Someone make a decision for me please - at my wits end!
Discussion
I've now owned my Cerbera for just over 5 years.
After 6 months I took it off the road to do a bit of work like rebuild the brakes and suspension. During this time I had the misfortune of dropping a spacer into the engine, requiring me to take the head off. Also noticed the cams were worn, so changed them.
Managed to get it on the road 18 months later, only for the diff to go.
After that it was parked up in the garage for another 18 months due to life getting in the way.
Recently, with an impending house move I had the kick up the arse I needed to get it back on the road. One new diff later and it was ready to roll. Only on the day I was meant to move out the clutch slave went.
Managed to get that fixed the next weekend (this is 6 weeks ago) and MOT'd the following Monday. Went through with only a couple of minor advisories. Went to pick it up to drive it the 20 miles home. It managed 10 miles before the valvetrain disintegrated.
Decided to bite the bullet and got a second hand engine 2 weeks ago and spent the last two weekends (the hottest of the year) and several evenings last week fitting the new engine.
Finally got it all done and drove it 3 miles home this morning. Spent a couple of hours cleaning it this afternoon. Went to go for a bit of a confidence drive this evening. Made it 4 miles before the clutch slave seals have gone again.
At this moment I'm seriously considering selling it for a big loss - I just don't seem to have any luck with this car.
After 6 months I took it off the road to do a bit of work like rebuild the brakes and suspension. During this time I had the misfortune of dropping a spacer into the engine, requiring me to take the head off. Also noticed the cams were worn, so changed them.
Managed to get it on the road 18 months later, only for the diff to go.
After that it was parked up in the garage for another 18 months due to life getting in the way.
Recently, with an impending house move I had the kick up the arse I needed to get it back on the road. One new diff later and it was ready to roll. Only on the day I was meant to move out the clutch slave went.
Managed to get that fixed the next weekend (this is 6 weeks ago) and MOT'd the following Monday. Went through with only a couple of minor advisories. Went to pick it up to drive it the 20 miles home. It managed 10 miles before the valvetrain disintegrated.
Decided to bite the bullet and got a second hand engine 2 weeks ago and spent the last two weekends (the hottest of the year) and several evenings last week fitting the new engine.
Finally got it all done and drove it 3 miles home this morning. Spent a couple of hours cleaning it this afternoon. Went to go for a bit of a confidence drive this evening. Made it 4 miles before the clutch slave seals have gone again.
At this moment I'm seriously considering selling it for a big loss - I just don't seem to have any luck with this car.
No, it wasn't a Raceproved slave - but we did inspect the factory slave and couldn't see anything wrong with it. No real scoring of any note, certainly no reason for the slaves to only last 30 minutes of driving.
I've got a tax refund due this week and I was supposed to book a trip to the Nurburgring at the end of the month, which I'll be using this car for.
However I can't help but think that I'll spend the moolar on the Raceproved clutch, then 5th on the gearbox will go, or the steering rack seals will go, or the radiator will burst, or the car will spontaneously combust...
I've got a tax refund due this week and I was supposed to book a trip to the Nurburgring at the end of the month, which I'll be using this car for.
However I can't help but think that I'll spend the moolar on the Raceproved clutch, then 5th on the gearbox will go, or the steering rack seals will go, or the radiator will burst, or the car will spontaneously combust...
Hmmm.
My main problems are that I'm currently trying to get a new business off the ground, so things are financially quite tight, and I no longer have a nice garage in which to park the car up and work on it over the course of several weeks.
I'd love to think that in a few months business will pick up and I'll be able to chuck money at any problems that come along but at the moment it's just one more drain on both my time and money, both of which I have precious little left.
My main problems are that I'm currently trying to get a new business off the ground, so things are financially quite tight, and I no longer have a nice garage in which to park the car up and work on it over the course of several weeks.
I'd love to think that in a few months business will pick up and I'll be able to chuck money at any problems that come along but at the moment it's just one more drain on both my time and money, both of which I have precious little left.
