Newbie here - some questions
Discussion
Afternoon all,
After a bit of contemplating I'm considering the purchase of a wedge, I haven't got a particular car in mind and am just browsing PHs and eBay etc. at the moment.
I love the looks, and I trust the RV8 (I've just rebuilt one for a landy), and I won't be using it as a daily car. However I will be using it for trips away (will it make it to Romania?) and I imagine that so long as it's well maintained it should be able to make such trips no problem, would that be correct to assume?
I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Now I realise these are British built cars from the 80's so how bad does the rust get?
Also are there any local meets, or anything going on this month? I live in surrey at the moment.
Any answers/advice will be appreciated. Oh and what can I expect as a 23 year old trying to insure one with 5 years NCB?
Cheers,
Chris
After a bit of contemplating I'm considering the purchase of a wedge, I haven't got a particular car in mind and am just browsing PHs and eBay etc. at the moment.
I love the looks, and I trust the RV8 (I've just rebuilt one for a landy), and I won't be using it as a daily car. However I will be using it for trips away (will it make it to Romania?) and I imagine that so long as it's well maintained it should be able to make such trips no problem, would that be correct to assume?
I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Now I realise these are British built cars from the 80's so how bad does the rust get?
Also are there any local meets, or anything going on this month? I live in surrey at the moment.
Any answers/advice will be appreciated. Oh and what can I expect as a 23 year old trying to insure one with 5 years NCB?
Cheers,
Chris
wombat172a said:
Afternoon all,
After a bit of contemplating I'm considering the purchase of a wedge, I haven't got a particular car in mind and am just browsing PHs and eBay etc. at the moment.
I love the looks, and I trust the RV8 (I've just rebuilt one for a landy), and I won't be using it as a daily car. However I will be using it for trips away (will it make it to Romania?) and I imagine that so long as it's well maintained it should be able to make such trips no problem, would that be correct to assume?
I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Now I realise these are British built cars from the 80's so how bad does the rust get?
Also are there any local meets, or anything going on this month? I live in surrey at the moment.
Any answers/advice will be appreciated. Oh and what can I expect as a 23 year old trying to insure one with 5 years NCB?
Cheers,
Chris
As noted it depends on how it has been maintained, last year I took mine to Italy, over 2,500 miles and never missed a beat, alpine driving, motorways, B roads and 30 deg heat, no problem. Planning a similar trip this year, I work away a lot hence not contributing as much as I would like to PH but I find the wedge needs to be driven as much as possible as the only problems I have had are after it has been standing idle for long periods. Chassis can rust if neglected, outriggers can be an issue but that said many cars have had lots of TLC, do some searches on key points to answer some of your queries as there is loads of advice on here from some wedgers who are very knowledgable. Not sure about insurance but I think you have to be over 25 to qualify for classic car insurance, again people on here will know. After a bit of contemplating I'm considering the purchase of a wedge, I haven't got a particular car in mind and am just browsing PHs and eBay etc. at the moment.
I love the looks, and I trust the RV8 (I've just rebuilt one for a landy), and I won't be using it as a daily car. However I will be using it for trips away (will it make it to Romania?) and I imagine that so long as it's well maintained it should be able to make such trips no problem, would that be correct to assume?
I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Now I realise these are British built cars from the 80's so how bad does the rust get?
Also are there any local meets, or anything going on this month? I live in surrey at the moment.
Any answers/advice will be appreciated. Oh and what can I expect as a 23 year old trying to insure one with 5 years NCB?
Cheers,
Chris
Oh also search noise, fun, smiles etc under wedges and you will get a host of results that will make you go from considering to wanting one
Back to work so good luck
Hi Chris !
They handle great, and most have adjustable suspenders which you can play with to suit yourself. A decent set of tyres and you're having fun...Toyo TR1s recommended.
The Rover V8 is only slightly tweaked and normally as reliable as any other engine, if not more so.
Obviously no bodyrot...fibreglass.
Chassis, as mentioned, but better than most other tivs.
When buying, just check for bills for recent work.
Mine has had LOADS done to it in the last couple of years, like chassis refurb and repair, new suspension, replacement low-mileage engine, new cam, new clutch, new brakes, etc. All expensive work which the next buyer doesn't need to budget for.
There are Wedgers on here under 25, so maybe they can advise on insurance.
They are not cheap cars to run properly though.
They handle great, and most have adjustable suspenders which you can play with to suit yourself. A decent set of tyres and you're having fun...Toyo TR1s recommended.
