Just finished TVR S1

[scoote7002]

Hey all. I'm new to this forum. I've just finished restoring, well, a light recommissioning of my TVR S1.

I've put some pics here: http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/scottjpugh/TVR/s...

- Wondering if anyone might have any constructive criticism or comments? It's done 65k miles, and just got an MOT a few weeks ago. I've got new footwell carpets and good quality headlamp bezels yet to put on. Hope you think I've done a good job! It was in a real bad state in June - has taken weekends/evenings till now. Replaced half of the nearside outrigger and a bit of chassis tube in front of the top wishbone mounting. Rest of it (the chassis) was ok though. Rebuilt all of the suspension, brakes, changing all of the hoses, painting everything etc. Hardest bit was retrimming the roof panels though!
Cheers!

Edited by scoote7002 on Thursday 1st January 21:46

[phillpot]

Looking good, make sure you get out to an event or two this year, show it off and meet up with a few of "us"

[magpies]

does look good there



now enjoy driving it.....you live near some fantastic roads

[scoote7002]

Wow thanks - yes there are some great roads around here which are well suited to this sort of car. Will have to hold out for some dry weather! Tbh, I'm not sure I'm going to hold onto it for too long though, as I've recently lost the garage I was renting, which was directly opposite my house. I really don't want to keep it in the open under a cover, as my hard work will end up going to waste.

[v8s4me]

Fantastic job! and welcome to the Forum.

[scoote7002]

Thanks v8s4me - I found the hardest parts were retrimming the inside of the roof panels (glue, hair drier, about 5 stanley knives!) and finding a brake servo that fitted!

[greymrj]

Must say I am very impressed Scott. As the owner of an '88 S1 myself I would actually admit to a touch of jealousy! Very nice to see another S being restored and well treated. As has been mentioned above, you must try to bring it to one of the meets so we can compare notes. The S owners on PH are a very friendly and helpful bunch and it is well worth being a member of the forum.
Everybody who has sold their S seems to have come back regretting it....dont do it!

[scoote7002]

Thanks Richard - I do normally regret it, yes.... There aren't many classic cars that have the benefit of a GRP body, a soft top and a great look & sound. There's really nothing like a classic TVR.

It's been in the family since 1998. I remember the first time I saw it and being amazed. My mum drove it every day for about 10 ten years, before she needed power assisted steering... and bought an SLK. Hmmm. This TVR has been neglected since then (about 2008) and it's been a real slog getting it up to a good standard again. I would have liked to have replaced the carpets and maybe have had the seats retrimmed - But you have to stop somewhere! Not having a garage anymore has meant some compromises with what I can do as well! Was good fun to bring it up to a good standard though.

[glenrobbo]

Nice work Scott, you know you really want to keep that lovely S1 after all that hard work.
At least keep it for a season of S Clubbing. After that I guarantee that you will definitely want to keep it

My S1, "Austin" lives outside, you just need a decent top cover, and drive the car as often as you can.
Check out our Events Wiki at the top of the S Series Forum page.

But with reference to your title, I don't think an S is EVER finished!
There's always something else that needs doing. It's all part of the endearing package

Enjoy your S

[AutoAndy]

Great work Scott...you will enjoy driving it...bring it to as many events as you can.

The roof looks good, but it's an S...most of the time the roof will be hidden away in the boot!

[glenrobbo]

Hi again Scott,

You asked for constructive criticism or comments:

I'm wondering if you have replaced the.tyres?

IF the current tyres have been on since before 2008, I would replace them as matter of urgency, as they would be dangerous due to deterioration of the rubber, irrespective of the amount of tread remaining.
This may not have been picked up on an MoT test.
I wouldn't trust any tyres over 7 years old.

I know of a local guy who restored an MGB and fitted brand new old stock tyres and was killed when one of the tyres burst, causing the car to flip over.

I don't want to be alarmist, just sayin' for the benefit of everyone who may be reading this, that's all

Plenty of recent topics on here re tyre choice if you use the search facility.

Edited by glenrobbo on Friday 2nd January 09:13

[Spanish S2]

Nice job Scott, now enjoy driving your S, always lots of help available on the forum.

[scoote7002]

Thanks everyone - Rob, yes I've changed the tyres. Managed to get a set of four matching Goodrich tyres on the internet; buy one, get 3 free! Fifty pounds all in, delivered! Had to have them fitted that's all. They look grubby in the pictures as I got rubbing compound and grease on them. The paintwork was pretty faded so I'd mopped it - unfortunately Farecla G5 gets everywhere and it's a chore to remove off plastics/rubbers etc.

[steve j]

Excellent work Scott, well done, enjoy your S, they are a great little car.

[Oldred_V8S]

That looks stunning Scott; you really must bring it out to play at one of the S events this year.

[scoote7002]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement - Would be great to come to some events. Had an advisory at the MOT on the rear wheel hub so need to fix that first really. Managed to get a Sierra one on Ebay recently so will be putting that on when it comes.

Cheers, Scott

[phillpot]

scoote7002 said:

Had an advisory at the MOT on the rear wheel hub

What's the problem, play in the bearings?

[scoote7002]

Hi Mike - Yes; There was a large amount of play - I took the old hub off, and the bearing races just fell out - they should be a pressed fit so something is wrong - It all looks ok it's like the bearings are too small. I've never had the rear bearings off before... I put new bearings in but it was exactly the same, regardless of how tight I did the nut. I can't see anything obviously wrong but I'm guessing there's a crack in the hub casting maybe. The replacement pair off Ebay came yesterday - I only need the one side obviously so will try fitting it and see what it's like.

[phillpot]

If they have spun in the housing and worn it away I may have a spare one, let me know how you get on

[scoote7002]

Changed the rear hub and it's fine now - couldn't see anything wrong with the old one but... Fixed now :-)