Slaves just seem to rot. I've taken to bleeding the clutch twice a year and my bog standard slave has lasted a record 3 years including a fair few traffic jams in hot weather. (No doubt that's cursed it)
My advice, get the slave done ASAP, don't dwell on it. I would be tempted to have someone else do it rather than DIY. Then get some miles on the f
ker and try and put all the crap behind you. And don't give it too much in fifth. 
My advice, get the slave done ASAP, don't dwell on it. I would be tempted to have someone else do it rather than DIY. Then get some miles on the f
ker and try and put all the crap behind you. And don't give it too much in fifth. FarmyardPants said:
My advice, get the slave done ASAP, don't dwell on it. I would be tempted to have someone else do it rather than DIY. Then get some miles on the fker and try and put all the crap behind you. And don't give it too much in fifth.
Well I did it the first time before I changed the diff, only to have them blow out whilst I was trying to bleed it. The time I mentioned in my first post I actually had the help of a guy with lots of TVR experience, so I'm sure we didn't do anything wrong with the installation. But then again I'm amazed the seals would only last for 20 miles.ker and try and put all the crap behind you. And don't give it too much in fifth. I'm very tempted to get the Raceproved clutch and still try and make the 'ring at the end of the month - but all my friends and family are saying to just cut my losses and get rid.
Rebuilt chassis, new engine,1200 miles, and guess what I'm doing in the the morning. Three weeks ago I was gutted, today ready to repair the seal with new seals before the weekend so I can use the thing. These car definately don't do not being used.
Keep the faith!
The one thing does concern me are the comment about letting an expert re seal the slave. Any reason why?
Keep the faith!
The one thing does concern me are the comment about letting an expert re seal the slave. Any reason why?
General comment - TVRs need to be driven, at least once a week, not once every 18 months.
Seals dry out, oil deteriorates and drains to the sump. Metal mechanical parts rust, including inside the engine, brakes corrode, rubber parts dry out, fuel lines rot.
If you do get it going again, you need to drive it all year round, but you won't drive it all year round, so sell it to someone who will. Don't take it to the Ring - you will break it again with the sudden heavy stress after so much not being driven..
Ignore what you have spent on it (if you had spent 20 grand on almost any other car five years ago, it woud be worth less than 10 grand now) - price it competitively, liberate the cash for your new business, and when that's a success, buy another fun car but choose one that you will actually drive and that the whole family will enjoy.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Seals dry out, oil deteriorates and drains to the sump. Metal mechanical parts rust, including inside the engine, brakes corrode, rubber parts dry out, fuel lines rot.
If you do get it going again, you need to drive it all year round, but you won't drive it all year round, so sell it to someone who will. Don't take it to the Ring - you will break it again with the sudden heavy stress after so much not being driven..
Ignore what you have spent on it (if you had spent 20 grand on almost any other car five years ago, it woud be worth less than 10 grand now) - price it competitively, liberate the cash for your new business, and when that's a success, buy another fun car but choose one that you will actually drive and that the whole family will enjoy.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Got to say a damn long run of bad luck dude... but you do need to use them regularly to keep the cogs oiled so to speak!
Regards the clutch you maybe need to check the throw on the master cylinder rod it could be over extending? depressing the slave and lunching your seals cant believe they only lasted 30 miles.
I had a RP slave fitted 18months ago and all is fine (hugging large forest of trees)
Keep the faith!
Await some sage comments from the Cerb Jedi master Gazzab
The force is strong in this one........
Regards the clutch you maybe need to check the throw on the master cylinder rod it could be over extending? depressing the slave and lunching your seals cant believe they only lasted 30 miles.
I had a RP slave fitted 18months ago and all is fine (hugging large forest of trees)
Keep the faith!
Await some sage comments from the Cerb Jedi master Gazzab
The force is strong in this one........
QBee said:
General comment - TVRs need to be driven, at least once a week, not once every 18 months.
