S3 Restorartion.
Discussion
Hi all.
Thought that i would try to get a bit more involved with the Gassing after learning so much by just reading your posts.
My TVR, my very first, a 1990 S3 was purchased in September and needed a little tidy up, but while its cold and wet ive decided to go through the card and do the whole thing.
So far i have striped out and removed both doors, the hood, the screen, the seats, the dashboard, the carpets, all internal electrics, all external fittings, lights,bumpers etc, and have cleaned and polished all the bits.
The bare body is off for a complete respray which gives me time to consentrate on sourcing all the bits and pieces i need to replace before reassembly. I havn't actually driven the car very far since i started the strip out on the day i picked her up so as you can imagine, im really at the mercy of all of you guys and your driving experiences. If anyones interested in restoring their dashboard for free give me a call. See my profile for details.
Thought that i would try to get a bit more involved with the Gassing after learning so much by just reading your posts.
My TVR, my very first, a 1990 S3 was purchased in September and needed a little tidy up, but while its cold and wet ive decided to go through the card and do the whole thing.
So far i have striped out and removed both doors, the hood, the screen, the seats, the dashboard, the carpets, all internal electrics, all external fittings, lights,bumpers etc, and have cleaned and polished all the bits.
The bare body is off for a complete respray which gives me time to consentrate on sourcing all the bits and pieces i need to replace before reassembly. I havn't actually driven the car very far since i started the strip out on the day i picked her up so as you can imagine, im really at the mercy of all of you guys and your driving experiences. If anyones interested in restoring their dashboard for free give me a call. See my profile for details.
Hi Dean,
Sorry, been quite busy mate and havnt had a chance to call you.
I'd say you're going a tad further than me with the resto
Hope you end up with it how you want it.
I've "just" removed my engine and 'box cleaned/repainted chassis. Replaced/rebushed front suspension. Top engine rebuild skim heads/regrind valves, new high pressure oil pump, core plugs. new clutch & rear output seal, new prop UJs and drivshaft CV joints.
I chickened out with taking the body off, but am going to chop the front of the bonnet off and replace it with the optional driving lamps.
I had about 500 miles use while getting the engine to run well before I dismantled it, they are great drivers cars and you'll love yours when it's finished
All the best,
Dave.
Sorry, been quite busy mate and havnt had a chance to call you.
I'd say you're going a tad further than me with the resto
Hope you end up with it how you want it. I've "just" removed my engine and 'box cleaned/repainted chassis. Replaced/rebushed front suspension. Top engine rebuild skim heads/regrind valves, new high pressure oil pump, core plugs. new clutch & rear output seal, new prop UJs and drivshaft CV joints.
I chickened out with taking the body off, but am going to chop the front of the bonnet off and replace it with the optional driving lamps.
I had about 500 miles use while getting the engine to run well before I dismantled it, they are great drivers cars and you'll love yours when it's finished
All the best,
Dave.
Dave H.
Thanks for your reply, you are really going for the machanical side as a refurb, whereas im more into the interior and body. My engine is first rate having only done 41K with a list of services as long as your arm.
Ive had the engine checked out by a good friend who works at the research and engineering centre for Ford of Europe, and he reckons that once im finished doing my bit, hes having the car in the test cell and will "tweak" it somewhat, sounds interesting!
Some high performance bits and bobs will be added and a full rolling road tune up will finish the job.
Keep in touch, and let me know how yours is going. Thanks agian.
Regards
Dean
Thanks for your reply, you are really going for the machanical side as a refurb, whereas im more into the interior and body. My engine is first rate having only done 41K with a list of services as long as your arm.
Ive had the engine checked out by a good friend who works at the research and engineering centre for Ford of Europe, and he reckons that once im finished doing my bit, hes having the car in the test cell and will "tweak" it somewhat, sounds interesting!
Some high performance bits and bobs will be added and a full rolling road tune up will finish the job.
Keep in touch, and let me know how yours is going. Thanks agian.
Regards
Dean
Hi Dean,
Mine has only done 46k, with heaps of history and money spent on it but it had low oil pressure so I went for the new oil pump route, I found a company that sell a high pressure one for less than the standard Ford item.
As I had to take the lump out I had the heads skimmed as one was leaking oil, but this then lead to the top end rebuild, as it may as well be done whilst its all out. I've since painted the engine and gearbox etc along with the chassis.
If your engine has no leaks then I'd say dont do what I've done with the heads etc, but whilst your engine is out/body off, I'd say its well worth changing the core plugs. They are really cheap (the 3 on each side are 72p each from Ford) and easy to change with the body out the way, It's a cheap bit of preventitive restoration.
There's 6 in the block, 4 in the heads, and one slightly bigger one at the back of the cam, but you'll need to split the engine and gearbox to get to that one.
Cheers,
Dave.
Mine has only done 46k, with heaps of history and money spent on it but it had low oil pressure so I went for the new oil pump route, I found a company that sell a high pressure one for less than the standard Ford item.
