Potentially buying a wedge
Discussion
Guys,
Looking at this car - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... - despite never being in or driven any TVR, ever!
I'm currently carless and looking for something for the odd Sunday run but mainly trackwork... looked at the usual suspects, 205GTi's, etc etc but now torn between a wedge, an S series or a kit car (yes, bit different i know!)
My thoughts on the TVR are - RWD, tick, big V8, tick - reasonably light, tick... this one appears to have had the mechanical side sorted and i'm not concerned about aesthetics...
In all honesty will this car be decent as a tracktoy, not expecting supercar performance, just something pretty quick for some RWD fun...
My 3 concerns about the car - 1, what is the gearchange like, this is what put me off the 205 as it was like moving a ladel through soup! 2, are the brakes decent in standard form?? And lastly, will it break, a lot? If i put £1000 in a slush fund will this keep it going for a year or so or am i kidding myself and the first thing that goes will wipe it out?
Any advice appreciated...........
Cheers,
Chris
Looking at this car - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... - despite never being in or driven any TVR, ever!
I'm currently carless and looking for something for the odd Sunday run but mainly trackwork... looked at the usual suspects, 205GTi's, etc etc but now torn between a wedge, an S series or a kit car (yes, bit different i know!)
My thoughts on the TVR are - RWD, tick, big V8, tick - reasonably light, tick... this one appears to have had the mechanical side sorted and i'm not concerned about aesthetics...
In all honesty will this car be decent as a tracktoy, not expecting supercar performance, just something pretty quick for some RWD fun...
My 3 concerns about the car - 1, what is the gearchange like, this is what put me off the 205 as it was like moving a ladel through soup! 2, are the brakes decent in standard form?? And lastly, will it break, a lot? If i put £1000 in a slush fund will this keep it going for a year or so or am i kidding myself and the first thing that goes will wipe it out?
Any advice appreciated...........
Cheers,
Chris
That one is one of only 6 made. Ultra rare 
Probably worth preserving. As far as driving/running one of these they are the bargain of the century at the mo, cheap to buy, cheap to fix and probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Very durable mechanicals, mainly Rover & Ford so parts are plentifull & cheap. Oh & only around £100 to insure. What are you waiting for 
Just make sure the chassis is solid. 
P.S. Gear change is great, brakes will need upgrading for serious track use & as I say above they are surprisingly reliable.
Probably worth preserving. As far as driving/running one of these they are the bargain of the century at the mo, cheap to buy, cheap to fix and probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Very durable mechanicals, mainly Rover & Ford so parts are plentifull & cheap. Oh & only around £100 to insure. What are you waiting for Just make sure the chassis is solid. P.S. Gear change is great, brakes will need upgrading for serious track use & as I say above they are surprisingly reliable.
Edited by pwd95 on Wednesday 28th November 09:41
Ok, guess its biased in here but its a thumbs up in general....
Only thing is - The car is in sheffield and i'm in Glasgow, i'd have to be 99% certain of buying it to travel down and again having never driven one that makes me nervous!
Are they tail happy? Especially in the wet?
Hmmm.............
Only thing is - The car is in sheffield and i'm in Glasgow, i'd have to be 99% certain of buying it to travel down and again having never driven one that makes me nervous!
Are they tail happy? Especially in the wet?
Hmmm.............
....
chris_c201 said:
Ok, guess its biased in here but its a thumbs up in general....
Only thing is - The car is in sheffield and i'm in Glasgow, i'd have to be 99% certain of buying it to travel down and again having never driven one that makes me nervous!
Are they tail happy? Especially in the wet?
Hmmm.............
I'm in Sheffield, I'd be quite happy to take a look at it for you, but I would advise that you really need to drive a wedge to make sure that you're OK with one.Only thing is - The car is in sheffield and i'm in Glasgow, i'd have to be 99% certain of buying it to travel down and again having never driven one that makes me nervous!
Are they tail happy? Especially in the wet?
Hmmm.............
Hi mate,
If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
matt-man said:
When i was looking for mine, i was a total TVR novice too, experiance in mechancics but not a lot TVR wise!!
All i can say is just have a sense of humour, give her some love and CHECK all levels all the time!!
ENJOY!!
Same for me here. All i can say is just have a sense of humour, give her some love and CHECK all levels all the time!!
