Possible project
Discussion
So I'm looking at purchasing a Tuscan in the nearish future. Had a mk1 couple of years back and loved every minute of it so I think another mk1 will be the order of the day.
Problem is, despite several being for sale, I'm struggling to find the right colour combination so either a respray or re-trim will most likely be the best plan. Obviously that will add extra cost and not having an unlimited pot of money, was looking at possibly buying a accident damaged one. Re-sale values won't be an issue because it's going to be a keeper.
I was looking at the classifieds and there is a repaired red rose mk1 for sale at £8500! Seems like a good opportunity to build the right car, just not sure as I've heard different stories about TVR Dean.
Anybody think this is a good or bad idea?
Problem is, despite several being for sale, I'm struggling to find the right colour combination so either a respray or re-trim will most likely be the best plan. Obviously that will add extra cost and not having an unlimited pot of money, was looking at possibly buying a accident damaged one. Re-sale values won't be an issue because it's going to be a keeper.
I was looking at the classifieds and there is a repaired red rose mk1 for sale at £8500! Seems like a good opportunity to build the right car, just not sure as I've heard different stories about TVR Dean.
Anybody think this is a good or bad idea?
Edited by m3coupe on Tuesday 14th August 12:37
I think it's a good idea! Especially if you can find one with just bodywork damage.
The only downside with written off TVRs is making sure the repair work is up to scratch, but if you're getting this done yourself, it shouldn't be an issue.
Good luck!
ETA:
Just seen that TVR Dean one. £8,500 with only paint left to do seems a very good price. Being a previous Tuscan owner you are probably aware of some of the things to look out for, but clutch and steering refurb could set you back another couple of £k if they are due. And then there's the big unknown of the health of the engine. Wonder what that big mark is on the transmission tunnel carpet?
The only downside with written off TVRs is making sure the repair work is up to scratch, but if you're getting this done yourself, it shouldn't be an issue.
Good luck!
ETA:
Just seen that TVR Dean one. £8,500 with only paint left to do seems a very good price. Being a previous Tuscan owner you are probably aware of some of the things to look out for, but clutch and steering refurb could set you back another couple of £k if they are due. And then there's the big unknown of the health of the engine. Wonder what that big mark is on the transmission tunnel carpet?
Edited by Cockey on Tuesday 14th August 16:02
Dischordant said:
Had a look at the mk2's they have at the same place - went through the work that would need done + respray and it worked out as only a few k less than getting one that's sorted/never written off. Guess it depends how much you are looking to hopefully save (though with no warrenty)
Yeah I've looked at them as well, the green one looks like a lot of work, the blue one looks a bit less work!As I said, this idea is an attempt to get the car in the right colour options with also getting my hands a little bit dirty. Ok wouldnt be doing the bodywork or spraying but I have this need to put my own Mark on a car and something like this is as close to a blank canvass as I'm going to get now!
If it's mechanically sound you don't have a huge amount to lose - worst case scenario it costs you the same as a sorted one but you'll have learnt a fair bit and have it the colour scheme you want in the process. I always like the idea of saving a TVR from the scrap heap!
Don't think you can go too far wrong with the company - as basically they aren't promising you anything to start with!
Don't think you can go too far wrong with the company - as basically they aren't promising you anything to start with!
I think "rescuing" any TVR is a worthwhile cause so rectifying a accident damaged car is a noble cause!
Need to contact the company and see what history the car has. As had been mentioned, worst case scenario is the engine is needing rebuilt! If that's the case, may be an excuse to push the boat out and get a power rebuild of some sort!
Will keep you posted!
Need to contact the company and see what history the car has. As had been mentioned, worst case scenario is the engine is needing rebuilt! If that's the case, may be an excuse to push the boat out and get a power rebuild of some sort!
Will keep you posted!
Have you seen how many other damaged tivs there are in the background of pic 8?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=40...
Good on them for repairing them, looks like a lad is reparing a mk2 in that photo.
Drive carefully out there guys!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=40...
Good on them for repairing them, looks like a lad is reparing a mk2 in that photo.
Drive carefully out there guys!
