Information / Advice sought!

[Martin Page]

Hello All,

I am on the verge of purchasing a Triumph Stag and have joined the forum in order to illicit any advice or information that would assist me in making my final decision. I viewed and test drive the vehicle today and would be interested in any comments that you may consider pertinent to any purchase. I have done some research but want to be armed with as much info as possible. Thanks in advance . Martin

[Goldstar]

That’s a bit general Martin. Anything in particular you want advice on? Have you read the buyers guide on the main SOC website?

[Martin Page]

Thanks Goldstar, I’ll have a read now. Realise it’s a bit general but wanted to break the ice and get a flavour of any problems or pit falls that others may have experienced.

[mole42]

Please bear in mind that everyone on here has a different level of experience with the Stag and some issues that may be difficult for one are simply part of the joy of the car for another. For example, some think the indicator stalk is on the wrong side and there are those who wish to change the carburettors or the wheels.

If you enjoy driving the car and it seems within your budget, then the best course of action before purchase is to get in touch with the local SoC group and ask if there's anyone could give it a once-over just to make sure there are no obvious issues.

[SaphireSpud]

Take someone local, from the club, with you is my best advice. Regards, John.

[jbuckl]

Hi Martin,
Have helped a few stag buyers.
Some after the event & some before.
The ‘afters’ are sometimes so disappointed, understandably, it’s just a case of damage limitation.
Just saying.
Do try and get an experienced member to help beforehand.

Join the SOC.

Take it as slowly as the burning cash in your pocket allows!

If someone knows the actual car or their way around a stag, it’ll be a big help to avoid disappointment.

Where are you based / looking?

[dasadrew]

Hi Martin, as they said, but to give appropriate advice I think you should tell us something about your own situation. Is this your first old car? Can you do maintenance/repairs yourself? Are you looking for a "buy and drive" deal? Do you have a garage where you can work on it? How much budget are you planning to set aside - it's a 50 year old car so, no matter how it looks and drives now, it will need attention.

Drew

[MandM]

Also Contact the registrar (Peter) he will be able to tell you something about the car within the data rules, was it scrapped in the 80's?, stolen in the 70's or maybe a Tax ringer or is just a ordinary stag owned over the years by different people/members, look at the MOT history on line, this will give you an idea of what has been found over the years. but as has been said make sure you take someone who knows these cars with you.

also as drew has said you will spend money on something that need doing, don't be in a hurry thousand of stag to choose from

[Tdafforn]

I think, as with any car of this era that has lived in the UK, body work and chassis integrity is number one concern.. Taking a magnet to all panels from the bottom to 6 inches up is a good way to detect filled rusty bodywork.. Better, putting up on a ramp and some probing with a screw driver (sills, out riggers, floors, wheel arches etc) will give you a good idea as to the state of the car... 100% rust free is probably unobtainable unless you are lucky or rich but knowing the issues and their scale will really help with valuation. Next I would say engine, again, another area where you can loose money chasing issues.. This is more involved (and be care of seeing rolls of bills for rebuilds as being a garuntee of a good engine), and probably worth bringing in a expert.

Tim

[RobinLegin]

IMHO buy the car with the nest bodywork you can for your money. Try and find the car that has had a proven fortune spent on its body, structure and mechanics. The latter are generally easier to replace than a rusty shell riddled in those hidden corners by tin worm. An experienced SOC member will quickly spot most of the hidden issues.
i bought my car without SOC input but being given the once over by someone who cut his teeth on Stags. I still ended up spending serious money on the bodywork, rebuilding the engine, differential, and changing the auto gearbox to the famous T&L 4 speed. And I still broke down in Switzerland a few weeks ago. As Dasdrew says these cars are fifty years old now.

[Rigid]

Always remember / consider what you want from your Stag.
A pristine example for high days and car shows, something that looks OK from 6 feet or something inbetween.
Price isn't always a perfect indicator of where your car sits in the above.

[Martin Page]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I’m hoping to view the car on Saturday again and it’s in the Farringdon, Oxon area. How do I go about making contact with someone who knows Stags and may be able to give it the once over. I have driven it and for a 50 year old car it looks and sounds good. Brakes are a bit spongy but no great concerns.Condition is good and the seller (Trade) appears to have a history of selling stags. This is my first classic and although I have basic skills and can tinker with small jobs, I will no really on good recommendations for servicing and any work. My personal involvement stems from childhood and in my 20s (now in 60s) and been on my bucket list to own. Looking at storing when not in use as no garage, and currently have feelers out for storage in south Northants/Oxon/Bucks border. I know a lot of what I’ve said is general info but being a novice and not wishing to breach any forum rules, I am mindful of what I should say. Happy to speak to anyone in person and it’s sometimes easier than trying to get across details in text. Regards Martin

[dasadrew]

Then I think your admirable approach to tick off items on the bucket list (my Stag love affair also began when I was a student) should be accompanied by a very sober approach to having also a good budget for a Stag specialist to take care of the issues which will more-or-less undoubtably occur. I can't advise on that as I do most items myself, but I'm sure others will be able to contribute to a few ball park figures.

Regarding a lock up or storage box, I can speak from experience that an old car sat in a lock up with no electricity has the capability of rotting quite quickly. On the other hand, a lock up with a Carcoon and a CTEK battery monitor stays fresh and new smelling during the winter.

[wilf]

Has it had a respray to make it look good? If so, take an expert to see what lies beneath the shiny paint. If you cannot find a local Stag Club member to help you, maybe an AA or RAC full inspection, think they still do them?

edit: yes, they do, just google "AA inspection".

[Martin Page]

Thanks for comments, no info to suggest respray, it’s not concourse but vgc. I’ve checked MOT history and no apparent issues. New to this forum, is it easy to PM members, not got use to it yet!