Terry's tale. (S3 resto ++)
Discussion
As it was recently suggested to me that I document my (ongoing) S3 resto, here goes....
Where to start, Mmmm....
Me !
58yrs young, raised in a household where the piston rules, 42yrs in telecoms, & now recently retired.
My car based hobby breaks down into x2 main areas.
Driving & enjoying, plus being in the garage doing whatever.
Which has been so for as long as I care to remember.
And for the last 20yrs I've been pretty dedicated to Panther cars (no its not a kitcar). Where at the last count I have owned/restored x7 2.8 Kallistas, plus helping other owners projects too. You would be surprised how many similarities Kallista has with the 'S' !! So don't knock em unless you've tried one.
However lately I have got to the stage where Kallista doesn't really hold any challenges, so let's look for something new to get my teeth into.... My 'best' Kallista was one where I had taken it (engineering mods etc) to the max. But I still wanted to do more.
So what was out there (classic but also modern/old school), & suitable to be Terry-fied ?
The S seemed pretty well perfect.... (Lol).
Here's an image of one of my Kallistas (now sold).
Plus one of my S3 as purchased.
TerryB.
[url]
|http://thumbsnap.
com/iMduuo8Z[/url]
Where to start, Mmmm....
Me !
58yrs young, raised in a household where the piston rules, 42yrs in telecoms, & now recently retired.
My car based hobby breaks down into x2 main areas.
Driving & enjoying, plus being in the garage doing whatever.
Which has been so for as long as I care to remember.
And for the last 20yrs I've been pretty dedicated to Panther cars (no its not a kitcar). Where at the last count I have owned/restored x7 2.8 Kallistas, plus helping other owners projects too. You would be surprised how many similarities Kallista has with the 'S' !! So don't knock em unless you've tried one.
However lately I have got to the stage where Kallista doesn't really hold any challenges, so let's look for something new to get my teeth into.... My 'best' Kallista was one where I had taken it (engineering mods etc) to the max. But I still wanted to do more.
So what was out there (classic but also modern/old school), & suitable to be Terry-fied ?
The S seemed pretty well perfect.... (Lol).
Here's an image of one of my Kallistas (now sold).
Plus one of my S3 as purchased.
TerryB.
[url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/iMduuo8Z[/url]
Oh, the S3 is planned to be an 'as well as' rather than an 'instead of'. Well that is, if my work pension will support both.
And don't get the idea that all I do is throw money at my projects. Or on the other hand, just bolt on someone else's clapped out, surplus parts. But I'll quickly agree with those who like/prefer 'originality', that I have been known to create a Frankenstein !!
Personally I like & appreciate both, as long as they're on the road, & out there doing it. And its my car, so I'll do with it what I want to.
TerryB.
And don't get the idea that all I do is throw money at my projects. Or on the other hand, just bolt on someone else's clapped out, surplus parts. But I'll quickly agree with those who like/prefer 'originality', that I have been known to create a Frankenstein !!
Personally I like & appreciate both, as long as they're on the road, & out there doing it. And its my car, so I'll do with it what I want to.
TerryB.
Hi Barry..
You're most welcome, but don't expect to even walk around my garage !
As its only a modern single garage, full of broken down Tvr at the moment.
And in common with others, I just have to struggle with the space I've got. In fact I no longer see it as a problem, just something to work around... Literally.
TerryB.
You're most welcome, but don't expect to even walk around my garage !
As its only a modern single garage, full of broken down Tvr at the moment.
And in common with others, I just have to struggle with the space I've got. In fact I no longer see it as a problem, just something to work around... Literally.
TerryB.
Back to my tale...
And onto the purchase of...
Well, pockets checked. Mmm, not too deep, well not enough to buy a good example, but I don't want a good one anyway.
My early Tvr research revealed that I do like the 'M' models but there is no way I can afford one of those, however the S appears to have a similar style & character, & that'll do for me.
The S3 having longer doors (like Kallista does, over the Lima) will suit me. My research also imprinted on my brain, to check chassis, chassis, chassis. So off we went to look at a good car that requires a little tidying !!!!
The seats were shot, but the rest of the car was tidy, excepting the repaired hood. The 2.9 ran so so, but as I knew it would be replaced by ?? That wasn't an issue. Somehow I managed to get my little digit around the out rigger tubing, something didn't feel right, as in at least one place my finger dropped into a void.
