Tasmin 280i FHC - Advice Please
Discussion
A mate of mine has recently bought a Series 1 Tasmin 280i FHC and it’s struck me as a very pretty little car, so I’m thinking about getting one as a project/rolling restoration. I’ve had a V8S for over 10 years now and done a lot to it so I sort of know my way around these old TVRs, but what in particular should I be looking out for on the little Wedge? Thanks in advance 
PS - no the V8S is NOT for sale
PS - no the V8S is NOT for sale
Join us Joe. Its calm and peaceful over here. We're very friendly.
I know what you mean about the FHC being pretty. More practical than a Sag too!
You may struggle to find one atm. There has been a 'glut' recently but they seem to have dried up. There was a V8 FHC too, which you may wish to hold out for - simply for the sake of spares/knowledge base.
Make sure the one you buy has the original ashtray. No one knows where its from.
And the rear glass is a special so be aware of perspex / plexi replacements.
Other than that its usual TVR checks. Chassis, followed by the chassis, make sure you check the chassis before then checking the chassis. 2.8 Cologne is its own specific bag of fish.
Oh and the wiring loom is likely to be all black.
I know what you mean about the FHC being pretty. More practical than a Sag too!
You may struggle to find one atm. There has been a 'glut' recently but they seem to have dried up. There was a V8 FHC too, which you may wish to hold out for - simply for the sake of spares/knowledge base.
Make sure the one you buy has the original ashtray. No one knows where its from.
And the rear glass is a special so be aware of perspex / plexi replacements.
Other than that its usual TVR checks. Chassis, followed by the chassis, make sure you check the chassis before then checking the chassis. 2.8 Cologne is its own specific bag of fish.
Oh and the wiring loom is likely to be all black.
I know what you mean.
Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Hi Gents
Sorry to contradict you.
The ashtrays of a Tasmin FHC and up to and including the Series 1 350i's are not from a Delorean. They are from the rear doors of a Jag XJ series, and are in the doors of the TVR.
The Delorean used the same supplier TVR used for ash tray used in the series 2 350i Convertible and other models from 84/5 which were then put in the central consul of the car.
Andy
Sorry to contradict you.
The ashtrays of a Tasmin FHC and up to and including the Series 1 350i's are not from a Delorean. They are from the rear doors of a Jag XJ series, and are in the doors of the TVR.
The Delorean used the same supplier TVR used for ash tray used in the series 2 350i Convertible and other models from 84/5 which were then put in the central consul of the car.
Andy
My doors don't look like that !! 
But then it's a DHC.
Seriously but, there's a lot of different detail in the interiors, so don't get too hung up on this.
As far as I know most of the running gear etc is (reasonably) easy to find.
Engine itself is pretty good, (standard 2.8 injection) but the fuel injection system will probably need an overhaul if it's been stood for a long time (metering head has some VERY small holes....) but there are specialist refurbishers. As I've said before K-Jet used a lot on Audi,VW, Porsche and even Ferrari, so there are experts. If you rebuild engine, consider a steel cam drive gear, the OE fibre ones can fail suddenly (good news though, it won't damage the valves if it does break).
One of the exhaust manifolds is a TVR special, and almost impossible to get now.
Lift up pods can be a pain to sort out, but it's not rocket science, just a PITA.
Can't think of anything else serious right now....glass etc already mentioned....
Oh Yeah, it will probably leak oil out the rocker covers.....that's a Ford trademark...
But then it's a DHC.
Seriously but, there's a lot of different detail in the interiors, so don't get too hung up on this.
As far as I know most of the running gear etc is (reasonably) easy to find.
Engine itself is pretty good, (standard 2.8 injection) but the fuel injection system will probably need an overhaul if it's been stood for a long time (metering head has some VERY small holes....) but there are specialist refurbishers. As I've said before K-Jet used a lot on Audi,VW, Porsche and even Ferrari, so there are experts. If you rebuild engine, consider a steel cam drive gear, the OE fibre ones can fail suddenly (good news though, it won't damage the valves if it does break).
One of the exhaust manifolds is a TVR special, and almost impossible to get now.
Lift up pods can be a pain to sort out, but it's not rocket science, just a PITA.
Can't think of anything else serious right now....glass etc already mentioned....
Oh Yeah, it will probably leak oil out the rocker covers.....that's a Ford trademark...
Daggsy said:
I know what you mean.
Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Er....i'm the only 2.8 FHC at the RNR.Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Bring a curvy model.
Marcus
RCK974X said:
One of the exhaust manifolds is a TVR special, and almost impossible to get now.
Thats correct sir and the other is just as rare...A Cortina 2.3The light pods/Motors are exchangeable to a company called Robsport International, They mainly deal with TR7/8....Or if you are a bit handy they can be repaired if need be and there is some valuable information available from a trusted source who has taken the time to not only repair them but also document it meticulously
The radiator...Granada i believe is no way sufficient/Efficient...I don't think it ever was for the granny let alone a tight engine bay of a TVR...
Spares are fairly easily available and there is a good supply of the correct knowledge surrounding the MFI...I wholely recommend Steve at KMI petrol injection...He really knows his stuff...
If you need anything just ask on here.
Edited by mrzigazaga on Sunday 7th August 18:04
I'm going to argue a little bit with Zig here.....
Assuming FHC is early style like my '82 DHC ....
Pod motors and hardware are TR7 (motors are adapted Lucas wiper motors with a few bits tacked on ...) The (all black) wiring and relays on my early DHC 2.8 in fact are identical to TR7 setup. Mounting brackets etc. are TVR.
