The Redcoat Is Home!!! - Page 4

HobieMarty · 12-22-2025, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

Thanks for the back story. Thomasville GA was a gorgeous town back when I spent time there with my uncle in 1974. Looking forward to your coninued story with your son and your car.

The man that I bought the car from is the mayor of Thomasville, or used to be, his name is Jay Flowers and was super nice.

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HobieMarty · 12-22-2025, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

How far do you plan to go fixing the rust? How much can you do yourself?

I am not going to attempt any rust repairs myself, it will go to a shop for that. I can however, strip the interior, tank, dash, and anything else to get it ready. I would also pull the fenders to see how the rockers look behind them, from the outside, and tapping on them, the driver's side seemed to be solid at the fender. The rust in the floors is most prominent where the seats were. The first step is to find a shop. There is a British car club in Montgomery, Alabama and I plan to contact them and see about joining their club, someone may know of a good shop. This weekend, my focus will be engine related.

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onewhippedpuppy · 12-23-2025, 04:37 AM

I love the back story, this sort of stuff is why the car enthusiast community is so great.

HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I love the back story, this sort of stuff is why the car enthusiast community is so great.

Thanks. I have lots of stories that surround this car, ya know, being 18, girlfriends, partying with friends, speeding tickets, you know, general shenanigans and highjinx!!!

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HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 08:30 AM

I am trying to get a idea of how to go about this project. My thinking is that I should get it running first so that it can be moved around easier. Not going to drive the car with the condition of the floors and seats not bolted down, but being able to have the car move under its own power would make things a bit easier. I welcome any advice in this matter by the way.

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Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

Yeah, pushing a car around because it can't move under its own power is a PITA.

If it were me, I'd get some 3/4" plywood and cut pieces I could bolt the seats to and just put them in on the floor. You're not going to be taking it on the road this way so no need to bolt them down any more securely IMO.
Maybe 1/4 of a full sheet if that's what will fit, per seat. That should keep the seat from rocking.

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

Where to start would be difficult i think. I'm the kind that would want to pull the engine out to give it a proper once over. But then you want the body work done with the engine out. Taking it out a 2nd time might be lots of work. IDK Maybe do the regular coolant flushes and just see if it starts? Do you need to soak the rings first? There might be leaks? As you mentioned join a club and ask them what you are in for? Pushing a car around isn't that big of a deal.

herr_oberst · 12-23-2025, 10:01 AM

Make a list, figure out a plan.
Engine, gearbox, fuel system, clutch, driveshaft and halfshafts, rear end, F/R suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, bodywork, interior.

There's plenty to be done here...I'm not telling you anything you haven't figured out yet.

Your car has a good story, so getting together with a Triumph club would be a big plus. Car people can be super generous with time and experience and even parts and tools, not to mention advice. The people at your local sports car club will most likely help you keep motivated and moving forward. (They'll be living vicariously through your adventure, too!)

Decide what YOU want to do; drive a patina-ed car on summer days to the DQ or cars and coffee? Nothing at all wrong with that. Get it running safely. Maybe even just rivet a bunch of old license plates or a street sign to shore up the floorboards. Hotrodders have done that for years.

Maybe as you start tackling one or two of the problems you might decide to budget your time and bank account for a total restoration, the (in)famous "while you're in there". If that's the ultimate goal, a total teardown now will probably save money and for sure time in the long run.

You've got a fun project here.

HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Yeah, pushing a car around because it can't move under its own power is a PITA.

If it were me, I'd get some 3/4" plywood and cut pieces I could bolt the seats to and just put them in on the floor. You're not going to be taking it on the road this way so no need to bolt them down any more securely IMO.
Maybe 1/4 of a full sheet if that's what will fit, per seat. That should keep the seat from rocking.

Good idea. Thanks.

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Dixie · Dixie's Garage

What a great car HobieMarty! It looks to be in great shape too.

Wyatt has an old Spitfire he never drives, but I think it runs. I'm always after him to let me get it started and drive it. (Slowly, as it may not stop!)

HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 01:38 PM

Thank y'all so much for the advice, I truly appreciate it!!!

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Zeke · 12-23-2025, 02:24 PM

A "rolling restoration" for me starts with the rust. You may have to separate the body from the frame to do a good job on the floor pans. I know nothing about Triumphs but I have had several British cars, some with full frames and some semi monocoque.

If I can have the frame itself with the driveline and suspension out in the open, it is much easier to get at the work.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

Getting the engine running, even for just a quick, does it run at all type time, will be a great motivator for the rest of the project.

HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Getting the engine running, even for just a quick, does it run at all type time, will be a great motivator for the rest of the project.

I would love to hear the engine run again, it would be kind of loud though as it doesn't have mufflers on it anymore. Lol.

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A930Rocket · 12-23-2025, 05:44 PM

Yeah, getting it running and drivable would be my first step. Then see how it runs and what needs to be fixed now and can be fixed later.

You can make the body interior and exterior aesthetically acceptable, while you drive it.

Then decide whether to do a body on frame restoration or separate them.

I’ve never done a frame off restoration, but that means it would be down for longer, I would think.

To keep me motivated, I would want to keep it drivable.

HobieMarty · 12-23-2025, 06:54 PM

Well, I have had the car completely apart before for the frame swap. The car was apart from July to October of 1984. Keep in mind, a mechanic was working on the car out of his house garage every day and I would help after work so, it was a fairly quick turnaround.

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