How we can all help each other.....

[longers]

In the words of Charlie Croker..."Hang on lads, I've got an idea"

I've noticed certain parts getting more and more difficult to find e.g. I couldn't buy a spare throttle cable for my trip to Le Mans (didn't need it fortunately) and there's another thread running at the moment for indicator lenses.......

Well, companies like www.speedycables.co.uk/ can make copies, but they need an original to make one from. So, isn't there a way we can co-ordinate what precious spare parts we have available to get some copies made (obviously with a guarantee that the owner of the "donor" part gets it back) rather than keeping them tucked away somewhere? That way we'll all benefit from having the parts available and we might get a bulk discount!

I'd like to say that I've got a big parts bin I'd share but I haven't However I'm sure some of you on here have!

Anyone else have any thoughts on this or is it just me getting worried about where I'll find "part x" when I need it.....?

Longers

[ianm67]

Longers,
That's a great idea..... We ought to compile a list of 'problem' components, gauge an idea of numbers for each part and start negotiations with potential suppliers (the tricky bit....) Perhaps we ought to add throttle pots to the throttle cables and indicators?
IanM

[F908 Tim]

I agree. I understand I have the only set of prefabricated headlamp cowells in existance for the S and I plan on spraying and fitting them one day but haven't because I would be using the only potential mould that others could use.
Applies to loads of parts but there are not many S cars left to entice manufacturers to embark on engineering jigs and fabrications for us are there?

[Mr Plow]

More than happy to get involved where ever required, I have a number of spare parts including a throttle cable, indicator lense and Throttle pot. Don't want to sell them, but willing to use them to get copies where possible?

[DodgyDave]

F908 Tim said:

I agree. I understand I have the only set of prefabricated headlamp cowells in existance for the S and I plan on spraying and fitting them one day but haven't because I would be using the only potential mould that others could use.
Applies to loads of parts but there are not many S cars left to entice manufacturers to embark on engineering jigs and fabrications for us are there?

Have you got any pics tim?

[mr clifford]

Well i would order a throttle cable !

[doddze]

I need a throttle cable as well

[mr clifford]

Ok a list of parts I would buy.

1) New front lens
2) Throttle cable

Anything else worth stocking that I have forgotten please ?

[mycroft]

mr clifford said:

Ok a list of parts I would buy.

1) New front lens
2) Throttle cable

Anything else worth stocking that I have forgotten please ?

Trophy Cabinet

[mr clifford]

Good one Dale

[steve j]

I agree with you Longers, we have a wealth of knowledge on here so maybe we should start a list of components that are scarce. TVR car parts are very helpful with most things but I`m sure as time goes by, even the specialists will dry up on the spares front. Of course we will need a stockholder if components are made, and I`m sure that because of the limited numbers involved, it will not be cheap, anyone else got any thoughts on the subject of spares.
stevej

[mickS2]

I agree, anything we can do to protect parts supply is good. However co-ordinating and funding supplies amongst ourselves may be difficult. Perhaps we could create a list of bits we need and then hawk that around TVR Car Parts, Steven Gerald, Steve Heath, Tower View etc etc to see if they will pick up on one or more bits and do the central funding/stock holding bit for us. They may also be able to see commonality across other models (eg Could a 3000M throttle cable be the same as an S??) to make it more viable.

[tyre_tread]

Isn't this an area where the Owners Club(s) should be helping by using their powers of persuasion and funds to get much needed spare parts remanufactured in order to add value to what they do for the members and encourage more members by keeping more cars on the road and making the cars more appealing to potential purchases by ensuring a good supply of parts?

Just a thought!

[mannik]

I think the idea of a parts wanted is also great (need a throttle cable...) and if we could engage the help of TVR club(s) or coordinate this in some manner (via a web database) owning a TVR would be even more pleasurable (had mine a month now :-)

[axe]

database heh... I could help with that
If you have an idea on what to do, gimme a shout and I can see...

aXe

[Mr Plow]

I have approached a couple of cable manufacturers, with a view to getting approx. 50 cables made up, I will let you know the outcome.

Mr Plow

[axe]

How would we get on with funding that project then?
I mean, we need a fair bit of cash to order all the parts and then resell them to S owners. Bearing in mind that if we want to create parts on demand might be more expensive and take longer.
If we want to buy let's say 50 cables, 50 indicator lenses, etc... it will be expensive if one person buys it but the supply will be there if needed and I am sure a few people would buy a series of items.
Or do we try to get as many orders as possible right away, decide on one person that can organise the money and orders then we go for it...

Just me 2 cents

aXe

[longers]

Mr Plow said:

I have approached a couple of cable manufacturers, with a view to getting approx. 50 cables made up, I will let you know the outcome.

Mr Plow

Mr P,

I rang Speedy Cables earlier and they'd be willing to help out with the throttle cables. They need to see one to confirm price but estimated it at £20-£25 but will consider a discount for bulk order. Anyone got a spare they'd be willing to offer up (I'm sure it would be returned undamaged)?

I also rang the TVRCC office to see if they could help. They've negotiated good prices on bulk orders of things like M windscreens in the past and would be willing to try and do a deal on our behalf. Apparently they already have quite a bit of contact with Speedy Cables. They suggested I also post on the TVRCC forum to see interest from there, which I'll do, so they can see how many we're talking about.

Longers

[Mr Plow]

longers said:

Mr P,

I rang Speedy Cables earlier and they'd be willing to help out with the throttle cables. They need to see one to confirm price but estimated it at £20-£25 but will consider a discount for bulk order. Anyone got a spare they'd be willing to offer up (I'm sure it would be returned undamaged)?

I also rang the TVRCC office to see if they could help. They've negotiated good prices on bulk orders of things like M windscreens in the past and would be willing to try and do a deal on our behalf. Apparently they already have quite a bit of contact with Speedy Cables. They suggested I also post on the TVRCC forum to see interest from there, which I'll do, so they can see how many we're talking about.

Longers

This is one of the companies I contacted (no reply back yet). I have a 2.9 cable and also hopefully getting hold of a 2.8 cable as well. I live near Bristol, so happy to drive over to Swansea (speedy cables) to use them for copies. Work in the mailing industry, so not willing to trust Royal Mail!!
Let me know if you want me to do this, might be worth checking that my cable is the same as others, you never know!?

[longers]

Good news everyone

I spoke to TVR Car Parts yesterday and they have found a throttle cable. They've sent it off to have some copies made which should be available for sale in a couple of weeks.

Suggest we wait and see their price and then get a comparison for a bulk order from Speedy Cables?

TVR Car parts said they're also looking for a front indicator lens to copy - anyone fancy sending them a spare if they've got one?

In the meantime are there any other parts we want to pool resources on or shall we cover it on a part by part basis as the need arises?

Longers