Buying a Barn find....what to look for
Discussion
Well, almost a barn find.
It's a 1985 280i converetible. Apparently with PAS, mint condition white with black interior and has sat under an all weather cover in a car port for almost four years without moving. 80K miles full service history etc.
I rebuilt a 1980 FHC several years ago so I know most of the things to look for, but any reminders/pointers would help before I go and have a closer look.
Any advice appreciated......
It's a 1985 280i converetible. Apparently with PAS, mint condition white with black interior and has sat under an all weather cover in a car port for almost four years without moving. 80K miles full service history etc.
I rebuilt a 1980 FHC several years ago so I know most of the things to look for, but any reminders/pointers would help before I go and have a closer look.
Any advice appreciated......
I just purchased a 1984 280i that was indeed a barn find. It had been stored away in a weathertight barn for five years while the owner went through a divorce.
Thankfully, the paint is buffing out pretty nicely (white exterior, red interior) but the interior needs to be completely redone. I'll be going through it mechanically to make sure nothing is overlooked, checking the hydraulics, electrics and replacing all rubber components that are suspect.
I'll also be replacing springs and shocks and any bushings that appear to be substandard and the exhaust will obviously need to be replaced. It also needs a new windscreen but I already have one of those ready to go in.
Once I got the car and gave it a good cleaning, it looked like a totally different car, with the five years of grime removed.
More than anything else, don't cut corners. Check everything out because these cars don't like to sit and not be driven, things just tend to go wrong when that happens.
Good luck with yours,
Marshall
Thankfully, the paint is buffing out pretty nicely (white exterior, red interior) but the interior needs to be completely redone. I'll be going through it mechanically to make sure nothing is overlooked, checking the hydraulics, electrics and replacing all rubber components that are suspect.
I'll also be replacing springs and shocks and any bushings that appear to be substandard and the exhaust will obviously need to be replaced. It also needs a new windscreen but I already have one of those ready to go in.
Once I got the car and gave it a good cleaning, it looked like a totally different car, with the five years of grime removed.
More than anything else, don't cut corners. Check everything out because these cars don't like to sit and not be driven, things just tend to go wrong when that happens.
Good luck with yours,
Marshall
Well, finally got to see the beastie today. Four years locked away and once we have poured some juice in it fired up!! It's an absolute minter and apart from a good clean inside and out and wire brush session and some waxoyl to the chassis it is superb! Reckon it will p*ss the MOT as its been well loved all its life. An absolute bargain!
Edited by Flasher on Thursday 21st June 17:01
taimar78 said:
Congrats! It sounds like you've found yourself a winner. Good luck with it, hope you enjoy it. I hope to have my barn find ready to hit the road by late summer or early fall.
Well, it's for my retired father in law, but I'll be getting in the drivers seat on a regular basis and helping him bring it up to standard. I had a quick spin round the block in it and everything worked perfectly. It had been cherished throught it's life and had only been laid up due a family ilness. They will be gutted to see it go, but pleased it's going to a good home. I was bloody tempted to buy it myself!!
OK, heres the pictures!
Obviously where it's sat for four years the paint has become really dull. However, with several hours of working with T-cut and farecla it's started to reveal a beautiful gleaming shine. Will posts more pics when it's finished. You can just see the top left of the bonnet where the shine is coming through!
Obviously where it's sat for four years the paint has become really dull. However, with several hours of working with T-cut and farecla it's started to reveal a beautiful gleaming shine. Will posts more pics when it's finished. You can just see the top left of the bonnet where the shine is coming through!
Well done, Flasher. You obviously found a good one. Here are photos of my recent barn find that I mentioned in a previous post.
I've already cleaned it up quite a bit and it goes in for the start of a full mechanical servicing next Monday. The paint has been buffing out rather well, the chassis is solid but it's still going to require some TLC and time.
Marshall
I've already cleaned it up quite a bit and it goes in for the start of a full mechanical servicing next Monday. The paint has been buffing out rather well, the chassis is solid but it's still going to require some TLC and time.
Marshall
Marshall, I remember seeing the car advertised! Glad someone took it on as it looks like it could be fine with some minor work.
The Tasmin is off for service and MOT next week so fingers crossed not too much needs doing! I'm totally convinced it will get through as everything is working perfectly now. The Father in Law is working on it every day so hopefully I will see major progress when I go back down to Cornwall in a weeks time. The paintwork continues to come up a treat though and I will post more pictures when I get them.
The Tasmin is off for service and MOT next week so fingers crossed not too much needs doing! I'm totally convinced it will get through as everything is working perfectly now. The Father in Law is working on it every day so hopefully I will see major progress when I go back down to Cornwall in a weeks time. The paintwork continues to come up a treat though and I will post more pictures when I get them.
Congrats Flasher! the car looks great and to pass the MOT the first time is quite an accomplishment. My 1984 is still in the shop where the technicians are so busy they don't have enough extra time to work on it, but they'll get to it eventually. I'll post more photos once substantive progress has been made.
TVRleigh said:
Well done, looks nice.
May I ask who done your carpets.
and do you have a pic of the inside, or you not done that yet.
Leigh
All original. All thats been done is a thorough (and I mean thorough!!) clean up.The engine bay was carefully prepped and steamcleaned. The chassis is the next job but only needs a good wire brush and some hammerite. The paintwork was a nightmare but has come up a treat with T-cut and farecla. Also repainted the wheels. I still haven't driven her since the day I found her but the father in law has been out several times! May I ask who done your carpets.
and do you have a pic of the inside, or you not done that yet.
Leigh
Not bad for a car that had been sitting under tarpaulins for four years!
taimar78 said:
Congrats Flasher! the car looks great and to pass the MOT the first time is quite an accomplishment. My 1984 is still in the shop where the technicians are so busy they don't have enough extra time to work on it, but they'll get to it eventually. I'll post more photos once substantive progress has been made.
To be honest this is a doddle compared to the last one I rebuilt!! (check my profile)The total bill at the mechanics to get it through the MOT was £270!!
I helped with all the paintwork but there is still some work for me to do next time I'm down in Cornwall. All the rest has been done by the father in law and he has done a sterling job it's the perfect retirement present as there is plenty to do but it's also useable. It's just a shame I can't get down there more often as I have the bug again now....
I might just have to take another re-build on!
Now, wheres my ebay button......
Edited by flasher on Thursday 16th August 13:19
Flasher, I can't be 100% sure but I think I may have owned your car in the late 1980's it looks identical to my old 280i apart from the private plate. I would be really interested to know if it is the same car, always wondered where it ended up being my first TVR. Do you have the history for it?
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