Advice wanted on S3

[zappo]

Hello all, I am looking to buy an "S", I have just been to see an S3 1990, general condition was ok (above ground), I have read lots about the chassis condition and spoken to a few people about these cars, the red plastic coating was missing/peeled off/chipped in several area's underneath the car, but the rust did not appear to be too bad (just surface), the owner allowed me to take several pics of the suspect areas, you advice would be appreciated on this matter. PS how do I post pics onto this site. PPS are all S's this brutal, I'm sure my bones will stop shaking soon enougth, does'nt quite have the finesse of my silky smooth BMW, good fun though!

[pies]

Right All Zappo's pics can be found here

[zappo]

Thanks Colin (Pies)

[haggishead]

Well it's hard to tell from photos - it looks a bit grotty, but solid. Desperately needs a wire brush / hammerite and waxoyl but probably ok otherwise.

Check the bits you can't see - especially the tops of the outriggers along the sills, and behind the front wheel arches. Look very very carefully.

Yes they are all a bit "raw" - brilliant innit?

[zappo]

Thanks, but how do you check the tops of the outriggers, they look to be tight against the underside of the sill??, I ran my hands along most of the accessable area's, grotty but appeared sound enough, I'm nervous about this whole chassis thing!

[HarryW]

Its already been said it is very difficult to tell from the photos alone.
I would say that do not under-estimate how mcuh work goes into getting ontop of things like this. It doesn't look to me as if its been waxoiled or hammerited in a long time, if ever.
Personally and IMHO I would view a few more cars and compare like with like, you will get feeel for them. If you do go for this one then make sure the price reflects the amount of work required to bring it up to 'norm'.

Harry

PS I do not know this car, the buyer nor seller and no offence meant if it is someones pride and joy, in particular if they already post on here

[pies]

zappo said:

Thanks, but how do you check the tops of the outriggers, they look to be tight against the underside of the sill??, I ran my hands along most of the accessable area's, grotty but appeared sound enough, I'm nervous about this whole chassis thing!

There is a gap between the top of the outrigger and the body all be it very small

You can get your head in the wheel arch and look down it with a torch

Ususlly the near side one is in worse condition

[craigy]

Chances are that if the visible parts of the chassis look tatty, then the front outrigger corners will be worse on top. With an S3 it is hard to see as it will have mud guards behind the front wheels.

The rot starts when dirt and damp clog up around the silent blocks (rubber bits where body bolts on at front). This is where they all go first. Personally , i would consider this the most important part of S buying to get right as it is most certainly the most expensive job you could be faced with.

Good Luck, Craig.

[Podie]

zappo said:

PPS are all S's this brutal, I'm sure my bones will stop shaking soon enougth, does'nt quite have the finesse of my silky smooth BMW, good fun though!

Great isn't it!

[S3 Kieran]

HarryW said:

Personally and IMHO I would view a few more cars and compare like with like, you will get feel for them.

I agree with Harry - it may be a pain in the ar5e scouting a 200 mile radius - it took me 3 months to find mine, but I drove another 4 before I was comfortable with buying.
The first one I drove was owned by the closest seller I saw: only 10 miles away! I too thought, ooh, a bit raw, spine bashing, and a heavy clutch - kinda ruining the dream a bit.....

Next one I drove was completely different: no BMW but much easier with lighter steering and clutch, and far more manageable/comfy.

No 2 TVRs are alike, and older ones differ even more. Very important to try more examples, join TVRCC and get to a meet, where other S's may be seen and discussed.

A bad one might hurt your wallet, and reduce your grin size, but a good one will have you forever smitten

[Rower]

I do not like the look of that Chasis one little bit !Itlooks as if it has had no treatment at all, and unless hammerite/waxoyl is applied regularly the rust will take hold. Apart from the outriggers dont forget the exposed hollow sections in the rear swinging arm suspension assembly. As has already ben mentioned here try and buy from someone who is an enthusiast and knows the car , if you havent done so already buy 'The Bible ' by Steve Heath it will tell you everything you need to know.

Good luck with your search....you will not be disapointed with the car !!

[Paul V]

That does look very tatty underneath, if you decide to go any further on the purchase get the car properly inspected by a TVR specialist, they’ll tell you if the rust is terminal, I’d consider other cars though.

[andyf007]

Personally I would walk away, but then I don't know what they are asking for it or how much you've got. As far as I can see from the photos, you will be looking at a lot of work on the chassis, that is a bit more than surface rust visible, it is quite well pitted. The bits you can't see will undoubtedly be worse. It doesn't have a stainless exhaust either.

If the ride is that hard, then I would say that you need to consider new suspension (the springs look poor in the photo). They aren't that bad that they rattle your bones, but you are comparing to a 635. Drive a few more to get a better idea.

I may be way off mark here, but if you can get it for say 5K or less and you have another 3K to spend on it, then it may be worth a look. But for that you would need the bodywork and interior to be in pretty good condition.

Andy

[M@H]

..looks a bit iffy to me... what is the explanation from the current owner as to why it is in such a state.?

IMO anyone who cherishes a TVR would have AT LEAST brushed that chassis off and given it a once over with some waxoyl/hammerite.. or had it done when serviced.

..if someone neglects the chassis, what is the engine and the rest of the car like..?

Cheers
Matt

"condition, condition and condition"

>> Edited by M@H on Monday 19th January 11:30

[roy c]

M@H said:

"condition, condition and condition"

Is this a new Channel 4 car buying show?

Sorry, couldn't resist

:I'llGetMeS:

>> Edited by roy c on Monday 19th January 11:34

[M@H]

nice..

[peter m]

Those pictures remind me of the state the chassis was in on my car when I bought it. I spent about 1 hour under the car satisfying myself that the rust was superficial before parting with the cash. Almost all of the plastic coating had come off (or was hanging off) from the outriggers and suspension. From experience, it takes a long .. long .. long time to rub the chassis down and paint it. Be prepared !
However my car was low mileage, and in good condition, so I risked it.

[spivvy]

i have spent the last 4 months doing renovations on a car with a chassis in a lot better condition. This involved taking the body off to repair outriggers and also seatbelt mounts,
looking at the photos i would say this was not a job for the faint hearted i would suspect it would have to be a complete chassis clean and rebuild

[zappo]

Thanks Guy's, I think I look some more, does anyone known any of the cars in the £5k region advertised on PH, and what about the £1500 S3 project car just come on PH, thanks again.

[funbobby]

mines the white one on there which has had the chassis rebuilt plus lots of other work, basically bought mine without finding out enough about them(pre piston-head days!!) and got stung.but ive spent a lot on this car to bring it up to a very good level. e-mail me if your interested