to sitting down and checking them all out!

[@DerrickOil]

Nice work!

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks!

[@johndavey72]

Brilliant ! You definitely have the skills to turn this neglected ugly duckling into a great looking car. The colour is very similar to the factory Tahiti Blue. OK , the paintwork isn't concours but it's very presentable. The mods and changes would upset purists but it's made it a reliable classic. Did the paint suppliers warn you of the perils of using a 2-pack ? Once activated it is pretty dangerous stuff and contains iso-cyanide.So l hope you wore a high quality face mask. There's a lot of "restorers" would struggle to achieve what you've managed .And even more amazing to think this is your first attempt. Well done ! And thanks for sharing !

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Wow... thank you! Yes, in hindsight I should have mentioned precautions for using the 2K paint. Although I didn't have a pressurized suit, which probably would have been best, I had a full face mask with proper filters, and I covered as much of my skin as I could. I had my garage set up with lots of plastic, duct tape, a box fan, and a couple of A/C filters. I decided that because I don't plan on doing this regularly--maybe ever again--I was satisfied with these precautions, but if I wanted to paint more cars, I would invest in better equipment and PPE.

[@johndavey72]

@@wannabetriumphmechanic3306 You took all the precautions you could . My garage is set up in a very similar fashion . Not ideal but you make the best of what you have . l've restored 100 + cars in 51years , it was my trade. I'm restoring 2 for myself . An "e"type and .....a TR6 ! Some of my restorations have been sold world wide so l 'm quite good . Once again very well done and happy motoring !

[@paulmannering3831]

I'd adore a tr6 my dream classic car

[@spellacy29]

Love the colour, and it looks like a really good driver car. You should be proud so enjoy it. Just one thing - Miata seats? Really? 😂

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Well... maybe. :)

[@jerryhouck2708]

Good job! You should be proud of yourself. OH, by the way, your voice sounds like Kevin Costner the actor. 😎👍

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you for the compliment! (I have mixed feelings about the Kevin Costner thing. :) )

[@tomtugboat]

Good job !

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you very much!

[@Wayner580]

Great job, really well done! Is it for sale?

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thank you! I've been wanting one of these for about 35 years, so I'd say I'm probably not going to sell it anytime soon!

[@spellacy29]

Oh, by the way, check out Cheftush and Rusty Beauties if you haven't already. A couple of Triumph guys in Canada who do great work.

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks... I've seen quite a few of their videos!

[@martinriley3202]

What rubber seal are you using for your door windows please

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

I’m pretty sure I sourced most of the seals from The Roadster Factory… They tend to have the best stuff, I think.

[@zekehanscom5869]

When you buy cheap parts, you get cheap parts.

[@Tortuga6able]

Do you have an back up hood release on your car?

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Sure do! Not too difficult to install, If I remember correctly. Just make sure to be accurate with where you drill your holes.

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍

[@ianlogan6632]

“ I wish I had taken video of everything I done…” yeah, but the ladies use negative terms like “revenge porn” ,!the darn spoilsports!

[@woodyunderwood2828]

I'll give you a 5... You actually have a 74.5 so not a 74 because it has the bumper overrides. I had a 76 same color (Maple). Never try to paint a car yourself. As for the clutch master cylinder issue (Which I haven't watched) make sure you have it the correct side up...or you'll never get it bled. Join a club and get some help! Sold mine for a lot after 20 years of ownership...and don't miss it a bit. The best part of a TR-6 was it's looks...everything else more or less sucked.

[@jrwill58]

I'll give you a 2....Not a kind word at all. If you never comment here again you wont be missed a bit. btw...TR6 cars are nice little classics. Maybe it wasn't the car that sucked, but the owner.

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

:)

[@georgevprochazka5316]

Good job !

[@wannabetriumphmechanic3306]

Thanks!