Beginner's Kit

[Rob B]

I've just purchased a 1973 MkII Stag. Drives like an absolute dream and it could be the beginning of abeautiful friendship. One minor problem. I'm not at all mechanically minded. On the flip sideI'm very willing to learn.

1. What basic tools do I need?

2. Is it worth going to a beginner's mechanics course?

3. Is there a muppet's guide to Stag maintenance?

4. How do I start?

Any pointers would be much appreciated

:?

[3000cc]

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Rob B wrote:

2. Is it worth going to a beginner's mechanics course?

Hi Rob

Many congrats on your new purchase, dead jealous as I'm still looking for one! Definitely worth doing a beginners mechanics course, the more you know the easier owner a classic will be, not too mention it can save you a bob or too.

Enjoy!

[Mark S]

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A repair operations manual, A Haynes manual and (to a lesser extent)a parts catalogue are good reading. Also read the technical reprints manualon this site. Your problem has usually been encountered before.

Tools - a good set of A/F sockets and ring spanners -and knuckles with plenty of skin to loose.

Best of luck and have fun!

Mark

[Chris810]

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The best advise I can give is to get in contact and go along to your local group they will give you advise and support and they will have been there before it is the best resource you can use!

[seaside bill]

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Hi Rob

Agree with all said so far, but also worth getting yourself a (free) Rimmers Catalogue to help identify parts, upgrades and costs etc.

[WHITESTAG]

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Hi Rob!

Congrats on getting your tidy STAG! she looks good!- agree with all comments- especially seaside bill!- you will find RIMMERS catalog invaluable! and great website-other good outfits JAMES PADDOCK LTD and GOD himself....TONY HART!.. make sure all the fluids good -ensure oil and water levels good and no overheat probs- bill DJT and all the lads in the forum are all top guys! an utter goldmine of information! best of luck with her!- may your v8 burble.....

CHEERS!:dude:PHIL

[stagnut]

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T o answer all your questions, the best thing that you can do is contact GordonTimms, Warwickshires Co-ordinator, and/or go along for a few meets. Everyone will be a mine of information, so that anything that you are unsure of will soon be something in the past.

Good luck with your purchase, and I hope everytime you driveit, itbrings a smile to your face like when I drivemine.

Gez.

[WildStag]

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Rob B wrote:

3. Is there a muppet's guide to Stag maintenance?

Tony Hart (Hart Racing Services as was) put together a video - "Triumph Stag Service Guide" - which is available via the Members' Shop at £19.50. Copies come upon ebay if you are prepared to wait.

The video deals withall the basic points you are going toneed to cover if you want to tackle your own servicing - there is also a video on replacing the timing chains if you get more adventurous!

[piacerre]

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Hi Rob If you need any help get in touch as i am rebuilding a 1973 in warwick Richard

[Rob B]

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Many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to give mesoundadvice - it's very much appreciated.

[DJT]

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Welcome, Rob, and congratulations on your purchase. Stagmaintenance can be a steep learning curve whether you DIY or take it to a specialist. Best advice is to seek out local enthusiasts. They will know where to go and where to avoid, and also help with the regular maintenance.

Repair Operations Manuals come up regularly on eBay and a re invaluable, but some of the advice is a bit suspect. There is a wealth of experience here and on the www.triumpstag.net forum.

At least you live in a very active area for Stags, and the sun is shining too .

Dave

[snafu]

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If you get a Haynes manual make sure you understand the terminology-


Haynes: Rotate anticlockwise.
Translation: Clamp with molegrips (adjustable wrench) then beat repeatedly with hammer anticlockwise. You do know which way is anticlockwise, don't you?

Haynes: Should remove easily.
Translation: Will be corroded into place ... clamp with adjustable wrench then beat repeatedly with a hammer.

Haynes: Remove small retaining clip.
Translation: Take off 15 years of stubborn crud, it's there somewhere.

Haynes: This is a snug fit.
Translation: You will skin your knuckles! ... Clamp with adjustable wrench then beat repeatedly with hammer.

Haynes: This is a tight fit.
Translation: Not a hope in hell matey! ... Clamp with adjustable wrench then beat repeatedly with hammer.

Haynes: As described in Chapter 7...
Translation: That'll teach you not to read through before you start, now you are looking at scarey photos of the inside of a gearbox.

Haynes: Locate ...
Translation: This photo of a hex nut is the only clue we're giving you.

Haynes: Pry...
Translation: Hammer a screwdriver into...

Haynes: Undo...
Translation: Go buy a tin of WD40 (catering size).

Haynes: Ease ...
Translation: Apply superhuman strength to ...

Haynes: Retain tiny spring...
Translation: "Jeez what was that, it nearly had my eye out"!

Haynes: Press and rotate to remove bulb...
Translation: OK - that's the glass bit off, now fetch some good pliers to dig out the bayonet part and remaining glass shards.

Haynes: Lightly...
Translation: Start off lightly and build up till the veins on your forehead are throbbing then re-check the manual because what you are doing now cannot be considered "lightly".

Haynes: Weekly checks...
Translation: If it isn't broken don't fix it!

Haynes: Routine maintenance...
Translation: If it isn't broken... it's about to be!

Haynes: One spanner rating (simple).
Translation: Your Mum could do this... so how did you manage to botch it up?

Haynes: Two spanner rating.
Translation: Now you may think that you can do this because two is a low, tiny, ikkle number... but you also thought that the wiring diagram was a map of the Tokyo underground (in fact that would have been more use to you).

Haynes: Three spanner rating (intermediate).
Translation: Make sure you won't need your car for a couple of days and that your AA cover includes Home Start.

Haynes: Four spanner rating.
Translation: You are seriously considering this aren't you, you fool!

Haynes: Five spanner rating (expert).
Translation #1: OK - but don't expect us to ride it afterwards!!!
Translation #2: Don't ever carry your loved ones in it again and don't mention it to your insurance company.

Haynes: If not, you can fabricate your own special tool like this...
Translation: Hahahahah

[Kevin Garrod]

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Of course the best one ever: refitting is the reverse of removal! not much help when you can't swing a 2lb hammer from the other way because of bodywork etc

[Staggy]

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Rob B wrote:

I've just purchased a 1973 MkII Stag. Drives like an absolute dream and it could be the beginning of abeautiful friendship. One minor problem. I'm not at all mechanically minded. On the flip sideI'm very willing to learn.

1. What basic tools do I need?

2. Is it worth going to a beginner's mechanics course?

3. Is there a muppet's guide to Stag maintenance?

4. How do I start?

Any pointers would be much appreciated

:?

Rob

You are on the very same step learning curve as me then. Good Luck mate !!! Bought my 72 on 31st March this year.

Simon..