New Griffith owner saying hello
Discussion
Just popping in to say hello and introduce myself as I’ve just acquired a 92 4.3 Griffith so will hopefully be frequenting the forum a bit. I’ve been lurking for a while and reading years of old posts which has been a great help when I was on the lookout for a car.
I found the car in the classifieds here and ended up buying privately (which felt a bit like a brave move as I’m no professional mechanic) – I did look at a few Chimaera’s (!) first as this seemed the ‘logical’ choice (lots available/price/bigger boot) - but I think the chassis on the car I’ve ended up with is nicer than many of the later Chim’s I looked at across all price ranges and as I much prefer the look of the Griff anyhow so far it’s a win/win and the heart has ruled the head. A cheap boroscope from Screwfix also proved a very useful purchase for poking around under TVR’s! A tip I found on here so thanks whoever that was.
I do like to try different cars (read indecisive…) and have been looking at loads of options over the last year but couldn’t find anything else that ticked as many boxes and importantly it’s my first V8 too! Also room for the dog – something which so many convertibles lack and a key part of the decision. The Griff is replacing a nice early 944 which will be for sale in the new year – this has been a good car but just lacks the roof off fun and ‘occasion’ I'm craving.
She looks like she’s been very well looked after by the last owner and has a huge folder of dealer servicing and MOT’s from new but needs a few small bits attending to (heater fan is missing in action and I’m going to apply a little preventative POR 15 over the winter - (so far I've cleaned the old waxoyl off one outrigger and all looks good!) which hopefully I can do along the way whilst putting a few miles on her.
Hopefully I’m going into ownership with one eye open having had a TVR for a short while a few years ago and I’m no stranger to POR 15 either (as an old VW owner) so (crosses fingers) I think I’ve found a good one. Guess I’ll find out soon enough as plan to book her into TVR Power to look at the fan and perhaps get an Anderson connector fitted to the battery. Good news is the car has had a full new interior and roof within the last 1000 miles so is a lovely place to be J
So far I’ve driven back to Warwickshire from picking her up from Suffolk on a busy Friday evening with no dramas so looking forward to getting a bit more time to get behind the wheel shortly. The forum’s been a great help so far so hope to get a bit more involved (and undoubtedly seeking advice) as my ownership progresses. Currently researching fitting a spreader plate and harness bolt to the bulkhead to secure the dogs harness to.
I’ll post a few pictures (once I can get some in the daylight) – I’d be interested to hear if anyone on here knows the car – originally supplied by Central TVR and previous owner purchased from Tony Gilbert so guess it’s now come ‘home’ again to the Midlands.
It sounds great too although is a little quieter than I imagined (there are various receipts for sleeving and then a later owner 're-sleeving' in the history so not sure if it's standard or not)
Anyhow - lots to learn but I'm looking forward to it experience
So - I've managed a few jaunts out (with the dog riding shotgun - he likes it!) and am very much enjoying this far.
Next plan is to fit a harness anchor and spreader plate so to secure the woofer out back. I'm also thinking of looking at the wiring mid I read on here somewhere as it's been a bit lazy to restart when warm - I think this involved a new wire to the starter and bypassing the immobiliser. Has anyone done this and is it doable by an electrics novice (or do I need to ask for some help in advance)
A few more pictures just bacause I can! Looking forward to getting the roof off and getting out and about when the weather picks up
Next plan is to fit a harness anchor and spreader plate so to secure the woofer out back. I'm also thinking of looking at the wiring mid I read on here somewhere as it's been a bit lazy to restart when warm - I think this involved a new wire to the starter and bypassing the immobiliser. Has anyone done this and is it doable by an electrics novice (or do I need to ask for some help in advance)
A few more pictures just bacause I can! Looking forward to getting the roof off and getting out and about when the weather picks up
The pleasant weather yesterday meant I got to have my first roof off drive! Once I'd fathomed how to fit the roof into the boot all was well and had a great drive around the Warwickshire lanes (via TVR Power) to pre book the MOT and a few other jobs in for May.
I've also now got the spreader plate to fit a dog anchor to the rear bulkhead (although the pup is looking at home in the passenger seat - see pic from yesterday's coffee stop - he'll have to be relegated to the rear when we're all on board).
There are a few jobs to do in the short term (slight oil leak from somewhere, get fuel pipes checked/replaced and some fresh tyres. The heater fan I fear is a longer term job but I'm loving the car and am very pleased with the decision thus far.
I'm now doing my homework on manifolds (mines been welded so is on the list to be replaced by a shiny stainless one) and tyres.
It feels like a bit of a learning curve but I'm enjoying the journey so far!
I've also now got the spreader plate to fit a dog anchor to the rear bulkhead (although the pup is looking at home in the passenger seat - see pic from yesterday's coffee stop - he'll have to be relegated to the rear when we're all on board).
There are a few jobs to do in the short term (slight oil leak from somewhere, get fuel pipes checked/replaced and some fresh tyres. The heater fan I fear is a longer term job but I'm loving the car and am very pleased with the decision thus far.
I'm now doing my homework on manifolds (mines been welded so is on the list to be replaced by a shiny stainless one) and tyres.
It feels like a bit of a learning curve but I'm enjoying the journey so far!
Welcome, car looks very nice indeed. Whereabouts in Warks are you? I've got a Griff 500 and live in Nuneaton. Have you considered joining the TVR Club? The Warks & West Mids Region is one of the biggest/most active in the Club - monthly meets are in Meriden with lots of events as well.
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