When is a Wedge always a Wedge?
Discussion
I make no apologies for starting a topic that is regularly aired in all car discussions. In our neck of the woods, we excel at engineering skills with the Wedge. Starting with the premise that ideally a Wedge should be as it was when it left the factory, which is not the case for us.
As components wear out, break or we judge that a change is warranted, we will either replace with like for like, or use a more modern equivalent for various reasons. But how far should we go?
As components wear out, break or we judge that a change is warranted, we will either replace with like for like, or use a more modern equivalent for various reasons. But how far should we go?
That is a good point henry..Somethings like bushes and suspension maybe worth the upgrade as roads have changed..Switches are noticeably hard if not impossible to get and im sure there are many other parts that are equally as hard to find..I suppose it all boils down to availability..Ziga
A very interesting question, I will look forward to reading the replies on this one. Personally I would say that TVR produced the wedge by raiding other manufacturer’s parts bins and they presumably based their choice of parts of the most suitable parts, in their view, for each component. So I would say why not carry on that tradition. Of course counter to this view, if we all did this we would at some point in the future end up with no original wedges which would be a shame. I would keep the body and chassis as is but everything else would be up for change as I saw fit. I would still call it a wedge.
If it shares a profile with a slice of chedder, carries a TVR badge, and sounds like thunder it's a wedge. I think a wedge carries a certain persona/character, and most are slightly different from each other, and so long as the car is only ever altered in keeping with the original design brief (not that I've seen it written down!) then I think most modifications are fine.
Terence said:
Of course counter to this view, if we all did this we would at some point in the future end up with no original wedges which would be a shame.
All mods done on my car can be undone, plus I still have all the original parts.Also there was a 400SE at the last back home, with less than 1000 miles I think, was 100% original, inc. RE71 tyres. so I'm sure this is likely to be kept this was. a shame in some ways it's not being used.
I always say, if it's 'in keeping' with the car and the tradition then it's OK. If you consider that once upon a time TVR supplied kit cars, the engine spec., level of detail and perfection of trim would be down to the individual builder, so had the Wedge been supplied as a kit they'd have all been different anyway.
I think Henry's car jangled a few nerves because it was applying modern styling idioms to a car that didn't know the 'modifying' scene - much the same way as that 'Carisma' Cerbera did a few years ago.
I think Henry's car jangled a few nerves because it was applying modern styling idioms to a car that didn't know the 'modifying' scene - much the same way as that 'Carisma' Cerbera did a few years ago.
Hey guys (and guyesses
), this topic is not just about my car. I have passed the point where I need to be defensive. Yes, mine was "pimped up" by the previous owner, but that was mainly cosmetic. I have put the trim and wheels back to something more in keeping with how it came out of the factory.
Also, from the previous owner amongst other items are:
OK, now what about my fellow PHers?
), this topic is not just about my car. I have passed the point where I need to be defensive. Yes, mine was "pimped up" by the previous owner, but that was mainly cosmetic. I have put the trim and wheels back to something more in keeping with how it came out of the factory.Also, from the previous owner amongst other items are:
- as in another topic, the exhaust has been changed to a twin tail pipe setup with appropriate body changes underneath
- the rear light clusters are "upside down" BMW (a fellow PHer has said he prefers these to the originals from the Renault Fuego)
- the front brakes are labelled Porsche (there were originally incorrectly fitted)
- the gearbox is original, but the engine is a later cross-bolted 4.6 litre unit with a four-barrel Edelbrock carburettor
- strengthening to the chassis including extra tubes inside the car with a roll-over bar purely on safety grounds. No, it does not have gullwing or flappy canvas doors as mentioned and illustrated in a previous topic
- replacement steering wheel
- door mirror adjustment switches
- suspension redesign, which is still in progress at the rear
- uprated rear brakes from an XKR
- adjustable steering column from a Granada
- fresh air feed to the ventilation system
- repositioning the oil cooler and ducting it so that it does its job
OK, now what about my fellow PHers?
Henry Harris said:
Hey guys (and guyesses), this topic is not just about my car. I have passed the point where I need to be defensive. Yes, mine was "pimped up" by the previous owner, but that was mainly cosmetic. I have put the trim and wheels back to something more in keeping with how it came out of the factory.
Also, from the previous owner amongst other items are:
OK, now what about my fellow PHers?
Be interested in the rear brake upgrade,), this topic is not just about my car. I have passed the point where I need to be defensive. Yes, mine was "pimped up" by the previous owner, but that was mainly cosmetic. I have put the trim and wheels back to something more in keeping with how it came out of the factory.Also, from the previous owner amongst other items are:
- as in another topic, the exhaust has been changed to a twin tail pipe setup with appropriate body changes underneath
- the rear light clusters are "upside down" BMW (a fellow PHer has said he prefers these to the originals from the Renault Fuego)
- the front brakes are labelled Porsche (there were originally incorrectly fitted)
- the gearbox is original, but the engine is a later cross-bolted 4.6 litre unit with a four-barrel Edelbrock carburettor
- strengthening to the chassis including extra tubes inside the car with a roll-over bar purely on safety grounds. No, it does not have gullwing or flappy canvas doors as mentioned and illustrated in a previous topic
- replacement steering wheel
- door mirror adjustment switches
- suspension redesign, which is still in progress at the rear
- uprated rear brakes from an XKR
- adjustable steering column from a Granada
- fresh air feed to the ventilation system
- repositioning the oil cooler and ducting it so that it does its job
OK, now what about my fellow PHers?
On my 400SE, I've detailed the engine bay, blue silicon hoses, and polish, plus all brackets re-made in ali inc plenum to AFM. Real Carbon Dash etc, 16" OZ wheels, Going to fit coil overs, and TVR Cerbera front Calipers.
I have Corsa Electric PAS on the FHC Racer, would be easier to say what is still standard on the rest of the car also
TVRleigh_BBWR said:
I did mine about 7 years ago, all Samco from demon tweeks, was a bit trial and error, as was one of the 1st. but ACT now do a KIT.
I got my hoses from ACT but for some reason I can't remember I gave Tim the measurements and sizes of all the hoses I wanted. Each and every person to their own is my motto,if we modify then we're just continuing the trend,we don't all have to like others choices but sometimes others choices ring our bells,one thing for sure no matter what's been done to a wedge when you see it you know what it is cos of, the shape and the noise,better any wedge than a mondeovectrabmwlexus thingy.
To me as long as the Wedge looks like a Wedge that's fine, but because there's about 6 different models of cars in them anyway then yes buy what you can to modify them, engine / suspension and any other bits and pieces because any time your asking for a price for anything it's oh - tvr, [think i'll double it].
It's a case of keeping our cars on the road for reasonable pennies because we all enjoy them anyway. So in the Wedger's case i'll do anything to keep these cars on the road.
Loud and Proud.
jonny.
It's a case of keeping our cars on the road for reasonable pennies because we all enjoy them anyway. So in the Wedger's case i'll do anything to keep these cars on the road.
Loud and Proud.
jonny.
I was watching 'come dine with me' the other day and a guy made a lasagna, albeit his version of it with a couple of different spices in it. It wasn't to one persons taste so he said it wasn't really a proper lasagna. The others agreed it was a proper one but with a difference.
Surely this is the same with wedges, (no, not potato wedges
) Even if as some do, fit different engines in, bigger wheels/brakes on then it is still a wedge. Maybe not to the purist, but certainly in my book it is.
The only possible problem I can see, is selling it on. Too many mods/ alterations can sometimes make people stay away from it
Surely this is the same with wedges, (no, not potato wedges
) Even if as some do, fit different engines in, bigger wheels/brakes on then it is still a wedge. Maybe not to the purist, but certainly in my book it is. The only possible problem I can see, is selling it on. Too many mods/ alterations can sometimes make people stay away from it
Edited by TOPTON on Friday 18th February 13:48
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