T350 pre-purchase queries

[rogerhole]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a T350C.

An early 2002 car I've seen has a couple of things niggling me, and I'm not sure whether/how they can be resolved.

1) the rear boot glass cover doesn't sit flush towards the rear/bottom of the screen. It seems to be about 5-10mm higher that the surrounding bodywork. Is the catch mechanism adjustable on the early cars? If so, does anyone have any pictures of the mechanism? On the car I viewed it looked to covered by an ally bracket and I thought I'd seen slotted mounts but that may have been on the catch on the cover - I can't remember. The FAQ mentions Allen bolts…..

2) the inside of the rear light covers look like they could do with a clean and possibly a tidy up of some sealant. Are they accessible? Is there a removeable cluster or do the lights mount directly into the body, which would limit access to the diameter of the bulb holders?

Thanks in advance.

Roger.

Edited by rogerhole on Wednesday 19th February 06:19

[mart 63]

If them are your only niggles, buy it. Top lurking by the way.

[rogerhole]

mart 63 said:

If them are your only niggles, buy it. Top lurking by the way.

Ha . They are not the only niggles, they are the ones I don't know how to solve. I just want to know how big a challenge it is to fix them or whether I'd just have to live with them....a mis aligned boot that leaks would be a no-no. I'd be surprised if it couldn't be done, but with the 'enhancements' TVR made throughout the cars' lifetime - who knows......

[mart 63]

I've had 7 TVRs, niggles with all of them. Its the norm with them. I'm sure somebody will be on here with answers for you.
Good luck

[mk1fan]

sounds like a gas strut is too strong or the other has failed. skewing the boot lid.

perspex light covers are bonded on to the bodywork in sikaflex or similar. light units are most likely friction fit in the holes with their rubber seals. cuarefully cut off the perspex. pull out the light unit.

[rogerhole]

mk1fan said:

sounds like a gas strut is too strong or the other has failed. skewing the boot lid.

perspex light covers are bonded on to the bodywork in sikaflex or similar. light units are most likely friction fit in the holes with their rubber seals. cuarefully cut off the perspex. pull out the light unit.

Thanks.

The gap is equal on both sides so I’d have thought it unlikely that it’s caused by one of the struts. It engages with the mechanism and doesn’t rattle. I don’t think I could push it down any further either.

Rear lights - sounds like a faff!

[mk1fan]

struts maybe too strong then. worth checking as it isn't a robust 'detail'.

[GaryF]

If you are thinking of doing the rear lights yourself, they are fiddly to remove the perspex covers as previous poster has noted they are bonded in with Sikaflex. I've found a stanley knife to start a cut round the bottom and then insert strong fishing line and carefully saw it back and forth like cheese wire to work your way around up to the top works to get them out. Don't try any prising of the covers as they break.

Trying to seal them back in and keep it neat is another ball game entirely.

A bodyshop did one front lens on my Sag many years ago and did a very neat job. I've done the rears twice, but it is not a job to be relished unless you are a little it of a masochist

If they are a little dusty, you may wan to live with it. If they are letting in moisture then it's time to have a go...