Summer freshing up begins
Discussion
Finally got the dash back in today.
hours more wiring and everything is working, thankfully. It tooks so long as the little bits take ages like I wanted the fan switch on the radio panel to light bright when activated as a warning light but it switches earth so I have to add another relay for it. All warning lights also working which was fun trying to work out the original wiring.
I didn't keep the original radio panel brackets for some reason so I had to improvise, cable ties around the switches and then to the dash pull it really close and a small amount of Sikaflex to hold it in place hence the rag and clamp on the photo.
Bonnet badge fitted and I love it, it's the little things that make me happy sometimes
Tomorrows plan is to get the seats in, wire up seat speakers and get the boot wiring tidied up.
hours more wiring and everything is working, thankfully. It tooks so long as the little bits take ages like I wanted the fan switch on the radio panel to light bright when activated as a warning light but it switches earth so I have to add another relay for it. All warning lights also working which was fun trying to work out the original wiring.
I didn't keep the original radio panel brackets for some reason so I had to improvise, cable ties around the switches and then to the dash pull it really close and a small amount of Sikaflex to hold it in place hence the rag and clamp on the photo.
Bonnet badge fitted and I love it, it's the little things that make me happy sometimes
Tomorrows plan is to get the seats in, wire up seat speakers and get the boot wiring tidied up.
Drivers seat fitted and dash finished - finally! ready for MOT nearly, just need to change the wheel studs tomorrow for some longer ones.
Fitting these seats was easier than expected. Swap over original seat runners, now originally the TVR seats have bolts in, then nuts hold on the runners. The MX5 seats are the other way round so you have to bolt the runners, but the bolt head stops the runners sliding. So you have to use allan head m8 bolts.
The runners were originally about 2cm closer together so a small amount of widening the original holes is needed. I didn't like the strength of this so I've tigersealed some ally plates to the inside of the shell and underneath also has large ally plates clamping to the shell so it's nice and secure.
People have mentioned they might not fit but they look like they were made for a Chim, really comfy and seating position is nice. I'm quite tall and fit in with the roof on, just. The speakers in the headrest are a nice touch as well, might be able to hear some music at high speed with the roof down now?
i can't decide whether to change the 'hoop' colour to cream?
Fitting these seats was easier than expected. Swap over original seat runners, now originally the TVR seats have bolts in, then nuts hold on the runners. The MX5 seats are the other way round so you have to bolt the runners, but the bolt head stops the runners sliding. So you have to use allan head m8 bolts.
The runners were originally about 2cm closer together so a small amount of widening the original holes is needed. I didn't like the strength of this so I've tigersealed some ally plates to the inside of the shell and underneath also has large ally plates clamping to the shell so it's nice and secure.
People have mentioned they might not fit but they look like they were made for a Chim, really comfy and seating position is nice. I'm quite tall and fit in with the roof on, just. The speakers in the headrest are a nice touch as well, might be able to hear some music at high speed with the roof down now?
i can't decide whether to change the 'hoop' colour to cream?
Edited by brett84 on Monday 23 July 19:51
well I think these seats are taller, but (I don't know if this is standard?) the original seats had some box section bolted to them which raised them about inch from the floor?? I took this off and the seats seem to be the same height, or just about? The might need raising slightly at the rear but I haven't drove her yet to test, if they do I will just use some more ally.
What do you think about the hoop colour? Can't decide whether to leave black or turn it cream?
What do you think about the hoop colour? Can't decide whether to leave black or turn it cream?
V8OW said:
Those seats look fab. I really want some to brighten up my all navy interior - I'll have to keep a look out.
Is there much difference in the height of the seats?
I'm about 6'4ish, and seem to have plenty of room with the roof on, so can't imagine it would make a huge difference.
They work out cheap as well. Mine were £70 a pair from eBay in Tan leather, speakers didn't work and one had a tear. Bought some 3.5" speakers for £60 (two pairs at £30 each). The rip was repaired for £20 and the colour probably cost £30 - £40 (part of a kit). Not bad when other options go for about 300 - 400 a pair.Is there much difference in the height of the seats?
I'm about 6'4ish, and seem to have plenty of room with the roof on, so can't imagine it would make a huge difference.
Good thing about these is that if you don't want to paint them, you can get the proper leather cover kits for a couple hundred quid, the ones were you actually take the old leather off and put new covers on.
