Hi I'm new, please be gentle !
Discussion
Hello, I'm a new Griff girl. A few of you know (from Wedge forum) that I recently parted with my beloved Wedge and got a Griff 500 which I had always longed for but having slight problem getting used to her.
Anyway, MPoxon (Matthew) has been a great help with advice so thanks to him. He's a great guy
and his engine looks fab now... Have you seen the pics?
I've only been out in it couple of times since I got it in Feb.
But today I went out for a decent run. Still trying to get to grips with her. I'm sure I will have loads of queries for you.
But can you tell me is it difficult to get hold of Griffith 500 badges for rear and if you can get them, where from and approx how much? Thanks
Anyway, MPoxon (Matthew) has been a great help with advice so thanks to him. He's a great guy
and his engine looks fab now... Have you seen the pics?I've only been out in it couple of times since I got it in Feb.
But today I went out for a decent run. Still trying to get to grips with her. I'm sure I will have loads of queries for you.
But can you tell me is it difficult to get hold of Griffith 500 badges for rear and if you can get them, where from and approx how much? Thanks
Is your badge missing or does it just need refurbishing? Leven will refurbish a badge for you but I don't think they sell new ones.
I think I have a spare one in silver and black that I got off ebay but it probably needs refurbishing let me know if you're interested. I'll have a look in the garage and take some pictures if you like.
ebay is probably your best bet but be a bit careful as there are some reproductions out there that don't have the scre fixing and I don't know how accurate they are.
I think I have a spare one in silver and black that I got off ebay but it probably needs refurbishing let me know if you're interested. I'll have a look in the garage and take some pictures if you like.
ebay is probably your best bet but be a bit careful as there are some reproductions out there that don't have the scre fixing and I don't know how accurate they are.
Racetech Direct have them on their website for £99.75 + VAT. (Part No. TVR U0796)
www.racetechdirect.co.uk
HTH
Colin
www.racetechdirect.co.uk
HTH
Colin
Thank you for your help guys.
V8GRF - I will contact Leven
CS174 - thanks, I have also looked at Racetech's website.
Colin R - Thank you for details of yours needing refurb. I have got one and it's okish but fading a bit and I just wondered about trying to get a new one in advance if they are hard to get hold of.
Now.... can anyone please tell me the easiest way to get the targa panel off and in the boot. I get the impression it is a hassle?
Any tips would be appreciated.
I spent ages polishing yesterday in advance of a run tomorrow which I am going (shamefully) to go at very sedate pace as it's first long run.
V8GRF - I will contact Leven
CS174 - thanks, I have also looked at Racetech's website.
Colin R - Thank you for details of yours needing refurb. I have got one and it's okish but fading a bit and I just wondered about trying to get a new one in advance if they are hard to get hold of.
Now.... can anyone please tell me the easiest way to get the targa panel off and in the boot. I get the impression it is a hassle?
Any tips would be appreciated.I spent ages polishing yesterday in advance of a run tomorrow which I am going (shamefully) to go at very sedate pace as it's first long run.
I went from a 350i to 400se(which I still have stashed away) to Griff 500.
The Wedges where great but the Griff is in a different league. Going from the torque of the 350i to the 500 must be feel quite unnerving to begin with
The suspension set up on the Griff is much better in standard form compared to the Wedge and may feel to soft to begin with but I know I can attack the same roads/corners I used to drive the Wedge on at a far higher pace
You are right to be cautious to begin with especially when you have approx 100hp more under your right foot to control but the more you use it the more confident you will become
The Ford T5 gearbox is far more precise than the old agricultural LT77 box that the 350 would have had but you will find selecting reverse can graunch a bit,the trick is to select first gear before moving to the lever to reverse, works everytime.
The roof panel.....the only thing I don't like about the Griff....what a pain in the a
se......a real sadist designed this 
Do you still have the space saver spare wheel or tyre weld can? I still have the spare wheel which I have to take out of the boot each time.
The theory is you have to hold the panel at a 45deg angle and slide the panel into the n/s corner first...swear alot...wiggle it about until the o/s of the panel drops over the edge of the boot lip without dislodging the boot seal....swear alot again....reattach the boot seal....reload all your belongings you have emptied out on the ground and voila the roofs stowed.
