V8S Restoration

V8S Restoration

Author
Discussion

Deadfast

Original Poster:

264 posts

166 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
V8S resto is now a necessity.

It will have to be a body off. The outriggers were done at RT 10 years ago (partial lift), but despite lots of waxoyl the salty air will have taken its toll. The grp has cracked in places, and lacquer is peeling, so a full respray will be required. Interior is also tired, and pretty much the whole lot will need replacing, dash, door cards, seats, carpets, etc. I realise this is likely to be a lengthy/horribly expensive job, as I have neither the time nor the space nor the knowledge to do most of this myself, but I believe it is worth it.

First of all, I need to find someone to do the work, so would appreciate any recommendations. S&D/D&C are obvious contenders, but they seem stacked out. Southways?

The car already has Canems fitted, along with upgraded hoses, brake lines, ACT manifolds, etc, etc, so will never be entirely original. So, I’m thinking what else could I do to make the car more practical for the next few years (until my son takes it off me).

For example, I’m thinking PAS, as I’m not getting any younger. However, I could also be creative with the dash, etc. So, given a blank canvas, what would you do to make a V8S a more practical, reliable proposition (and I don’t mean sell it and buy another Ford Focus).

I look forward to receiving any suggestions.

Matt

GreenV8S

30,186 posts

284 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
It's getting harder to find parts for the venerable old RV8 these days. This might be the time to replace it with a more economical and more widely supported LSx.

evil

Deadfast

Original Poster:

264 posts

166 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
Could probably buy a Sag for the money we'd be talking about then 😱

AndrewS2

334 posts

164 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
S&D/D&C have done my respray (last week!) and are doing my interior. They're both excellent! However, I had my chassis done at Southways and Richard is an absolute pleasure to deal with - a real enthusiast and expert in the engine/chassis area. I'd suggest giving him a call - he's much closer to you than me (I'm in Manchester) and if I were doing again I'd drive mine down and hand him the keys!

Also have a look on his website and Facebook page - the pictures speak for themselves, have a look through this album:

link

Good luck with your restoration. I'm 2.5 years in and should be finished in 2 months!

Andrew

glenrobbo

35,219 posts

150 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Deadfast said:
V8S resto is now a necessity.

I’m thinking what else could I do to make the car more practical for the next few years (until my son takes it off me).

So, given a blank canvas, what would you do to make a V8S a more practical, reliable proposition?

I look forward to receiving any suggestions.

Matt
Definitely a lovely fully folding quick release and fast erecting hood just like Joe's. smile

I loved his "Ta- Daaah" demonstration in front of the amazed crowds at the Dutch TVRCC S gathering last year. bow

Alpha Omega

11,209 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Make and fit a new wiring harness using thin-wall cable
Throw the fusebox and relay holders away and make a new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, design it to connect up to the relocated new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, add all wiring for a full alarm/immobiliser so that there are no wires being lashed in later

glenrobbo

35,219 posts

150 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Alpha Omega said:
Make and fit a new wiring harness using thin-wall cable
Throw the fusebox and relay holders away and make a new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, design it to connect up to the relocated new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, add all wiring for a full alarm/immobiliser so that there are no wires being lashed in later
Hello A-O... wavey

Is that you Penelope?

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
glenrobbo said:
Alpha Omega said:
Make and fit a new wiring harness using thin-wall cable
Throw the fusebox and relay holders away and make a new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, design it to connect up to the relocated new fusebox and relay plate
When making the new wiring harness, add all wiring for a full alarm/immobiliser so that there are no wires being lashed in later
Hello A-O... wavey

Is that you Penelope?
Hello, yes this is me

glenrobbo

35,219 posts

150 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Penelope Stopit said:
Hello, yes this is me
scratchchin Have you considered using 'Victor' as a new middle name?

You know: Amps - Volts - Ohms. ?

Oldred_V8S

3,715 posts

238 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Southways every time. A no brainer.

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
glenrobbo said:
Penelope Stopit said:
Hello, yes this is me
scratchchin Have you considered using 'Victor' as a new middle name?

You know: Amps - Volts - Ohms. ?
Sorry my brain is hurting and I can't figure out what you mean

glenrobbo

35,219 posts

150 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
Penelope Stopit said:
glenrobbo said:
Penelope Stopit said:
Hello, yes this is me
scratchchin Have you considered using 'Victor' as a new middle name?

You know: Amps - Volts - Ohms. ?
Sorry my brain is hurting and I can't figure out what you mean
Sorry. I guess an AVO could be quite testing...

We are all wired differently I suppose.

Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 20th June 12:08

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
glenrobbo said:
Penelope Stopit said:
glenrobbo said:
Penelope Stopit said:
Hello, yes this is me
scratchchin Have you considered using 'Victor' as a new middle name?

You know: Amps - Volts - Ohms. ?
Sorry my brain is hurting and I can't figure out what you mean
Sorry. I guess an AVO could be quite testing...

We are all wired differently I suppose.

Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 20th June 12:08
Yes, my wires are crossed today as there is too much going on in my brain

v8s4me

7,240 posts

219 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
How about mounting points for a rear anti-roll bar? You can then go softer on the suspension for a comfortable ride without compromising stiffness or ride height.

GreenV8S

30,186 posts

284 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
I like Joe's suggestion. On the same line of thought, consider increasing the budget for dampers - better quality dampers can make a significant improvement to ride quality.

v8s4me

7,240 posts

219 months

Tuesday 20th June 2017
quotequote all
One of the bonnet wide opening mods should be a must plus...

  • Better mounting points for the fuel pump and filter. Or...
  • Maybe go the whole hog and convert to a modern in-tank pump and sender.
  • If you're replacing the fan, adapt the radiator frame to hold twin fans (don't mount to rad).
  • Do the seat belt rose-joint mod.
  • Improve the mounting for the ECU.
  • Generally sort out the mess of wiring behind the dash and use multi-pin connectors the make the
centre console easy to remove the next time.
  • Get rid of the air pipes from the bonnet ducts.
  • Replace the swirl pot and expansion tank with one of Shaun's double-barreled jobs.
  • Simple brake upgrade to 260mm on the front and stainless braided hoses.
  • Put in an emergency boot release cable if you haven't already got one.
There's lots more little things you can do to make the car easier to live with but as you can see they are all minor and show just what a great car it already is .

Edited by v8s4me on Tuesday 20th June 23:49