Looing Awesome Brett !! Definitely a hell of a lot better than my DIY project !!
I might need to tap your brain on how to fit the seatbelts, i know that sounds stupid but i've had harnesses in mine since i got it and had some standard belt sat waiting to be fitted but with no clue how to do so or where they would bolt in. You got any closeup pics of yours (both behind the seat and where the clip bolts to on the car) ?
Any help would be great.
Cheers,
AJ
I might need to tap your brain on how to fit the seatbelts, i know that sounds stupid but i've had harnesses in mine since i got it and had some standard belt sat waiting to be fitted but with no clue how to do so or where they would bolt in. You got any closeup pics of yours (both behind the seat and where the clip bolts to on the car) ?
Any help would be great.
Cheers,
AJ
looks really good, dash is great I don't normally like carbon dashes but yours looks brill, colour combo interior is also good looks brand new.
one little querrie the fire ext. int boot, I was thinking of fitting one in the car and thought if a elec fire stopped the boot from opening knackered. where do most people fit them, am I just been anal?
one little querrie the fire ext. int boot, I was thinking of fitting one in the car and thought if a elec fire stopped the boot from opening knackered. where do most people fit them, am I just been anal?
thank you, getting there slowly, just in time for winter - DOH!
fingers cross MOT this week though.
AJ, these weren't too bad, apart from getting the old bolts out. There is a long 16mm bolt (head size) that screws through where the seat belt guide is at the top. Imagine just above your right shoulder when seated. This long bolt screws into a nut already fastened into the shell/chassis.
There is a hole in the shell down behind the seat which the seatbelt mechanism fastens too, this just goes straight through the shell and a nut sits in the wheel arch with a big metal plate as a washer.
there are then two bolt holes for the seatbelt buckle and the end of the seat belt. I think the original threads are different to the ones you get in the kit though, i had to reuse one of the orignal bolts - the long one which goes at the top.
Fire extinguisher isn't plumbed in yet but will have a pull cord next to drivers seat which activates it and then nozzles in the engine bay. The cable will also cut the battery. There will be a small extinguiser up in the cockpit also.
fingers cross MOT this week though.
AJ, these weren't too bad, apart from getting the old bolts out. There is a long 16mm bolt (head size) that screws through where the seat belt guide is at the top. Imagine just above your right shoulder when seated. This long bolt screws into a nut already fastened into the shell/chassis.
There is a hole in the shell down behind the seat which the seatbelt mechanism fastens too, this just goes straight through the shell and a nut sits in the wheel arch with a big metal plate as a washer.
there are then two bolt holes for the seatbelt buckle and the end of the seat belt. I think the original threads are different to the ones you get in the kit though, i had to reuse one of the orignal bolts - the long one which goes at the top.
Fire extinguisher isn't plumbed in yet but will have a pull cord next to drivers seat which activates it and then nozzles in the engine bay. The cable will also cut the battery. There will be a small extinguiser up in the cockpit also.
Did the drivers door card today, covered in Nu Suede from Dunelm Mills. I was going to use carpet but prefer the feel of this Nu Suede stuff, it's just like alcantara but cheap.
First covered the card in wadding, stuck on with spray glue and the edges done in contact adhesive. Then stuck the suede stuff on top, again edges stuck on with contact adhesive. Quite simple and low cost but I quite like it, the material was £11, wadding was £3, one meter is plenty for both doors.
need to get stuff together and the MOT is Tuesday
First covered the card in wadding, stuck on with spray glue and the edges done in contact adhesive. Then stuck the suede stuff on top, again edges stuck on with contact adhesive. Quite simple and low cost but I quite like it, the material was £11, wadding was £3, one meter is plenty for both doors.
need to get stuff together and the MOT is Tuesday
Looking good Brett 
did something similar to my door cards too a couple of years back 
Faux Suede all the way from Thailand off Ebay enough to do both doors twice over for a fiver 
nice stuff to work with too, i thought the carpet looked crap 
An absolute piece of piss to do. 
