anyone know this wedge?

[jeahgreg]

Hi there, wanting to get into wedge ownership... spotted the blue 1989 350i on ebay... anyone on here know it? Hoping to get down to have a look as could be a cheap easy start into the world of wedging! It'll be my only mode of transport and will live outside (with cover for long periods of not being used!!) so doesn't need to be cosmetically pristeen! let me know if any of you hugely experienced wedgers have come across it in your travels and if there's anything I should know about!

Cheers in advance chaps!

greg

[jmorgan]

Handy link.

Click me

[L33]

Ebay linky here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-TVR-TASMIN-BLUE_W0QQite...

I don't know the car but if I were to buy one, I'd want one that had been used in the last 2 years. When wedges arn't used, things sieze up and start not to work!

I'm not saying this one is bad, just you should have a very good look first.



I don't know what your budget is but there are a few more here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=5&...

Edited by L33 on Wednesday 8th August 18:22

[Wedginald]

I've seen worse and at anything close to that money, it looks good. If you get it, you will probably find that everything is a bit stiff - driving it should free things off. Check all electrics - especially fuel gauge. If the gauge isn't reading, it's highly likely that the prob is at the tank end.

Interior looks OK - but it's a shame that the wood has gone. If I were buying, I'd redo the veneer - it all comes out easily.

Things I'd look for -

cracked exhaust manifolds
hood looks a little tired
Chassis side rails (obviously)
headlamp operation
driveshaft condition
Oil pressure (should be about 28psi @ 2500rpm when warm)


Hope this helps and that I'm not stating the obvious!

[jeahgreg]

Cheers, for the info so far guys... Budget is (very) tight hence the end of the market I'm looking at! He's got other people interested though so may have gone by the weekend... who knows!going to keep my eye on it though! but may look for one thats been in more regular use!

[jmorgan]

Just remember that a cheap budget may empty your pockets quicker than the wife on sale day.

I hasten to add that this is not a comment on this particular car.

Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 8th August 19:49

[leorest]

Don't bust a blood vessel to buy the first "Good one" you come across. I'm sure there will be plenty more opportunities. Whatever you buy make sure you keep a little cash back as with the best will in the world you will always find some hidden surprise. I know I did and that was from a reputable (shamed but not named) specialist/dealer!

You can save yourself a fortune if you can push a spanner/hammer. There is very little which costs a lot to put right except paint/bodywork or fancy OZ wheels. all IMHO of course. This forum is a good place to start if you encounter a problem and want to find the cheapest and/or best solution.

Join the car club for the classifieds etc.

Oh happy days remembered of running the Wedge as my only wheels! The only difficulty I encountered was lack of demisting capability in the winter months.

[matt-man]

Just a little comment about the car as it has been sitting around for a while...

I think i was very lucky with my 400, but she was sitting up for about 5 years in a garage before i finally found her and fell in love! She was ok, but required some TLC...the usual question is 'WHY?' There must be some reason why someone hasnt used the car...could be that its to unreliable, doesnt feel safe or maybe something more 'usual' that the wife has said 'its too loud, its too low and when you drive along everyone looks at you.....' Yes, exactly my dear! Thats why we buy them!!!

My advice is just to check the main things (CHASSIS CHASSIS CHASSIS) including the chassis, by getting underneath with something metal (screwdriver will be fine) and having a good old tap on anything chassis like, especially the outriggers! If this is fine, and you get the vibe from the car then go for it! If your comfortable with a spanner, get a bible and fix away! Parts are dirt cheap (usually) so she wont cost a fortune...

For this kinda money, it wont be perfect, but you wont go wrong! Youll feel compelled to spend lots on her so she will be one day!

Be ready (like i was luckily advised) to spend a little money as soon as you get her....if shes sat around, she'll probably need new bushs, new tyres, total fluid change.....etc

Good luck! you wont regret buying one!!!

Edited by matt-man on Thursday 9th August 09:15

[jeahgreg]

Cheers for the replies guys! looks like i've missed it though as he's withdrawn it from sale! Back to the drawing board! if its ment to be something'll turn up, I'm debating wether its worth waiting till the end of summer... do prices drop etc? And I really appreciate your kind & very useful comments!

Cheers
Greg

[spannerboy]

just to let you know i bought it today,picked up in nottingham,all sound and solid,needs a little fettling but a good honest car.graham just needed it gone as he had sold the house it was at.checked all the fluids,taxed it and drove it back to london.i have missed that sound in my life so much

[jeahgreg]

nice one spanner boy (well, I say that, actually I'm jealous as buggery!!!)
Good luck with it! wish me luck looking for my perfect wedge!
Take care
Greg

[spannerboy]

i bought it because i have owned a few and am a mechanic by trade,it actualy turned out to be very good,but a wedge can be your best friend or your worst enemy,by the best your budget will allow

[andy390se]

what is your budget?
i looked for over a year before i bought my money pit(just kidding).
the silver 350 in the classifieds could be worth a look for the price been on there a while but good colour combo.
happy hunting!

[jeahgreg]

£3500 would be blowing my budget right out the water i'm afraid! especially if I'm trying to keep some back for running costs! I'm a youngster so really should be buying a ford focus or something else equally dull, but its just not me! I've had powerful bikes and want a car that gives me the same buzz but doesn't make me wet in the rain! Cheers for the advice! Keep it comeing!
Greg

[gsx600]

jeahgreg said:

I've had powerful bikes and want a car that gives me the same buzz but doesn't make me wet in the rain! Greg

Good luck there then, they all leak like a seive Not quite as bad when the roof is up though, but that would be boring

[rev-erend]

Just spotted this on ebay..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

350i for nearly 5K .. and it's got 252bhp from a 3.5 litre.. from just a cam change and lightened flywheel..

Think someone is telling porkies..

[TVRleigh]

Yes I saw that too,
I see he did not back it up with a rolling road printout.

He would need every mod in the book to get that out of a 3.5
would be posible but would not be all that good to drive on the road. < 2000 RPM

[spannerboy]

just to let you know i'm 500 miles in now and it's going fine,had lots of money spent in all the right places,new rad,poly urethane bushes,fully adjustable rear konis and new mounts.
got to change the oil pressure sender and oil light switch as there leaking oil and do the tracking.greased up all the uj's and prop.i have missed that sound so much

[jeahgreg]

Grrrr!!! really glad its going well for you (well, glad ish, I'd have been gladder if it was me sat in it! and I wasn't staring at my screen through a grean jealous haze!) Just need to keep my fingers crossed for another sorted ish wedge for £2500 ish to pop up! All the best with it and I hope to see (or should that be hear!) you around sometime!
Greg

[spannerboy]

thanks greg,i took a chance on it and it's payed off,you will find yours