Ideas & opinions sought.
Discussion
So am planning to take the car off the road for a while once the current shaken/MOT expires at the end of July. I see no point in paying 1,000 notes for something that will most likely be halfway expired before the car is back on the road again, will save that joyous expense for later.
So am now looking at what to do while taking the car off the road. Like Alun I am looking at doing a body off restore to make sure I get many more years of fun out of the car. First step is ensuring that chassis is as good as possible. Hopefully it is in good or at the very least a repairable condition as getting a new one here will be difficult. But while I am doing this, what else should be updated/changed?
So far I have...
cooling - get a new aluminum radiator and thermostat that openes earlier.
traction - new adjustable shocks, brake disks, brake lines, wheels.
engine - pretty happy with the power, so mostly just maintenance and fixing a minor oil leak.
interior - it's ok, but looking to improve the looks and possibly seats. The current grey carpets and grey leather looks inferior next to alot of the interiors you guys have posted up.
Am not looking for any drastic changes in overall looks, no wings or flared body work etc, just a slightly more aggresive stance and purpose. Have almost talked myself out of te Steve Edwards roof conversion purely because there is no going back from it and will have limited options should anything break on it years later. So just standard new soft-top I think. Light conversion still on the cards.
Any other ideas/suggestions or even opinions on what I have so far. A quick photoshop of what I want to get to with the exterior, but all this really shows is slightly larger wheels in a darker colour with a minor drop in height.
So am now looking at what to do while taking the car off the road. Like Alun I am looking at doing a body off restore to make sure I get many more years of fun out of the car. First step is ensuring that chassis is as good as possible. Hopefully it is in good or at the very least a repairable condition as getting a new one here will be difficult. But while I am doing this, what else should be updated/changed?
So far I have...
cooling - get a new aluminum radiator and thermostat that openes earlier.
traction - new adjustable shocks, brake disks, brake lines, wheels.
engine - pretty happy with the power, so mostly just maintenance and fixing a minor oil leak.
interior - it's ok, but looking to improve the looks and possibly seats. The current grey carpets and grey leather looks inferior next to alot of the interiors you guys have posted up.
Am not looking for any drastic changes in overall looks, no wings or flared body work etc, just a slightly more aggresive stance and purpose. Have almost talked myself out of te Steve Edwards roof conversion purely because there is no going back from it and will have limited options should anything break on it years later. So just standard new soft-top I think. Light conversion still on the cards.
Any other ideas/suggestions or even opinions on what I have so far. A quick photoshop of what I want to get to with the exterior, but all this really shows is slightly larger wheels in a darker colour with a minor drop in height.
On the topics of the roof, have you seen the folding ones? I think when I start using her more I will get on as it frees up the boot.
http://www.cambria-cirrus.com
Engine wise - I would check the fuel lines in between plenum and copper hard lines. Mine split at the weekend so I'm going to replace them. (loads of posts on here about this).
How about removing the carbon canister as well?
http://www.cambria-cirrus.com
Engine wise - I would check the fuel lines in between plenum and copper hard lines. Mine split at the weekend so I'm going to replace them. (loads of posts on here about this).
How about removing the carbon canister as well?
Scubi steering rack, all bushes, wheel bearings etc.
thing is Darren if your going to pull the body off I can't help but think every thing should be new. Its a major headache so I'd never be satisfied unless I did the lot. That just costs trillions but I can't see a cheap way to do it. I haven't actually added it up (parts) let alone new chassis and re building it but even if you do it at home its going to cost a bob.
I've spent a lot of money, I wanna drive the b
d not replace the poxy st diabolical chassis.
There needs to be a piece in a popular car mag letting the unsuspecting public know what and why some of these cars are a death trap.
Rant over. Tired. Skint and fed up with Tvr??!!?!??!!?!
I'd check your suspension pic ups and front cross member very closely.
The chassis repairs could be major work if you've got bracket issues. I know your abroad but try and talk to Sportmotive or Willow, they'll tell you your worst case scenario and start from there.
thing is Darren if your going to pull the body off I can't help but think every thing should be new. Its a major headache so I'd never be satisfied unless I did the lot. That just costs trillions but I can't see a cheap way to do it. I haven't actually added it up (parts) let alone new chassis and re building it but even if you do it at home its going to cost a bob.
