Usual woes, and occasional praise, from a new Tuscan owner
Discussion
Having recently joined the Tuscan fraternity (not stepping on any female toes here, I hope) I’ve developed an urge to introduce myself formally and share the joys – or not – of Tuscan ownership with whoever is willing to read this.
It’s a thing of rare beauty, the TVR Tuscan is. And just a hint of the beast in the S guise. Which is why I fell for a black/black 2003 model. Purchased privately, but with a prior inspection by Str8six. Very sound car, with a very recent engine rebuild and appearing near mint. Well, that’s what I thought… A month after the purchase, at the very able hands of Jason and his staff at Str8six, and some 4,500 pounds poorer, it was transformed to…still appearing near mint.
We (my wife and I) started out from Str8six around noon last Friday, with the plan to arrive in Sweden (the car’s penultimate destination) Saturday evening, as I had a deadline by Sunday morning. It’s only some 1,600 km, and with an overnight stay in Germany, 800 km per day is quite feasible in a quick, comfy car. Put in some CDs and off you go. Well, not quite. Forget the CDs. In fact, forget trying to talk to the passenger, unless you’re prepared to shout. Just focus on the sweet music from the exhausts. It’s nearly worth it.
Did I say 800 km per day? Ahem, that was not in the car’s plan. There we are, in lane 40 in Dover, waiting to board the 4pm ferry. Cars are moving, let’s start the engine. Nada. The immobiliser’s meditating. Keyfob – nothing. The little thingy plugged in – nothing. Removing the fuses to reset the immobiliser – nothing. Already missed the departure, so we leave the car to decide what to do next and, as you usually do, close the doors. Guess what? The doors are now locked and the second key and thingy are left in the car. And of course, it starts to rain.
Some 20-25 calls later, a guy in a van arrives (Thank you, Eclipse – I’ll light a candle in church for you once a week for the rest of my life, agnostic as I am), and only five hours later we’re mobile again. No, the (un)usual and undignified emergency entry procedure did not work – nothing to pull on, if you know what I mean. However, the guy actually managed to pull the emergency door handle via one of the windows. And all at once the car gave up being obstinate, the immobiliser started focusing on its duties, and we were off. On the 10pm ferry.
Did I mention it was raining? All the way to Sweden. Thus we were able to verify that the coupe is waterproof. Or not, as it were. Oh, it started innocently enough, with my wife discovering a few drops on the passenger door, coming just below and somewhat forward of the window. The drops turned to a rivulet, which became a torrent. And the funny (though not at that particular point in time) thing is that it didn’t seem related to the amount of rain outside. Any suggestions, anyone?
Meanwhile, on my side, my shoes were starting to skid on the rubber part of the mat. Must be from them getting wet during our pit stops, or so I thought. And discovered on arrival (4am Sunday) that the mat was floating in some three centimetres of water. Again – any suggestions, please?
It did cross my mind that one of the things we had had done (not by Str8six, though) was to replace the windscreen. Is there any way rain can come in at the bottom of the windscreen? Have inspected it but it looks rock solid to me, at least from the outside. And I didn’t feel any dripping on my legs while driving. Mind you, by that time my left leg had gone completely numb from clutch use, and my right leg from trying to prevent the foot falling down on its own onto the throttle pedal. After all, we’re talking about doing 1,600 km in one go. My gentle suggestions to my wife that she may want to try out the car herself were futile. “In this rain? With that gearbox and clutch? And that power? Forget it, buddy.”
Anything else I should mention? Ah, just a couple of minor details. One of the headlights, which had to be ‘forced’ out of the wings to be adjusted to LHD, has dropped back in and is now hanging on something in there. Not a big deal, according to Jason. Just stick it back in with some epoxy glue. After removing the non-removable bonnet. And after removing the light enclosure cover. And after developing a few extra joints in my arms and fingers.
Have I hinted so far that it was raining during our trip? Well, as soon as I turned on the wipers, the washer tube on my side got disconnected. And now I know why. It’s too short. As it wouldn’t stay in place, a few drops of superglue did the trick. Except that now it stretches to the breaking point with the wiper working. Can anyone advise me whether this tube goes all the way to the water reservoir? In which case I’ll just cut and extend it somewhere out of sight.
It’s OK, I still have the weekend to fix everything prior to the Swedish registration inspection this coming Monday. Such as removing and disassembling the dash bin to put a km/h foil over the speedo face. And rearranging the reverse and rear fog lights. And making sure that nothing falls off the car before and during the inspection.