All of these things created a mental list that I could negotiate with. Then then owner had only had the car for a few weeks, he being one of those from home traders, who had obtained the car in a bulk buy.
It had a massive file of history & receipts, so although work was required, it appeared honest & in molested.
So after a little debate, hands were shakes & it was mine.
Yes the S3 image above.
We were 100 miles or so from home, but came prepared for that.
No, it didn't break down, but my satnav quickly ran out of internal battery power (as the cars power outlet was US).
So I stuck my finger in the air, headed west until I recognised a road.
One home, over the following few weeks, we had couple of outings, including one to a local classic show.
At that point of getting to know the car, I knew enough it wasn't good enough to use 'as is', so it got parked up.
My original plan of action was to store it until I retired, some 18mths away or so at that point. But I could resist having a tinker with it, after all it wasn't going anywhere ! So once 2014 winter was over, I hatched a plan to lift the body off. Being a bit pig headed & one who prefers to do things my own way I did it on my own. Well, with a bit of over seeing from she who must be obeyed (& with rader on to make sure I cleaned up).
Oh, I hadn't been idle through the winter, as it gave me lots of thinking time.
I had informed various Panther friends of my purchase, one of which wanted first refusal on the 2.9 engine/g-box. So that was agreed. But what to replace it with....
Here's my one man body lifting kit, sorry health & safety, but its my drive, my rules.
TerryB
And onto the purchase of...
Well, pockets checked. Mmm, not too deep, well not enough to buy a good example, but I don't want a good one anyway.
My early Tvr research revealed that I do like the 'M' models but there is no way I can afford one of those, however the S appears to have a similar style & character, & that'll do for me.
The S3 having longer doors (like Kallista does, over the Lima) will suit me. My research also imprinted on my brain, to check chassis, chassis, chassis. So off we went to look at a good car that requires a little tidying !!!!
The seats were shot, but the rest of the car was tidy, excepting the repaired hood. The 2.9 ran so so, but as I knew it would be replaced by ?? That wasn't an issue. Somehow I managed to get my little digit around the out rigger tubing, something didn't feel right, as in at least one place my finger dropped into a void.
All of these things created a mental list that I could negotiate with. Then then owner had only had the car for a few weeks, he being one of those from home traders, who had obtained the car in a bulk buy.
It had a massive file of history & receipts, so although work was required, it appeared honest & in molested.
So after a little debate, hands were shakes & it was mine.
Yes the S3 image above.
We were 100 miles or so from home, but came prepared for that.
No, it didn't break down, but my satnav quickly ran out of internal battery power (as the cars power outlet was US).
So I stuck my finger in the air, headed west until I recognised a road.
One home, over the following few weeks, we had couple of outings, including one to a local classic show.
At that point of getting to know the car, I knew enough it wasn't good enough to use 'as is', so it got parked up.
My original plan of action was to store it until I retired, some 18mths away or so at that point. But I could resist having a tinker with it, after all it wasn't going anywhere ! So once 2014 winter was over, I hatched a plan to lift the body off. Being a bit pig headed & one who prefers to do things my own way I did it on my own. Well, with a bit of over seeing from she who must be obeyed (& with rader on to make sure I cleaned up).
Oh, I hadn't been idle through the winter, as it gave me lots of thinking time.
I had informed various Panther friends of my purchase, one of which wanted first refusal on the 2.9 engine/g-box. So that was agreed. But what to replace it with....
Here's my one man body lifting kit, sorry health & safety, but its my drive, my rules.
TerryB
Hi Terry and welcome
I purchased mine as a write off and no engine/box - at the time it seemed logical to fit the 24v Cosworth out of a Granada, however these are getting rare and parts for them almost impossible (timing chain and tensioners for example)
In hindsight I'd not go down that route again. If doing it again I'd but a Jag S (240bhp 3ltr with 5 or 6 speed box) and use the engine and box from that - the cars are cheap and an MoT'd one can be had for little more than £600.
