TVR 1972M Build Thread
Discussion
There doesn't seem to be many build thread lately, I know how much I enjoy looking at them so I thought I would start one!
I was looking for a British classic and had the (admittedly weird) idea of a car born in 1972, just like me... After a bit of hunting around I purchased this 1972 1600m, as we all know pictures can be flattering. Up close it was clear the car needed a lot of work, and despite a recent engine rebuild the blue smoke signalled all was not well!
I'm also a bit of a perfectionist so despite initial intentions to run it for a while I soon decided a full rebuild was needed! My garage housed my other recently completed project, so the only answer was to extend the garage for this one! In the meantime I began to strip the car.
And possibly my favourite picture of the 80's 'time capsule' I discovered under the seat!
This close up of the front suspension shows the overall poor condition
Whilst my garage was being extended I busied myself with minor elements of the restoration which would give me a head start when it came to reassembly.
Steering column full refurb with new bushes and stainless fixings.
I also made a heavy duty column hanger, the old one being incredibly thin!
The pedal box has been refurbed too with new rubbers and springs etc.
The old dashboard had been hacked around over the years and the clocks were all faded and corroded. First up I made a new dashboard from marine ply. I then sourced good clocks or face lifted the old ones. I even did a bit of sewing and made up a new centre console and gaiters!
Finally the new home as ready and I lifted the body and rolled the chassis in for the next phase of the strip
It was at this point I started to consider the actual spec of the build. I considered lots of options. The original Crossflow in a fast road tune, a Zetec, a tuned Essex etc. As I'm building this car for me personally and as a keeper I decided on a Ford V8. I recognise that many would have kept the car original. But I think particularly with TVRs well engineered modifications are accepted and appreciated. The car I read about a lot when I was younger were the early Griffiths, well out of my price range now. But I thought I could create something with at least a similar soundtrack!
So I sourced a Ford 302ci V8 in a mild state of tune (c300hp), this will be mated to a Tremec T5 box. This is the same box as a Sierra Cosworth, but it makes me feel a bit better that it came from a late Tuscan! I also managed to get hold of a Salisbury 4HU differential.
So the next step was to start the chassis modifications, I tend to like to do as much as possible myself. Even though it often takes me a lot longer I get a lot of satisfaction from this.
The engine and transmission have been in and out so many times, I've rigged up a body lift arrangement that means I can do it on my own in minutes.
The front crossmember had to be doglegged to allow the V8 to clear
Rear mounting for the transmission on polybushes
I couldn't find a mounting kit for the differential so made one up myself. I have to say this was tricky. The angles are not straightforward and it's probably a bit over engineered but better safe then sorry! I also made up a rear diff stabiliser.
I've also been through 2 versions of engine mounts, this design working well, I'm using Land Rover mounts as they are cheap and you can obtain heavy duty ones etc.
So that's the current state of play, as per my other post the chassis is currently being painted. Hopefully it will be back for Christmas and I can begin the build! And I can post further updates!
Cheers
Tim
I was looking for a British classic and had the (admittedly weird) idea of a car born in 1972, just like me... After a bit of hunting around I purchased this 1972 1600m, as we all know pictures can be flattering. Up close it was clear the car needed a lot of work, and despite a recent engine rebuild the blue smoke signalled all was not well!
I'm also a bit of a perfectionist so despite initial intentions to run it for a while I soon decided a full rebuild was needed! My garage housed my other recently completed project, so the only answer was to extend the garage for this one! In the meantime I began to strip the car.
And possibly my favourite picture of the 80's 'time capsule' I discovered under the seat!
This close up of the front suspension shows the overall poor condition
Whilst my garage was being extended I busied myself with minor elements of the restoration which would give me a head start when it came to reassembly.
Steering column full refurb with new bushes and stainless fixings.
I also made a heavy duty column hanger, the old one being incredibly thin!
The pedal box has been refurbed too with new rubbers and springs etc.
The old dashboard had been hacked around over the years and the clocks were all faded and corroded. First up I made a new dashboard from marine ply. I then sourced good clocks or face lifted the old ones. I even did a bit of sewing and made up a new centre console and gaiters!
Finally the new home as ready and I lifted the body and rolled the chassis in for the next phase of the strip
It was at this point I started to consider the actual spec of the build. I considered lots of options. The original Crossflow in a fast road tune, a Zetec, a tuned Essex etc. As I'm building this car for me personally and as a keeper I decided on a Ford V8. I recognise that many would have kept the car original. But I think particularly with TVRs well engineered modifications are accepted and appreciated. The car I read about a lot when I was younger were the early Griffiths, well out of my price range now. But I thought I could create something with at least a similar soundtrack!
So I sourced a Ford 302ci V8 in a mild state of tune (c300hp), this will be mated to a Tremec T5 box. This is the same box as a Sierra Cosworth, but it makes me feel a bit better that it came from a late Tuscan! I also managed to get hold of a Salisbury 4HU differential.