The Rover V8 is only slightly tweaked and normally as reliable as any other engine, if not more so.
Obviously no bodyrot...fibreglass.
Chassis, as mentioned, but better than most other tivs.
When buying, just check for bills for recent work.
Mine has had LOADS done to it in the last couple of years, like chassis refurb and repair, new suspension, replacement low-mileage engine, new cam, new clutch, new brakes, etc. All expensive work which the next buyer doesn't need to budget for.
There are Wedgers on here under 25, so maybe they can advise on insurance.
They are not cheap cars to run properly though.
Super! cheers for the advice guys, looking around they definately seem to be right car for me at the moment. Everything is in the right place, and the correct wheels are powered. Although I don't imagine there's much in the way of crash protection, so if I start taking it to track days then I'm going to have to consider roll hoops/cages. but that will be a fair way off.
I'll be ringing my insurance company aswell as Hagerty to start getting some ideas as to that cost.
Bob, I presume by 4th Thursday of the month, there'll be one on the 22nd? If so I'll be there.
Thanks people,
Chris
I'll be ringing my insurance company aswell as Hagerty to start getting some ideas as to that cost.
Bob, I presume by 4th Thursday of the month, there'll be one on the 22nd? If so I'll be there.
Thanks people,
Chris
Hey Chris,
Welcome to potential wedgedom!
Whereabouts in Surrey are you? I'm in Godalming (or god'arl-ming as rev's better half says!) and your more than welcome to come and have a look at mine / talk wedges if you fancy.
Insurance wise, it is possible although i found the first year was expensive (as in LOADS) but then classic companies start to consider you...One key feature with classic policies is that the car must be a second vehicle and garaged ETC...otherwise its standard insurance companies which just laugh! I got mine when i was 21 (now 24)so it is possible!
reliability wise, as mentioned above, the car needs tobe used. Depending on budget, i would go for a well known used car as these are usually enthusiast owned and the niggles are ironed out. Mine was stored for 6 years before i bought her, and the first drive was from Stoke on Trent to home! I have done about 15000 miles in mine, including lemans 3 times, and only two RAC call outs were in the first year - one in the first week!
They do leak, they do rattle, they do need quite a bit of attention...but for rarity, noise, grin and the club - WELL WORTH IT!!!
Just remember that this is a 20 year old car which had niggles from the factory and you'll be fine!
PM me if you want to chat
Welcome to potential wedgedom!
Whereabouts in Surrey are you? I'm in Godalming (or god'arl-ming as rev's better half says!) and your more than welcome to come and have a look at mine / talk wedges if you fancy.
Insurance wise, it is possible although i found the first year was expensive (as in LOADS) but then classic companies start to consider you...One key feature with classic policies is that the car must be a second vehicle and garaged ETC...otherwise its standard insurance companies which just laugh! I got mine when i was 21 (now 24)so it is possible!
reliability wise, as mentioned above, the car needs tobe used. Depending on budget, i would go for a well known used car as these are usually enthusiast owned and the niggles are ironed out. Mine was stored for 6 years before i bought her, and the first drive was from Stoke on Trent to home! I have done about 15000 miles in mine, including lemans 3 times, and only two RAC call outs were in the first year - one in the first week!
They do leak, they do rattle, they do need quite a bit of attention...but for rarity, noise, grin and the club - WELL WORTH IT!!!
Just remember that this is a 20 year old car which had niggles from the factory and you'll be fine!
PM me if you want to chat
Well... that's insurance sorted! Hagerty won't touch anybody under 30 now, so I've gone with Adrian Flux who I've got 2 other cars with so have made a nice deal. Plus I get to keep my NCB on my other cars.
PM sent matt.
All I've gotta do now is sort the cash out and buy one.
Now then, do I tell the parents before or after?
PM sent matt.
All I've gotta do now is sort the cash out and buy one.
Now then, do I tell the parents before or after?
I'm 28 and had my 350i for about 6 months, I have managed to get classic insurance for £118 fully comp.
My car was a complete gamble on ebay, as it was 100 miles away so I didn't view it and it had no engine! So when it was delivered on a trailer my initial thoughts were
What the hell have just done!
Do I regret it? No.
Suspension bushes, clutch master and slave cylinder over-haul, fuel lines, steering gaiters and few problems with the Range Rover EFI system (airflow meter, split hoses etc). Are the main problems I have to sort, which to be honest are all age related anyway. Still a big to-do list though.