I've spent a lot of money, I wanna drive the b
d not replace the poxy st diabolical chassis. There needs to be a piece in a popular car mag letting the unsuspecting public know what and why some of these cars are a death trap.
Rant over. Tired. Skint and fed up with Tvr??!!?!??!!?!
I'd check your suspension pic ups and front cross member very closely.
The chassis repairs could be major work if you've got bracket issues. I know your abroad but try and talk to Sportmotive or Willow, they'll tell you your worst case scenario and start from there.
brett84 said:
On the topics of the roof, have you seen the folding ones? I think when I start using her more I will get on as it frees up the boot.
http://www.cambria-cirrus.com
Engine wise - I would check the fuel lines in between plenum and copper hard lines. Mine split at the weekend so I'm going to replace them. (loads of posts on here about this).
How about removing the carbon canister as well?
Thank's Brett, another product I did not know about. Reading it I think I may be happier if it had been tested closer to the top speed of the car. I've not topped it out so far, but seen north of 140 (indicated) a few times and would not like to worry about losing the roof at that speed.http://www.cambria-cirrus.com
Engine wise - I would check the fuel lines in between plenum and copper hard lines. Mine split at the weekend so I'm going to replace them. (loads of posts on here about this).
How about removing the carbon canister as well?
For the lines, anything perishable / worn will be replaced as a precaution.
Alun450 said:
Scubi steering rack, all bushes, wheel bearings etc.
thing is Darren if your going to pull the body off I can't help but think every thing should be new. Its a major headache so I'd never be satisfied unless I did the lot. That just costs trillions but I can't see a cheap way to do it. I haven't actually added it up (parts) let alone new chassis and re building it but even if you do it at home its going to cost a bob.
I've spent a lot of money, I wanna drive the bd not replace the poxy st diabolical chassis.
There needs to be a piece in a popular car mag letting the unsuspecting public know what and why some of these cars are a death trap.
Rant over. Tired. Skint and fed up with Tvr??!!?!??!!?!
I'd check your suspension pic ups and front cross member very closely.
The chassis repairs could be major work if you've got bracket issues. I know your abroad but try and talk to Sportmotive or Willow, they'll tell you your worst case scenario and start from there.
I feel your pain and frustration Alun, it eats me when ever I can not drive it. Having said that, I went into the purchase with my intention being this would be a project car for me to work on and keep for many years. A car to preserve from a time of no Eco cars and driver aids/nanny systems. Chassis, well that's got to be set as the foundation on which everything else has to depend so must be sorted from the start. Am still waiting for a quote from TVR shop here to see if it just makes sense to have them do that or to get a 2 post lift installed to do what I can myself, at least in prep work.thing is Darren if your going to pull the body off I can't help but think every thing should be new. Its a major headache so I'd never be satisfied unless I did the lot. That just costs trillions but I can't see a cheap way to do it. I haven't actually added it up (parts) let alone new chassis and re building it but even if you do it at home its going to cost a bob.
I've spent a lot of money, I wanna drive the b
d not replace the poxy st diabolical chassis. There needs to be a piece in a popular car mag letting the unsuspecting public know what and why some of these cars are a death trap.
Rant over. Tired. Skint and fed up with Tvr??!!?!??!!?!
I'd check your suspension pic ups and front cross member very closely.
The chassis repairs could be major work if you've got bracket issues. I know your abroad but try and talk to Sportmotive or Willow, they'll tell you your worst case scenario and start from there.
One thing I do want to research is gearbox options. If there is any modern alternative to be used that is perhaps dual mode. My leg can still work a clutch now, but given the condition of my left leg I don't think that will always be the case.
Whats the paint work like? A proper detailing could make a huge difference, I need to get mine done or have it sprayed.
If you get larger wheels but in the wrong colour you could spray them with Plastidip then change back if you wanted to in the future? You can do it matt or get the gloss top coat
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69...
Maybe some new drop links as well?
If you get larger wheels but in the wrong colour you could spray them with Plastidip then change back if you wanted to in the future? You can do it matt or get the gloss top coat
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69...
Maybe some new drop links as well?
Paintwork is now very good, just a couple of stone chips on the front to sort. Had some cracked paintwork on the rear around the boot, but local body shop fixed that and resprayed the boot area. Good as new now.