ENJOY!!
Couple of other things :-
Visit the wedgepages web site for additional guidance - Thanks Mike
Buy the best you can afford.
Never buy the first one you see unless.....
Don't worry about driving it - if you can fit in thats fine......just treat it with some respect in the wet
Me... I was ok thank goodness - went over budget, bought the first one I saw, never drove it until I picked it up, bought a white one with red leather (didn't want that)....mind you have I been chuffed.........damn'd right I have.
chris_c201 said:
Hi mate,
If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
I'll give the fella a ring, and arrange to have a gander tonight.If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
convert said:
chris_c201 said:
Hi mate,
If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
I'll give the fella a ring, and arrange to have a gander tonight.If you could take a look that would be superb, always better if someone that has owned one is looking... my main concern is the chassis from reading up on them, as i've said aesthetics don't worry me too much...
If you could give it a "pre-inspection" and if it gets a thumbs up i could travel down for a drive and check although i would be willing to walk away if still not happy...
Happy to cover any expenses and a few beer tokens if your up for it!
Cheers
Chris
eesbad said:
Nice wedge - in the best colour scheme too.... 
Shame about the bling wheels!!
Totally agree on the wheels, prolly get some little guy with a corsa or something (whatever has the same stud pattern / offset willing to take them off my hands for more than a standard set though!Shame about the bling wheels!!
Thoroughly impressed with the forum here, all decent advice and friendly,
Cheers
Chris
Right. Just called the Chap selling it (Duncan) He's a trader that took it as a part-ex, and he just wants rid.
First impressions:-
Bodywork - not too bad, had a little prang on the front, and the lower front airdam shows signs of repair, also had some paint on the front end, close match; but no cigar. Passenger door catch needs adjusting, passenger E/Window not working. Tailgate hinges have surface rust, as door window frames on door.
Interior - Shot - It's all there, but it's very tired; Veneer cracked and peeling, switch gear is all there though, and all gauges seem to work OK (Except perhaps fuel gauge).
Drivetrain - Fired up from cold (reluctantly as battery is a little flat), good oil pressure, no nasty noises. Cold start injector has been disabled, and an old oil pressure gauge fitted to fuel rail to check fuel pressure. An adjustable fuel pressure regulator is fitted to the bulkhead, but this is not being used; a standard one is plumbed in. Exhaust manifolds seem OK, and the heads have had a stud kit fitted for manifolds. Seems to get up to temp OK. Some evidence of minor oil leaks, Oil up to max level though could probably do with a change. Gearbox seems fine, as does diff. Exhaust is a single cherry bomb, that looks like it's been in residence for some time.
Chassis - Some evidence of accident damage to front, but seems to be well repaired. Front tyres seem to have been rubbing on the chassis tubes behind the wheels. Vendor assures me that this was from when the previous owner had oversize tyres fitted. Rest of chassis seems good, although being a 2+2 it was difficult for me to check the hidden sections of the outriggers. Vendor assures me that the previous owner had a body off repair of the front chassis and outriggers @ RT Racing (well known to us Wedgers).
Shocks, springs and bushes seem fairly new, and some bushes are purple poly' ones.
In short not a bad motor, and IMHO well worth the £1200 it currently stands at. Having said that it is an old TVR and would best be described as a project vehicle needing a little TLC.
You pays your money, and you takes your chances...
Hope that helps.
PS The wheels don't look too bad in the flesh, just need the writing taking off.
First impressions:-
Bodywork - not too bad, had a little prang on the front, and the lower front airdam shows signs of repair, also had some paint on the front end, close match; but no cigar. Passenger door catch needs adjusting, passenger E/Window not working. Tailgate hinges have surface rust, as door window frames on door.
Interior - Shot - It's all there, but it's very tired; Veneer cracked and peeling, switch gear is all there though, and all gauges seem to work OK (Except perhaps fuel gauge).
Drivetrain - Fired up from cold (reluctantly as battery is a little flat), good oil pressure, no nasty noises. Cold start injector has been disabled, and an old oil pressure gauge fitted to fuel rail to check fuel pressure. An adjustable fuel pressure regulator is fitted to the bulkhead, but this is not being used; a standard one is plumbed in. Exhaust manifolds seem OK, and the heads have had a stud kit fitted for manifolds. Seems to get up to temp OK. Some evidence of minor oil leaks, Oil up to max level though could probably do with a change. Gearbox seems fine, as does diff. Exhaust is a single cherry bomb, that looks like it's been in residence for some time.