Oh for the Wedge, were you could easily slid the panel in upright or lay it across your luggage to make an impromtu table
Most of all get out there & enjoy the iconic car you have purchased,any niggles will soon be forgotten when your out on the open road
with 'that' grin 
Bodders
The Wedges where great but the Griff is in a different league. Going from the torque of the 350i to the 500 must be feel quite unnerving to begin with
The suspension set up on the Griff is much better in standard form compared to the Wedge and may feel to soft to begin with but I know I can attack the same roads/corners I used to drive the Wedge on at a far higher pace
You are right to be cautious to begin with especially when you have approx 100hp more under your right foot to control but the more you use it the more confident you will become
The Ford T5 gearbox is far more precise than the old agricultural LT77 box that the 350 would have had but you will find selecting reverse can graunch a bit,the trick is to select first gear before moving to the lever to reverse, works everytime.
The roof panel.....the only thing I don't like about the Griff....what a pain in the a
se......a real sadist designed this Do you still have the space saver spare wheel or tyre weld can? I still have the spare wheel which I have to take out of the boot each time.
The theory is you have to hold the panel at a 45deg angle and slide the panel into the n/s corner first...swear alot...wiggle it about until the o/s of the panel drops over the edge of the boot lip without dislodging the boot seal....swear alot again....reattach the boot seal....reload all your belongings you have emptied out on the ground and voila the roofs stowed.
Oh for the Wedge, were you could easily slid the panel in upright or lay it across your luggage to make an impromtu table
Most of all get out there & enjoy the iconic car you have purchased,any niggles will soon be forgotten when your out on the open road
with 'that' grin Bodders
Hi Bodders, You are so right about everything!
No, it doesn't have spare tyre - just the can. I haven't attempted the roof yet but I know it's not going to be easy like the 350i was - as you said, you just dropped it in. So easy!!
But then the Wedge seemed easier all round (apart from lack of power steering) and that was only bit of a struggle for a girlie when parking or manouvering in tight spaces. My arm muscles have grown!!
It was easier to drive and sounded better. When the buyer asked if the music system worked, I said I dont know, in 8 years I have only listened to the engine!
The Griff has torque somewhere else! I could drive off in 3rd in the Wedge. Every time I slow slightly and accelerate again in Griff, it shunts which the wedge never did.
I think I am a bit scared of it. For the first few weeks, I occasionally looked at it in the garage and wondered what I had done. I had always wanted one... Hasn't made me smile yet, hope it does sooooon!! Still it made my 80 year old neighbour smile - she came over and asked if she could touch it!!!
I will let you know how tomorrow goes and maybe the guys will take some pics.
No, it doesn't have spare tyre - just the can. I haven't attempted the roof yet but I know it's not going to be easy like the 350i was - as you said, you just dropped it in. So easy!!
But then the Wedge seemed easier all round (apart from lack of power steering) and that was only bit of a struggle for a girlie when parking or manouvering in tight spaces. My arm muscles have grown!!
It was easier to drive and sounded better. When the buyer asked if the music system worked, I said I dont know, in 8 years I have only listened to the engine!
The Griff has torque somewhere else! I could drive off in 3rd in the Wedge. Every time I slow slightly and accelerate again in Griff, it shunts which the wedge never did.
I think I am a bit scared of it. For the first few weeks, I occasionally looked at it in the garage and wondered what I had done. I had always wanted one... Hasn't made me smile yet, hope it does sooooon!! Still it made my 80 year old neighbour smile - she came over and asked if she could touch it!!!
I will let you know how tomorrow goes and maybe the guys will take some pics.
You won't be dissapointed with your Griff. Its the best thing I have done. Me and the other half love it. Only thing was trying to get that bloody roof in the boot and I know how to do it. Simple answer I purchased a fold up Surrey roof from Roger and it is brilliant. It folds down to a small size allowing us to load the boot up with space saving wheel , cases, shoes her handbags. Its the best £500 qiud she spent. The car is much more user friendly now. We got caught out last weekend in a terrible storm. I saw it comeing put the surrey roof on and it was great no leaks. If its any use to you his telephone number is 01570 423 688, mob 07971705 679 leave a message and he will get back to you. He is having a stand at the Griff Growl near Stratford which I think is the end of July.