Radiator (as far as we have sorted out here) is a cut down Granny 2.8, or possibly an early 2.3 Granny (later 2.3 got the 2.8 rad )
top and bottom tanks on mine have Ford logo. 2.8 rad is too tall - I've tried it, but looks correct otherwise. Hoses are special, but I'm sure someone else's will fit after Stanley knife. Rad IS enough to keep engine cool, make sure heater/overflow tank is piped in the 'right' way round (there are threads on that in here), but an electric fan is also good idea. Mine stays cool even in +30C temps here in New Zealand, but I did have it cleaned out properly.
Manifolds - Ford had two castings for Colognes, early and late. The later ones are bulkier (better flow) and one has an EGO boss, and they won't go in the frame. So if you can find any, use pre 84 'slim' ones.
Early 2.8 did have the same manifolds as the 2.3. The drivers side has a TVR special manifold, as Ford one won't fit, and it's still up for debate, but it looks like TVR also shaved a bit off the Ford one on the other side to get a bit more clearance.
Ford did change a few details over the life of the 2.8 engine, things like water pumps, but we are always happy to share what we know!
Some bits from later 2.3 also fit, as Ford did make more parts common to all V6 engines later on.
Mine has a 2.3 clutch cable - some debate about whether others fit.
By default, stick to Capri/Granada 2.8i pre '85 for engine parts.
Other bits in wedge are from TR7 (steering column), Cortina IV/V (front suspension and door locks), some with TVR mods....
4 sp gbox is early 3.0 capri one (type 5) 5 speed is a type 9 (Capri,Sierra,Granny, etc)
Assuming FHC is early style like my '82 DHC ....
Pod motors and hardware are TR7 (motors are adapted Lucas wiper motors with a few bits tacked on ...) The (all black) wiring and relays on my early DHC 2.8 in fact are identical to TR7 setup. Mounting brackets etc. are TVR.
Radiator (as far as we have sorted out here) is a cut down Granny 2.8, or possibly an early 2.3 Granny (later 2.3 got the 2.8 rad )
top and bottom tanks on mine have Ford logo. 2.8 rad is too tall - I've tried it, but looks correct otherwise. Hoses are special, but I'm sure someone else's will fit after Stanley knife. Rad IS enough to keep engine cool, make sure heater/overflow tank is piped in the 'right' way round (there are threads on that in here), but an electric fan is also good idea. Mine stays cool even in +30C temps here in New Zealand, but I did have it cleaned out properly.
Manifolds - Ford had two castings for Colognes, early and late. The later ones are bulkier (better flow) and one has an EGO boss, and they won't go in the frame. So if you can find any, use pre 84 'slim' ones.
Early 2.8 did have the same manifolds as the 2.3. The drivers side has a TVR special manifold, as Ford one won't fit, and it's still up for debate, but it looks like TVR also shaved a bit off the Ford one on the other side to get a bit more clearance.
Ford did change a few details over the life of the 2.8 engine, things like water pumps, but we are always happy to share what we know!
Some bits from later 2.3 also fit, as Ford did make more parts common to all V6 engines later on.
Mine has a 2.3 clutch cable - some debate about whether others fit.
By default, stick to Capri/Granada 2.8i pre '85 for engine parts.
Other bits in wedge are from TR7 (steering column), Cortina IV/V (front suspension and door locks), some with TVR mods....
4 sp gbox is early 3.0 capri one (type 5) 5 speed is a type 9 (Capri,Sierra,Granny, etc)
marcus1875 said:
Daggsy said:
I know what you mean.
Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Er....i'm the only 2.8 FHC at the RNR.Our RED Tasmin 280i FHC is currently with Lee at Trim Unique, Cleveleys, Blackpool for a full leather interior re trim.
Just back in time for the Sept Rusty Nail Run (That's the plan anyway)
It only took me 33 years to get into Tasmin/Wedge ownership, makes a complete change to the Griff & Tuscan though.
Bring a curvy model.
Marcus
Maybe if you try to influence Lee to 'fail to complete' on time, otherwise it looks like 2 x FHC this year.
RCK974X said:
I'm going to argue a little bit with Zig here.....
"Oh no your not"....
I hear what you are saying about the rad mate and i agree as long as you are moving ...However stuck in London traffic is a different story....Also i found the rad hose to be Ford Capri mk3 bottom hose and Granada bottom hose used as a top hose...With a small bit of modifying with uncle Stanley...
Hi good choice. The original is best. The S1 FHC is the best looking wedge but I may be a bit biased.
They tend to need a fair bit of fettling but nothing over complicated. A lot of good advice on here.
Just to add my two penneth about manifolds some early cars have the exhausts running above the gearbox. These have TVR made manifolds that run straight back above the bellhousing. You get a warm left arm but good ground clearance. Cheers Richard.
They tend to need a fair bit of fettling but nothing over complicated. A lot of good advice on here.
Just to add my two penneth about manifolds some early cars have the exhausts running above the gearbox. These have TVR made manifolds that run straight back above the bellhousing. You get a warm left arm but good ground clearance. Cheers Richard.
v8s4me said:
In the last picture there is a PAS pump. So what rack did you fit and, out of curiosity, in its various Ford incarnations, was this engine ever fitted with an air-con compressor?
Hi mate...PAS was a factory option and consisted of a Ford Cortina mk4-5 PAS rack..I think the pump was from a Montego..All of the ones marked for the US market had air-con...
Not 100% sure when PAS became an option...Im guessing post FHC 280i?
I too have been in the minority who thinks the S1 FHC is the best looking Wedge, but I think their time is coming. The biggest issue you will have is finding one. How many did they make? 118 springs to mind, certainly not many and a good few were raced to death in the TVR challenge.
Here's my 200.
Here's my 200.
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