Would I have preferred to avoid these experiences? You bet. Would I want to get rid of the car now? No way! I’ve had a masochistic streak in me for decades now, with a compelling urge to fiddle with all things mechanical, both two and four wheelers. And a particular fondness for British cars. One of them, an Interceptor, my ex used to call lovingly “the black hole,” as in “that’s where all the money is going.” I just hope I’ll have more understanding from wife number two.
It’s a thing of rare beauty, the TVR Tuscan is. And just a hint of the beast in the S guise. Which is why I fell for a black/black 2003 model. Purchased privately, but with a prior inspection by Str8six. Very sound car, with a very recent engine rebuild and appearing near mint. Well, that’s what I thought… A month after the purchase, at the very able hands of Jason and his staff at Str8six, and some 4,500 pounds poorer, it was transformed to…still appearing near mint.
We (my wife and I) started out from Str8six around noon last Friday, with the plan to arrive in Sweden (the car’s penultimate destination) Saturday evening, as I had a deadline by Sunday morning. It’s only some 1,600 km, and with an overnight stay in Germany, 800 km per day is quite feasible in a quick, comfy car. Put in some CDs and off you go. Well, not quite. Forget the CDs. In fact, forget trying to talk to the passenger, unless you’re prepared to shout. Just focus on the sweet music from the exhausts. It’s nearly worth it.
Did I say 800 km per day? Ahem, that was not in the car’s plan. There we are, in lane 40 in Dover, waiting to board the 4pm ferry. Cars are moving, let’s start the engine. Nada. The immobiliser’s meditating. Keyfob – nothing. The little thingy plugged in – nothing. Removing the fuses to reset the immobiliser – nothing. Already missed the departure, so we leave the car to decide what to do next and, as you usually do, close the doors. Guess what? The doors are now locked and the second key and thingy are left in the car. And of course, it starts to rain.
Some 20-25 calls later, a guy in a van arrives (Thank you, Eclipse – I’ll light a candle in church for you once a week for the rest of my life, agnostic as I am), and only five hours later we’re mobile again. No, the (un)usual and undignified emergency entry procedure did not work – nothing to pull on, if you know what I mean. However, the guy actually managed to pull the emergency door handle via one of the windows. And all at once the car gave up being obstinate, the immobiliser started focusing on its duties, and we were off. On the 10pm ferry.
Did I mention it was raining? All the way to Sweden. Thus we were able to verify that the coupe is waterproof. Or not, as it were. Oh, it started innocently enough, with my wife discovering a few drops on the passenger door, coming just below and somewhat forward of the window. The drops turned to a rivulet, which became a torrent. And the funny (though not at that particular point in time) thing is that it didn’t seem related to the amount of rain outside. Any suggestions, anyone?
Meanwhile, on my side, my shoes were starting to skid on the rubber part of the mat. Must be from them getting wet during our pit stops, or so I thought. And discovered on arrival (4am Sunday) that the mat was floating in some three centimetres of water. Again – any suggestions, please?
It did cross my mind that one of the things we had had done (not by Str8six, though) was to replace the windscreen. Is there any way rain can come in at the bottom of the windscreen? Have inspected it but it looks rock solid to me, at least from the outside. And I didn’t feel any dripping on my legs while driving. Mind you, by that time my left leg had gone completely numb from clutch use, and my right leg from trying to prevent the foot falling down on its own onto the throttle pedal. After all, we’re talking about doing 1,600 km in one go. My gentle suggestions to my wife that she may want to try out the car herself were futile. “In this rain? With that gearbox and clutch? And that power? Forget it, buddy.”
Anything else I should mention? Ah, just a couple of minor details. One of the headlights, which had to be ‘forced’ out of the wings to be adjusted to LHD, has dropped back in and is now hanging on something in there. Not a big deal, according to Jason. Just stick it back in with some epoxy glue. After removing the non-removable bonnet. And after removing the light enclosure cover. And after developing a few extra joints in my arms and fingers.
Have I hinted so far that it was raining during our trip? Well, as soon as I turned on the wipers, the washer tube on my side got disconnected. And now I know why. It’s too short. As it wouldn’t stay in place, a few drops of superglue did the trick. Except that now it stretches to the breaking point with the wiper working. Can anyone advise me whether this tube goes all the way to the water reservoir? In which case I’ll just cut and extend it somewhere out of sight.
It’s OK, I still have the weekend to fix everything prior to the Swedish registration inspection this coming Monday. Such as removing and disassembling the dash bin to put a km/h foil over the speedo face. And rearranging the reverse and rear fog lights. And making sure that nothing falls off the car before and during the inspection.
Would I have preferred to avoid these experiences? You bet. Would I want to get rid of the car now? No way! I’ve had a masochistic streak in me for decades now, with a compelling urge to fiddle with all things mechanical, both two and four wheelers. And a particular fondness for British cars. One of them, an Interceptor, my ex used to call lovingly “the black hole,” as in “that’s where all the money is going.” I just hope I’ll have more understanding from wife number two.
I enjoyed reading the write up, probably more than you enjoyed the actual actions of the day.
It does go to show though that some of the mint cars out there which may well have low miles and perfect paint are actually a bit of a nightmare- not enough use for the previous owners to sort out the annoying but simple niggles.
Those niggles aren't a major problem until you actually need to go somewhere other than a b road blat.
Funny ones which i had were as follows:
whole dashboard flew off upon full throttle, leaving a mate literally gobsmacked
half the rubber strip round top of screen came off at 'quite a high speed' with roof off
stereo flew out of dash pod
windscreen wiper plastic ball cup thing snapped making windscreen wiper detach from anything meaning it was sat over the wing mirror wtf !
All sorted now though as they were easy fixes, i suppose at least it showed no one ever went at xxx with the roof off or full throttle for that matter
Im happy with niggles i just hope i don't get too many breakdowns because of simple stupid things which are too awkward to fix when out. Had one so far in maybe 2500 miles of use and that was just a split hose which the bloke repaired for me at side of road (badly need to invest in a little tuscan tool kit).
It does go to show though that some of the mint cars out there which may well have low miles and perfect paint are actually a bit of a nightmare- not enough use for the previous owners to sort out the annoying but simple niggles.
Those niggles aren't a major problem until you actually need to go somewhere other than a b road blat.
Funny ones which i had were as follows:
whole dashboard flew off upon full throttle, leaving a mate literally gobsmacked
half the rubber strip round top of screen came off at 'quite a high speed' with roof off
stereo flew out of dash pod
windscreen wiper plastic ball cup thing snapped making windscreen wiper detach from anything meaning it was sat over the wing mirror
wtf !All sorted now though as they were easy fixes, i suppose at least it showed no one ever went at xxx with the roof off or full throttle for that matter
Im happy with niggles i just hope i don't get too many breakdowns because of simple stupid things which are too awkward to fix when out. Had one so far in maybe 2500 miles of use and that was just a split hose which the bloke repaired for me at side of road (badly need to invest in a little tuscan tool kit).
Congratulations on your purchase. Unfortunate it was raining!! Of the things you mention, they arent really that easy to pick up unless you actually use the car, and in the rain - Jason wouldnt use a customer car i guess so i can see why maybe these things were overlooked, though it is a shame and i can understand you being a bit upset!
Promise you once you get them sorted (the do sound like fairly typical niggles) you will quickly realise that they win your heart regardless of the odd problem!
Once you sort them out you will probably have months a months of trouble free motoring!
Promise you once you get them sorted (the do sound like fairly typical niggles) you will quickly realise that they win your heart regardless of the odd problem!
Once you sort them out you will probably have months a months of trouble free motoring!
Thanks for the supporting comments, guys. And, just to clarify, I only have praise for Jason and his crew. The pre-check did reveal a lot of 'minor' issues, e.g. leaking seals & shocks, worn bushings and mounts, two bald tires, etc - the usual niggles that, when summed, turn out to be anything but minor. And he did give me a firm estimate beforehand, so I knew what I was getting into. Except for the tiny crack in the windscreen, which all of us missed. Unless (and here's another question: has anyone experienced this?) it happened after I took the car out, post-purchase, for a test drive on the not-quite-autobahn-conditions in the vicinity of Str8six.
As for my comment about 'near mint' condition, I was just contemplating aloud how much money one needs to spend on the car to be able to drive it without getting p....d off at irritating details, and if that's at all possible with a TVR. You see, my last two cars were English cats and, apart from some infrequent and admittingly, on occasion, non too cheap repairs, I've mainly had troublefree motoring. Something that, at my age, I've come to appreciate.
As for my comment about 'near mint' condition, I was just contemplating aloud how much money one needs to spend on the car to be able to drive it without getting p....d off at irritating details, and if that's at all possible with a TVR. You see, my last two cars were English cats and, apart from some infrequent and admittingly, on occasion, non too cheap repairs, I've mainly had troublefree motoring. Something that, at my age, I've come to appreciate.
Smooth Smith said:
I see you have good taste in cars. An Interceptor & then Tuscan!!
