Triumph TR7 Convertible (1981) - Owner Stories #7

[@carolfidler5505]

Interesting story.always wanted one of those!

[@andybarbet73]

Great video, I'm restoring mine at the moment, ground up, 1981 DHC. I bought it in 1989 when I was 16 years old 🙂

[@NightfallDrives]

Thanks for watching Andy, best of luck with the resto, you must know it inside-out by now!

[@ChrisFEJackson]

I have owned TR7's all of my life. I even had one converted to a full Grinnal spec back in 1988. They are attracting more attention now it's nice to see. People used to say to me that their dad had one, now they are saying my Grandad had one!!

[@NightfallDrives]

I had to google Grinnal spec - looks great & very extensive! Seems to be lots of interest out there in the TR7 now.

[@ChrisFEJackson]

@@NightfallDrives Yes, Triumph as a marque was let down by British Leyland, but they were the first to introduce injection (2.5PI) and 16V overhead cam engines (albeit single cam) on the 'dolly' sprint. They also made a few TR7 sprint versions. Don't forget that slant 4 engine, Saab took it and refined it in so many ways!!

[@NightfallDrives]

Definitely some highlights in their history - I greatly enjoyed the 2500 estate (not a PI but still a lovely engine), see the separate video on that 😉

[@DarrenHartman-d1j]

Local lad ! I'm just up the road from there & have had loads of these - hopefully another soon. Great job !

[@NightfallDrives]

Nice! There's something special about going down the seafront in a classic drop top, good luck with the search 👍

[@bobuilt10]

I've got ENO233Y which is an Essex car now living in deepest Yorkshire. Great to see one of it's sister cars from the last batch looking so good.

[@martspar9075]

the tr7 looks great after its restoration and one to be proud of I bet your dad would give you a big pat on the back. Regarding the rubber carb mounts, I understand they are intended to reduce heat transfer from the engine but also prevent the engine vibration producing micro bubbles in the petrol float chambers which both can affect combustion and performance. Drive it with pride 👍

[@ChrisFEJackson]

I agree about the carb mounts. As well as insulating from heat they did offer dampening from vibrations. Aluminium will also transfer the heat quicker too! I have a 1980 DHC, was Ziebarted from nearly new, has never been welded anywhere. Dry stored all of its life, a car is only original once.

[@BlackWolf-di9gq]

The car looks great! Love the colour

[@NightfallDrives]

I agree, it just works 👌

[@Jaxs2]

Really nice car. It's a great story.. love it 👌

[@NightfallDrives]

Thank you, it's a huge credit to James 😎

[@raydullick5068]

Just found this video,love these cars ,in process if finishing mine ,total engine rebuild ,body repaired fully,respray ,interior,a lot of work ,have owned tr for over 10 yrs, takinge this long to finish,hope to be on road in coming month ,

[@NightfallDrives]

Great to hear, hope the weather holds for you

[@gemspotting6252]

The drophead Tr7 has aged fantastically well - the shape has matured into a very handsome Car now

[@NightfallDrives]

Absolutely, I think it works best as a drop top, but I’d take either!

[@flybobbie1449]

Loved my TR in 80's. First car, did my driving test in it. Take it on motorway 70 plus the steering goes very light, it's trying to take off. Carbs suffered carb icing and got stuck at 70. I managed to use gears and clutch to control speed to slow it down. Need to strip gearbox, have a fibre gear pump, with swarf in it. I would bang my head on those bonnet hooks.

[@flybobbie1449]

Still have the Haynes manual with many greasy pages. Winter i would block off the radiator to get the temperature up. Had mine 8 years.

[@flybobbie1449]

Don't use the Sparkrite (remember them?) electronic breaker module. The resistor inside got hot and solder joint develops a dry joint.. The little box was riveted.

[@NightfallDrives]

Sounds like you made a lot of good memories with the TR in those 8 years, carb icing issue aside! Thanks for the tip, I’ll make sure James sees the comments 👍

[@michaelminervini1908]

What can be expected for regular maintenence on these cars ? Does it need to be repaired and get replacement parts very often? I had someone tell me that it needs to be repaired after every road trip. It was also said that they should only be used on nice days and not in the winter. I am thinking of buying one and would only use it a couple times a week to go like 2 miles and occassionaly for like 10 mile drives. Thanks !

[@NightfallDrives]

Hopefully someone regularly using a TR7 can comment; James hasn't done big miles in the restored TR7 just yet for various reasons. However, with a bit of care (e.g. avoiding driving on salty roads in the winter) I would expect a bit of regular use actually helps keep these running well, like any other car of the era. Did this person say what exactly needed repairing so often?

[@michaelminervini1908]

@@NightfallDrives Thanks for the reply. No they didnt say. I tried to ask but didn't get a real response. Just someyjing about wrenching; but I took that to mean I would have to adjust the engine or other parts constantly.

[@NightfallDrives]

I'd suggest having a look around for Triumph forums for more detailed advice, they are usually very honest & helpful (e.g. I've found The Lotus Forums invaluable for my Evora). James also found good support from the Triumph club with his restoration