Restoration recommendations
Discussion
Good morning Chimaera collective,
I am the proud owner of a 95 400 which has wanted for very little in the past three years of ownership. The time has come for a bit of a restoration project on her, the chassis needs coating and i want to replace a lot of tired components and inspect major mechanicals. The paint needs attention as does the interior.
Unfortunately, even though i am mechanically minded, i work abroad and cannot afford the time to take this project on, plus i would like to continue enjoying the car on the road when i get my leave.
Anyone got any recommendations of anyone who may want to take my car and manage all aspects of a complete restoration? I'm in the north west, but i don't mind travelling if it's worth it.
Before anyone starts, i know it's going to cost a lot and i know it would make more sense to buy a good condition one and sell mine, but i intend on keeping this car for a long time.
thanks y'all.
I am the proud owner of a 95 400 which has wanted for very little in the past three years of ownership. The time has come for a bit of a restoration project on her, the chassis needs coating and i want to replace a lot of tired components and inspect major mechanicals. The paint needs attention as does the interior.
Unfortunately, even though i am mechanically minded, i work abroad and cannot afford the time to take this project on, plus i would like to continue enjoying the car on the road when i get my leave.
Anyone got any recommendations of anyone who may want to take my car and manage all aspects of a complete restoration? I'm in the north west, but i don't mind travelling if it's worth it.
Before anyone starts, i know it's going to cost a lot and i know it would make more sense to buy a good condition one and sell mine, but i intend on keeping this car for a long time.
thanks y'all.
Lots of options, I was at a TVR event a month or so ago and met the guy from SD Autotec, he was showing a couple of his chassis retortions and the work looked good.
http://www.sdautotec.co.uk/TVR-Chassis-repair.php
Based in Yorkshire I'd guess he'd be about 2 hours from you in Cheshire.
Given you're not too far from Blackpool you've got a choice of ex-factory TVR specialists like X-Works.
http://www.xworksservice.co.uk/
They would handle the chassis & mechanical work then tap into the ex-factory trimmers and paint shops in the area like Surface & Design.
If you wanted a TVR specialist that handles everything from chassis retortion, to paint to interior trim under one roof then Central TVR would worth a look. Having an in house trimmer on site is quite rare for any restorer.
http://www.centraltvr.com/
Or a little closer to you is Sportmotive, who would also take care of more or less everything (maybe not the trimming element) in house.
http://www.sportmotive.com/index.html
Finally the wild card in the south that seem to produce excellent chassis restorations and have a tame body shop are Southways in Hampshire.
http://www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk/
Basically there are loads of options, I certainly haven't mentioned them all, so you've really got to have a ring around. Personally I'd favour one of the specialists that cover everything in house as it simplifies the project management and delays can't be blamed on contractors.
A one stop shop that does everything in house means there's 100% accountability of whole restoration and it's quality, you only have to deal with one company which simplifies things considerably if you're out of the country.
Good luck with it, let us know who you choose and keep us updated on the restoration.
http://www.sdautotec.co.uk/TVR-Chassis-repair.php
Based in Yorkshire I'd guess he'd be about 2 hours from you in Cheshire.
Given you're not too far from Blackpool you've got a choice of ex-factory TVR specialists like X-Works.
http://www.xworksservice.co.uk/
They would handle the chassis & mechanical work then tap into the ex-factory trimmers and paint shops in the area like Surface & Design.
If you wanted a TVR specialist that handles everything from chassis retortion, to paint to interior trim under one roof then Central TVR would worth a look. Having an in house trimmer on site is quite rare for any restorer.
http://www.centraltvr.com/
Or a little closer to you is Sportmotive, who would also take care of more or less everything (maybe not the trimming element) in house.
http://www.sportmotive.com/index.html
Finally the wild card in the south that seem to produce excellent chassis restorations and have a tame body shop are Southways in Hampshire.
http://www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk/
Basically there are loads of options, I certainly haven't mentioned them all, so you've really got to have a ring around. Personally I'd favour one of the specialists that cover everything in house as it simplifies the project management and delays can't be blamed on contractors.
A one stop shop that does everything in house means there's 100% accountability of whole restoration and it's quality, you only have to deal with one company which simplifies things considerably if you're out of the country.
Good luck with it, let us know who you choose and keep us updated on the restoration.
Edited by ChimpOnGas on Wednesday 25th May 07:27
Danblez said:
A vote for X-works here, Paul and Heath are two thoroughly nice chaps, very straight forward no nonsense with great quality work. I am sure they must handle all aspects of a full restoration.
Seeing as you have the TVR guru's on your door step it would be rude not to pay them a visit for a chat in kirkham 
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