Looking at a Wedge
Discussion
Hey everyone, it's Fisher Jnr hijakcing my dad's account again (I will create my own at somepoint)! As I posted in the General TVR section, I'm looking for my first TVR. I've seen a couple of Wedge 350i's, and would like to know the ins and outs of ownership, such as common problems, niggles, things to look for when going to inspect the car etc etc.
Weeeeelllll.
Have a look here.
http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/buyersguide.html
Get along to BBWF09 and there will be more cars than you can shake a stick at and ask the owners and see the cars AND blagg a ride or three.....
Have a look here.
http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/buyersguide.html
Get along to BBWF09 and there will be more cars than you can shake a stick at and ask the owners and see the cars AND blagg a ride or three.....
The price (if you have the money) is irrelevant.
Buy on overall condition, and then find out how much any obvious faults will cost to fix.
Chassis should be your starting point.
At this time of year you at least want to be able to drive the car from the off, I'd have thought. Otherwise you may as well wait until autumn when prices are lower.
They are all fixable at not too great a cost, considering what brilliant and exclusive cars they still are.
Buy on overall condition, and then find out how much any obvious faults will cost to fix.
Chassis should be your starting point.
At this time of year you at least want to be able to drive the car from the off, I'd have thought. Otherwise you may as well wait until autumn when prices are lower.
They are all fixable at not too great a cost, considering what brilliant and exclusive cars they still are.
I'd say there were quite a few perfectly respectable 280s around at that sort of price. There are one or two on ebay (classified...not auction) at the moment.
Plus at least one on PH classifieds. There really is nothing too scary about these cars. Make sure chassis outriggers are good or replaced already. Electrics can be a bit of a pain if malfunctioning. Engine is just stock Ford 2.8i. Exhausts manis and system (TVR special) are dear, so if stainless one fitted...good news. Loads of spares around though, and a friendly and helpful band of 'Wedgers' always willing to offer help and advice.
350i is quicker and dearer to run, but with THE soundtrack.
They're all group 20 insurance though.
I know we all think we're the best driver in the world....especially at 20,
but the V8s might prove a bit of a handful in youthful and exuberant hands, and if you stuff it into a hedge your insurance won't get any cheaper. Even the 280 can get pretty 'exciting' in the wet with that light rear end.
Plus at least one on PH classifieds. There really is nothing too scary about these cars. Make sure chassis outriggers are good or replaced already. Electrics can be a bit of a pain if malfunctioning. Engine is just stock Ford 2.8i. Exhausts manis and system (TVR special) are dear, so if stainless one fitted...good news. Loads of spares around though, and a friendly and helpful band of 'Wedgers' always willing to offer help and advice.
350i is quicker and dearer to run, but with THE soundtrack.
They're all group 20 insurance though.
I know we all think we're the best driver in the world....especially at 20,
but the V8s might prove a bit of a handful in youthful and exuberant hands, and if you stuff it into a hedge your insurance won't get any cheaper. Even the 280 can get pretty 'exciting' in the wet with that light rear end.as the prices for 350ies have dropped...i would never buy a 280...i own a 280 convertible and have owned 2 FHC...and i must say: this has nothing to do with a sportscar. the 150HP are on the paper...and the car is far away from being fast.
its a good cruiser, for longer distances and motorways..but acceleration, especially driving sometimes in the mountains is disapointing.
main thing is: chassis, chassis and again chassis.
welded outtriggers--> walk away
plenty of underseal or waxoyl-->walk away
"surface rust" on the center chassis tubes-->walk away
un-welded chassis with unmolested powder coating-->buy!!
its a good cruiser, for longer distances and motorways..but acceleration, especially driving sometimes in the mountains is disapointing.
main thing is: chassis, chassis and again chassis.
welded outtriggers--> walk away
plenty of underseal or waxoyl-->walk away
"surface rust" on the center chassis tubes-->walk away
un-welded chassis with unmolested powder coating-->buy!!
Comadis said:
as the prices for 350ies have dropped...i would never buy a 280...i own a 280 convertible and have owned 2 FHC...and i must say: this has nothing to do with a sportscar. the 150HP are on the paper...and the car is far away from being fast.
its a good cruiser, for longer distances and motorways..but acceleration, especially driving sometimes in the mountains is disapointing.
main thing is: chassis, chassis and again chassis.
welded outtriggers--> walk away
plenty of underseal or waxoyl-->walk away
"surface rust" on the center chassis tubes-->walk away
un-welded chassis with unmolested powder coating-->buy!!
I definately want a V8. I'm not a loony driver, infact, when I drove a Chim 5 litre, the owner told me to be a bit more forceful and stick my boot down, as really they aren't that scary, but they command my respect regardless. When I choose to be, I'm pretty quick though (there's a couple of PHers on here who will testify to my quick karting times hehe). The main problem is, one of the cars isn't in running condition, but is reasonably close to me, but the other, which is in running condition, is 250 miles away.....a long way to travel, but possibly worth it? What would you guys suggest?its a good cruiser, for longer distances and motorways..but acceleration, especially driving sometimes in the mountains is disapointing.
main thing is: chassis, chassis and again chassis.
welded outtriggers--> walk away
plenty of underseal or waxoyl-->walk away
"surface rust" on the center chassis tubes-->walk away
un-welded chassis with unmolested powder coating-->buy!!
grahamw48 said:
Well, I'm sure our expert german friend above will advise you as to how you can buy a museum quality 350i for very little money.
yep! what do i look for? I mean, chassis is the most important, but without the body off, what are the main signs to look for? How can i get some estimation of outrigger condition?Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff