keep original or change??

[doddze]

Ok so comnpleted the test drive in an S3 today.....great drive,.. a bit tight but then only 23K on the clock...and full TVR serive history..... BUT.. it has got the original Ford Gear Knob on!! Looks like it was of my Dad's Sierra. Wife say (and I agree) it has got to go...... (together with handbrake bit,,,,.

Question 1..... where should I but the the best replacement bits fromn???

Question 2....... Being that the car has done so few miles and has a full dealer TVR history should I change it???? or just keep it as original? PS this car has all original service books and every original user guide....


colour is Paris Blue will get pictures sorted as soon as I can work out my phone!!!!

[mac5]

Gotta be Leven!

[doddze]

???? what do u mean by leven???? sorry new to this.........

[bridgdav]

Paul...

Are you going to buy it then...?

You are already think of changing the gear knob...

Mine only had 27k on the clock when I got it last year... Everyone says mileage should be higher and the cars should be driven...But....Somebody has to do it..

Get the car checked over thoroughly, check the history for typical things which need replacing if the car has been laid up...(Caps, Sensors, tyre condition, rubbers, shocks, Belt, Battery, lots more to mention) Rob Ingelby would know what to look for as would David Batty...

I used both for advice rather than have the car checked over..

If the car feels right then you are half way there... if somebody bought it whilst you were considering it would you be upset...? thats what swayed me...

Leven = Leven Technologies, TVR after sales shiney bits

Check out the links from PH front pages...

[doddze]

Hear what you are saying...... feels tops...... but.. I know can get Leven (the garage gave me the brochure) ,,,,,,,,,,but should I change the original naf Sierra Knob for a more up to date......... I would rather the new.....but is this the thing to do???

[bridgdav]

doddze said:

I would rather the new.....but is this the thing to do???

Mine was after market when I bought the car, it vibrated wobbled and was bl00dy cold in the winter as it was steel...

I bought a wooden Knob from the beaulieu auto jumble a couple of weeks a go. 10 quid...Bargain...

I will probably get my old one re-skimmed on a lathe and put in the classifieds...

[drum4it2]

doddze said:

I would rather the new.....but is this the thing to do???

whenever I fit a 'new' bit, I always keep the old bits too - so it's all there if any future owner wants to change it back... fitting after market bits to TVR's especially the Leven bits is law anyway!(Chimaeras & Griffs at least) I think it's 3 points and a slap now if you're seen with Ford indicator stalks!

[pstruck]

Some people swear by keeping their cars as original, but it has become clear to me, since getting into the TVR 'scene' that upgrades/modifications/personalising your car (call it what you will) is the norm. This is especially the case with interior embelishments.

We all know and accept that TVR interiors are mostly made up of various parts from other manufacturers and replacing these parts, with some quality aftermarket items, can enhance the visual appeal of the car greatly.

I agree that it is worthwhile keeping any original parts for a possible future sale, but don't be put off making these changes - if you like it, do it!

PS, my V8S has Level alloy handbrake handle and gearknob and it looks much better for it.

[EddyB]

www.leventechnology.co.uk - theres the link if you're a lazy kinda guy (I can relate to that )

[crankedup]

I am a 'keep it original' having admired cars that 'even has the original' whatever it may be, after all those years makes it very special. At the least make sure you keep all original fittings as has been said, if you must change items. Must admit I like the 4 exit exhuast on the Griff

[andy43]

Try Redline Accessories - [url]www.redlineaccessoriesltd.co.uk[/url] - their TVR gearknobs rock!

[Edt]

that was the 1st thing I changed on the old s1.5

Demon tweeks had a good range.. was about £30 iirc

Ed

[doddze]

Cheers guys.... think I am going to look to change it but will keep the original. Picking up on Saturday when its had service and bits and pieces sorted...

[bridgdav]

doddze said:

Picking up on Saturday

15 August.....S Meet Silverstone

Bring the S and your new shiney NOB...

Well done, you won't be disapointed...
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Until you drive a Griff 500 or a Tuscan...

[simpo two]

doddze said:

Ok so comnpleted the test drive in an S3 today.....great drive,.. a bit tight but then only 23K on the clock...and full TVR serive history..... BUT.. it has got the original Ford Gear Knob on!! Looks like it was of my Dad's Sierra. Wife say (and I agree) it has got to go...... (together with handbrake bit,,,,. Question 1..... where should I but the the best replacement bits fromn??? Question 2....... Being that the car has done so few miles and has a full dealer TVR history should I change it???? or just keep it as original? PS this car has all original service books and every original user guide....

Nice one - my first TR was an S3. Lovely car.
1) Yes, the gear knob is naff. I got a black leather one from Halfords; you can always swap it back at sale time.

2) What bits do you wnat to replace?

Which leads on to 3) Do you mean keep it FTVRSH or keep it original condition? I really don't think you need to worry about the FTVRSH, if for no other reason that franchised dealers probably wouldn't know what an S3 was if they saw it. By that I mean that even Griffs and Chimps are 'old tech'. There will be a good choice of indys who will do a better job for far less money.
Re condition, I wouldn't change anything that you can't undo later.
And most importantly, enjoy your new toy - I will always remember bringing home my S3

[hoover33]

Hmm wanted a griffith,... bought an S2.. wish I had waited a few months to buy Griffith 4.3.... hooked now aghhhhhhhhhh....... expensive hobby but best money spent in years

[shnozz]

simpo two said:

I will always remember bringing home my S3

what a journey that was. Birmingham to Southampton. roof down and then it rained heavily on the A34 and I had my first attempt at putting up the split roof panels of the S3

lovely car, still miss her.

re the keeping it original point, I have the same dilemma with my current TVR. The problem is exacerbated by the fact its a mint original example with low miles and I just cant bastardise it by modifiying. Having said that, the Ford gear nob is horrid and any parts that can be changed back arent really an issue.