Just been to check out a Wedge
Discussion
Hey everyone, KingFisher's son here. Me and my dad have just been to check out a Wedge 350i, with the view to it being my first step on the TVR ladder. Now, the car seemed to run fine, with the engine seeming in good order (and very good sound too). The only worries I had were that the gearstick felt more wobbly than other TVRs I've driven, but they have all been Chimaeras.....is the rover gearbox a less robust unit than the T5? Secondly, the brakes seemed to need a heavy shuv to work, is this normal? The chassis had had some outriggers re-welded, with some new sections added. Is this ok and normal on Wedges? Finally, the interior was in need of some serious TLC, including new walnut veneers, new interior door handle covers, and some re-stitching on the lether where it's cracked. How much would this cost? Any help would be great!
I'm not too sure on wedges, I've never owned one I'm afraid.
But I doubt like most TVRs the interiors aren't particularly cheap to renovate as they were all well crafted and hand made as they left the factory.
Almost every TVR around that age has had chassis work at some point! If it's been done it's a bonus. Did you get a good hard look at the chassis? A good poke around? The chassis is the biggest thing you must check when you buy any TVR.
But I doubt like most TVRs the interiors aren't particularly cheap to renovate as they were all well crafted and hand made as they left the factory.
Almost every TVR around that age has had chassis work at some point! If it's been done it's a bonus. Did you get a good hard look at the chassis? A good poke around? The chassis is the biggest thing you must check when you buy any TVR.
King Fisher said:
Hey everyone, KingFisher's son here. Me and my dad have just been to check out a Wedge 350i, with the view to it being my first step on the TVR ladder. Now, the car seemed to run fine, with the engine seeming in good order (and very good sound too). The only worries I had were that the gearstick felt more wobbly than other TVRs I've driven, but they have all been Chimaeras.....is the rover gearbox a less robust unit than the T5? Secondly, the brakes seemed to need a heavy shuv to work, is this normal? The chassis had had some outriggers re-welded, with some new sections added. Is this ok and normal on Wedges? Finally, the interior was in need of some serious TLC, including new walnut veneers, new interior door handle covers, and some re-stitching on the lether where it's cracked. How much would this cost? Any help would be great!
If the chassis is in good order and outriggers replaced, then that's a very good start.Gearshift on LT77 is usually fairly ponderous, but not sloppy or loose.
It could just be gearbox bushes gone soft, or something minor needing a bit of fettling. Earlier Chims also used the LT77. I know nothing about the T5.
Interior can be smartened up yourself at not too great a cost...or hundreds if done professionally.
Seats will be dear to have recovered, but Chim seats fit straight in, and some people have used MX5 seats.
Wood, again can be do-it-yourself (see here: http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk ) or even painted or replaced with carbon fibre type finish.
The braking effort can vary depending upon what pads are fitted. The 390s and above have better brakes, but 350s can be upgraded.
All of the braking parts on the 350 are pretty cheap, and come from mass-production cars like old Jags and Ford Granada MK 2. (Estate)
Normally it is the handbrake which is the achilles heel...so always worth checking that it actally does work !
The engines should run trouble-free to high mileages (particularly the 3.5), as long as basic maintenance has been carried out.
V8 Wedges represent excellent value for money, and generally are very reliable, considering their performance.
Good luck with your search, and always best to ask about them over on the Wedge section if you want a nice biased, but experienced view.
I got a good look at the chassis, the guy even pulled part of the body panel away to show me where he'd worked on the outriggers. The main backbone seemed very solid. There was also a small oil leak, but I understand this is pretty common with older TVRs?
If Chim seats fit, that's an excellent start. How much would a nice set of seats cost me?
As for the dash, I'd probably go the carbon fibre/aluminium route, as that seems easier to fit than a veneer, but correct me if I'm wrong?
If Chim seats fit, that's an excellent start. How much would a nice set of seats cost me?
As for the dash, I'd probably go the carbon fibre/aluminium route, as that seems easier to fit than a veneer, but correct me if I'm wrong?
I think a couple of hundred or less should get you some decent seats.
Beware of SHINY metal finish dash materials unless you want blinding when the sun is out.
Maybe the car IS a guddun.
If you buy from a pistonhead you'll probably be able to trace all that's happened to the car during its last year or two through the postings on here, as I was able to with my present one.
Beware of SHINY metal finish dash materials unless you want blinding when the sun is out.
Maybe the car IS a guddun.
If you buy from a pistonhead you'll probably be able to trace all that's happened to the car during its last year or two through the postings on here, as I was able to with my present one.
grahamw48 said:
I think a couple of hundred or less should get you some decent seats.
Beware of SHINY metal finish dash materials unless you want blinding when the sun is out.
Maybe the car IS a guddun.
If you buy from a pistonhead you'll probably be able to trace all that's happened to the car during its last year or two through the postings on here, as I was able to with my present one.
Good idea on tracing it through posts! BTW, is that Graham from York? Beware of SHINY metal finish dash materials unless you want blinding when the sun is out.
Maybe the car IS a guddun.
If you buy from a pistonhead you'll probably be able to trace all that's happened to the car during its last year or two through the postings on here, as I was able to with my present one.
There is no more efort required to stop a Wedge than a Chim we have both. The gearbox on the later Chims and Grifs is to take the extra power of the 500 and you can not tell the condition of the box by playing with the gear lever. Main things to remember you get what you pay for ours has just done 50k going to wedge fest you can eat your dinner of its chassis unwelded and original the interior shows its age but norips or tears most of all remember Wedges go from a couple of hundred quid to over 10k with most 350s in the 3-5k bracket condition is every thing..
sloppy gearlever is just the actuator needing re-bushing & setting up properly as far as I know- so not a big deal. Brakes on my wedge were not that good either and I ended up fitting re-con calipers and a new master cylinder and they're fine now, again just normal fettling really. Chassis & interior more hard to put right of course.
I'm not that far from you (I live in Bury, Lancs) if you want to come by for a chat and to drive my early 350i to compare you're most welcome. Steve.
I'm not that far from you (I live in Bury, Lancs) if you want to come by for a chat and to drive my early 350i to compare you're most welcome. Steve.
sprevett said:
sloppy gearlever is just the actuator needing re-bushing & setting up properly as far as I know- so not a big deal. Brakes on my wedge were not that good either and I ended up fitting re-con calipers and a new master cylinder and they're fine now, again just normal fettling really. Chassis & interior more hard to put right of course.
I'm not that far from you (I live in Bury, Lancs) if you want to come by for a chat and to drive my early 350i to compare you're most welcome. Steve.
hey, that would be great! thanks for the offer. Can you message me your number and I'll give you a ring!I'm not that far from you (I live in Bury, Lancs) if you want to come by for a chat and to drive my early 350i to compare you're most welcome. Steve.
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