Bob Evans's Journal

Been a long time since I posted but have started to get busy again. Completed the ZS carb rebuild, put a bypass valve kit in one of the carbs on the car and the first Spring drive showed a marked improvement in the idle for sure but no noticeable difference in performance in the tired old engine. Also acquired the long-awaited single hoop driver's side roll bar and installed the new passenger-side bullet mirror. The real work then began and I just finished Heli-coils on the trailing arm studs. Anybody who knows TR6s knows that the studs invariably get stripped due to over-torqueing on an inherently poor design - steel studs screwed into aluminum trailing arms. Used an installation kit from Rick Patton of Patton Machine in Brunswick, Maine that worked very well and made for a very professional and correct repair. Rick also has a site devoted to his personal resto of his own TR6 for which he fabricated a supercharger and electronic fuel injection among other mods. Some of this stuff he sells through Patton Machine and although I haven't bought anything but the trailing arm kit I sure would like to have some of his other toys. Tomorrow I will drop the trailing arms to replace the pivot bushings and the diff to replace the side axle bearings and seals and the pinion bearing and seal. The reinstall will include new rear brake wheel cylinders and braided stainless brake lines. That will take care of the rear of the car and then the engine comes out for the install of the completed, rebuilt unit. To go with that I've recently received the polished alloy valve cover and Falcon stainless steel sport dual exhaust system among other good stuff so a busy 3-4 weeks ahead.My last post indicated a Monza exhaust and header but forum veterans all agree that the Monza is too loud and mild steel construction is not good value compared to the Falcon SS. In addition, Kas Kastner's opinion, who knows if anyone does, is that the later TR6 exhaust manifold is very efficient and not much is to be gained with a header so a change was made.Very, very busy time ahead and time is getting short but what did not get accomplished this Winter must now be done to enjoy the upcoming, short driving season. When more progress warrants I will post a few pics but attached one with the roll bar laid in for test fit. Happy motoring to you all. As my old man used to say about my "other' TR, "she's a mean, cantankerous little beast but I sure love her"!Cheers.