Buying Advice Please
Discussion
Hiya, I've just been to look at a '82 Tasmin FCH.
The chassis looks fine as far as I can see and the engine is OK but the interior and the paint work aren't the best. Are there any interior bits out there? It needed new carpets and probably a seat retrim.
Sooo, is there anything specific I should be looking for? I tried all or the electrics and the only thing not working was the heater blower and the left window took ages to go back up. Does anyone know what the blower is out of? and how accessable it is?
All adive would be much appreciated.
The chassis looks fine as far as I can see and the engine is OK but the interior and the paint work aren't the best. Are there any interior bits out there? It needed new carpets and probably a seat retrim.
Sooo, is there anything specific I should be looking for? I tried all or the electrics and the only thing not working was the heater blower and the left window took ages to go back up. Does anyone know what the blower is out of? and how accessable it is?
All adive would be much appreciated.
Big Daft Lad said:
Hiya, I've just been to look at a '82 Tasmin FCH.
The chassis looks fine as far as I can see and the engine is OK but the interior and the paint work aren't the best. Are there any interior bits out there? It needed new carpets and probably a seat retrim.
Sooo, is there anything specific I should be looking for? I tried all or the electrics and the only thing not working was the heater blower and the left window took ages to go back up. Does anyone know what the blower is out of? and how accessable it is?
All adive would be much appreciated.
Heater blower: Probably the switch has burnt out (like mine). The whole heater assembly is a 'Heath Robinson' TVR The chassis looks fine as far as I can see and the engine is OK but the interior and the paint work aren't the best. Are there any interior bits out there? It needed new carpets and probably a seat retrim.
Sooo, is there anything specific I should be looking for? I tried all or the electrics and the only thing not working was the heater blower and the left window took ages to go back up. Does anyone know what the blower is out of? and how accessable it is?
All adive would be much appreciated.
special and isn't great at the best of times
Slow window: Could just need a good grease-up, or the motor could do with renewing. These are from a Rover SD1, new
ones are obtainable from Rimmer Bros.
Have you driven it ?
Clutch replacement can be a pain.
Tired suspension ? It should feel pretty stiff, not wallowy, and the car shouldn't sit too low.
Rot in window frames ? (on doors).
Wish I hadn't sold mine.
Depends on price of course, but niggles you've mentioned so far are bugger all, except interior will be dear to have done professionally
Oh, and respray ?
Clutch replacement can be a pain.
Tired suspension ? It should feel pretty stiff, not wallowy, and the car shouldn't sit too low.
Rot in window frames ? (on doors).
Wish I hadn't sold mine.
Depends on price of course, but niggles you've mentioned so far are bugger all, except interior will be dear to have done professionally
Oh, and respray ?
Edited by grahamw48 on Thursday 5th February 21:48
I have a FHC that had a very rough interior, rotting window frames, peeling veneer on the dash - it isn't cheap to set it all right, but it's worth every penny. I had mine done in Toronto at TVR North America (not too convenient for you I know!) and they did a beautiful job. I did the dash/door handle/door strip veneer myself, and I bought a replacement steering wheel. They recarpeted and re covered the seats in leather, and the center console in vinyl, and rebuilt the window frames.
I wouldn't do it in stages if you are doing the interior, it's better to enjoy the impact of the entire refurb at once. If on a budget you could consider the carpet yourself, bringing the main matts to a carpet shop to be bound (don't use wool, use synthetic - maybe not as nice - but doesn't want to rot on you.) You also can consider the seat cover route, a bit of a compromise; when I did that I couldn't believe how hard it was to find seat covers that didn't have ugly graphics!).
If you do go with this car you may want to drive it for a few months first and see if it is going to be the right one for you.
Sounds like this car would be getting roof work, so I assume a repaint would be in order, and a new headliner.
Now, the reality is when car shopping if you find one that's brilliant in the first place you will be glad you paid the extra money.
Good luck.
I wouldn't do it in stages if you are doing the interior, it's better to enjoy the impact of the entire refurb at once. If on a budget you could consider the carpet yourself, bringing the main matts to a carpet shop to be bound (don't use wool, use synthetic - maybe not as nice - but doesn't want to rot on you.) You also can consider the seat cover route, a bit of a compromise; when I did that I couldn't believe how hard it was to find seat covers that didn't have ugly graphics!).
If you do go with this car you may want to drive it for a few months first and see if it is going to be the right one for you.
Sounds like this car would be getting roof work, so I assume a repaint would be in order, and a new headliner.
Now, the reality is when car shopping if you find one that's brilliant in the first place you will be glad you paid the extra money.
Good luck.
Edited by UKAuto on Friday 6th February 03:15
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