Tvr restoration

[QuiteQuietCerb]

Hi, have been thinking there are a lot of owners out there that have had a body off rebuilt or contemplating it. We tend to use reputable specialists for this job or go DIY. But Has anyone considered general restoration garages. There are quite a few charging 20-30 pounds per hour, which would make such a job considerably cheaper than the k5+ this type of work would normally cost.

I'm not implying that specialist outfits aren't doing an excellent job and I always use them for mechanical work. But with the number of DIY body off attempts I read about on ph it makes me think that this is a job that any competent mechanic could carry out.

Thoughts, experiences would be appreciated.

[Alun450]

A mechanic might be able to pull it apart but weld, repair chassis and retain the rigidity/position of the tubing etc might be more of a challenge. Also the final finish and bonding of paint to chassis all have to be done correctly.
You do need multi talents or people around you that have.
I'd like to buy a welder, train myself up with miles of blown tubing then do it myself but I'd rather leave the skilled stuff to the skilled.
If you have enough facilities and a good idea of what's involved your not wrong in what your saying.
Documentation is the important thing, notes and photos as you go.

Its remembering exactly what goes back where, cable ties. How pipes bend here and there all that stuff.
I'm getting geared up to do it.

[nawarne]

A local garage to us in Hants, called Southways (in Fareham) has been keen to get TVR business.
They only have experience of the RV8 cars (presently) but their chassis restoration work is excellent.

The co-owner has an Ultima and they were building an Escort RS200 kit - as well as several Griffs in for new chassis when we visited mid-January.

Might be worth a 'phone call if you're interested?
Nick

[QuiteQuietCerb]

Thanks I have seen their website, they seem competitive. Was searching the web and came across a few companies that claim to have restored old jags, Mercs etc, with some impressive pictures. Now I think these are more complex cars to restore, if they can do that at 20£/hr to do up a tvr wouldn't cost more than 2-3k?

[portzi]

QuiteQuietCerb said:

Thanks I have seen their website, they seem competitive. Was searching the web and came across a few companies that claim to have restored old jags, Mercs etc, with some impressive pictures. Now I think these are more complex cars to restore, if they can do that at 20£/hr to do up a tvr wouldn't cost more than 2-3k?

With a 2-3 k budget you will probably get the outriggers done and wishbones refurbed with new bushes , don't forget that 20% for David cameron !!

[QuiteQuietCerb]

I have had body off outriggers done plus a 12k service a few years back at a 3k cost. I would expect more for my money nowadays, assuming no parts, just labour costs on a 2k budget at 20£/hr is 100 hours worth of work.

Would it take more time to take body off, strip chassis from mechanical bits, weld, blast and paint and put everything back on? I just don't see why this is not achievable

[Steve_D]

QuiteQuietCerb said:

I have had body off outriggers done plus a 12k service a few years back at a 3k cost. I would expect more for my money nowadays, assuming no parts, just labour costs on a 2k budget at 20£/hr is 100 hours worth of work.

Would it take more time to take body off, strip chassis from mechanical bits, weld, blast and paint and put everything back on? I just don't see why this is not achievable

Good luck with the £20 per hour company.
The costs to run a business like ours are high so I don't know how they could do it unless they cut corners.
Our insurance alone is £1000 per month.

Steve
Southways

[QuiteQuietCerb]

Thanks Steve, i assume depends on the size of the business and overall overheads. Hope not to need this type of work for years to come anyway.