I purchased mine as a write off and no engine/box - at the time it seemed logical to fit the 24v Cosworth out of a Granada, however these are getting rare and parts for them almost impossible (timing chain and tensioners for example)
In hindsight I'd not go down that route again. If doing it again I'd but a Jag S (240bhp 3ltr with 5 or 6 speed box) and use the engine and box from that - the cars are cheap and an MoT'd one can be had for little more than £600.
I'm onto corrections already, sorry !!!
I must be an age thing.
Above, I said I was around 18mths away from retirement when I bought the S in 2014... That should have read 4yrs.
Plus I said I removed the S body in 2014.
I didn't, as it was late summer 2015 when I did that !
I know this because the S stood (in one piece) outside for its first year. My blue Panther being in the garage.
But later into 2014 I sold the blue panther, thinking that's now space ready for the S. Not so...
As a Panther friend told me about a low mileage but derelict 2.8 Kallista about to be sold.... Yes I bought it, so that went into the garage instead. The 2014 winter completed a mechanical resto on the Kallista ready for 2015 summer use, including a tour to the south of France. Not once did it miss a beat !
So now well into the summer of 2015, that's when I removed the body off the S.
Which in effect means I have now got x3 classics....
X1 Kallista on the drive, X1 Tvr S body on the drive, & X1 S rolling chassis in the garage. That plus a modern car, plus a works van. Good job I've got outside space.
TerryB.
I must be an age thing.
Above, I said I was around 18mths away from retirement when I bought the S in 2014... That should have read 4yrs.
Plus I said I removed the S body in 2014.
I didn't, as it was late summer 2015 when I did that !
I know this because the S stood (in one piece) outside for its first year. My blue Panther being in the garage.
But later into 2014 I sold the blue panther, thinking that's now space ready for the S. Not so...
As a Panther friend told me about a low mileage but derelict 2.8 Kallista about to be sold.... Yes I bought it, so that went into the garage instead. The 2014 winter completed a mechanical resto on the Kallista ready for 2015 summer use, including a tour to the south of France. Not once did it miss a beat !
So now well into the summer of 2015, that's when I removed the body off the S.
Which in effect means I have now got x3 classics....
X1 Kallista on the drive, X1 Tvr S body on the drive, & X1 S rolling chassis in the garage. That plus a modern car, plus a works van. Good job I've got outside space.
TerryB.
So here's my first view of the chassis in full daylight.
Not such a pretty sight.
And worse on close inspection.
The good side is just rotted out.
The bad side is where some idiot had cut some 1/2 tubes and used filler to hold them in place, not a good idea or repair technique !! And those tube pieces had also rotted.
Anyway, who cares, its all going to be cut off.
Not such a pretty sight.
And worse on close inspection.
The good side is just rotted out.
The bad side is where some idiot had cut some 1/2 tubes and used filler to hold them in place, not a good idea or repair technique !! And those tube pieces had also rotted.
Anyway, who cares, its all going to be cut off.
Hi guys...
Not wishing to go off topic too much.
And let this be a lesson for all...
Going down the perfection route IS great at first but soon becomes can burden. I know, I've been there.
This is my blue Kallista on the NEC Maguire's concourse stand (runner up to a mini !!). Don't get me wrong it was an accolade, & it topped off my trophy cabinet. But taking such a car out to shows etc, it soon gets a reputation which you have to live up to...
Plus not was wanting to leave it anywhere unattended.
My current gold Kallista has been much more fun to drive & own.
Here is the blue car..
TerryB
Not wishing to go off topic too much.
And let this be a lesson for all...
Going down the perfection route IS great at first but soon becomes can burden. I know, I've been there.
This is my blue Kallista on the NEC Maguire's concourse stand (runner up to a mini !!). Don't get me wrong it was an accolade, & it topped off my trophy cabinet. But taking such a car out to shows etc, it soon gets a reputation which you have to live up to...
Plus not was wanting to leave it anywhere unattended.
My current gold Kallista has been much more fun to drive & own.
Here is the blue car..
TerryB
So let's get back on track & to reality !!
My better half had been a office person at a heavy metal fabricating company for years. Where she interacted with welding surly guys. On one occasion many years ago, they were offered a good deal on a mig welder. The company didn't want one.... But I did, so I do own a good reliable mig.
My skills taught by a friend who welded live gas mains !!!
Although I'm still not perfect, but an angle grinder works wonders....
