TVR 3000ML Restoration

[chris52]

Hi Guys I bought white 3000ml that was advertised on PH a few weeks ago and will be starting the restoration soon. I have had it confirmed that the car is a genuine 3000ml and as such would like to return the car to as original as possible with possibly the exception of the vinyl roof. The roof on it now is a textured paint which to be fair looks ok but I'm pretty sure I will just have the roof body colour. I will put some pictures up in the next few days. The car was dry stored for the last 30 years and the chassis is in really good condition but wont know for sure if any repairs are needed until the body is off.
The Bumpers were metal painted black but they are coroded so will need repairing or replacing. The interior is mouldy in places but complete and the wood dash is good a few small cracks but I think this looks nice and aged so will be staying as is in the car. The Drivers seat is torn but the passenger seat is perfect. The engine turn over freely and I will try get it running before I remove the body at least then I will know if it will need a rebuild or not.

Now the 3000ML I know is a pretty rare car but does anyone know how many were actually made and do you guys have any pictures of them I have searched google but can only find a yellow one but no interior pictures.

Any help would be great.
Chris

Edited by chris52 on Sunday 16th August 21:13

[DavidY]

GAjon's car is/was an ML (the motorshow/roadtest car)

[plasticpig72]

fantastic project, good luck and i am sure you will get lots of help here on the forum
Alan

[whitewolf]

Well done Chris, hope it all goes well!

[Mr Tiger]

This one was posted by David Y a few months back.



Good luck with the restoration and I look forward to your updates and pics.

Chris

[chris52]

Thanks for the comments and picture.
the interior looks just about the same bar the seats which are standard black M vinyl on mine. The wood dash is similar aswell. I thought the seats in mine were original but having now seen those Im not sure.
Chris

[chris52]

Some pictures its not pretty yet!!!!!














The micro blistering in the paint appears to be only top coat deep.

Edited by chris52 on Sunday 16th August 21:18

[bluezeeland]

Hi Chris,

Excellent project, major one, by the sound of it, but fun ! Good luck !

That interior looks very good, kindly update us with pictures of your rebuild

Frank

[GAjon]

Good luck with your rebuild, I hope you enjoy doing it.
There's nothing special or different on the mechanicals on the ML the L denoted, I believe, a higher interior spec carpets, roof lining, dashboard etc.

I think your decision to keep the car as original as is possible is the right one and if I were doing one now it's the route I would choose.
I like the vynyl roof, very period, and would get a new one done.

[Hansoplast]

Very nice project.
Hopefully the rust was reflected in the price.
It's only steel (or was steel) so can be repaired.

My experience in restoring is, keep the car together as long as possible so you do not loose the detailing.
And you do not need too much storage area.
Make a lot of pics.

Have fun and you will enjoy it.

Hans

[chris52]

Thanks Guys I would like to keep the vinyl roof but I just don't see it being possible as I don't have the edging strip for the rear and it's a job for an expert so cost may out way the gain. The car was a very good purchase price but I can see me having upwards of £10k in it by the time it's finished plus a load of hours of my time but that's most of the fun.
Chris

[62GRANTIII]

Pretty sure got edging strips !!

[GAjon]

62GRANTIII said:

Pretty sure got edging strips !!

Could you put some to one side for me please Ian I need some for mine.

Pm me the price if possible,

John.

[Slow M]

chris52 said:

Mine was the mirror image of that layout, with very minor differences. Oddly, even though I was told it was an ML, the wood was not a burl, but straight walnut.

Will look for pictures.

Best,
B.

[GAjon]

Slow M said:

ine was the mirror image of that layout, with very minor differences. Oddly, even though I was told it was an ML, the wood was not a burl, but straight walnut.

Will look for pictures.

Best,
B.

Here's mine, not identical, well are they ever, but similar enough.

[chris52]

Many thanks John for the picture it is very similar but as you say they were pretty much all unique in there own way. What seats did your have?
Chris

[DavidY]

Mr Tiger said:

This one was posted by David Y a few months back.



Good luck with the restoration and I look forward to your updates and pics.

Chris

This was GAjon's car when exhibited by TVR

[whitewolf]

Not sure if it helps (as you habe other ML owners on here) but from information sources the seats should be standard type with high backs.


Also only made for 1 year between 73 and 74. However no idea for the quantity of them.

[chris52]

whitewolf said:

Not sure if it helps (as you habe other ML owners on here) but from information sources the seats should be standard type with high backs.


Also only made for 1 year between 73 and 74. However no idea for the quantity of them.

Many thanks I thought my seats were original.The passenger seat is immaculate but the the drivers is badly torn which is a shame as it means having to retrim them both to get a good match
chris

[gmw9666]

You've got a veritable restoration production line going there lol

Nice work :-)