I've just done exactly this. Bought a Cat-D write-off Tuscan 2S from TVR Dean and spent a year restoring it.
What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
Batwick2 said:
I've just done exactly this. Bought a Cat-D write-off Tuscan 2S from TVR Dean and spent a year restoring it.
What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
Any interior / exterior pictures of the finished article?What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
Batwick2 said:
I've just done exactly this. Bought a Cat-D write-off Tuscan 2S from TVR Dean and spent a year restoring it.
What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
This is exactly the stories I've heard about them! Now I'm not trying to slag them off as I know they are a business and out to make money so repairing cars at the base minimum is a priority but let's face it, they still need to be safe and to a decent standard!What I would say is don't under-estimate how much work it will be, or how manyunexpected expenses you will incur. Or at least you will if you take the attitude of fixing/replacing *anything* that isn't tip-top, like I did.
If I told you what I really think of TVR Dean then I would be either sued, beaten-up, or both. Let's just say we needed to redo every single repair that they did. One side of the car was an inch longer than the other. They even sprayed over the rear light lenses! Interesting MOT they put on it too, given that they'd put one headlight in upside down! They also only repaired or replaced the bare minimum to satisfy the letter of the agreement, and the car was supplied incomplete and as ropey as hell.
Still, I was expecting this really, and always considered their repairs to be just the start of the project. Even then, what they thought was acceptable is quite astonishing in places.
But, go into it with your eyes open, and it'll be fine. I've ended-up with a Tuscan 2S with a large proportion of new parts and everything well sorted for not much more than £20k. And it's in the colour I wanted! (Pearl orange.)
I'm thinking of offering an article on the build to Sprint, so look out for it
What I want to do is buy one that has not been repaired so I know roughly what needs done and won't have to worry about going over somebody elses work!
I've already worked out the look of the car, what mods I want, the colour for the exterior and the interior. All I need now is to find the right car to start it. I'm in no major rush though so have time to wait for the 'perfect' car to come up!
TallMark said:
What colour combo are you after?
Plan was to have a black leather interior with red stitching and piping with red carpets then do the exterior in a Kandy red however I now really like the spectra fx paint from the US that goes from a deep green to a deep bronze! Not sure if the red interior will go though so may have a rethink on that!
Thanks!
Interior:
Believe it or not, that interior was entirely recoloured using an upholstery kit - contained a nasty solution to take the old colouring off, then colourant and lots of leather lacquer. Seems to have worked well. There are a few places like where the seatbelt rubs on the seat where the old colour is showing through, but otherwise you would never know it wasn't original.
Carpets were also recoloured but I think I would have been better off forking out for a new set really. They look OK in the photos but in real life they're a bit ropey.
Cameras always lie!
Interior:
Believe it or not, that interior was entirely recoloured using an upholstery kit - contained a nasty solution to take the old colouring off, then colourant and lots of leather lacquer. Seems to have worked well. There are a few places like where the seatbelt rubs on the seat where the old colour is showing through, but otherwise you would never know it wasn't original.
Carpets were also recoloured but I think I would have been better off forking out for a new set really. They look OK in the photos but in real life they're a bit ropey.
Cameras always lie!
What product did you use to recolour the leather? I stupidly didn't think of this - though I think I'll get new carpets straight out as they aren't too expensive - to get all the leather changed is super expensive and as the leather is in pretty good condition - dying it to the colour I want would make a lot more sense! (if I can get it looking good)
Found this which looked pretty good...makes me want a white tvr interior!
http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leather_Car_Inter...
Found this which looked pretty good...makes me want a white tvr interior!
http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leather_Car_Inter...Dischordant said:
What product did you use to recolour the leather? I stupidly didn't think of this - though I think I'll get new carpets straight out as they aren't too expensive - to get all the leather changed is super expensive and as the leather is in pretty good condition - dying it to the colour I want would make a lot more sense! (if I can get it looking good)
Found this which looked pretty good...makes me want a white tvr interior!http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leather_Car_Inter...
Yep, they were the ones.Found this which looked pretty good...makes me want a white tvr interior!
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