I took delivery of the Surrey roof recently and I am very happy with it. Haven't tried it out in the rain yet but it looks to be really well made and is very easy to put up, with added boot space to, uhm, boot... It did take an age to deliver, though (5 months or so). Even in regular black.
Onno
Onno
Thanks for that. 5 months though...?!
Summer will nearly be over by then.
V8GRF - I watched the video (thanks for the link). He doesn't really make it look effortless does he
I don't think there's a cover in the boot for mine, so I guess that will take up a few mm less room but then the panel will get frayed & damaged won't it?
Of course, I could be brave and leave it at home, but with my luck, the heavens will open!!
Now, can I attend the Griff Growl in a ... MX5??
Summer will nearly be over by then.
V8GRF - I watched the video (thanks for the link). He doesn't really make it look effortless does he
I don't think there's a cover in the boot for mine, so I guess that will take up a few mm less room but then the panel will get frayed & damaged won't it?
Of course, I could be brave and leave it at home, but with my luck, the heavens will open!!
Now, can I attend the Griff Growl in a ... MX5??
Hi Purrfect, thanks for your kind words in your OP.
As has been previously recommended Roger's surrey roof looks to be a good option to save on the woes of taking the roof on an off. Johno has done a good write up here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
With regards to the badges I had mine refurbed by Leven. The Leven badges IMO are better than the factory ones as they fill them with a resin which prevents dirt an grit becoming lodged in it an is much easier to clean as a result. Next time you are at the Essex TVRCC meet have a look at the badges on mine. I believe Leven still offer this as a service..... give Jill a call at PPC.
Leven also sell replacement roof panel bags which I would look to get sooner rather than later if you do not already have one as the movement of the panel in the boot can cause abrasions.
Hope you enjoy the run out tomorrow.
Matthew
As has been previously recommended Roger's surrey roof looks to be a good option to save on the woes of taking the roof on an off. Johno has done a good write up here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
With regards to the badges I had mine refurbed by Leven. The Leven badges IMO are better than the factory ones as they fill them with a resin which prevents dirt an grit becoming lodged in it an is much easier to clean as a result. Next time you are at the Essex TVRCC meet have a look at the badges on mine. I believe Leven still offer this as a service..... give Jill a call at PPC.
Leven also sell replacement roof panel bags which I would look to get sooner rather than later if you do not already have one as the movement of the panel in the boot can cause abrasions.
Hope you enjoy the run out tomorrow.
Matthew
purrfect said:
Thanks for that. 5 months though...?!
Summer will nearly be over by then.
V8GRF - I watched the video (thanks for the link). He doesn't really make it look effortless does he
I don't think there's a cover in the boot for mine, so I guess that will take up a few mm less room but then the panel will get frayed & damaged won't it?
Of course, I could be brave and leave it at home, but with my luck, the heavens will open!!
Now, can I attend the Griff Growl in a ... MX5??
You can attend the Growl in whatever car you like but we'd prefer the Griff by far. Roger who makes the folding roof will be at the Growl so you could order now and it (may) be ready to pick up?Summer will nearly be over by then.
V8GRF - I watched the video (thanks for the link). He doesn't really make it look effortless does he
I don't think there's a cover in the boot for mine, so I guess that will take up a few mm less room but then the panel will get frayed & damaged won't it?
Of course, I could be brave and leave it at home, but with my luck, the heavens will open!!
Now, can I attend the Griff Growl in a ... MX5??
Good to see more female Griff drivers.
FFG
Bodmin said:
:
The roof panel.....the only thing I don't like about the Griff....what a pain in the ase......a real sadist designed this
Do you still have the space saver spare wheel or tyre weld can? I still have the spare wheel which I have to take out of the boot each time.
Bodders
Should have bought a Chimaera The roof panel.....the only thing I don't like about the Griff....what a pain in the a
se......a real sadist designed this Do you still have the space saver spare wheel or tyre weld can? I still have the spare wheel which I have to take out of the boot each time.
Bodders
..running back to Chim forum now...
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