TVR390SE

[tommo1974]

Hi all

Iv just dug out my 390se thats been sitting in an old garage for just over 25 years.
I bought the car when i was 21 & im 46 now. Said id never get rid of her but wife & kids came along & so she just sat there till now.
I got her home gave it a quick wash. Shes going to need a far bit of work so if asking you guys whats the best place to start.

Im going to be truning the engine tommorw to see if its still free but it will get a rebuild anyway.

& no i didnt drain all the fluids out before i rested her up. i was 21 & stupid lol

Go easy on me guys

[tommo1974]

[tommo1974]

[colin mee]

Hows the chassis

[adam quantrill]

Install a mesh pre-filter before the pump before putting any petrol in, to catch the rust inside the tanks, or the pump will seize.

Before turning engine over, pull out all plugs, and pop a teaspoon of oil down each hole.
THen just before turning over (plugs still out) put a pint of oil into the filler to coat the camshaft a bit.

Turn over to get some oil pressure on the gauge/oil light goes out.

Put in plugs, then attempt to start.

[BlueWedgy]

Hi,

Looks like you have some work to do, should keep you out of the way for a while.
Nice story behind though.

Here's hoping that the engine goes ok for you. I had a kit car that had stood for a long time that was coaxed into life definitely do as Adam says.
I also had a crated 1300 Xflow engine that had not seen the outdoors for some 40 years that once I had installed it started first time.

I had oil pressure issues sorted with help with kind folks on here..thanks guys. This was quickly followed by no clutch fluid. These cars certainly keep you on your toes.

I got half a quote from a local shop for an engine rebuild.
Labour was £2700, investigation (dimensional and condition check) circa £400, then machine and parts as required on top. Fortunately, the engine now seems to be fine for now anyway.

[rev-erend]

Looking much better for a quick wash already.

You are welcome here for advice.

Good luck with the restoration.

[tommo1974]

Iv had a quick look underneath colin & looks like most surfaces rust. Is there any particular places i so should pay more attention to.

I'm going to get new coil leads & plugs. The freshen up kit & will take your advice adam thank you.

Iv always had a massive soft spot for this little red rocket & still have a few stories of when I was 21 making all my mates all look silly in there bmw but I let her just sit there for years.

I'm looking to remove the body & restore her to her former glory so any advice from you guys would be much appreciated.

Is there any upgrades that can be done eg brakes, engine, electrical. I know I'm a long way off that yet but trying to get the build plan together & prices to keep it moving as she's sat for to long now.

[rev-erend]

Some 390se's had a very tuned engine.

Look on the wing for the chassis / engine number.

The early Andy Rouse powered cars were spectacular, later cars I believe had NCK built engines
but all are rocket ships.

Check the outrigger chassis, there is a jacking plate just behind the front wheels. Check the back of the square tube where it
intersects with the round tube.

Edited by rev-erend on Monday 27th July 16:05

[adam quantrill]

What happened to the screen and interior bits?

Zooming in on your paintwork it looks like you have the dreaded measles on it, those little blisters, but that paint should t-cut very well, until you get around to a respray.

[tommo1974]

Just had a look & its nck17 if thats right.

Took some pics of the underneath.

Still have the screen & I'd just repainted it before I put it away & the dash seats & interior I had refurbished & is still up in my mum & dads loft all covered up so fingers crossed there.

[tommo1974]

[tommo1974]

[tommo1974]

[tommo1974]

Its a D reg 1986 & i want to say it went in the garage around 97.

A few pics before she went in.

[tommo1974]

[Englishman]

While the chassis doesn't look too bad, most, if not all, of the protection is missing. If it were mine, I'd definitely be taking the body off to do a proper job on the chassis as there will be many sections you just can't get to otherwise.

[tommo1974]

I'm thinking the same way.

Strip it down get it sandblasted have a good look over. Weld & strengthen places thats recommended then get it powered coated. Then spend hours re tapping & cleaning out holes for bushes & bits.

[Englishman]

gmw9666 has just about completed a full restoration on his SEAC (3 years!) and has put lots of detail and pictures on FB which could be very useful to you.

[adam quantrill]

Keep this thread going though! There are several restoration threads linked-to from the FAQ on here.