did something similar to my door cards too a couple of years back Faux Suede all the way from Thailand off Ebay enough to do both doors twice over for a fiver nice stuff to work with too, i thought the carpet looked crap An absolute piece of piss to do. Edited by Simon says on Saturday 4th August 22:36
That looks good Simon, how well does it hold up? Thats the one thing I was worried about, it might not be that hard wearing? Or might just get dirty easier than carpet? Only one way to find out I suppose and it's that cheap if it doesn't last long it's only about £15 to do both doors
brett84 said:
That looks good Simon, how well does it hold up? Thats the one thing I was worried about, it might not be that hard wearing? Or might just get dirty easier than carpet? Only one way to find out I suppose and it's that cheap if it doesn't last long it's only about £15 to do both doors
Lets just say i don't get in and out of cars with dirty hands Brett customers or otherwise but it seems to be holding up so far, i could see it getting worn quickly if you wear rings but that's not a problem either as i don't do jewelry 
so its win win for me 
Brett, just out of curiosity did you use the existing diff mounted speedo sensor and have you tried it with the new speedo head yet? 
I'm good at keeping the interior tidy it's any passengers I need to worry about 
. I'm going to make them wash their hands before getting in, and no way is anyone sitting in there with button back pockets on their jeans
It seems to work ok just using the standard wiring/sensor but i've only tested by jacking up the back wheels. Its on you can calibrate though so should be fine even if it's a little bit out at first
. I'm going to make them wash their hands before getting in, and no way is anyone sitting in there with button back pockets on their jeans It seems to work ok just using the standard wiring/sensor but i've only tested by jacking up the back wheels. Its on you can calibrate though so should be fine even if it's a little bit out at first
brett84 said:
centre console fitted and new seat belts in.
After a hungover weekend my Dad changed the wheel studs over today so I'm basically ready to get her MOT'd now, just in time for the bad weather.
i bought a double bed sheet to lay down as a fake carpet until i get it trimmed properly
Not to put a downer on some beautiful leather work but...After a hungover weekend my Dad changed the wheel studs over today so I'm basically ready to get her MOT'd now, just in time for the bad weather.
i bought a double bed sheet to lay down as a fake carpet until i get it trimmed properly
I had my dash top done in a similar colour last year,and i found out on the first sunny day that you get bad reflection on the windscreen.
I'm considering changing to a darker colour.
Had an eventful morning yesterday getting the car MOT'd.
I'm glad I never expected TVR ownership to be predictable.
Ok, key snapped, my key is now a pair of pliers until I get another one cut, the spare key doesn't seem to work, i'm guessing the ignition barrel is worn?
Ran out of fuel, I had only put a bit in a few weeks ago and was on the way to the petrol station to fill up.
Battery warning light is on, need to test the alternator as the battery is new, the volt gauge is only showing 12v? so I'm thinking an alternator problem?
Had a nice MOT man, warning on front and rear pads which I need to replace, I need to look around on here and see what they are from as standard? they are vented and grooved.
Car had to be pushed off the MOT ramp as it had no power. Checked and the 100A fuse I fitted had blown? Strange... tester did have all lights, hazards, brake pedal down and then starting so i'm guessing I need to uprate the fuse slightly? I'll try a 150a?
Also the wheels are catching slightly on the inside so I will modify the fibreglass slightly
The suspension needs setting up properly as it's too hard and just doesn't feel right.
I think i'll get wheels balanced and find somewhere in the midlands to setup the suspension, but at least I've got an MOT
I'm glad I never expected TVR ownership to be predictable.
Ok, key snapped, my key is now a pair of pliers until I get another one cut, the spare key doesn't seem to work, i'm guessing the ignition barrel is worn?
Ran out of fuel, I had only put a bit in a few weeks ago and was on the way to the petrol station to fill up.
Battery warning light is on, need to test the alternator as the battery is new, the volt gauge is only showing 12v? so I'm thinking an alternator problem?
Had a nice MOT man, warning on front and rear pads which I need to replace, I need to look around on here and see what they are from as standard? they are vented and grooved.
Car had to be pushed off the MOT ramp as it had no power. Checked and the 100A fuse I fitted had blown? Strange... tester did have all lights, hazards, brake pedal down and then starting so i'm guessing I need to uprate the fuse slightly? I'll try a 150a?
Also the wheels are catching slightly on the inside so I will modify the fibreglass slightly
The suspension needs setting up properly as it's too hard and just doesn't feel right.
I think i'll get wheels balanced and find somewhere in the midlands to setup the suspension, but at least I've got an MOT
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