Pat's Tuscan V6 restoration thread

[uk66fastback]

Didn't you say they used the front window apertures to pull the thing out of the weeds for the Ebay pics?

And they succeeded in beding those window frames (I can see them mangled in the pic) - will they have to be remade or are spares available? Or can the originals be *nursed* back to shape?

What a fantastic project ...

Any regrets when the Lotus went?

[MPoxon]

What a fantastic story. Be sure to keep us all updated with your progress.

IMO definitely keep the Essex, you can always get it rebuilt to a higher spec with more power while keeping the car original.

[heightswitch]

uk66fastback said:

Didn't you say they used the front window apertures to pull the thing out of the weeds for the Ebay pics?

And they succeeded in beding those window frames (I can see them mangled in the pic) - will they have to be remade or are spares available? Or can the originals be *nursed* back to shape?

What a fantastic project ...

Any regrets when the Lotus went?

Anything can be re-built. Door frames are quite complex but there are sources available.
N.

[Pat H]

uk66fastback said:

Didn't you say they used the front window apertures to pull the thing out of the weeds for the Ebay pics?

And they succeeded in beding those window frames (I can see them mangled in the pic) - will they have to be remade or are spares available? Or can the originals be *nursed* back to shape?

What a fantastic project ...

Any regrets when the Lotus went?

The n/s window frame is knackered, but the o/s one is perfect.

As it happens, I think I know a chap with a n/s window frame, but I'll have to buy him a couple of pints before I ask him how much he wants for it...

As far as the Lotus is concerned, it was a wonderful old thing, but you can't keep all your toys. Maybe I'll buy it back again one day.

[Pat H]

Had a few friends round for beer last night and, before we got too pissed, we went in the garage...







The state of the chassis confirms that this is more like archaeology than restoration.

Edited by Pat H on Tuesday 11th July 13:23

[phillpot]

So who rested their beer glass on the o/s outrigger

[slippery]

Wow, you've got your hands full there Pat, but you sound like a man who knows what he's doing!
I, Like several others, picked this story up from the other thread. Best wishes mate.

[GTRene]

Pat H said:

The state of the chassis confirms that this is more like archaeology than restoration.

“We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better...stronger...faster.”

the six million dollar car (man)

[Stevo302]

What's the blue matting down? Could do with some good flooring in my garage.

[GTRene]

I would surely take a whole new chassis that is up to date, made stronger were possible and ready for a V8
ofcorse new shocks and bigger brakes etc etc, all better stuff (if possible) you know you want to.

not saying you need a LS3, but say a nice Ford 302 or a bit more? (300<>350hp) ala Tuscan V8 SE but then most parts modern (the parts you not see) to give at a more 'modern' road holding and braking.

you could make the rest what you see in and outside, more as it was in the state when your Dad bought/made it? so you have a bit of both, from father to son.

ofcorse just some idea's, for both V6 or V8 is something to say I guess.

[Electron]

Just read the gearbox bit ..... I've just been into my "Research Lab" and thought these may help.

1) Zodiac Floor Change Gearbox (note which side the linkage is on)



2) Zodiac Column Change with linkage on the other side so different main casting.



3) Ford Transit (early type) with no remote but same casting as TVR -you can get an overdrive version of this ..

[jpa]

If I were you Pat I would keep it as original as you can, as close to how it was when your dad had it.

No V8, no silly brake and suspension upgrade, no cage and racing seat.... Keep it as TVR and your Dad intended! Looks like you need a new chassis, but revive as much of the original as you can and preserve the history. Just my penn'orth.

Best of luck with the restoration.
Paul.

[Pat H]

Stevo302 said:

What's the blue matting down? Could do with some good flooring in my garage.

www.eco-tile.net

The stuff is Ecotile 500/7 - Smooth Texture AD046130

Keep checking the Special Offers section until something turns up at an affordable price.

It is dead easy to fit, easy to clean, warmer than concrete and you can jack a car on it without damaging the tiles.

They even do a nice little ramp section for across the door of your garage.

Their customer care was great and the stuff turned up on a pallet 48 hours later.

My garage is about 38 square meters and it took me less than a day to lay them.

It's only failing is that it is not heat resistant.

If you do a lot of grinding and drop a red hot lump of old TVR chassis onto it, then it melts the surface of the tile and sticks to it.

Having said that, I think that tiles are pretty much the only option these days.

Don't waste your time with modern water based garage floor paints.

[GTRene]

Pat, what about those side vents, those on the Tuscan V6 looks as most of the Vixen S3
while most Tuscan's seem to have those side vents with 3 louvres? or how you name those.

was that a choice when ordering or?
was it just what they had on parts when making such car
I've read in some books they (TVR) got many problems with spare parts or delivery of parts etc at those days, also in the early days with engines...they used lots of sorts.

anyway, that from those side vents I noticed.

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

When the OD box blew on my Tuscan V6, I replaced it with a T5. I know its sacrilege in manys eyes, but WOW it really made a huge differnce to the driving experience.

[Stevo302]

Great, thanks for that.

Pat H said:

www.eco-tile.net

The stuff is Ecotile 500/7 - Smooth Texture AD046130

Keep checking the Special Offers section until something turns up at an affordable price.

It is dead easy to fit, easy to clean, warmer than concrete and you can jack a car on it without damaging the tiles.

They even do a nice little ramp section for across the door of your garage.

Their customer care was great and the stuff turned up on a pallet 48 hours later.

My garage is about 38 square meters and it took me less than a day to lay them.

It's only failing is that it is not heat resistant.

If you do a lot of grinding and drop a red hot lump of old TVR chassis onto it, then it melts the surface of the tile and sticks to it.

Having said that, I think that tiles are pretty much the only option these days.

Don't waste your time with modern water based garage floor paints.

[chassyman]

hi rck974x, if you had your chassis from dg then it would of come from me. i do make them from a heavier tube, 2.0mm as against 1.6 standard and it is, i would dare to say in cds as i haven't made a erw chassis for a while now, so all round much stronger.

[heightswitch]

RCK974X said:

Hi chassyman - My 'new' chassis is about 20 years old now, and I don't know who made it - got it from DG when they were still in Inkberrow. I just think of it as new ! It is 'standard' steel (probably CDS as you say), and I remember it was definitely heavier than original. I ordered it with Vixen engine mounts but 'M' tubes in rear so I could swop diffs over, if that jogs your memory....

I have a vague memory of Gerald (Jinks) himself telling me that Tuscans used thicker tube than Vixens, but all replacements used the thicker tube ??

{CDS I recognise, what's ERW ?)

st.

Electric resistance welded...

Keith or Keith's Brother before him have made most TVR replacement chassis since time in memorium
And very good they are too.

[heightswitch]

thegamekeeper said:

Immemorial. They won,t thank you for your version

Edited by thegamekeeper on Wednesday 2nd January 21:14

OOPS
Keiths knocking on a bit but i think he has a few more chassis in him yet
N.

[chassyman]

hi niel, thanks for your show of confidence. that chassis would have been made by wayne and been in erw. happy new year and best wishes keith