1995 Griffith 500 restoration
Discussion
Polly Grigora said:
Classic Chim said:
In typical PH fashion someone has to come along and start an argument over cable ties
Morning matey, if you were to take a step back, stay calm, cool and collected you might notice that there is no argument taking place in this here topicAll others and I have done is to point out that cable ties used to tie brake pipes to tubular steel is not a good method
Surely you agree that the following type of special clips are the dogs b
ks at a possible low price of 2 to 3 pounds each, the tubular steel doesn't need to be drilled
https://www.mcmaster.com/tubing-clips/vibration-da...
Don't get me wrong though, as mentioned by the OP - there are more important things in life. The main thing is that you enjoy your day
No argument, simply an observation from those that know the job
Thank you for pointing something out that clearly makes your teeth itch.
It’s my car after all and you are not buying it. So it’s really not relevant to push an issue that was never asked for.
I’m sharing pictures of before and after for those that are interested. Not those that want to push a point of view. If you have an amazing re-engineered tvr then you should be proud. I would! If you have a current rebuild thread then point me in the right direction and we can comment on it. I would be very happy to do that.
So……cable ties and there attributes finishes here please.
Thank you
The trev and jag are virtually both in a similar position to start interiors and although similar in certain aspects they are totally different animals and it’s been difficult to choose new interior colours and seat panel insert design.
But with that the Griff interior colour has been chosen and will be a burnt orange on the seats, door panel and centre console. The diamonds will be a Bentley double stitched version. Door insert which were carpet will also be diamond and the panel at the rear that holds the rear speakers or vents. Dash and windscreen surround in black. That helps stop any dash reflection. The targa panel can then also be black with the same pattern double stitch diamonds.
Then that leaves the rear roof section hoop. Black to match the roof liner or burnt orange to match the seats? Carpets will be black and black edged. I’m not a fan of contrast edging on carpet.
The actual seats I’m still considering the xjs versions. Whilst no interior is fitted it gives an opportunity to modify those seats where needed and they will look good with a diamond insert. I would like a Tuscan or cerbera seat but the prices of those now are far too expensive.
The dash dials I had enquired to have the colour changed, but no had to be a complete new set. Only cream or black though?! Again Uber expensive. So the original cream dials stay with a new walnut surround. I had considered a black stained walnut surround so it blends into the black dash? But would that make the cream faced dials look like the elephant in the room? So perhaps keep the walnut wood colour as that matches the burnt orange and also helps to blend into the cream face dials.
Just thinking I need to commission the new dash
But with that the Griff interior colour has been chosen and will be a burnt orange on the seats, door panel and centre console. The diamonds will be a Bentley double stitched version. Door insert which were carpet will also be diamond and the panel at the rear that holds the rear speakers or vents. Dash and windscreen surround in black. That helps stop any dash reflection. The targa panel can then also be black with the same pattern double stitch diamonds.
Then that leaves the rear roof section hoop. Black to match the roof liner or burnt orange to match the seats? Carpets will be black and black edged. I’m not a fan of contrast edging on carpet.
The actual seats I’m still considering the xjs versions. Whilst no interior is fitted it gives an opportunity to modify those seats where needed and they will look good with a diamond insert. I would like a Tuscan or cerbera seat but the prices of those now are far too expensive.
The dash dials I had enquired to have the colour changed, but no had to be a complete new set. Only cream or black though?! Again Uber expensive. So the original cream dials stay with a new walnut surround. I had considered a black stained walnut surround so it blends into the black dash? But would that make the cream faced dials look like the elephant in the room? So perhaps keep the walnut wood colour as that matches the burnt orange and also helps to blend into the cream face dials.
Just thinking I need to commission the new dash
A bit of an update.
I visited the car recently, freshly painted body now fitted to the chassis with all the running gear.
Body looks good, chassis looks good.
Dirty engine fitted back on brand new chassis, gearbox and diff in a similar condition. Was assured these items would be cleaned and looking good. Before strip down I actually asked to take these parts away to clean ready for the new chassis, was told it was part of the price so no need to take away. Was told too many hours involved to do that. Now wondering if gearbox,diff and engine have had an oil change as was originally told. My car also had a faulty alarm when dropped off. Again was told wouldn’t be an issue. No mention if this has or is going to be repaired or replaced.
Secondly I asked for my under cover twin lights to be fitted with deleted lower front main beam lamps. The front opening to be carefully opened up into a nice oval before paint. This was forgotten. So no front grille mod. Was told this could still be done. I said I wouldn’t want blended in paint on the front after a totally new paint job. So a 7” headlight upgrade was given as a sorry.
Lastly which is really bizarre is the interior. I said I would complete a new interior save the dash and windscreen surround. So both my front seats were stripped to component level?!
As a sorry they will fit my supplied new covering for the targa roof and fold down rear.
I’m gobsmacked. More so as I thought I’d chosen a competent specialist tvr garage to do the work.
The work on the chassis and body is good but both not what I originally asked for. I actually asked for a black chassis but got a white chassis.
