I'm having so much fun :)

I'm having so much fun :)

Author
Discussion

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Wednesday 13th May 2015
quotequote all
I can't believe how much fun I'm having in my 280i. After 6 years with a Lotus Esprit S1 and worrying about the timing belt breaking, or the carbs over fueling and spilling fuel on the dizzy, or things just generally getting way too hot in the engine compartment - the 280i is a complete blast in comparison. It's so easy to drive and has an unbelieveable grin factor. Yeah it's only a 6 cylinder and so lacks the punch of the 8 cars but who cares, the smile per mile is massive. It really makes we wonder why these cars are not appreciated more.

So glad I decided to give a Wedge another chance. My first experience was somewhat disappointing but this new car has been a complete night and day experience. Advice to potential future owners..... Buy the best car you possible can, don't go cheap. Unless you get off on the DIY stuff that is. Pay the extra and save yourself the headaches and frustrations.

I'm a proud member of the Wedge appreciation society.


bobs280i

288 posts

139 months

Thursday 14th May 2015
quotequote all
Now that's what it's all about 😃 just a lovely car to drive , thanks for your help on gears issue just replaced clutch fluid and is working so much better ,

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Thursday 14th May 2015
quotequote all
Hi Robert,

Glad to hear the clutch Is feeling better. I wouldn't wish a clutch job on anyone.

mrzigazaga

18,534 posts

164 months

Thursday 14th May 2015
quotequote all
GBinUSA said:
I wouldn't wish a clutch job on anyone.
Especially the V8's...Its really good to hear that you are enjoying the Wedge..You are right in what you say about buying the best you can afford..May all your miles be smiles...Ziga

Waynester

6,324 posts

249 months

Thursday 14th May 2015
quotequote all
Good advice on buying the best you can..unless it's a project you're after of course. Glad you're enjoying her mate!

Any pics of the beast Gavin, we're all Wedge voyeurs in here! smile

fullpull

260 posts

166 months

Thursday 14th May 2015
quotequote all
mrzigazaga said:
May all your miles be smiles...Ziga
hehe

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Saturday 16th May 2015
quotequote all
Lovely afternoon today....so I took the wedge up into the hills around where I live. About 800 miles clocked since I got it and not a hick up.




KKson

3,395 posts

124 months

Saturday 16th May 2015
quotequote all
Stunning pictures and countryside. Looks fabulous.

440Interceptor

636 posts

146 months

Sunday 17th May 2015
quotequote all
Gavin, the car looks great. Do you (or anyone else) know whether those side skirts and rear valance are unique to the US cars? What year's the car and what chassis number? I'm rebuilding mine I like the look. Cheers, Toby.

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Sunday 17th May 2015
quotequote all
Hi Toby,

My car is a 1986 280i Series 2. The VIN is 019318. I once thought that the body was only spec'd for North American cars but there is currently a UK 280i Series 2 on ebay with the same body treatment:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-280i-2-8-CONVERTIBLE...

I suspect the production run was very limited before the 280i was dropped. There is a 280i Series 3 that is / was owned by Mr Tank which has the same sill panels but slightly different rear valance. I understand that just a handful of Series 3 were made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIdLmMomtJA

I am not sure if the flared arches are part of the mould or were grafted on, or if the sill panels were used on other cars. They look very similar to the 400 body sills but I think I read that the sills on those cars were part of the body mould.

Personally, the one thing I don't like on my car is the bonnet. I would much prefer a 400 bonnet with it's softer lines.

Cheers,

Gavin.



Edited by GBinUSA on Sunday 17th May 15:58

mrzigazaga

18,534 posts

164 months

Sunday 17th May 2015
quotequote all
GBinUSA said:
Lovely afternoon today....so I took the wedge up into the hills around where I live. About 800 miles clocked since I got it and not a hick up.



A couple of well worthy pics for next years Wedge calendar..smile

What lovely scenery...

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Sunday 17th May 2015
quotequote all
That would be nice Zig clap

bobs280i

288 posts

139 months

Monday 18th May 2015
quotequote all
just reading this post , I have a series 2 USA spec vin GB019138, I had once read they had made 156 models like this and apparently around 90 had came over to the states .... I don't care for the bonnet , and would rather have the 400 style ,
(but my son disagree's) lol

adam quantrill

11,535 posts

241 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
GBinUSA said:
Lovely afternoon today....so I took the wedge up into the hills around where I live. About 800 miles clocked since I got it and not a hick up.

Yeah judging by the angle of the sun in the photos it would be too early in the morning for the local hicks....

Jon280

195 posts

136 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
There are a few around in the UK in that specification, mine included. It makes them look a little different when parked up with other one. I actually quite like the style of the bonnet, think it makes it look a little meaner! They all also seem to be in red (best colour for them really, so no problem there!)

Picture of mine from the BBWF a couple of years ago, unfortunately not used it a huge deal since then...


GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
Nice picture Jon.

A couple of subtle differences in the body spec that I can see. You have the S1 door mirrors and shinny door handles and boot hinges. No bright work on the US cars.

bobs280i

288 posts

139 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
i believe the main difference is the boot 3rd brake light ,and the side indicators , the black mirrors are seen on the series 1.5 U.S. cars I think around 1984 -85 ?the series 1 cars I have seen at car shows here didn't have the flared arches and different ground effects , front n rear covers too. my rad on my car is inside the nose and there is plenty of room for the A.C Compressor , but I that may of changed , I do have chrome handles and hinges like Jons car,........ also my car has a glass rear window with a zip but not sure if that's a factory installment maybe they where experimenting ,
( both cars look stunning in red )

GBinUSA

Original Poster:

222 posts

123 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
Sounds like a neat hood setup. Do you find it practical?

I was thinking about removing my AC system. It seems totally redundant in a car of this style. Not having the components in the engine bay will make maintenance a bit easier and removing the condenser from ahead of the radiator should improve the cooling efficiency.

bobs280i

288 posts

139 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
No it's not practical ! it's nice having a glass window but like most tvrs the hood is off ,I have never used the AC and the bracket on the engine makes it a bh to work on the spark plug under it !

Taffo

29 posts

249 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
bobs280i said:
just reading this post , I have a series 2 USA spec vin GB019138, I had once read they had made 156 models like this and apparently around 90 had came over to the states .... I don't care for the bonnet , and would rather have the 400 style ,
(but my son disagree's) lol
I'm with your son on this one I love the bonnet, I like the 400se one too, they both give the car a bit more presence IMHO.