I recently met a fellow who didn’t know about my penchant for Triumph’s oft-maligned Triumph Stag. He charged full gallop into his pet hate, Pommy cars, with a special revulsion for the worst of them all – Triumph’s big GT, the Stag. I didn’t bother trying to defend the car because he knew all about them. He’d never owned one, but friends of his apparently did. These friends, hearsay would have it, either died in debtor’s prison from trying to fix their Stags, or died from being hit in the head by bits that fell off while being driven. This is rubbish, of course. Stags were so bad that they weren’t capable of being driven long enough for any bits to fall off. Obviously, this acquaintance’s loathing for the Stag knew no bounds. Is there any information in circulation that reinforces his view? The short answer is “yes.” The long answer you are reading now.

Each year on Mothers day, the TSOAQ hosts the Macleans Bridge static Car display, in the park adjacent to Macleans Bridge on Beaudesert Road, south-west of Brisbane CBD. This is a huge event with hundreds of classic sports cars and Grand Tourers on display. If you're into exotic motor cars and you love a great day out, then this is the 'must do' event of the year. This year (2010) it is to be held on 9 May.

I was told last night I should publish some of the mods I've done to my TR6 in the case that others may be interested, so I'll start with the Hydraulic Release bearing kit that I found from Racetorations (http://www.racetorations.co.uk). 

As many of us would know, the original clutch fork mechanism wasn't one of Triumph's best designs, with the pin that holds the fork on the shaft, shearing from the moment of pushing the clutch, and the fact that its not central adds another moment. So when it breaks, it doesn't completely fail, but makes the pedal only half effective.

Add to this that many owners have also had the issue of the collar that slides over the input shaft binding after many years of use due to lubricant caked with clutch dust, and the fact that the collar isn't being pushed forward and back directly along the line of the collar, but the forces imposed on it are also down by the mechanism. 

Both of these issues contribute to a pretty sub-standard clutch pedal by today's standards. And if I were going to the trouble of removing my gearbox, I wanted to upgrade it. So I did!

Most Triumphs qualify for the "Special Interest Vehicle Concession" with the Queensland Government Department of Transport. There are limitations as to which types of vehicles qualify for concessional registration and where and when the vehicle can be used.

To qualify for the Special Interest Vehicle Concession:

• The vehicle must be at least 30 years old.
• You must be a member of an incorporated car club  or association eg TSOAQ
• The Vehicle must be in original condition
• Have a certificate issued by the dating officer of the TSOAQ authenticating its condition and year of manufacture

Note : Vehicles fitted with a modification plate, code LH10 are not eligible for a special interest vehicle concession.

Vehicles with Special Interest Vehicle Concession Registration can only be driven under the following situations.

• Participating in rallies organised by incorporated car clubs.
• Participating in processions for which a Special Events Permit has been issued.
• Travel in order to have the vehicle repaired.
• Road testing within a 15 kilometre radius from the place where the vehicle is garaged.

This is only a brief extract of the Queensland Government, Department of Transport conditions and requirements of "Tthe special interest vehicle scheme". More information can be found on the QLD Govenmrnt web site here