New Wedgy owner = questions

[jgmadkit]

One post for a project a few weeks ago on PH and I'm now the owner of a 350i project (cheers Mike)

Although the intention is to do a body off resto, I want to just recommission the car for now and run it for a while to see what's what with it.

Already done some fixes that were cheap/free;

Petrol leak fixed
Horn now working (just happened to have a pair left over from another project 15 years ago)
Drivers door lock now working
Drivers electric window now working (knackered motor)
Exhaust bracket reattached
front spoiler reattached on nearside
Bonnet now locking after adjustment
Side repeaters consigned to the bin as both lenses broken (replacements ordered)
Front Calipers removed as pistons frozen. Will have to overhaul

Noticed the drivers side front sits an inch lower than the nearside, suspect knackered front springs as very rusty. Anyone know of where to get replacements, what rating they are?

Looks like I will have to do a rear end overhaul as both calipers are stuck (can free them with a persuader) and one is leaking. Don't fancy trying to get the calipers out on there own so will probably drop the lot. Any recommendations for rear caliper overhaul kits, and fronts for that matter.

Steering ridiculously heavy, and how did TVR manage to make body panels with such huge panel gaps and still design it so that the door edge catches the front wing?

Not had engine running long enough to determine condition but it seems to be ok.

Lots to do and know doubt more questions coming.....

Cheers, John

[KKson]

jgmadkit said:

One post for a project a few weeks ago on PH and I'm now the owner of a 350i project (cheers Mike)

Although the intention is to do a body off resto, I want to just recommission the car for now and run it for a while to see what's what with it.

Already done some fixes that were cheap/free;

Petrol leak fixed
Horn now working (just happened to have a pair left over from another project 15 years ago)
Drivers door lock now working
Drivers electric window now working (knackered motor)
Exhaust bracket reattached
front spoiler reattached on nearside
Bonnet now locking after adjustment
Side repeaters consigned to the bin as both lenses broken (replacements ordered)
Front Calipers removed as pistons frozen. Will have to overhaul

Noticed the drivers side front sits an inch lower than the nearside, suspect knackered front springs as very rusty. Anyone know of where to get replacements, what rating they are?

Looks like I will have to do a rear end overhaul as both calipers are stuck (can free them with a persuader) and one is leaking. Don't fancy trying to get the calipers out on there own so will probably drop the lot. Any recommendations for rear caliper overhaul kits, and fronts for that matter.

Steering ridiculously heavy, and how did TVR manage to make body panels with such huge panel gaps and still design it so that the door edge catches the front wing?

Not had engine running long enough to determine condition but it seems to be ok.

Lots to do and know doubt more questions coming.....

Cheers, John

Hi John, RT (Richard Thorpe) Racing in Sheffield do springs as does Neil at ML Performance. Both great companies and fabulous service, from my experience.

RT Racing do advertise them on flea for £39.95 each. Link below.

Cheers Keith
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-TASMIN-280-350-400SE...

[jgmadkit]

Thanks Keith, now following that ebay seller

Any others that can beat £40 a corner?

[hallsie]

Send the calipers off to BIgg Redd,

Excellent service, and will finish them off for you in a choice of colousr!

Stu

[adam quantrill]

.... any colour, as long as it's Redd!!!

Welcome to the World of Wedging.

[TA14]

jgmadkit said:

Looks like I will have to do a rear end overhaul as both calipers are stuck (can free them with a persuader) and one is leaking. Don't fancy trying to get the calipers out on there own so will probably drop the lot.

Yes, disconnect the rear diff beam (check it for cracks) and the prop then wheel the whole rear axle out from hub to hub.

[Grady]

jgmadkit said:

Looks like I will have to do a rear end overhaul as both calipers are stuck (can free them with a persuader) and one is leaking. Don't fancy trying to get the calipers out on there own so will probably drop the lot. Any recommendations for rear caliper overhaul kits, and fronts for that matter.

Actually if all you need to do are the calipers they are not that bad to replace in place. Ramps, a mechanic's creeper, a good light, a mirror and a pair of safety wire pliers are the only special tools. You might want to order a new crossover pipe (over the differential) as it may be easier to cut the old one off. (It is a Jaguar SIII part.) Over here, I just ordered refurbished calipers from the local box store. About $50 each.

If you need/want to redo the entire rear end that's a different story and dropping the cage makes more sense. Grady

[The Hatter]

Grady, Is your car a trailing arm car? I think the job is easier on a trailing arm car rather than an A-frame car. I dropped the diff last time I had to do the calipers but whichever way you do it it's a bit of a faff...

[jgmadkit]

Thanks chaps. Big Redd looks familiar, must have been Wheeler Dealers.

$50 for a refurbed caliper seems good value, even converted to £ 1-1. Was going to have a go myself with a kit (fronts are around £22 each for a refurb kit) but if I can get already refurbed ones for not much more....

Another question if I may. Interior is a bit 'special' to look at. In the past someone has spray painted what was a beige interior black but looks like they only half did it and it is permanently sticky. Any experience of using vinyl sprays to go over the dash and door cards properly. Seats are red leather so would probably try and match them. Any products you have had a good experience with?

Cheers, John