As I had to take the lump out I had the heads skimmed as one was leaking oil, but this then lead to the top end rebuild, as it may as well be done whilst its all out. I've since painted the engine and gearbox etc along with the chassis.
If your engine has no leaks then I'd say dont do what I've done with the heads etc, but whilst your engine is out/body off, I'd say its well worth changing the core plugs. They are really cheap (the 3 on each side are 72p each from Ford) and easy to change with the body out the way, It's a cheap bit of preventitive restoration.
There's 6 in the block, 4 in the heads, and one slightly bigger one at the back of the cam, but you'll need to split the engine and gearbox to get to that one.
Cheers,
Dave.
Dave H.
I am not going to touch my lump, i have a theory in life that, if it ain't broke - dont fix it! Mines running fine and with only 41K on the clock she's as tight as new.
My women (bless her) has just got me my present for Christmas - a full set of stainless steel braided hozes to replace all the rubber ones, some of the old are looking pass their best so will be glad to see the back of them.
Put my dash back together this weekend after totally refurbing all the woodwork, looks fantastic and all for free! Had trouble with the old nuts and bolts, so have replaced them all with Nylocks, these won't ever rattle loose and give a great feel of confidence knowing that the jobs right.
Did you go to the meeting this weekend? I couldn't get there but by the sound of it everone had a blast.
Regards
Dean.
I am not going to touch my lump, i have a theory in life that, if it ain't broke - dont fix it! Mines running fine and with only 41K on the clock she's as tight as new.
My women (bless her) has just got me my present for Christmas - a full set of stainless steel braided hozes to replace all the rubber ones, some of the old are looking pass their best so will be glad to see the back of them.
Put my dash back together this weekend after totally refurbing all the woodwork, looks fantastic and all for free! Had trouble with the old nuts and bolts, so have replaced them all with Nylocks, these won't ever rattle loose and give a great feel of confidence knowing that the jobs right.
Did you go to the meeting this weekend? I couldn't get there but by the sound of it everone had a blast.
Regards
Dean.
Dave H
Thats the one, a right bloody mess it was, but wait until the old girls put back together.
Im thinking of changing the colour.
Chriss (my mate whoes spraying her) has today showed me a test panel he has done in pearl blue. Although this paint is usually used on motorcycles, it is the most brilliant blue i have ever seen.
Whats your opinion?
Keep it original or go for something a bit special?
Regards
Dean
Thats the one, a right bloody mess it was, but wait until the old girls put back together.
Im thinking of changing the colour.
Chriss (my mate whoes spraying her) has today showed me a test panel he has done in pearl blue. Although this paint is usually used on motorcycles, it is the most brilliant blue i have ever seen.
Whats your opinion?
Keep it original or go for something a bit special?
Regards
Dean
I cant picture the colour, but I don't think I'd want an S in a wacky Tuscan/Cerbie sort of colour - dont think it would look right. It's the wrong thing to be on a car of that age.
But I think most dark colours are kind to the shape of the S, especially blue - but that's just my opinion
As for originality, well they are made from other car companys parts bins but the main thing is its tastfull (remember you'll want to sell it ONE day) the body colour needs to complement the interior colour, and in my many years of MGs, I've seen many colour combos ruin some cars - Only in my opinion though
Dave.
But I think most dark colours are kind to the shape of the S, especially blue - but that's just my opinion
As for originality, well they are made from other car companys parts bins
but the main thing is its tastfull (remember you'll want to sell it ONE day) the body colour needs to complement the interior colour, and in my many years of MGs, I've seen many colour combos ruin some cars - Only in my opinion though Dave.
quote:
The majority of the cars at the meeting on Sunday were dark blue! It does suit the car. There was also a lovely dark cherry type (metallic?) colour which looked fab (Paul Davison's car)
I think Paul's is similar or the same colour as mine, it's called Ruby Mica Red. You can see it in Ted's report photo's, reg H766HOY. I think Paul's was better polished though.
I can give you the TVR paint code if you want it.
Well ive read all your comments, spoke to her in doors, and ive decided to keep the dark blue. BUT, as a comprimise can i have just a little bit of metalic?
As for the rest of the bits and pieces, last night i completed my dash. The wood is back in, all the clocks are in position, the leather looks like new, and bonus upon bonus, i fitted the new sound system with a walnut faced unit which reverses and hides itself away when the ignition is turned off, looks great. All ive got to do now is put the lot back in the car when shes painted.
The good lady said that shes fed up with having more of the car in the house than whats in the workshop - oops!
Regards to all.
Dean
As for the rest of the bits and pieces, last night i completed my dash. The wood is back in, all the clocks are in position, the leather looks like new, and bonus upon bonus, i fitted the new sound system with a walnut faced unit which reverses and hides itself away when the ignition is turned off, looks great. All ive got to do now is put the lot back in the car when shes painted.
The good lady said that shes fed up with having more of the car in the house than whats in the workshop - oops!
Regards to all.
Dean
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