Just got a wedge ! Beginners questions...
Discussion
So I bought a wedge, site unseen. A nice 350i.
I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
Edited by toppstuff on Friday 12th October 21:26
toppstuff said:
Welcome to the world of Wedges, and the joys and frustrations associated. Taking your points in turn:
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days. - I've two Wedges, a 350i on original rubber bushes and standard shocks and a 390SE all polybushed and upgraded springs and shocks and they are like chalk and cheese. If you're after a softer ride then definitely look at dropping springs and shocks to more standard units and if possible use rubber bushes on the front suspension - they are cheap Cortina units.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common? - No - the bonnet catch is an early Mk1 Fiesta unit, which are getting rare, but they should work okay. The return springs do fail and then you're stuffed. Try putting oil down the release cable. If it's not helping then suggest a good second hand unit is worth finding.
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself. - Many TVR lads use Neil Garner at Kemble. He knows his stuff and is well recommended if you can't do the spannering yourself.
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? TVR Parts do most of the mechanical bits, as do RT Racing. A Wedge owner called Graham has bought all the original glass fibre Wedge moulds from what was known as TET so if you do need panels then they are available. Suggest that a few dinks here and there are normal so best just repair and if required get a local panel respray.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days. - I've two Wedges, a 350i on original rubber bushes and standard shocks and a 390SE all polybushed and upgraded springs and shocks and they are like chalk and cheese. If you're after a softer ride then definitely look at dropping springs and shocks to more standard units and if possible use rubber bushes on the front suspension - they are cheap Cortina units.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common? - No - the bonnet catch is an early Mk1 Fiesta unit, which are getting rare, but they should work okay. The return springs do fail and then you're stuffed. Try putting oil down the release cable. If it's not helping then suggest a good second hand unit is worth finding.
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself. - Many TVR lads use Neil Garner at Kemble. He knows his stuff and is well recommended if you can't do the spannering yourself.
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? TVR Parts do most of the mechanical bits, as do RT Racing. A Wedge owner called Graham has bought all the original glass fibre Wedge moulds from what was known as TET so if you do need panels then they are available. Suggest that a few dinks here and there are normal so best just repair and if required get a local panel respray.
Edited by toppstuff on Friday 12th October 21:26
toppstuff said:
So I bought a wedge, site unseen. A nice 350i.
I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of Wedge ownership....I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
1. If the steering column jumps about then that could be the bulkhead column bush and or steering column UJ's..these parts are obtainable...
2. Has the cable stretch...the catches should be fairly rugged...
3. Cant help with that one im afraid...
All the main parts are from Ford...Rover..Jag...so readily available, there are some TVR engineering parts but cross that bridge when it comes to it...
Neil Garner has a good rep...
The spoiler may be available but repair is not too grim...wraps are not long enough for a Wedge...Plasti-dipping is another option...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
Hope this helps...
Ziga
toppstuff said:
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
Is there any difference roof off or on? Mine has less scuttle shake etc roof off. Less stressed perhaps?What year is it? At least two variants of rear suspension. Mine’s trailing arm so I put up with the bumps!
Hi
And welcome to a mad world of wedges.
Dont even think about wrapping it, does not work well on Fibre Glass, works even less well on poor Fibre Glass, leave the paint untill you can get it sorted by someone who knows how to paint it.
me running adjustable Gaz, which seem good.
apart from that enjoy, its smiles per mile that count.
And welcome to a mad world of wedges.
Dont even think about wrapping it, does not work well on Fibre Glass, works even less well on poor Fibre Glass, leave the paint untill you can get it sorted by someone who knows how to paint it.
me running adjustable Gaz, which seem good.
apart from that enjoy, its smiles per mile that count.
mrzigazaga said:
Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of Wedge ownership....
1. If the steering column jumps about then that could be the bulkhead column bush and or steering column UJ's..these parts are obtainable...
2. Has the cable stretch...the catches should be fairly rugged...
3. Cant help with that one im afraid...
All the main parts are from Ford...Rover..Jag...so readily available, there are some TVR engineering parts but cross that bridge when it comes to it...
Neil Garner has a good rep...
The spoiler may be available but repair is not too grim...wraps are not long enough for a Wedge...Plasti-dipping is another option...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
Hope this helps...
Ziga
I'd agree with Mark re the bulkhead bush, changed the plastic one on mine about 10 years ago to a proper bearing from SKF. Best modification i've made.1. If the steering column jumps about then that could be the bulkhead column bush and or steering column UJ's..these parts are obtainable...
2. Has the cable stretch...the catches should be fairly rugged...
3. Cant help with that one im afraid...
All the main parts are from Ford...Rover..Jag...so readily available, there are some TVR engineering parts but cross that bridge when it comes to it...
Neil Garner has a good rep...
The spoiler may be available but repair is not too grim...wraps are not long enough for a Wedge...Plasti-dipping is another option...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
Hope this helps...
Ziga
Might be worth checking ARB drop link and mounting bushes.
And has been said tyre pressure. I run 22 front and 24 rear.
RT is good for springs and shocks, and he's just moved to a new workshop (about a mile from me)
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Convert on Sunday 14th October 21:36
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