Best place for a recommission and a bit of engine work?

[Murph7355]

My Griffith has been off the road since having kids - no time to use it. So it's been in the garage for around 8yrs without turning a wheel.

Boys are now starting to get interested in the cars so am going to look to get the Griffith back on the road.

Which places would people recommend be used for a general recommission of the car? I also want to get some engine work done - never been totally happy with the power delivery, lots of shunt despite a good mapping session. Think it could probably do with a milder cam. Would ideally want to get that sorted at the same time and place.

Recommendations gratefully received - location not really important as will need to get the car trailered there regardless.

[Moose v8]

Murph, I recently went to X works the old barn Fleetwood Rd Preston pr43hd on recommendation from tvr club members, run by Paul & heath former tvr worker's. Very impressed by workmanship, easy to deal with and depending on your location labour rate quite reasonable myself I trailered my Griff there . Left a list contact me when done kept up-to-date with progress found some issues to do in the future and fixed some items not on list , they say first impressions count yes definitely

[jimed]

I use Heath and Paul and have done for over 10 years. Excellent guys, very reliable, knowledgeable and reasonable prices. They often have cars in for full rebuilds incl chassis, bodywork, paint and trim so the work that you want is well within what they do regularly. Well worth calling them.
Jim

[Phud]

If you are south west then Colin and Tina at TVRSSW, been with them for over a decade and recommend them, their work and support.

As an aside engine wise he also works with TVR race guys so how far do you want to take it?

[tivver500]

Seconded for TVRSSW. Big Col has looked after my Griff for the last 20 years and is VERY knowledgeable for most things TVR - especially V8s.
I wouldn't go anywhere else.....

[Murph7355]

Thanks all. Will give both a call/email.

[Mr.Grooler]

8 years! I can sympathise though!

I am looking forward to your post in a few weeks’ time “I’ve driven my Griff again and it’s amazing” Share some photos!

[Murph7355]

Mr.Grooler said:

8 years! I can sympathise though!

I am looking forward to your post in a few weeks’ time “I’ve driven my Griff again and it’s amazing” Share some photos!

I have a Caterham 7 in the same position 2 seaters, new kids and lack of time don't mix that well.

Boys are now 5 and 8 and really showing an interest in cars, so time. To encourage it more. Not quite sure how I'll juggle taking them out yet - will cross that bridge later.

Looks like it could be more than a few weeks away though as places are busy. Regardless I'll post photos and a breakdown of what was needed once done

[QBee]

If you are anywhere near East Anglia, then add Mat Smith Sports Cars in Downham Market to your list.
Mat has 25 years + TVR experience and really knows what he is doing. 01366 386004

[lancepar]

Andy,

If you put your location in your profile, somebody might know of a place just around the corner from you.

Lance

[Murph7355]

North Essex

Have also dropped a line to Python in Colchester.

Talking to all the guys above - on a positive note all are very busy, which I take as a good sign. The downside being that this might mean not getting the car back on the road until spring.

But in the scheme of things that's not an issue

Thanks everyone for input thus far - keep it coming.

Have seen a Griff and a Chim out and about recently...looking forward to getting mine back up and running now

[Mr.Grooler]

Murph7355 said:

Mr.Grooler said:

8 years! I can sympathise though!

I am looking forward to your post in a few weeks’ time “I’ve driven my Griff again and it’s amazing” Share some photos!

I have a Caterham 7 in the same position 2 seaters, new kids and lack of time don't mix that well.

Boys are now 5 and 8 and really showing an interest in cars, so time. To encourage it more. Not quite sure how I'll juggle taking them out yet - will cross that bridge later.

Looks like it could be more than a few weeks away though as places are busy. Regardless I'll post photos and a breakdown of what was needed once done

There's an obvious answer there if your family is 4 of you, albeit less practical... get the Caterham back up and running too and Mrs.Murph takes one lad in one car while you take the other in the other car

Or get a Cerbera too!

[Murph7355]

Mr.Grooler said:

There's an obvious answer there if your family is 4 of you, albeit less practical... get the Caterham back up and running too and Mrs.Murph takes one lad in one car while you take the other in the other car

Or get a Cerbera too!

That may end up being the solution. Though she can't drive the 7 (moulded seat and I'm a foot taller than she is) so I'll miss out on the Griff...

The current alternative my mind is favouring is that the best behaved kid gets his choice for the week.... (The other goes in the Volvo with mum). Should ha e angelic offspring by this time next year!

First world problems I know

(Cerberas are lovely cars but not for me. Am lucky to have other stuff I can squeeze both the kids in which were easy to make a case for... Cerb less so).

[Toffer]

Scole Engineering.

[ESDavey]

Andy, are you ok with spanners ?

If yes, get the boys round the car and show them how to remove the spark plugs (WD40 in the bores), change the engine oil, pump up the tyres, charge the battery then start it up ! Assuming the clutch is ok and brakes work, take it for a short drive then MoT it. A good mobile mechanic can do the above and get the car moving.

Re specialists then Dom @ TVR Power is the place. Re shunting, ask him to upgrade to a MBE system and your car will feel brand new.

My son has no interest in cars so foster the enthusiasm from your family

[phazed]

An obvious choice is Joolz at Kits and Classics: Well know in these circles.

http://www.kitsandclassics.co.uk/

He knows TVRs insideout, has a rolling road, can fit a new Emerald system if necessary and shunting is his speciality!

He works on his own, is a dream to deal with and honest as he is knowledgeable. I would recommend him all day long.

[mk1fan]

North Essex.

Mat Smith all day long and thrice on Sunday.

If you pop over to the Chimp enclosure there is a nice thread started by Chimpongas about replacement injectors which - after 8-years standing - is probably more sensible than refurbing the existing. Also, contribute to smooth running.

Arw heck, I'll even give you a link. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Murph7355]

Resurrection on this...

I'm going with TVRSSW for this work.

May use one of the closer suggestions when I get into routine servicing mode.

Thanks to all for the suggestions above.

Car will hopefully be going down in a few weeks. No rush to get it back - will be targeting an MOT for around Easter, plan being to just get the car taxed for 6mths a year

(Caterham is also out from under cover...I'll spanner that one myself - mostly - and get the boys involved).

Should be a fun summer next year

[Murph7355]

Car is now with Colin and Tina.

New battery and tyres fitted. A few bits in the electrics definitely not working but in theory nothing major. Fuel leak when the pump starts - pipes will need changing as expected. Various other definite odds and ends.

First step will be to generate the list of fixes and ball park prices. Will also need to decide on the cam I want in it as the H404 in there now is not good for a road car (Stealth is the current favourite - suggestions welcomed).

Updates as things progress.

Couple of quick and dirty photos. Superficially looks pretty good to say it's been stood for 8yrs. And damn do these things look good for a 25yr+ old design.

[ray von]

Murph7355 said:

Fuel leak when the pump starts - pipes will need changing as expected.

Aye that car had a lucky escape about 13years ago if its been off the road for 8 then it's a safe bet to say the pipes will be well and truly knackered.
Good luck with the refurb.