I had worked out that it made sense to try to stabilise my chassis in the garage so that I could take laser measurements, & know the chassis wasn't going to move once the rot was cut away.
Its not costly but it is dirty work, & took most of the winter to complete.
And when I made a mistake, one simply grinds off the bad weld & starts again.
The chassis gained new full out riggers, and some repairs to the main chassis down tubes. Plus one new rear trailing arm tube.
That was done by welding the trailing arm solid, then cut away the rotten tube, then weld in the new one & adding new pivot brackets.
Sounds easy now, not so when it was done !!
And talking of trailing arms, one of the good points about my purchase, was that it had rust free trailing arms.
I must check my paperwork, as I suspect they had been previously changed.
Not too many photos during that stage, but here's the finished product.
Well, not quite, as I wanted it blasting clean of the old powder coating, & get it coated with a new zinc treatment ( not galv).
TerryB
My better half had been a office person at a heavy metal fabricating company for years. Where she interacted with welding surly guys. On one occasion many years ago, they were offered a good deal on a mig welder. The company didn't want one.... But I did, so I do own a good reliable mig.
My skills taught by a friend who welded live gas mains !!!
Although I'm still not perfect, but an angle grinder works wonders....
I had worked out that it made sense to try to stabilise my chassis in the garage so that I could take laser measurements, & know the chassis wasn't going to move once the rot was cut away.
Its not costly but it is dirty work, & took most of the winter to complete.
And when I made a mistake, one simply grinds off the bad weld & starts again.
The chassis gained new full out riggers, and some repairs to the main chassis down tubes. Plus one new rear trailing arm tube.
That was done by welding the trailing arm solid, then cut away the rotten tube, then weld in the new one & adding new pivot brackets.
Sounds easy now, not so when it was done !!
And talking of trailing arms, one of the good points about my purchase, was that it had rust free trailing arms.
I must check my paperwork, as I suspect they had been previously changed.
Not too many photos during that stage, but here's the finished product.
Well, not quite, as I wanted it blasting clean of the old powder coating, & get it coated with a new zinc treatment ( not galv).
TerryB
Nice one Terry
Loving this thread already. Love the Kallistas too - one of my teachers at secondary school had a two-tone brown/gold one and I was always intrigued by it. The blue one is v nice.
Anyway, I know I am going off-topic. I'll continue to watch your TVR rebuild with interest - I've got a blue S3 and love it. Mines had a brand new chassis fitted (by its previous owner) so is currently tucked up in the garage away from the horrible road salt
Good luck with the rest of your build.
Andy
Loving this thread already. Love the Kallistas too - one of my teachers at secondary school had a two-tone brown/gold one and I was always intrigued by it. The blue one is v nice.
Anyway, I know I am going off-topic. I'll continue to watch your TVR rebuild with interest - I've got a blue S3 and love it. Mines had a brand new chassis fitted (by its previous owner) so is currently tucked up in the garage away from the horrible road salt
Good luck with the rest of your build.
Andy
Having thought about it for all of 2mins.
This isn't Wheeler Dealers, so here's a shot of my garage during its sh*t hole period.
Oh, all tube welds had sleeves inserted & plug welded in place for extra strength.
One of those B*sch lazer measuring devices is invaluable to ensure accuracy. Mine looks worse for wear now, but its done its job. $$$$$ saved & I have a great chassis.
This isn't a job for everyone to take on, but I guess you already knew that.
TerryB
This isn't Wheeler Dealers, so here's a shot of my garage during its sh*t hole period.
Oh, all tube welds had sleeves inserted & plug welded in place for extra strength.
One of those B*sch lazer measuring devices is invaluable to ensure accuracy. Mine looks worse for wear now, but its done its job. $$$$$ saved & I have a great chassis.
This isn't a job for everyone to take on, but I guess you already knew that.
TerryB
mycroft said:
Oh come on , cant be just me , hasn't everybody set themselves on fire angle grinding 
.
Great thread
I reckon it's just you Dale. .Great thread
Or perhaps you're the only one brave enough to admit it! When I set myself on fire, it's usually trying to light reluctant bonfires using petrol. Look no eyebrows!
( We are all very keen on Health & Safety issues on here...
)Agree, a great thread Terry, well written too. Keep it coming
Edited by glenrobbo on Monday 28th November 09:46
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