Xmas is coming

[Spanish S2]

If you could treat your S this xmas, what would be it's gift? I would treat it to a body refurb and paint job. It's not too bad, but has the usual stone chip's, a few scratches, crazing etc.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Either a respray and retrim, or perhaps a garage. Or being driven more...

[TVR-Stu]

I'd fit the rebuilt LSD I've had sitting under my workbench for the last 18 months

[Sandgrounder]

Hi Graham, I'm getting my carpets replaced as a little present to myself!! (and car of course!)

Might even stretch to getting the rear window done at same time (though I never actually see it as I only drive with roof down).

[glenrobbo]

Don't tell Austin, he's getting a nice set of refurbished powdercoated alloys.
They were shabby when I got them .....
I took them to those very nice people at The Wheel Specialist in Manchester & now they look like this......
I've just got to do the black detailing.....I have a cunning plan.

[AutoAndy]

My exhaust manifold has been blowing, but. Couldn't afford a shiny new st st one.

...turned out that one of the manifolds had distorted. The local machine shop wanted £90 to machine it flat...so after some thought I decided to try craftsmanship.... Took my angle grinder and "fettled" the plate to get it flat...

After the usual buggering about to get it all together, I finally tested it today.....success

Father Christmas is alive and well and living in a TVR in Norfolk...

[steve j]

A stablemate for my S, i`m after a Chim` of course with a bit of a sporty pipe

[AutoAndy]

steve j said:

A stablemate for my S, i`m after a Chim` of course with a bit of a sporty pipe

Don't do it....you just don't look like a golfer to me, more of a sports car driver....therefore focus on the S...

[S2Mike]

Mine will be getting a tuned Stainless Exhaust system with booster box, may be a little after xxmas as will be away and spending too much on the other half first........
She may be reading this !!!,,,, !,!

[Barry S1]

Mine will be getting seat and dash re done with kit from furniture clinic, new manifold, heater mended,new brake pipes, oil, plugs, and filters, it might run into boxing day

[Spanish S2]

glenrobbo said:

Don't tell Austin, he's getting a nice set of refurbished powdercoated alloys.
They were shabby when I got them .....
I took them to those very nice people at The Wheel Specialist in Manchester & now they look like this......
I've just got to do the black detailing.....I have a cunning plan.

I am loving them wheel's Glen.

[Deeman]

glenrobbo said:

I've just got to do the black detailing.....I have a cunning plan.

Whats the plan Glen - I imagine more than a tin of Humbrol?

[HvdWeerden]

A replacement for the S , Griff or Chim ....

[glenrobbo]

Deeman said:

glenrobbo said:

I've just got to do the black detailing.....I have a cunning plan.

Whats the plan Glen - I imagine more than a tin of Humbrol?

Well, admittedly it's a tin of Rustins Black paint & a skilful brush for the edges of the spokes, but for the centre part of the wheels, I'm aiming for a Blue Peter badge,
by utilising black sticky-backed plastic.
It's just like good old now defunct Fablon, it's called d-c-fix deco self-adhesive vinyl film, made in Germany.

I've tried a paper template, should work ok, have now got the material.
I figure if I don't like it, I can just peel them off.
If they get damaged, I can easily replace them.
Austin's previous sticker adornments have stayed in place well, so these should be quite secure.
( Everyone knows I love my stickers )
I'll let you all know how it turns out.

They do many colours & patterns, but I decided not to go for the Laura Ashley-esque floral option!
I was however tempted by the black & white chequered one.

[Deeman]

Glenn - be interested to see how it goes, as this is an often cited problem in doing up the wheels!

[Barry S1]

[quote=HvdWeerden]A replacement for the S , Griff or Chim ....[/quote

Shame on you don't do it

[jwigglesworth]

Wheels look great Glen, have you considered just leaving them as they are?

If Santga could assist, the wee beastie would appreciate the seats doing, the engine tuning ( I am sure it's getting slower each time I go out), a new/refurb chassis.
Can't see much of this happening though- shame

[Griffinr]

jwigglesworth said:

Wheels look great Glen, have you considered just leaving them as they are?

+1
Rob.

[glenrobbo]

Griffinr said:

jwigglesworth said:

Wheels look great Glen, have you considered just leaving them as they are?

+1
Rob.

Well, I've bought the paint, satin black, but I'm now thinking about leaving the spoke edges as they are. However, I think the black centre is needed, otherwise the expanse of "flash chrome" is a bit overwhelming.
I'm making a rigid template out of ally sheet, so I can use it as a guide to cut the vinyl with a scalpel, without getting jagged edges, & easily repeat for the full set without having to mark each one out. I could also make the same stick-on centres in any colour they do in the d.c. vinyl range.
If I don't like the effect, I just peel it off! Simples.
I'll post up some pics when done in a few days time.

I must say, The Wheel Specialist in Manchester have done an amazing job.
I could have got the wheels done in silver at an industrial powdercoaters for half the price, but they would look nowhere near as good as the quality of finish is just in a different league. TWS workmanship & service is pretty much perfect.

My only worry now is that I'll have to bring Austin up to the same standard !
Could take a loooonnnnng time.
Perhaps everyone's attention will be focused on the wheels, and I can get away with the rest of the car
Now then, tyres........ more expense......how are you getting on with those Dunlop BlueResponse, Phillpot?

Edited by glenrobbo on Wednesday 4th December 23:32

[phillpot]

glenrobbo said:

...how are you getting on with those Dunlop BlueResponse, Phillpot?

Only got 'em on the front at the moment and not really done enough miles since fitting them to tell.

Even though there's a fair bit left on the rear Toyo's I might go for two more Dunlops in the new year ready for the "season"

Toyo's are great in the dry but had a couple of "moments" in the wet! Hopefully the Dunlops will be an improvement (scored well on that new tyre rating scheme).