Alun, I can't see for sure until I get access to the entire frame with body lift. But think I am lucky for condition. Where I have some flaking in powdercoat, it seems to be clean underneath and rust free. Some heat damage that needs sorting. But suspension area etc once cleaned up also looks good to me.
Alun, I can't see for sure until I get access to the entire frame with body lift. But think I am lucky for condition. Where I have some flaking in powdercoat, it seems to be clean underneath and rust free. Some heat damage that needs sorting. But suspension area etc once cleaned up also looks good to me.
dazee said:
Thank's Brett, another product I did not know about. Reading it I think I may be happier if it had been tested closer to the top speed of the car. I've not topped it out so far, but seen north of 140 (indicated) a few times and would not like to worry about losing the roof at that speed.
You can rest assured that the Surrey roof won't go anywhere 
Had mine for several years, I never use the hard panel.
Once fitted and tightened up per the instructions it does not leak and it's as firmly in place as the original panel.
Mine's been used in torrential rain and at very high speed.
It's a fantastic piece of kit.
fatboychim said:
The stat won't make too much difference as it is open way before you get into problems, however, an otter switch that engages the fans at a lower temperature will help things though.
Even better is the Modwise Two-Stage Cooling kit, fully adjustable and doesn't rely on the otter switch at all.http://www.djbeer.hostingbt.com/id27.html
Good stuff, am liking having the links here for me to easily look up and no doubt refer back to later for my shopping.
Am slipping this in here as I think this is an outstanding job on the interior and exactly what I am looking to do to mine. Love this colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Am slipping this in here as I think this is an outstanding job on the interior and exactly what I am looking to do to mine. Love this colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Sharpeee said:
A little help for you with the changes u were looking at on the exterior
17" wheels on GGP shocks, I have raised it a little since this photo was taken as it was to low
Lupo lights and Tuscan 2 indicators
Hope this helps
Really nice paintwork there, and going to look into those Lupo lights, will they work with the Steve Edwards light conversion?17" wheels on GGP shocks, I have raised it a little since this photo was taken as it was to low
Lupo lights and Tuscan 2 indicators
Hope this helps
Also gotta take a look see for that TVR badge, I do like to fly the flag
Car went away today to the Tokyo TVR specialist for some work I'm not equiped to handle - mostly an oil leak and needing to get the cooling system checked out. Asked them about a quote for body off and frame restore - like an insurance company, I needed to get a quote for the wife's approval before doing work myself He says not something they can do, he wants to do a frame off restore, so maybe once I get stuck in I'll have some help.
Doing a bit of wheeler dealers I thought maybe refurbishing the wheels in a different colour would be good. But alas I think the wheeler dealer prices are only for the show. Estimate about 125 quid per wheel, best to keep them original and just get a new set.
Spoke with the guy that picked up the car for quite a while, he really likes his cars and does a good job, likes what has been done so far and will take good care of it. Told him the tune resistor was causing a fault and he was interested in how I knew it, so showed him roverguage. Says it's a better than the error code reader they use in the shop so loaned him the cable and software while they have the car.
Garage is pretty empty now, no idea how long this will take. Time to look through all your photos of interiors and get some ideas there
He says not something they can do, he wants to do a frame off restore, so maybe once I get stuck in I'll have some help.Doing a bit of wheeler dealers I thought maybe refurbishing the wheels in a different colour would be good. But alas I think the wheeler dealer prices are only for the show. Estimate about 125 quid per wheel, best to keep them original and just get a new set.
Spoke with the guy that picked up the car for quite a while, he really likes his cars and does a good job, likes what has been done so far and will take good care of it. Told him the tune resistor was causing a fault and he was interested in how I knew it, so showed him roverguage. Says it's a better than the error code reader they use in the shop so loaned him the cable and software while they have the car.
Garage is pretty empty now, no idea how long this will take. Time to look through all your photos of interiors and get some ideas there
Hi Daren, mine went away a couple of times for wks at a time, its a tough period, your savvy get the guy the info and enthuse him into lifting the body sometime in the future.
Its enjoyable to know that little Chim so far away from home( what year is it? Maybe its not!) has got a carer.
I've found that stripping out the front of my car has shown me the way, at one point I sat down, re read some great threads on body lifts and totted up what more I'd have to do to lift the body and its not so much. When you break it down its totally possible in a good garage. The one thing you can't do is cheat how long it would take, I've been lucky to do all the work in a few wks( everyday) the real work would be working on the chassis.