Seals dry out, oil deteriorates and drains to the sump. Metal mechanical parts rust, including inside the engine, brakes corrode, rubber parts dry out, fuel lines rot.
If you do get it going again, you need to drive it all year round, but you won't drive it all year round, so sell it to someone who will. Don't take it to the Ring - you will break it again with the sudden heavy stress after so much not being driven..
Ignore what you have spent on it (if you had spent 20 grand on almost any other car five years ago, it woud be worth less than 10 grand now) - price it competitively, liberate the cash for your new business, and when that's a success, buy another fun car but choose one that you will actually drive and that the whole family will enjoy.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
I can't help but feel like this is the sensible to do.Seals dry out, oil deteriorates and drains to the sump. Metal mechanical parts rust, including inside the engine, brakes corrode, rubber parts dry out, fuel lines rot.
If you do get it going again, you need to drive it all year round, but you won't drive it all year round, so sell it to someone who will. Don't take it to the Ring - you will break it again with the sudden heavy stress after so much not being driven..
Ignore what you have spent on it (if you had spent 20 grand on almost any other car five years ago, it woud be worth less than 10 grand now) - price it competitively, liberate the cash for your new business, and when that's a success, buy another fun car but choose one that you will actually drive and that the whole family will enjoy.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
However, to answer some of the points you raise; this is my only car now, other than my bike, and the intention is to use this 50/50 with the bike (more if the weather is crap). I've now rebuilt the brakes, suspension, all fuel lines have been replaced already, the second hand engine was used regularly up until 2 months ago, cooling system has always had coolant in it. As I say, the main things I'm worried about are radiator or steering rack.
As long as I get my tax refund this week I think I'll fit the RP slave (would be silly not to have it drivable for selling it). I'll stick it up for sale at a price I'm happy with (whilst acknowledging the run of bad luck and the work it needs) - if it goes it goes.
jamieduff1981 said:
What did you use to lubricate the slave seals you fitted?
Red rubber grease - both times.Just spoke to the guy who helped me fit the last slave seals - we were wondering whether there is something about the clutch that means the fingers aren't bending evenly, or whether the bellhousing isn't mating square. Just something that would make the slave not apply pressure evenly.
Luckily he has a RP slave in stock, so I'm going to pick that up this morning and fit it over the weekend - then keep my fingers crossed that I don't need a new clutch too!
Mark. said:
Suppose there is nowhere to store it and run a stbox while you make your fortune at the new business and then do what's needed when you fall in love with it again?
Seems a shame to get rid especially after the work you have done on it and know that's all good.
Unfortunately not, no where to store.tbox while you make your fortune at the new business and then do what's needed when you fall in love with it again?Seems a shame to get rid especially after the work you have done on it and know that's all good.
All I need is maybe 4-6 months of trouble free running to get myself sorted again! I think that's asking a lot though.
Someone had to make the opposite case.
I bought my 4 litre Chimaera 14 months ago for £10k.
I said if I wanted a faster one, I would sell this one and spend £12-13k on a 5 litre.
Since when I have kept the same car, changed the alarm system (£550), changed the outriggers (£1500), upgraded the engine to a V8 Developments 5 litre with all th bells and whistles (£5,500), changed the clutch (£500), installed a roll cage (£500), decatted (£650), new drop links fitted (£250), bought SP12 wheels and Toyo 888s (£750 second hand), changed the rear dampers (£350).
So do I now have a car worth £20,000? No. It's worth maybe £12,000. A better specced 5.5 litre went for not a lot more than that recently.
And I still need to change the front dampers, brakes, headlights and do a front end re-spray, £2500 in all.
What I do have is a car I have driven nearly 11,000 miles in 14 months, that is huge fun to drive, reliable, fast, and works on track. And that has an engine that is good for another ten years.
But I made the wrong decision financially. I should have bought a good 500 that had had the chassis refurbed.
What I am saying is, cut the emotion, take a long hard look at where you are now, then act appropriately.
