Newbie Advice

[Ubique]

Hello,

I am planning on breaking my way into the classic car world with a GT6 in the new year, as I am just about to go electric for my everyday car. As a petrol head I need to still get my fix and I cannot think of a better way to do it. 

Before I do I have some questions I would love your guys help with. I live in the Peak District, and get some wild weather, and I don’t have a garage. Now my aim is to try and rent some garage space, but who knows when that will become available. I have already ask about and their is none available and no time frame for when there will be. This leaves me with leaving the car on my drive, I could get a car cover as well.

Now is leaving the car outside all year round just a no no? If it is possible what is the best way of protecting the car to stop it rusting away. I am not going to get the car if its just going to rust on my drive after a couple of years. Or am I over thinking it and worrying to much?

 

[Clive]

Bit of both.

Remember, these cars lived outside when new, and I used triumphs as everyday cars for 25 years, never garaged.

The important bit is decent underbody wax protection (dinitrol or dynax) and regular use. A cover will help, but can cause minor paint damage if they move about., plus you can get condensation. 

So keeping under a proper roof will certainly help, even a car port will be useful protection. 

[NonMember]

As Clive says, they were built to live outside. However, they were also built to be used daily and only survive about five to ten years. Leaving one outside in all weathers and rarely used will do it no favours. On the other hand, when my GT6 went from that to being driven every day for a 20 mile each way motorway commute, in the winter, it deteriorated pretty fast.

Properly garaged is obviously best, though a carport or similar "protection from the worst of it" is also pretty good. Regular maintenance of the (originally woefully inadequate) underbody and cavity wax protection is essential. And drive it as often as you can on the sort of roads you want it for - a good blast on a dry day will clear the condensation out better than a cold garage with a badly fitting door.

[Pete Lewis]

car covers are used by many but they can damage paintwork if it gets wet and does any flapping about 

pop up portable car storeage seems a good idea and are relativley cheap but must be anchored down 

gazebo are not fit for permanent use   

these are around sub £400

ventilation is most important 

[Chris A]

Mine stays outside all year, had the car since 2015, under a cover.

Make sure you get one designed for outside use with elasticated areas at the front and back, at least one strap that goes under the car to stop it blowing away and the correct size so there isn't too much to flap about. Glued and sewn seams are better than just glued or sewn. My first cover - quite expensive- wasn't and seems soon started to split. My current cover, much cheaper is in fact lasting far better.

I have a 13/60 so glued felt to the areas where the fins rub to protect the cover from damage. In winter I use elastic straps and those foam tubes for pipe insulation between the car and cover to give an air gap. Also important when the weather is dry to get the cover off and ideally turn it inside out to dry off, as well as allowing the car to dry off. As mine is a convertible I also put rechargeable dehumidifiers in the car, they do make a difference.

Another tip, I part it up in winter in neutral with the handbrake off - wheels blocked so it can't move.

Of course give the car a run when you can, nothing better than getting it up to temperature and using it, even only a little.

 

[Ubique]

Thanks everyone for the information, it has given me the confidence to go ahead with it. I think I will look at getting something like this which can be bolted to the floor and doesn't take much space, to fold over the car. Just a bit of measuring to do but I think we are great. 

Next stop will be finding an actual GT6, which is where the real fun starts.  

[Clive]

8 minutes ago, Ubique said:

Next stop will be finding an actual GT6, which is where the real fun starts.  

How good a GT6 are you intending to buy, and what mk? 

I know of a very well sorted GT6 mk3 that has just done 2 1/2k last week without incident, and has a very long term owner. So mechanically very well sorted. Looks good too, but not a showcar. 

[Ubique]

I am looking for either a mk2 or 3. The important bit for me is solid bodywork, welding is not my strong point. Ideally something that is 80% there, but I can still tinker with mechanicilly. Like installing improved breaking, suspension, little engine improvements.

Would be interested to take a look at that as it seems close to what I am after.

 

Thanks

[Pete Lewis]

there are two GT6 on the clubs classified this month 

The Triumph Sports Six Club - Classifieds (tssc.org.uk)

[Ubique]

I have been looking long and hard at the green one! That is pretty much what I am after. 😍