Having reached fifty years old I've decided to take the plunge and buy my first Stag. I've been to see a 1977 model on an 'R' plate. It hasn't run for two years but the owner assures me that it only requires a battery and a service. There's loads of history and bills. It has been resprayed and a replacement Triumph engine fitted. I'm told it underwent a full restoration in 1993. This car has not been advertised for sale, I was steered towards it by work colleague and friend of the owner. On the surface it looks ideal. Im looking for problems and pitfalls associated with a car that's been standing for this long. I'm really looking for reassurance and initial advice. Please don't burst my bubble.
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Hi Dave
I'm not going to burst your bubble,however it would be best if you can take someone who knows Stags along to give an opinion..
If it hasn't run for a few years it might be best not to try to fire it up without making sure the engine is turning over by hand..and top up fluids..
When its running make sure it doesn't overheat and no strange noises from cold and then when warm..
Check for rust bubbles as that is sure sign of more underneath the surface..
If you can take it for a short test drive to make sure the gearbox changes ok and the diff isn't noisy..
It has come to you in the beat way possible,as a recommendation so if its a goodun go for it..
Sam -
Thanks SamComment
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Just another quick point. I have a garage but it's not big enough to house a Stag. I will have to keep it outside on the path with a decent cover. I don't think this is ideal but i'll have no choice. Any thoughts !Comment
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Hello Dave, My suggestion is if you do get serious and with the owners permission: Take remove the cam covers off and the sparkplugs out. Squirt a engine oil along the cams, down the cam chains and a shot down each plug hole. Then turn it over firstly with a spanner on the crankshaft. if this proves ok then try it on the starter motor for at least 30 seconds to allow its own oil pressure establish. Refit plugs check and top up carb dampers and try to start. Also add some fresh petrol. Good luck
Cheers Ian AComment
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Thanks Ian. Everything helpsComment
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Yep, definitely worth contacting your local area SOC co-ordinator and see if there's anyone local to you who would be willing to come with you when you look at the car.
It worked for me
Cheers
JulianComment
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The owners is asking, what I think, is a reasonable £5000Comment
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my first stg
Sexually Transmitted G?..
At the age of fifty, what have you been up to?Bereft of a Triumph of any description.Comment
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Check all the hoses too, they may well be cracked and you don't want one to split under pressure once you get it running (I speak from personal experience...)Ross. Perth WA.
1976 TV8 BW65 Tahiti BlueComment
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Just a little more info which may help you to convince me. The owner is asking what I think, is a reasonable £5000. However I will be forced to keep it OUTSIDE on the driveway, under a decent cover. Any thoughts ?Comment
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hi ,don't buy someones parked up problem unless you really have to,i would buy the very best I could afford as believe me there is no cheap shortcut to owning a decent stag,i would go for one on the road already running well.!! buy the best you can or be at your own perilComment
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It compares quite well. Similar condition by comparing with the photos. However the one I'm looking at has been recommended by a friend who is reasonably knowledgeable. And I would still have to keep it outside, which is a major concernComment
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Hi Dave
What reason has he given as to why the car was initially laid up and stored?
Regards
BruceComment
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