Keeping an S outside
Discussion
I'm thinking of buying a second TVR to use as more of a daily runaround (probably a couple of trips a week). I only have one garage which is already spoken for, so the new toy will be parked on the drive. I know there are alsorts of pros and cons about car covers and to be honest I don't want the hassle. I am currently torn between an S or a Chimera, the S is marginally in front but I am concerned about water ingress from the split roof. Just wondering if any S owners winter there cars outside without a cover and if there are problems with water ingress and condensation / what precautions you take?
Also I used to have a V8s which was garaged, but I can't remember if I used a battery conditioner to prevent the alarm (assuming it had an alarm) draining it. If I want to install a battery isolator under the bonnet, is it possible to open the doors with a key or do you need to use the fob?
Many thanks, RAS
Also I used to have a V8s which was garaged, but I can't remember if I used a battery conditioner to prevent the alarm (assuming it had an alarm) draining it. If I want to install a battery isolator under the bonnet, is it possible to open the doors with a key or do you need to use the fob?
Many thanks, RAS
RAS said:
is it possible to open the doors with a key or do you need to use the fob?
Fob ? no such luxuries on mine, good old fashioned key in the lock 
the one place I've never had a leak is the split roof panel join! I have a half cover that can be fitted very quick and easily if the car is to be left outside overnight and it's pouring down.
As with any older car you will get condensation on inside of windows and the odd little puddle
You will be able to open the door with just the key because the lock is operated mechanically.
If you have to leave it outside then a full cover is really the only option. Put those moisture absorbent bags supplied for dehumidifiers in the car and take the cover off and 'air' the car on warm dry days.
My roof never leaked but every car is different. Don't assume that just because the roof on a Chim is seamless it won't leak somewhere else.
If you have to leave it outside then a full cover is really the only option. Put those moisture absorbent bags supplied for dehumidifiers in the car and take the cover off and 'air' the car on warm dry days.
My roof never leaked but every car is different. Don't assume that just because the roof on a Chim is seamless it won't leak somewhere else.
My V8S lived outside in all weathers for 5 or 6 years with no issues (it's in the garage now due to financial constraints). The roof has never leaked (I used to treat it every couple of years with Thompson Water Seal). The only water ingress I suffered was when rain entered through the rubber door seal where it bends though a 90 degree angle below the windscreen. Just filling the slight 'pucker' in the seal with waterproof sealant stopped that. I did use a full car cover on occasion but think that it was contributory to lifting the lacquer from the boot lid when the cover froze to the car in heavy frosts.
Steve
Steve
Time to move and buy a double garage.RAS said:
...but I am concerned about water ingress from the split roof.
Sadly my S lives outside all year. This is my 4th one and I've never had a leak in the split roof. The weak point is the fabric rear section because once saturated from prolonged rain water can start to penetrate. Not much, but over a period of time you'll start to see the effects. As said above get a half cover (goes over the roof & windscreen). They're totally water tight
This S came with a full cover but that did mark the bodywork a bit so I wasn't too worried when mice shredded it when I left it in the shed for last summer. OK, let’s start a fight.
My S won’t be living outside until I’ve solved the problem, neglected by all those wonderful TVR engineers, of control of the rainwater which comes off the windscreen when parked, and off the back of the bonnet while travelling.
What they decided to do was to dump it all over the brake servo, the steering column UJ and the roadcrap that has already collected around the front outrigger, making totally sure that they live in a permanently moist environment.
Have any of you ever had any problems with these three components?
Look at any other post-war car. Look at a 1930’s MG Midget. Look, even, at the fairly adequate attempt that TVR made to protect your precious belongings in the boot from the rain. But not your precious belongings on the front of the firewall. Oh no.
Does anybody wonder why the UJ and servo live a long and happy life in the cars they were designed for, to the extent that we can use them for second-hand spares? Because they live in the warm and dry, that’s why.
No. my car will be a garage queen until I’ve found a way around that one.
My S won’t be living outside until I’ve solved the problem, neglected by all those wonderful TVR engineers, of control of the rainwater which comes off the windscreen when parked, and off the back of the bonnet while travelling.
What they decided to do was to dump it all over the brake servo, the steering column UJ and the roadcrap that has already collected around the front outrigger, making totally sure that they live in a permanently moist environment.
Have any of you ever had any problems with these three components?
Look at any other post-war car. Look at a 1930’s MG Midget. Look, even, at the fairly adequate attempt that TVR made to protect your precious belongings in the boot from the rain. But not your precious belongings on the front of the firewall. Oh no.
Does anybody wonder why the UJ and servo live a long and happy life in the cars they were designed for, to the extent that we can use them for second-hand spares? Because they live in the warm and dry, that’s why.
No. my car will be a garage queen until I’ve found a way around that one.
mentall said:
What they decided to do was to dump it all over the brake servo, the steering column UJ and the roadcrap that has already collected around the front outrigger.
It's actually a very clever bit of design so that the fresh clean rain water flushes away all the grotty roadcrap. For what it is worth, mine is outside in all weathers too. Garaged only when a big job is done and then only after hours of work clearing enough space! I did have a full cover on it but there were four issues, firstly it flapped whatever I did (driveway is a windtunnel!)and the noise was bloody annoying, secondly the flapping cover didnt do the paintwork any good at all, thirdly the amount of spiders and leaves that accumulated underneath, in wheelarches, enginebay etc was amazing, and fourthly the car never dried out properly and mould was an issue. I now use a Leven hood cover in very bad weather(my S is 99% watertight but it wasnt when I got it).
For security I do have a removable link in the main power lead, which also prevents the annoying and frustratingly irregular battery drain.
For security I do have a removable link in the main power lead, which also prevents the annoying and frustratingly irregular battery drain.
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