Its worth it though. I'll do it one day and just prepare for it with all the replacement bits ready.
I'm not sure about interiors, mines quite subtle yet exciting dark blue( often looks black) and this Amber colour? Its a sort of like lemon and just lifts the interior and shows off other things well, sorry for the lack of a decent stereo. I think this pic is a day after changing the dash.
The roofs up so a bit naff but its out there when the suns out.
Its enjoyable to know that little Chim so far away from home( what year is it? Maybe its not!) has got a carer.
I've found that stripping out the front of my car has shown me the way, at one point I sat down, re read some great threads on body lifts and totted up what more I'd have to do to lift the body and its not so much. When you break it down its totally possible in a good garage. The one thing you can't do is cheat how long it would take, I've been lucky to do all the work in a few wks( everyday) the real work would be working on the chassis.
Its worth it though. I'll do it one day and just prepare for it with all the replacement bits ready.
I'm not sure about interiors, mines quite subtle yet exciting dark blue( often looks black) and this Amber colour? Its a sort of like lemon and just lifts the interior and shows off other things well, sorry for the lack of a decent stereo. I think this pic is a day after changing the dash.
The roofs up so a bit naff but its out there when the suns out.
I got my wheels refurbed and powder coated a slightly darker colour, £250 for the set.
Photos here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Photos here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That's what I was trying to do too Karl, too bad finding someone here that can do that within the price range is so hard. Am not going to pay someone the equivalent of a set of wheels to just paint or powdercoat them. Will do some research for otherw while I have some time.
Alun what you've been doing is an inspiration to many here, and to think you've done it all on axle stands in your drive way is incredible. I just wonder what you'd be up to inside a garage and had access to a lift
Your interior is the style I am wanting to go to. I think the 2 tone leather is the way to go. Not like my all grey interior with grey carpets....just too bland. It's going to be a case on which combination looks best with what looks to be a black car, and then if I keep the wood dash or change it.
Have a feeling the next few weeks are going to be spent researching alot on here and playing in photoshop, then making a shopping list....
Alun what you've been doing is an inspiration to many here, and to think you've done it all on axle stands in your drive way is incredible. I just wonder what you'd be up to inside a garage and had access to a lift
Your interior is the style I am wanting to go to. I think the 2 tone leather is the way to go. Not like my all grey interior with grey carpets....just too bland. It's going to be a case on which combination looks best with what looks to be a black car, and then if I keep the wood dash or change it.
Have a feeling the next few weeks are going to be spent researching alot on here and playing in photoshop, then making a shopping list....
As I'm paranoid about the cooling for now too and will be looking at the new radiators in the near future, am wondering if this would be a worthwhile upgrade to the car with the 2 stage fans to accompany it.
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/fan-contr...
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/fan-contr...
My car has ran more consistant with an alley rad, its half the weight, good idea to get it working properly and add stuff to suit.
I'm liking the colour of your car, hard to decide what works with such a colour, red, to garish black to understated, what's great fun is you can decide and then have it done! Like a bike its quite easy, a garage is missing in my life more than a woman, I'll recover one day! As the car is both beautiful and aggressive in equal measure,I quite like a light touch as the interior is rather lovely and driving along it reminds you of its feminine side! Not a bad thing sometimes. I feel both really cosy and sporty at the same time. Good for the equilibrium I reckon.
I'm liking the colour of your car, hard to decide what works with such a colour, red, to garish black to understated, what's great fun is you can decide and then have it done! Like a bike its quite easy, a garage is missing in my life more than a woman, I'll recover one day! As the car is both beautiful and aggressive in equal measure,I quite like a light touch as the interior is rather lovely and driving along it reminds you of its feminine side! Not a bad thing sometimes. I feel both really cosy and sporty at the same time. Good for the equilibrium I reckon.
I'm not certain but I think that the kenlowe 2 stage thermostat only works on properly on kenlowe fans, I think that we tried to use one on an escort and it would only run the fan on the second stage. I've seen a few people use two of these Adjustable Capillary Thermostat, one on each fan set at slightly different temperatures.
I might be wrong on the make of the thermostat we were using, just urging you to check that it will work with a normal fan before you order one
I might be wrong on the make of the thermostat we were using, just urging you to check that it will work with a normal fan before you order one
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