Griffith Outrigger replacement (Non DIY)
Discussion
There have been numerous posts and questions in relation to the replacement of Outriggers on TVRs and thought I would share my experience.
Last year when inspecting the car I found a small hole in the chassis on the cross tube behind the passenger wheel arch - a well known area for collecting dirt and hence holding moisture. I checked the rest of the chassis and although many other parts of the outriggers had flaking rust I couldnt find any other holes. The central tunnel of the chassis was in very good condition and when wiped back looked like new.
I started to look into the options available to me, body off, cutting the floor to get to the tube and then sleeve replacing half of the outrigger, inch body lift, cutting the outriggers off from the centre tunnel. I decided that cutting the bodywork was not an option (sent a shiver down my spine having to cut the bodywork when it wasnt damaged- even though I have seen the workmanship of some Glass Fibre repairs and you wouldnt know also the repair would be underneath the car). Body off may have been an option if I had the room, did a similar thing with the Taimar years ago but had the space then which I dont now. 2 inch body lift was also an option but why lift the body when the outriggers can be replaced with the body in situe.
I looked at the suppliers of Outriggers from companies mentioned in other threads but in the end decided to entrust the car to Richard, Craig ,Ian and the rest of the guys at my nearest TVR Specialist 'Track v Road' as they have done the servicing of the car over the past few year and I trust their judgement.
When the Outriggers had been removed it was frightening to see the state of the tube (pictures in link below), more holes, rear seat belt mounting plate broken off, so much rust and damage - not what I expected to see, not that bad anyway.
I have been upto their unit on numerous occasions to see the progress of the car and any questions I have had they have answered and explained in full. The chassis is on the car, fully powder coated in white, wishbones have been done at the same time although the front lowers had to be replaced after being blasted prior to coating as holes appeared. The suspension is being assembled now and I am getting the car back this weekend........YYYYEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAA! Getting withdrawl symptons already, the noise!! Although the weather needs to get a little better. Cant wait :-)
I have posted a few photos to show the progress and will add some more when I get the final ones this weekend.
Safe driving to everyone
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11260538@N08/sets/721...
Last year when inspecting the car I found a small hole in the chassis on the cross tube behind the passenger wheel arch - a well known area for collecting dirt and hence holding moisture. I checked the rest of the chassis and although many other parts of the outriggers had flaking rust I couldnt find any other holes. The central tunnel of the chassis was in very good condition and when wiped back looked like new.
I started to look into the options available to me, body off, cutting the floor to get to the tube and then sleeve replacing half of the outrigger, inch body lift, cutting the outriggers off from the centre tunnel. I decided that cutting the bodywork was not an option (sent a shiver down my spine having to cut the bodywork when it wasnt damaged- even though I have seen the workmanship of some Glass Fibre repairs and you wouldnt know also the repair would be underneath the car). Body off may have been an option if I had the room, did a similar thing with the Taimar years ago but had the space then which I dont now. 2 inch body lift was also an option but why lift the body when the outriggers can be replaced with the body in situe.
I looked at the suppliers of Outriggers from companies mentioned in other threads but in the end decided to entrust the car to Richard, Craig ,Ian and the rest of the guys at my nearest TVR Specialist 'Track v Road' as they have done the servicing of the car over the past few year and I trust their judgement.
When the Outriggers had been removed it was frightening to see the state of the tube (pictures in link below), more holes, rear seat belt mounting plate broken off, so much rust and damage - not what I expected to see, not that bad anyway.
I have been upto their unit on numerous occasions to see the progress of the car and any questions I have had they have answered and explained in full. The chassis is on the car, fully powder coated in white, wishbones have been done at the same time although the front lowers had to be replaced after being blasted prior to coating as holes appeared. The suspension is being assembled now and I am getting the car back this weekend........YYYYEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAA! Getting withdrawl symptons already, the noise!! Although the weather needs to get a little better. Cant wait :-)
I have posted a few photos to show the progress and will add some more when I get the final ones this weekend.
Safe driving to everyone
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11260538@N08/sets/721...
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