Next summer there will be loads of much better cars for sale, and this time you will buy with a lot more care.
I bought my 4 litre Chimaera 14 months ago for £10k.
I said if I wanted a faster one, I would sell this one and spend £12-13k on a 5 litre.
Since when I have kept the same car, changed the alarm system (£550), changed the outriggers (£1500), upgraded the engine to a V8 Developments 5 litre with all th bells and whistles (£5,500), changed the clutch (£500), installed a roll cage (£500), decatted (£650), new drop links fitted (£250), bought SP12 wheels and Toyo 888s (£750 second hand), changed the rear dampers (£350).
So do I now have a car worth £20,000? No. It's worth maybe £12,000. A better specced 5.5 litre went for not a lot more than that recently.
And I still need to change the front dampers, brakes, headlights and do a front end re-spray, £2500 in all.
What I do have is a car I have driven nearly 11,000 miles in 14 months, that is huge fun to drive, reliable, fast, and works on track. And that has an engine that is good for another ten years.
But I made the wrong decision financially. I should have bought a good 500 that had had the chassis refurbed.
What I am saying is, cut the emotion, take a long hard look at where you are now, then act appropriately.
Next summer there will be loads of much better cars for sale, and this time you will buy with a lot more care.
jammy_basturd said:
All I need is maybe 4-6 months of trouble free running to get myself sorted again! I think that's asking a lot though.
And I'm sure you'll get it, this is my 4th year with the Cerbera and it gets used no where near enough, and in this weather it won't get used at all, but in that time all it's cost me is the RP Slave in unexpected costs (OK and an alarm system but that was my choice). So they can be reliable, even if not used. I think you are well within reach of a 4-6 month stint 
I have a feeling I've got all this to come...
My last Cerbera was very reliable. Used as a daily driver for 3 years even through winters and it only let me down a couple of times (brake cylinder and starter motor). I did have other little problems here and there (big fuse, window box ECU) but generally I was impressed with the reliability. The Cerbera I am restoring currently has stood for 18 months and is probably not cared for as well as my last one so I am expecting some teething troubles once back on the road.
But, as for the decision on giving up or not I would say not. Don't give up. These cars don't like being stood and I put most of the good reliability of my last Cerbera down to the fact it was driven every day. When the one I am restoring is back on the road I am going to try and drive it as much as possible.
My advice if money is tight right now would be to put the car in the garage, save up 1-2k and then fetch it out (easier said than done I know). Drive it every day as often and as far as you can. When something breaks fix it. Think of your drives in those first few months once you have saved your maintenance budget up as fault finding drives not pleasure cruises. The point is to find issues, in fact if you finish a drive without finding an issues you have failed! They are fairly basic cars really and there is only so many things that can break.
After a few weeks/months of headaches and most of your budget gone you will end up with a reliable car that you can enjoy.
My last Cerbera was very reliable. Used as a daily driver for 3 years even through winters and it only let me down a couple of times (brake cylinder and starter motor). I did have other little problems here and there (big fuse, window box ECU) but generally I was impressed with the reliability. The Cerbera I am restoring currently has stood for 18 months and is probably not cared for as well as my last one so I am expecting some teething troubles once back on the road.
But, as for the decision on giving up or not I would say not. Don't give up. These cars don't like being stood and I put most of the good reliability of my last Cerbera down to the fact it was driven every day. When the one I am restoring is back on the road I am going to try and drive it as much as possible.
My advice if money is tight right now would be to put the car in the garage, save up 1-2k and then fetch it out (easier said than done I know). Drive it every day as often and as far as you can. When something breaks fix it. Think of your drives in those first few months once you have saved your maintenance budget up as fault finding drives not pleasure cruises. The point is to find issues, in fact if you finish a drive without finding an issues you have failed! They are fairly basic cars really and there is only so many things that can break.
After a few weeks/months of headaches and most of your budget gone you will end up with a reliable car that you can enjoy.
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