I actually like things breaking on it, a chance to improve/renew! (it would be boring if you knew is WAS going to start every time anyway
)
Easy to work, fun to drive and unique.
Thumbs up from me
My car was a complete gamble on ebay, as it was 100 miles away so I didn't view it and it had no engine! So when it was delivered on a trailer my initial thoughts were
What the hell have just done! Do I regret it? No.
Suspension bushes, clutch master and slave cylinder over-haul, fuel lines, steering gaiters and few problems with the Range Rover EFI system (airflow meter, split hoses etc). Are the main problems I have to sort, which to be honest are all age related anyway. Still a big to-do list though.
I actually like things breaking on it, a chance to improve/renew! (it would be boring if you knew is WAS going to start every time anyway
)Easy to work, fun to drive and unique.
Thumbs up from me
RMeier said:
(Bob, I presume by 4th Thursday of the month, there'll be one on the 22nd? If so I'll be there)
22nd it is. Surrey crowd great bunch. 2 wedges - mine and alans - 430se and 450 seac. make yourself known and I'll show yu round. Bob
Guess what??? GOOD NEWS!! Im now officially a TVRCC MEMBER!! WOO HOO!!22nd it is. Surrey crowd great bunch. 2 wedges - mine and alans - 430se and 450 seac. make yourself known and I'll show yu round. Bob
And, i still live 5 mins from the meet..! I'll try to make the next one!
wombat172a said:
Afternoon all,
I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Cheers,
Chris
If intending to drive in anger I would fit vented front brakes at the front. Although solid discs are OK for fast road use with grippy tyres they get too hot if you are caning it on the limit.I would also like to use it for the odd track day, and weekends at the Nurburgring, are these cars actually suitable or will I end up on my way a German burns ward after attempting the second corner??
Cheers,
Chris
Remember, you will be the limiting factor not the car.
Regards
Mark
The vented discs are already standard on the 400s up of course (with 4 pots).
390SEs also have the vented discs.
My series 1 280i had had the vented discs fitted retrospectively too, with the 14" wheels. The original factory tel(e)cast wheels won't fit over them though...mine had compomotive cross-spokes. I also had braided steel hoses fitted, and decent pads. (also on my present 400)
Just an extra bit of info'.
Good brakes certainly do inspire confidence.
390SEs also have the vented discs.
My series 1 280i had had the vented discs fitted retrospectively too, with the 14" wheels. The original factory tel(e)cast wheels won't fit over them though...mine had compomotive cross-spokes. I also had braided steel hoses fitted, and decent pads. (also on my present 400)
Just an extra bit of info'.
Good brakes certainly do inspire confidence.
Cheers for the advice guys, I think I know what I want now. Something like a post '86 350i (with the improved trailing arms etc.) and that should have plenty of power for my uses. The only thing I'd like to do it is to fit polybushes all round, vented discs, and the suggested toyos.
Just gotta find the right one now
Just gotta find the right one now
wombat172a said:
Cheers for the advice guys, I think I know what I want now. Something like a post '86 350i (with the improved trailing arms etc.) and that should have plenty of power for my uses. The only thing I'd like to do it is to fit polybushes all round, vented discs, and the suggested toyos.
Just gotta find the right one now
Hey Chris, glad to see your going the wedge route and took my advice to look at the 350i...often over looked for some reason.Just gotta find the right one now
Have you looked at this? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/832622.htm I dont personally know Mark (Griffonmark) but i always feel its a good idea to buy off an active PH'er as they are usually honest and you know where to find them when the funny 'tvr niggles' arise!
Hope you liked the blast out in my 400 on saturday
Edited by matt-man on Monday 19th January 09:26
matt-man said:
Hey Chris, glad to see your going the wedge route and took my advice to look at the 350i...often over looked for some reason.
Have you looked at this? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/832622.htm I dont personally know Mark (Griffonmark) but i always feel its a good idea to buy off an active PH'er as they are usually honest and you know where to find them when the funny 'tvr niggles' arise!
Hope you liked the blast out in my 400 on saturday
Ah yes! very much so! Have you looked at this? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/832622.htm I dont personally know Mark (Griffonmark) but i always feel its a good idea to buy off an active PH'er as they are usually honest and you know where to find them when the funny 'tvr niggles' arise!
Hope you liked the blast out in my 400 on saturday
Edited by matt-man on Monday 19th January 09:26
And yea that's one I've been pondering over, I think it's going warrent a trip up north this weekendGassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff