Thinking of a Tuscan do they have to be garaged ?

[DOUGGRIFF]

Hi. I've had several Griffith's before but have been without a TVR for a while now and am getting the TVR itch back. I've always admired the Tuscan but have never been in a position to buy one and run it until now.
My question is that as I no longer have a garage is this a non starter anyway ? Does anyone just keep a Tuscan under a good quality cover , and if so is it still reasonably reliable or would I be asking for trouble?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Speed 3]

Mine's lived on the drive for 4 years and it's not fallen apart....I did buy a decent quality cover to keep the worst of the rain off (it had an untraceable leak which use to track down towards the fusebox) and it was fine for the first 3 years, one of these:

https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/tvr-tuscan-...

Since I had it resprayed (which appeared to cure the prior leak, probably scuttle panel) I left it off until the paint had properly hardened and the one time I put it back on it actually drew water in so I think they have a finite life. A lot of people say never use a cover but mine was fine if clipped tight and never caused any damage to the paintwork. Now though, I have invested in an electric dehumidifier which is keeping the interior absolutely bone dry. It is plugged into a 4-way gang in an IP55 rated box along with the battery conditioner. That combo keeps it fine and minimises any potential problems. The main issue being on the drive vs inside a garage will be chassis exposure but mine's doing OK.

Edited by Speed 3 on Saturday 17th March 15:15

[DOUGGRIFF]

Thank you for the detailed reply. Great idea about the dehumidifier, something I have never thought of. Now I know it's a possibility without a garage I will start having a look around.

I Was never confident enough to leave any of the Griffith's on the driveway but in hindsight maybe I should of as I probably would of used them more as getting them out of of the garage all the time used to put me off using them if that makes any sense.

Thanks again. Doug

[Hunter T]

I keep mine outside and its fine...no cover.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Thanks. Maybe I suspect that I was being overly cautious.
It would be so much easier being on the driveway, and would be used a lot more than I used the Griffith 's.
The garage has got to come down in the spring due to an extension, so at least now I have options.
Very best regards. Doug

[8ball_Rob]

Mine lives outside permanently as I don't have a garage:



I've found it to be perfectly reliable as long as it's getting regular use. I usually keep it under a tailored weatherproof cover from Specialised Covers, but the last few weeks it's had to suffer out in the elements as the car's just been too filthy to put the cover on, and I haven't had an opportunity to wash it for a while... (I know - excuses, excuses )

I would add though that the outriggers are starting to look a little crusty for my liking. To my knowledge the car has never had any chassis work done, so how much of that is just age-related (early Mk1, Jan 2000) and how much is due to being kept outside, I don't really know. If it needs a body-off chassis resto at some point, so be it - as far as I'm concerned the car's a keeper. I have also explained to SWMBO that a garage is non-negotiable when we eventually move house

[pblake]

Ours lives in the garden. The top cover is only used in bad weather. The Chim lives in the garage.

[B17NNS]

Mine leaked like a sieve.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Thanks for your replies and advice all much appreciated.
I've been doing a bit of research about what to look for, rebuilds etc as I would be happy having it on the driveway after the replies.
I've been checking thie classifieds and are drawn to the ones advertised by shmoo automotive.

[pblake]

Only heard good things about them. I had Dom at power do our engine and after 7k in 12 months it still drives great.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Thanks. That's what I like about them , either the cars they supply have either had rebuilds or they get them checked with the option of a warranty. I totally understand that not all Tuscans need or have ever needed a rebuild but it's maybe something that I can hopefully take out of the equation for at least a couple of years if I look at cars that have been done or have a warranty.

[Malcster]

Yup, can definitely recommend the Schmoo / Power combo.

Bought mine from them a few years ago, basically due to the piece of mind and reason s mentioned above.

No regrets, great professional service.