Now I feel I need to hold my tongue to have the last bit of work completed so I can pick the car up and trailer away.
I visited the car recently, freshly painted body now fitted to the chassis with all the running gear.
Body looks good, chassis looks good.
Dirty engine fitted back on brand new chassis, gearbox and diff in a similar condition. Was assured these items would be cleaned and looking good. Before strip down I actually asked to take these parts away to clean ready for the new chassis, was told it was part of the price so no need to take away. Was told too many hours involved to do that. Now wondering if gearbox,diff and engine have had an oil change as was originally told. My car also had a faulty alarm when dropped off. Again was told wouldn’t be an issue. No mention if this has or is going to be repaired or replaced.
Secondly I asked for my under cover twin lights to be fitted with deleted lower front main beam lamps. The front opening to be carefully opened up into a nice oval before paint. This was forgotten. So no front grille mod. Was told this could still be done. I said I wouldn’t want blended in paint on the front after a totally new paint job. So a 7” headlight upgrade was given as a sorry.
Lastly which is really bizarre is the interior. I said I would complete a new interior save the dash and windscreen surround. So both my front seats were stripped to component level?!
As a sorry they will fit my supplied new covering for the targa roof and fold down rear.
I’m gobsmacked. More so as I thought I’d chosen a competent specialist tvr garage to do the work.
The work on the chassis and body is good but both not what I originally asked for. I actually asked for a black chassis but got a white chassis.
Now I feel I need to hold my tongue to have the last bit of work completed so I can pick the car up and trailer away.
MikeE said:
Got any more pics of the Griff?
Also do you have a similar thread for your XJC?
Yep as already highlighted above. That’s been going a long time. Lots of details in that. I was hoping the Griff would have been similar but it seems not. Also do you have a similar thread for your XJC?
Was so miffed I didn’t take any pictures. Just looked like a regular dark blue Griff on a white chassis
Edited by RobXjcoupe on Wednesday 8th February 18:21
RichB said:
RobXjcoupe said:
A bit of an update.
<big clip> I feel I need to hold my tongue to have the last bit of work completed so I can pick the car up and trailer away.
Only just seen you r thread Rob, I have to say your car looks great and I like your approach. It must be disappointing that the 'specialist' appears to have completely forgotten the original work plan. I hope you get the outcome you wanted, incidentally I am sure they could remove the engine and gearbox and clean/prepare it properly if pushed hard enough. I am currently going through a restoration of my Aston (albeit at a very high cost) and the specialist and I agreed a detailed job list at the start, we talk at least fortnightly and I have a list that we use as an aid-memoir as things occur to us as the work progresses. I am sure you Griff will be stunning when it's finished. <big clip> I feel I need to hold my tongue to have the last bit of work completed so I can pick the car up and trailer away.
p.s. I prefer the white chassis too
Work completed has been to a high standard though. When I was shown the work done I just thought sell it now as it’s not the car I wanted.
The Jaguar xjc on the other hand I’m so very proud of. Lots of subtle mods which make the car very personal to me. It’s what I wanted with the Griff, but it’s now a car wearing a bigger headlight kit from a late car, a chassis colour which will be a pig to keep clean and somehow I will need to dismantle the top of the engine to clean components without scratching the brand new paint. Just feel like throwing the towel in and selling it.
Probably when I get the interior underway and fitted I will change my mind but those low down main beam lights I’m really not a fan. They look an afterthought in my eyes and need to be removed with just a nice looking oval opening left. I could take the car to another bodyshop but then I’m still spoiling a fresh new paint job.
GAARD said:
looking great. Doing a full restoration requires extreme patience indeed. I too went the quad light and larger oval opening without the driving lights, the opening especially given the higher temperatures we have locally and uprated fans. I also diid Chim like bonnet vents with extra Jag XK style vents to help get the heat out.
Andy
I would have had the deleted driving lights…..another story for another day. So 7” headlights fitted together with the clear lense front indicators. Fitted lovely not sure if I like it though Andy
Interior colours I’m interested in, nearest is Ferrari beige, middle saddle tan and furthest is a burnt orange. Dash is black with black windscreen surround and new black carpet. The burnt orange could make it look a bit Halloween lol but also very striking with the roof down looking at the dark blue paint. Picture below with the burnt orange although mine has a black dash
Above picture shows a standard seat with redesigned covers. I like the styled inserts on the bolsters. I would be more restrained on the cover design but use black inserts on the possible 3 colours shown at the beginning.
Having a little play with new seat cover designs. Earlier in this thread I mentioned Jag xjs front seats. Now I’m using standard tvr Griff seats. Well reason being, I was going to sell the originals on to go towards the cost of new interior materials. Due to the guys doing the work stripping the original seats to component level and literally cutting off the original covers I was left with a pile of parts that are worthless unless I rebuild and recover them. I told them to leave all interior other than the dash and windscreen surround! The pictures above are not my original covers. I’ve no idea what happened to them?! These are what I was given to use so as a pattern can be made, that said the base cushion cover has been hacked around the base so I still need to make a template for those parts.
So on my new design I’m looking at a perforated leather tuck and roll centre panels with perforated inserts as well on the bolsters to give the seat a little more interest. The French stitch on the seams will be replaced with piping and also between the inserts and outer bolster piece.
The rear speaker/vent area will also have a matchin tuck and roll panel with carpet just on the horizontal area, likewise on the rear quarters, no carpet but an upholstered panel.
I did have the roll over hoop trimmed in black, thought it would save a bit of time but even that is substandard with a middle seam not in the centre of the hoop and poorly wrapped edges on the pivot.
I’ll post other issues to the car as I work through it.
Oh and alarm unit sent away for possible repair. Fingers crossed on that
Moderator edit: no naming and shaming please
Good news today in that the main alarm unit has been tested and works perfectly. A faulty remote will be repaired and a new siren will be fitted.
Any faults with the alarm will be via the vehicle wiring. A pin diagram has been supplied to help diagnose any issues.
So with a bit of time over the weekend I should be good with the alarm system
Any faults with the alarm will be via the vehicle wiring. A pin diagram has been supplied to help diagnose any issues.
So with a bit of time over the weekend I should be good with the alarm system
GAARD said:
looking good Rob,
I went very uniform with the Griffith Resto-Mod and the same leather throughout albeit changed the seats to MX5, although did lose the carpet in the doors for leather with detailed stitching. However for in the Taimar-S Resto-Mod looking at carbon fibre leather for top of dash and seat panels, non standard Taimar interior as using T car parts/Dash. The Carbon leather gives a different look/texture.
Andy
Sounds good, be careful with shiny leather on the dash top. You don’t want it any reflection in the windscreen.I went very uniform with the Griffith Resto-Mod and the same leather throughout albeit changed the seats to MX5, although did lose the carpet in the doors for leather with detailed stitching. However for in the Taimar-S Resto-Mod looking at carbon fibre leather for top of dash and seat panels, non standard Taimar interior as using T car parts/Dash. The Carbon leather gives a different look/texture.
Andy
The door carpet on the Griff is a bit simple. I was actually thinking of a split curved design from the speaker. So a tuck and roll top with a plain bottom half. Then use perforated leather on the arm rest part of the surround. All ideas at the moment
GAARD said:
looking good Rob,
I went very uniform with the Griffith Resto-Mod and the same leather throughout albeit changed the seats to MX5, although did lose the carpet in the doors for leather with detailed stitching. However for in the Taimar-S Resto-Mod looking at carbon fibre leather for top of dash and seat panels, non standard Taimar interior as using T car parts/Dash. The Carbon leather gives a different look/texture.
Andy
Sounds good, be careful with shiny leather on the dash top. You don’t want it any reflection in the windscreen.I went very uniform with the Griffith Resto-Mod and the same leather throughout albeit changed the seats to MX5, although did lose the carpet in the doors for leather with detailed stitching. However for in the Taimar-S Resto-Mod looking at carbon fibre leather for top of dash and seat panels, non standard Taimar interior as using T car parts/Dash. The Carbon leather gives a different look/texture.
Andy
The door carpet on the Griff is a bit simple. I was actually thinking of a split curved design from the speaker. So a tuck and roll top with a plain bottom half. Then use perforated leather on the arm rest part of the surround. All ideas at the moment
Not exactly top of the list of essentials but I managed to find a new old stereo headunit for the trev. I’ve been looking for a Pioneer deh-80prs but no luck as it’s a discontinued unit with second hand either tatty or fetching more than when new. The unit when I bought my trev in 2004 was a wood look pioneer with the dolphin display but that has packed up with nothing on the display working.
Then stumbled on a nice old alpine cdm-7892r unit with its green illumination, motorised front, 3 sets of amplifier outputs and time alignment. Not too modern looking on a wooden dash. Also now the Speedo dial and gauges can be green lit to match.
Then stumbled on a nice old alpine cdm-7892r unit with its green illumination, motorised front, 3 sets of amplifier outputs and time alignment. Not too modern looking on a wooden dash. Also now the Speedo dial and gauges can be green lit to match.
Alarm now returned. This weekend I’ll power up the car and see what happens. Also ordered the new leather and boot carpet and door seals. I haven’t ordered new interior carpet as yet as I’m changing a few things behind the seats so won’t need as much but not sure the correct size as yet. Carpet is £60 a metre so don’t want too much waste.
I have noticed the doors have uneven gaps with the driver side not even flush with the rear quarter and sill of the body. So yet something else to correct. Still waiting for delivery of the wing mirrors although the driver side mirror won’t fit as the brass insert has been ripped out and carefully covered with a carefully cut round piece of masking, then painted. So that needs repairing with a freshly painted door. Dogste is the best way to describe that!
I have noticed the doors have uneven gaps with the driver side not even flush with the rear quarter and sill of the body. So yet something else to correct. Still waiting for delivery of the wing mirrors although the driver side mirror won’t fit as the brass insert has been ripped out and carefully covered with a carefully cut round piece of masking, then painted. So that needs repairing with a freshly painted door. Dogs
te is the best way to describe that! Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff