Mint or original

[SteveBikeandAuto]

Hi Folks

I have been restoring my 350i over the last 3 years; mechanically it's working fine and attention is going to be more on cosmetics going forward. The interior is not bad but a fair way off great (probably 6 out of 10)-my opinion of course. I just wondered what the general consensus is on whether it is better to go for new refurbishment or to do the best possible retaining original trim. the interior at the moment is all original as far as I can tell. Thoughts anyone?

Steve

[mk1fan]

There will always be those that seek / demand originality. Quite what that means on a TVR is a whole other thread. However, a mint, fully restored car is always going to appeal to a wider audience - imho.

That said, on a rolling restoration I would be inclined to leave/maintain bits until they need repair/refurbing at which point make them mint. Using 'original' or simpathetic (ie would the factory have used that bit) materials.

[mrzigazaga]

Perhaps some pics would help us decide ...
If the car is a keeper then knock yourself out...(Not literally)..But if you have plans to sell later on then be aware that your choice may not suit everyone..Unless of course its done in the best possible taste ...
Mines a keeper so I'm planning on an Oxblood red with contrasting anthracite and black ..Should look sweet with a gunmetal grey car...

If the condition of the vinyl/Leather is okay then a good clean and condition with the right products will save you loads of money...If its leather then Dynamix or gliptone are very good products...DO NOT go for connollising as it will come off after a week!....

[SteveBikeandAuto]

I have used Gliptone to restore the seats, which has done a good job. Trouble is the vinyl trim, dash, door cards etc have faded with age, so they don't quite match.

[SteveBikeandAuto]

Sorry, meant to attach this picture

[mrzigazaga]

Well ..TBH it doesn't look too bad...I can see dark marks on it..Have you cleaned it thoroughly?...Leather and Vinyl are porous so both can be fed...The vinyl should be cleaned with a gentle soap like baby shampoo and at a low mix ratio, Warm water and a new sponge ...Don't saturate the material but gently clean the areas in a circular motion...Pat down with clean towels and leave to dry naturally....This is also applicable to leather...Both would need a feed and condition afterwards...You can use leather conditioner on vinyl or look for one that is purely for it..There are loads of vinyl paints/Dye's available, I used a cheaper one that has lasted about 16 months...There are better products available... Found this so might be worth having a chat with them and maybe get a sample to test somewhere unseen...If the vinyl has crystallised which it can do, Especially in high sun areas like dash..Then the only real solution is removing to re-cover....Hope this helps.

Personally i haven't used this product but it looks interesting.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...

[SteveBikeandAuto]

Cheers for the advice, all sounds good. I actually stripped the front seats and recoloured/conditioned with a Gliptone kit. I was generally pleased with the results but as I said, my main issue is that it isn't quite a match for the vinyl. I could maybe send them a sample and see if I can get a matching dye to bring the vinyl up. I will take a look at the link you have sent as well, I dare say there will be loads of products out there I haven't heard of.

I'm really keen to bring the car up as good as it can be, but without taking all the character out of it. I didn't buy it as a forever car, but it's looking more like it will be that way, I cant think what I would change it for, other than another TVR, and the wedge seems to give as good a 'bang for your buck' as any.