Hi to all,
So this past Saturday I hooked up the uhaul and hit the road on a 1200 mile road trip to Indiana and back to collect the '74 TCS that I purchased. Arriving. I was a little nervous of what I would find (as it was sight unseen at the purchase) and how I was going to load it onto the trailer possibly alone, I had allsorts of Heath Robinson ideas how I would do it as the car doesn't run.
Turns out 2 guys pushing and a lady steering (the seller and her husband) is all that's needed and moves one of these easily up the uHaul ramps. So with the paperwork done, I turned around and drove home who knew how much fun 74 East could be? On Sunday morning I rolled it off the uhaul into the garage, with the aid of a block and tackle and a shove.
So, what did I get for my money? Petty much what I expected is what it is:- The body is in good shape overall although evidently a respray was done from a purple color to the current black some time ago and is desperate need of a decent amount of work and new and paint new chrome. The chassis from what I can see so far is in good shape relatively rust free and straight. The engine is....well engine like - almost - The carbs are off and were in a "bucket" of miscellaneous rusty crap, no exhaust manifold, no exhaust system, no alternator, the pulley is missing, no distributor, coil & wires long gone, cross over pipes and everything that usually bolts on is missing. Basically a block, head, tranny and intake manifold is all that is in there - Hmmmm. The suspension is totally knackered, and has been partially disassembled - did I mention the rear wheels are splayed out seemingly because the tie rods are removed? (See note above about bucket of rusty crap). Brakes are shot and the wheels are round - sort of. The inside is a mess of old carpet and that oh so lovely mildew smell, assorted wires hanging from under the dash and a nice liberal covering of grime, but hey! what's that? the battery looks new!
OK, so I am disappointed? well the answer is no-ish. I wanted a project car (check), I wanted a TC (check), I wanted Black one (check...ahem...check-ish). I had already planned to replace the brakes, suspension, ignition system, exhaust, the interior and I had already talked to Sandy at Quicksilver Race engines about a total rebuild (Anyone have a recommendation on a builder?) and knew I wanted a body off refurbishment of the chassis etc. I have to do all I thought plus a bit more to boot. So, disappointed? No not really, but would have been nice to be pleasantly surprised. Described in the Advertisement as "Most parts are there" reminds me a bit of President Clinton's question about what the definition of "is" is. Most of the parts are there-ish.
This spring I will roll my Europa into the garage at home and then the fun will start, Between then and now I am trying to read all I can read about the work involved and the order of battle with due regard to Moltke (first contact with the enemy etc). Its a little overwhelming to be honest, but, I am a methodical practical guy so, all that's needed is time, patience, money and a large supply of good humor and a little help from my friends and of course all of you!
I'll keep you posted.
Jon.
