In need of a confidence boost
Discussion
Hi all, I am on a bit of a low at present and need some positive thoughts. I have an S1 which has been SORN for just over a year. To be honest it has sat in the drive under a cover for the past 8mths and not been looked at. I have had a new roof fitted and attempted to recarpet it (not a bad job) I have some 2nd hand Chim seats waiting to go in. I do not have a garage and so big jobs are hard to do. I am shortly due to move and will have a double garage. The move is 120 miles away and I will have to transport it. I would love to take it with me and do a “body off†but my mechanical skills and ability are at the oil and filter change levels. My question is, can a body lift be done by a novice or should I consider selling.
Thanks
Thanks
i would say yes , i had a similar dilema a few years ago ,
but a member of the car club helped me.
If you can undo a few bolts and cables i don't see why you couldn't attempt to do the body off , don't forget you have a vast knowledge on pistonheads and local tvr car club members will always be glad to help
but a member of the car club helped me.
If you can undo a few bolts and cables i don't see why you couldn't attempt to do the body off , don't forget you have a vast knowledge on pistonheads and local tvr car club members will always be glad to help
From what you've said you seem to be pretty savvy and prepared to have a go - you don't need anything else. Study the bible (the Steve Heath one, please yourself with the other one) and take your time. There's no rush. Post on here if you need help.
Where are you moving to - still Essex?
Where are you moving to - still Essex?
Barry, thanks for the offer, I just don't have the space or facilities here. I am (hopefully) moving to south Lincs. I really do want to keep it and once I have my double garage I think I will be in a better mindset to start. Just didn't want to get it there and realise the jobs are too big for someone with my capabilities.
Barry, thanks for the offer, I just don't have the space or facilities here. I am (hopefully) moving to south Lincs. I really do want to keep it and once I have my double garage I think I will be in a better mindset to start. Just didn't want to get it there and realise the jobs are too big for someone with my capabilities.
I agree with the others who have posted already. Even if as you say you are a relative novice with the spanners there can surely be know better car to learn on than an 'S' and when you finish the work you'll have tremendous satisfaction from your achievement and better still you'll know how it all works/goes together.
Always take loads of pictures before you do anything and if you get stuck post on this forum and one of the experts/experienced novices will help you through it. Don't give yourself deadlines and when you feel it getting to you and your not enjoying it take a break from it for a while and go back to it with a fresh outlook.
As Barry S1 said you probably wouldn't get a lot for it if the work needs doing so for what its worth I'd say have go what have you got to loose?
P.s. If the worst comes to the worst give Norman (Gerald-TVR)a call he likes a challenge
Always take loads of pictures before you do anything and if you get stuck post on this forum and one of the experts/experienced novices will help you through it. Don't give yourself deadlines and when you feel it getting to you and your not enjoying it take a break from it for a while and go back to it with a fresh outlook.
As Barry S1 said you probably wouldn't get a lot for it if the work needs doing so for what its worth I'd say have go what have you got to loose?
P.s. If the worst comes to the worst give Norman (Gerald-TVR)a call he likes a challenge

Steve,
I have never really done much to cars, the most involved I got was replacing a radiator on a Volvo 850 with the Haynes manual next to me.
Then I got the S and I have been steadily working my way up to more and more involved tinkering. Currently the most worrying was taking the fuel rail off and replacing the injectors but looking back it was pretty easy. I wouldn't feel too worried about a body off, just take lots of pictures!
You've always got lots of help available here if you get stuck!
Oh and I seem to go through a down every winter when the car is off the road. When you get behind the wheel for the first time after a long break you will instantly change your mind and promise to keep the car forever!
I have never really done much to cars, the most involved I got was replacing a radiator on a Volvo 850 with the Haynes manual next to me.
Then I got the S and I have been steadily working my way up to more and more involved tinkering. Currently the most worrying was taking the fuel rail off and replacing the injectors but looking back it was pretty easy. I wouldn't feel too worried about a body off, just take lots of pictures!
You've always got lots of help available here if you get stuck!
Oh and I seem to go through a down every winter when the car is off the road. When you get behind the wheel for the first time after a long break you will instantly change your mind and promise to keep the car forever!
If you're getting a double garage - resist the temptation to fill it with boxes when you move - keep both bays clear, and you'll have the ideal working space - rolling chassis on one side, and space to put the body tub on the other - perfect, and much better working conditions than most people have when they do a re-build. Go for it!
Steve H said:
Thanks everyone, just what I needed. She will come with me and I shall cut my teeth on sorting her out. Thanks for all the offers of help. And I will keep the garage just for me, I have already made that clear!
Thanks again
Steve
SteveThanks again
Steve
Good news, it looks a cracking car and it sounds like you have the ideal garage for the job, lucky man.
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