Interiors - Am I expecting too much?
Discussion
As a newbie on the TVR forums, I'm quite likely to state the obvious, or ask stupid quetions whilst trying to hunt down a good Griff.
I've got one or two irons in the fire and went to see a '99 car today. Less than 50k miles and at top money. It drove really quite well but...the interior was not up to much.
All the trim edges were peeling, carpets worn, buttons and fittings were a bit crap. As well as the dash veneer cracks (which I know is normal) the panel wasn't well screwed down and was all a bit, well, disappointing really as in my mind, a 99 car with low miles at top money should be the epitome of the marque.
A couple of questions, are the interiors always crap or was this example just not loved enough? Does it make financial sense to buy a lower cost car and get it completely retrimmed? Any ideas of the likely costs involved?
Thanks....
I've got one or two irons in the fire and went to see a '99 car today. Less than 50k miles and at top money. It drove really quite well but...the interior was not up to much.
All the trim edges were peeling, carpets worn, buttons and fittings were a bit crap. As well as the dash veneer cracks (which I know is normal) the panel wasn't well screwed down and was all a bit, well, disappointing really as in my mind, a 99 car with low miles at top money should be the epitome of the marque.
A couple of questions, are the interiors always crap or was this example just not loved enough? Does it make financial sense to buy a lower cost car and get it completely retrimmed? Any ideas of the likely costs involved?
Thanks....
Mine is a '99 with half leather. There are no cracks to the dash, the seat leather looks slightly used but pretty good. But the vinyl has shrunk in some areas, particularly on top of the glove box,to the right of the instruments and around the gearstick and handbrake. Been thinking about getting that done.
I also spoke to D&C Trim today and a full re-trim in leather, plus new carpets and hood would be £3.6k plus VAT.
Here's a pic of mine for comparison. I know where the imperfections are, but most people think it looks fine, including my wife - at the moment
I also spoke to D&C Trim today and a full re-trim in leather, plus new carpets and hood would be £3.6k plus VAT.
Here's a pic of mine for comparison. I know where the imperfections are, but most people think it looks fine, including my wife - at the moment
Edited by Englishman on Saturday 7th April 20:32
Tom7 said:
As a newbie on the TVR forums, I'm quite likely to state the obvious, or ask stupid quetions whilst trying to hunt down a good Griff.
I've got one or two irons in the fire and went to see a '99 car today. Less than 50k miles and at top money. It drove really quite well but...the interior was not up to much.
All the trim edges were peeling, carpets worn, buttons and fittings were a bit crap. As well as the dash veneer cracks (which I know is normal) the panel wasn't well screwed down and was all a bit, well, disappointing really as in my mind, a 99 car with low miles at top money should be the epitome of the marque.
A couple of questions, are the interiors always crap or was this example just not loved enough? Does it make financial sense to buy a lower cost car and get it completely retrimmed? Any ideas of the likely costs involved?
Thanks....
No it should not be like this with that history I've got one or two irons in the fire and went to see a '99 car today. Less than 50k miles and at top money. It drove really quite well but...the interior was not up to much.
All the trim edges were peeling, carpets worn, buttons and fittings were a bit crap. As well as the dash veneer cracks (which I know is normal) the panel wasn't well screwed down and was all a bit, well, disappointing really as in my mind, a 99 car with low miles at top money should be the epitome of the marque.
A couple of questions, are the interiors always crap or was this example just not loved enough? Does it make financial sense to buy a lower cost car and get it completely retrimmed? Any ideas of the likely costs involved?
Thanks....
the dash cracking i can understand but that's it 
Nice interior shot.
£3.5k is a bit more than I would want to invest on top of the purchase price, but some new seat coverings or a carpet set might be considered.
I guess I'll put this car down to being a bit unloved or maybe not 'enthusiast' owned. Do any of you guys have trouble with the trim on the inside of the windscreen surround?
Two other things I noticed, and I would hope for some comment, the seat belts dont seem to retract and the damage on the roof caused by the boot hinge during storage. Is this just carelessness on behalf of previous owners or just a hazard of a tight fit.
I'm learning a lot about these cars. I'm not a polisher, but I do like a clean car. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one and start to learn how to get the best out of them on the road.
Thanks for your patience with my questions and observations.
£3.5k is a bit more than I would want to invest on top of the purchase price, but some new seat coverings or a carpet set might be considered.
I guess I'll put this car down to being a bit unloved or maybe not 'enthusiast' owned. Do any of you guys have trouble with the trim on the inside of the windscreen surround?
Two other things I noticed, and I would hope for some comment, the seat belts dont seem to retract and the damage on the roof caused by the boot hinge during storage. Is this just carelessness on behalf of previous owners or just a hazard of a tight fit.
I'm learning a lot about these cars. I'm not a polisher, but I do like a clean car. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one and start to learn how to get the best out of them on the road.
Thanks for your patience with my questions and observations.
99 car with 50K miles and the trim in that condition. Not a good sign.
The trim on my 96 500 with 49K miles is not pristine but perfectly decent although I have fitted new carpets. Have a look at a few more cars you will then have a better idea what to expect. Have a word with locals in the TVR club I am sure they would be only too pleased to show you their cars and give good advice.
The seat belt mechanisms and mounting bolts etc. do suffer quite badly if damp has been a problem. The woollen carpets stink as well, a quick pointer to a damp car. See if the belt mounting bolts are rusty.
The trim on my 96 500 with 49K miles is not pristine but perfectly decent although I have fitted new carpets. Have a look at a few more cars you will then have a better idea what to expect. Have a word with locals in the TVR club I am sure they would be only too pleased to show you their cars and give good advice.
The seat belt mechanisms and mounting bolts etc. do suffer quite badly if damp has been a problem. The woollen carpets stink as well, a quick pointer to a damp car. See if the belt mounting bolts are rusty.
Edited by Loubaruch on Sunday 8th April 00:06
Had mine done by D&C very recently - the dash, the seats, the door cards and the centre console. Left the hard to access bits in place as this pushed the price up to the £3.6k mentioned (plus VAT).
With full leather and new front mats and overmats you should be able to get it done for about £2,000 inc VAT but plus fitting. Put the bits in the post to D&C, wait three weeks and back it comes - simples!!
Lifts the whole interior and gets rid of most of the horrible vinyl.
Well worth it
With full leather and new front mats and overmats you should be able to get it done for about £2,000 inc VAT but plus fitting. Put the bits in the post to D&C, wait three weeks and back it comes - simples!!
Lifts the whole interior and gets rid of most of the horrible vinyl.
Well worth it
Damage to the leading edge of the roof is prevented by using the hood bag, obviously a worn one is a sign the previous owners could not be bothered to use it.
My T plate 99 interior was mint when I sold it in 2009. Only thing I noticed was quite a bit of glue where the trim panels meet. Mind you my Chimaera was no better and nor is my present 2002 Cerbera. All three be honest are perfect inside except the glue.
Seat belts in my Cerbera hardly retract at all, not surprising given the path they take
My T plate 99 interior was mint when I sold it in 2009. Only thing I noticed was quite a bit of glue where the trim panels meet. Mind you my Chimaera was no better and nor is my present 2002 Cerbera. All three be honest are perfect inside except the glue.
Seat belts in my Cerbera hardly retract at all, not surprising given the path they take
Edited by PuffsBack on Sunday 8th April 16:11
Edited by PuffsBack on Sunday 8th April 17:19
Edited by PuffsBack on Sunday 8th April 17:27
Simon says said:
o it should not be like this with that history the dash cracking i can understand but that's it
Agree totally with Simon. the dash cracking i can understand but that's it Top money should demand top condition. The interior being one of the easiest parts of a car to look at should be in good condition. If the owner cant be bothered to maintain this to an acceptable standard, whats the likelyhood of the hidden bits being any better - consider crusty chassis outriggers.
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