So the next step was to start the chassis modifications, I tend to like to do as much as possible myself. Even though it often takes me a lot longer I get a lot of satisfaction from this.
The engine and transmission have been in and out so many times, I've rigged up a body lift arrangement that means I can do it on my own in minutes.
The front crossmember had to be doglegged to allow the V8 to clear
Rear mounting for the transmission on polybushes
I couldn't find a mounting kit for the differential so made one up myself. I have to say this was tricky. The angles are not straightforward and it's probably a bit over engineered but better safe then sorry! I also made up a rear diff stabiliser.
I've also been through 2 versions of engine mounts, this design working well, I'm using Land Rover mounts as they are cheap and you can obtain heavy duty ones etc.
So that's the current state of play, as per my other post the chassis is currently being painted. Hopefully it will be back for Christmas and I can begin the build! And I can post further updates!
Cheers
Tim
Tim,
Great thread - thx for sharing.
I think you need to get yourself a bit more organised - the workshops a bit of a mess
I am NEVER going to post a photo of my workshop again - I'd be embarrassed.
Lovely engineering BTW. What did you decide on chassis finish - powder coat or something else?
Moto
Great thread - thx for sharing.
I think you need to get yourself a bit more organised - the workshops a bit of a mess
I am NEVER going to post a photo of my workshop again - I'd be embarrassed.Lovely engineering BTW. What did you decide on chassis finish - powder coat or something else?
Moto
Moto said:
Tim,
Great thread - thx for sharing.
I think you need to get yourself a bit more organised - the workshops a bit of a mess I am NEVER going to post a photo of my workshop again - I'd be embarrassed.
Lovely engineering BTW. What did you decide on chassis finish - powder coat or something else?
Moto
Haha, yeah always get lots of comments about the workshop, that in itself has been a project for a few years!Great thread - thx for sharing.
I think you need to get yourself a bit more organised - the workshops a bit of a mess
I am NEVER going to post a photo of my workshop again - I'd be embarrassed.Lovely engineering BTW. What did you decide on chassis finish - powder coat or something else?
Moto
I still need to confirm the exact finish for my chassis, I must admit even though black is now confirmed as original I can't get the idea of light grey out of my head. I've seen it as a period finish on other cars and it looks great....
TVRMs said:
Similar variation on the diff mounting 
Never seen that before in my life.. 
I have to admit that photo was the start point for my design, unfortunately my limited skills and fabrication kit created something a bit less aesthetic and probably a lot heavier. On a positive note it's definitely strong!
A few things I neglected to mention last night in terms of current status.
I also reinforced all the lower wishbone pick up points with a triangular gusset, they seemed fairly flexible so it was an easy task to beef them up.
I've also reinforced the chassis section around the gearbox, which again seemed a weaker section and you could foresee the possibility of it twisting a little. Once again I shamelessly pinched someone else's design from this photo:
In terms of the way forward I have specced and built the rolling chassis in my head, so I'm ok with that.
I am avoiding thinking too far ahead as I've not yet worked out: Cooling system, clutch actuation (not even sure what arm would work) and rewire from scratch.
I do know that visually I want the car as close to stock as possible externally (hard to improve on IMHO) and likewise with the interior.
I also reinforced all the lower wishbone pick up points with a triangular gusset, they seemed fairly flexible so it was an easy task to beef them up.
I've also reinforced the chassis section around the gearbox, which again seemed a weaker section and you could foresee the possibility of it twisting a little. Once again I shamelessly pinched someone else's design from this photo:
In terms of the way forward I have specced and built the rolling chassis in my head, so I'm ok with that.
I am avoiding thinking too far ahead as I've not yet worked out: Cooling system, clutch actuation (not even sure what arm would work) and rewire from scratch.
I do know that visually I want the car as close to stock as possible externally (hard to improve on IMHO) and likewise with the interior.
TVRMs said:
Our 1972M before and after
Looks lovely!! I've seen your build too, absolutely awesome!Funny that you've moved from red to white, mine is red and I'm tempted to change colour too, white is on my mind, as is light metallic blue. Not that I have to make that decision anytime soon..
I believe they are all one size that are supplied any reason for going with rubber rather than polly.the rubber ones dont last very well i have just replaced the rubber that where fitted 5 years ago on the Tuscan and they where already perishing rubber products these days are nowhere near what they used to be.
Andrew
Andrew
TiM3 said:
Looks lovely!! I've seen your build too, absolutely awesome!
Funny that you've moved from red to white, mine is red and I'm tempted to change colour too, white is on my mind, as is light metallic blue. Not that I have to make that decision anytime soon..
Thanks for the compliments Tim.Funny that you've moved from red to white, mine is red and I'm tempted to change colour too, white is on my mind, as is light metallic blue. Not that I have to make that decision anytime soon..
Our initial colour change consideration was Inca Yellow, still wonder how it would have looked but pleased with the white.
What's your timescale to complete?
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