Alternative servicing?

[JONZO]

After just being told that Austec is fully booked for 6-8 weeks !!!, can anyone recommend an alternative place for a specialist service on my S2 ? I live in north Kent so anywhere within reason really.
thanks in advance

ps...also somewhere where they wont want my right arm too ! ;)

[bugsy]

I know its a bit further but how about David Batty at Guildford, he is highly regarded.

[caradoci]

Dulford Automotive in Cullompton seem v switched on had a v good experience also very useful being literally next door to TVRcarparts who have the rights and hold the parts for the S series cars. Call graham on 01884 266675 or Neil on 01884 266755

[JONZO]

Thanks for the quick replies, where is Dulford?

edit just found it...Devon, bit far for me ! Would need a fuel bowser to follow me


>> Edited by JONZO on Wednesday 27th July 17:02

[bugsy]

Devon, fancy a holiday.
Perhaps he misread the area you were living in

[Podie]

JONZO said:

Thanks for the quick replies, where is Dulford? edit just found it...Devon, bit far for me ! Would need a fuel bowser to follow me >> Edited by JONZO on Wednesday 27th July 17:02

don't they have fuel in Devon..?

"Alternative servicing"..? Wassat? Wave a few herbs in it's general direction..?

[doddze]

LPS in Martlesham on the outskirts of Ipswich service mine... a blast down the A12 from you really.... very reasonable as well. They are really flexible and will keep the car inside if it needs to be there overnight.

They are servicing quite a few TVR's now.. and they have a rolling road to help set the car up... drop me a mail if you want more info etc....

[silverback mike]

'Numbnuts' has a garage, bit nearer than Devon, but a heck of a hike.

Top recommend though.

[cabs]

I get my S2 serviced at Chris Baileys Motors in Wingham just out side Canterbury. He is an ex TVR mechanic. His number is 01227 720644 and located at Unit 17 Wingham Works, Goodnestone Road, Wingham

[JONZO]

Thanks again. I have been getting my S serviced by a local Ford specialist (with race-tuning experience) for the past year or so but like to get a TVR specialist service every now and then to pick up on any particular S traits, despite the overcharging!
Problem is, they are always so far away and alot more expensive/inconvenient!
Do you guys pilgrimage to specialists all the time?

>> Edited by JONZO on Thursday 28th July 12:53

[cabs]

Yes, I travel over to Canterbury once a year for a service and an MOT. Leave the car there for a couple of days. Chris Bailey gives me a lift and picks me up from the main train station.

[F908 Tim]

Have to say I would not go near my local Tiv dealer or really see the need for a specialist unless trying to achieve something 'special'
Local garage does mine as know Ford V6 engine inside out and regularly see other Tivs in there,otherwise, do it myself.
Would think differently though about suspension set-up,corner weighting or some engine power modifications and would go to an Austec type garage for their relevent experience on the 'S'.
I do work on a limited budget though!

[JONZO]

cheers Cabs and Tim (wouldn't begin with W that particular place would it Tim? )
I know what your saying about the specialists but do you not think it affects the sell on value of your S without any specialist/TVR servicing rather than your local Ford guy? (even if he does know as much about the engine/running gear etc)

Cabs,how much does your guy usually charge for a full service and does he generally do all the extra touches that you get at somewhere like Austec, ie greasing all the relevant points etc etc.

[monkeypilot]

Julian Blackborrow in High Halden does my Chim. Always does a good job. Old fashioned service. A 6000 miler usually costs me about £250 - 300 depending on any extra bits. Email me if you want his mobile.

[cabs]

The first service he did was quite expensive at £300, but he did replace the rear brake cylinders/bleed brakes, wax oiled the chassis, new plugs, adjusted tappets and I believe he did a cooling system pressure check. In other words he did give it a good going over. The next 2 services have come to £170 & £195 inc the MOT. It looks like he does grease the suspension etc as after it's first service it felt like a different car.

If you want to know more give him a ring as he is very helpful.

[S2 Giles]

Dont forget Tower View in North London. Bottom of the M1

[doddze]

JONZO said:

cheers Cabs and Tim (wouldn't begin with W that particular place would it Tim? ) I know what your saying about the specialists but do you not think it affects the sell on value of your S without any specialist/TVR servicing rather than your local Ford guy? (even if he does know as much about the engine/running gear etc)

When does a local become a specialist?? is it when they get referrals and do more and more of a particular make..... lets face it... the S is a Ford V6 or a Rover V8...

Lets face it the cars are geting old... if they have been serviced and you have a stamp in the book this will be good enough for resale. Buyers will either know what they are looking out for, or if they dont have a clue they should get an inspection.

My S have a full TVR main dealer history until I got it but IMHO the main dealer didn't really have a clue about the S - only the newer models, so I went elsewhere.

[GreenV8S]

There's far more to servicing and fixing a TVR than just the engine and running gear though, and I think it requires a fair bit of specialist knowledge.

[doddze]

GreenV8S said:

There's far more to servicing and fixing a TVR than just the engine and running gear though, and I think it requires a fair bit of specialist knowledge.

I'm not saying take it tothe guy down the road who does fords/rovers and vauxhalls... but there are a lot of good independent performance guys out there who can look after your car and they may not be classed as TVR specialists....the guys I user always will have other TVR's in the workshop but they are not specialists... they do a good job though... just my two pence worth... better get on with some work now I guess.........

[F908 Tim]

Agree with Paul.
Glenn, I know Julian really well, he has had mine in several times and is a really nice bloke...but he is a bit slow and,dare I say, lazy! (Sorry Julian if you see this! The pint is on me!)
My local guys worked for TVR Waldronway and are ex Jaguar apprentices but charge me £35/hour and get their hands dirty!
Some jobs are still best given to those more familiar with the 'S' but not many I would think are beyond a good garage who know the car.