These cars seem to get under your skin no matter the cost or the little niggles. Good luck with making it mint & post some pics up
Only the best will do! And I still have very fond memories from the Jensen era. Such as the two times I raced Carreras RS successfully - once on the autobahn and once in Sweden, on a small road in pouring rain (yes, I do seem to attract precipitation). Mind you, that was after I let loose a dragracing specialist here in Sweden on the engine. I had to put my foot down when he suggested a supercharger, as I'd have had to cut up the bonnet for a huge air scoop, but other than that, 'no holds barred' These cars seem to get under your skin no matter the cost or the little niggles. Good luck with making it mint & post some pics up
I just hope the Tuscan is not as predisposed to overheating as the Jensen was. As Malaysia is it's final destination and I do remember how the Jensen behaved on certain days there, on the motorways - never mind the eternal traffic congestion in KL. And let's not forget the humid (OK, bl...y rainy) climate there. Which is why I'd want to waterproof the coupe before shipping the car out.
Nenad said:
Did I mention it was raining? All the way to Sweden. Thus we were able to verify that the coupe is waterproof. Or not, as it were. Oh, it started innocently enough, with my wife discovering a few drops on the passenger door, coming just below and somewhat forward of the window. The drops turned to a rivulet, which became a torrent. And the funny (though not at that particular point in time) thing is that it didn’t seem related to the amount of rain outside. Any suggestions, anyone?
Meanwhile, on my side, my shoes were starting to skid on the rubber part of the mat. Must be from them getting wet during our pit stops, or so I thought. And discovered on arrival (4am Sunday) that the mat was floating in some three centimetres of water. Again – any suggestions, please?
Any suggestions anyone?Meanwhile, on my side, my shoes were starting to skid on the rubber part of the mat. Must be from them getting wet during our pit stops, or so I thought. And discovered on arrival (4am Sunday) that the mat was floating in some three centimetres of water. Again – any suggestions, please?
I had similar problem in Scotland recently.
Window may have been left cracked open overnight? (But don't see how that can happen?)
One wet day's driving - car seemed dry enough afterwards.
Left overnight (on a slope)when we were beset by a "Scotch Mist" - full of water.
Is there a problem with the Tuscan that causes water to come in?
Or just the same problem as my earlier Chim had - like it leaks!
Advice appreciated.
Bob
I don't think that there's necessarily a leakage problem with all Tuscans - I've got a Mk1 S, which lives outside in Scotland at the moment (!), and it's rained a lot here recently. Both driving on the road and parked outside (on flat ground) it seems pretty much waterproof despite some torn seals around the boot lid. There is a slight leak from the top front corner of the passenger side window, but this only seems to let water in during heavy rain when parked. It might be that the seals need replacing - if you're feeling brave, try spraying a hose (not high pressure) along the roof joints and around the rear window and side windows. If it's letting water in through leaky seals, you should find out which one it is soon enough!
Sorry but my Griffith leaked like a sieve from god knows where ! and the 03 Tuscan i now own leaks just the same, only from different areas. The canvas hood of the griff used to get saturated and weep, also any where from the door seals to wiper holes was a culprit, even the mastic seal around brake and clutch resevoirs, but more usually i found, (after sitting in the car for a scientific experiment and having a mate power wash the car), it was the seal between roof and screen frame that led water down the side windows and in to the footwells.
The Tuscan normally lives in the garage but following a recent week touring devon , occasionally in pouring rain i now am glad its covered most times. We were caught in a torrential down pour, at a stand still for no more than 3 minutes but the water was just pouring down the roof channel seal next to the screen into the drivers footwell, all this with windows up and roof positioned and locked in place. Having owned a Griff we just laughed about it but yes both footwell carpets where soaked in a supposed £30,000 + car. God bless TVR , i love them but there is a reason they are no longer manufacturing any models.
This is one reason there are so many low milage , fair weather cars around, and that can also have affect on reliability, but use it often, gloss over its minor problems and you will want for nothing else on the Road.
Our great British climate effects our work life balance, BBq , Sun tan, Hols, Bank Hols, snow , ice , rain etc etc. Just enjoy.
The Tuscan normally lives in the garage but following a recent week touring devon , occasionally in pouring rain i now am glad its covered most times. We were caught in a torrential down pour, at a stand still for no more than 3 minutes but the water was just pouring down the roof channel seal next to the screen into the drivers footwell, all this with windows up and roof positioned and locked in place. Having owned a Griff we just laughed about it but yes both footwell carpets where soaked in a supposed £30,000 + car. God bless TVR , i love them but there is a reason they are no longer manufacturing any models.
This is one reason there are so many low milage , fair weather cars around, and that can also have affect on reliability, but use it often, gloss over its minor problems and you will want for nothing else on the Road.
Our great British climate effects our work life balance, BBq , Sun tan, Hols, Bank Hols, snow , ice , rain etc etc. Just enjoy.
Check the door drain holes in the bottom edge are clear and that they line up with the indents in the door seal. Worth checking your rear window seal as well. Mine had come unstuck in a couple of places and water was getting through and running down into the back of the floorpan under the seat.
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