Chassis - Some evidence of accident damage to front, but seems to be well repaired. Front tyres seem to have been rubbing on the chassis tubes behind the wheels. Vendor assures me that this was from when the previous owner had oversize tyres fitted. Rest of chassis seems good, although being a 2+2 it was difficult for me to check the hidden sections of the outriggers. Vendor assures me that the previous owner had a body off repair of the front chassis and outriggers @ RT Racing (well known to us Wedgers).
Shocks, springs and bushes seem fairly new, and some bushes are purple poly' ones.
In short not a bad motor, and IMHO well worth the £1200 it currently stands at. Having said that it is an old TVR and would best be described as a project vehicle needing a little TLC.
You pays your money, and you takes your chances...
Hope that helps.
PS The wheels don't look too bad in the flesh, just need the writing taking off.
Again thanks a lot...
So, in summary, mechanically its pretty sound despite some accident repairs... just not the prettiest from a couple of touch ups?
Interior doesn't worry me as i plan to rip it out and just put in a couple of buckets (eventually)
Did you drive the car? Just wondering if the gearbox / clutch seemed ok and the engine was pulling fine?
Is the cherry bomb excessively loud, would rather that i could hear the v8 burble over a chavvy loud exhaust, that said i assume a standard backbox is easy enough to come by?
Lastly - someone mentioned the UJ (universal joint) can someone explain what this does and did you happen to check it on this car (if it is visible?)
Cheers again,
Chris
So, in summary, mechanically its pretty sound despite some accident repairs... just not the prettiest from a couple of touch ups?
Interior doesn't worry me as i plan to rip it out and just put in a couple of buckets (eventually)
Did you drive the car? Just wondering if the gearbox / clutch seemed ok and the engine was pulling fine?
Is the cherry bomb excessively loud, would rather that i could hear the v8 burble over a chavvy loud exhaust, that said i assume a standard backbox is easy enough to come by?
Lastly - someone mentioned the UJ (universal joint) can someone explain what this does and did you happen to check it on this car (if it is visible?)
Cheers again,
Chris
chris_c201 said:
Again thanks a lot...
So, in summary, mechanically its pretty sound despite some accident repairs... just not the prettiest from a couple of touch ups?
Interior doesn't worry me as i plan to rip it out and just put in a couple of buckets (eventually)
Did you drive the car? Just wondering if the gearbox / clutch seemed ok and the engine was pulling fine?
Is the cherry bomb excessively loud, would rather that i could hear the v8 burble over a chavvy loud exhaust, that said i assume a standard backbox is easy enough to come by?
Lastly - someone mentioned the UJ (universal joint) can someone explain what this does and did you happen to check it on this car (if it is visible?)
Cheers again,
Chris
Chris, I didn't get to drive it, only backwards and forwards on the guys lot. Engine sounded fine, and I could engage all gears whilst stationary. Clutch seemed OK too.So, in summary, mechanically its pretty sound despite some accident repairs... just not the prettiest from a couple of touch ups?
Interior doesn't worry me as i plan to rip it out and just put in a couple of buckets (eventually)
Did you drive the car? Just wondering if the gearbox / clutch seemed ok and the engine was pulling fine?
Is the cherry bomb excessively loud, would rather that i could hear the v8 burble over a chavvy loud exhaust, that said i assume a standard backbox is easy enough to come by?
Lastly - someone mentioned the UJ (universal joint) can someone explain what this does and did you happen to check it on this car (if it is visible?)
Cheers again,
Chris
I couldn't check the propshaft UJ, but the ones on the driveshafts seemed (cosmeticly) fine.
The only thing that worried me slightly, is that the coolant in the header tank was very clear; like it had very little antifreeze in it.
To be honest @£1200 it's not bad value for a V8 TVR, obviouslyt it does need a little TLC in a few areas, but the engine sounded fine.
As for the cherry bomb, the lack of back pressure was quite noticeable when you revved the engine. It seemed very free.
Didn't sound too 'chavvy' though. Looking at the pipework from the manifolds back to the cherry bomb, it looks like it might need replacement sooner rather than later....
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