Quick series of Question about a S2
Discussion
Hello all,
I am new to this forums and am interested in buying a S2 as my first TVR. I have read a lot about it and went to see one today but I have a few questions, some might be stupid but hey, I got to start somewhere
The car I went to see is a 1988 S2 in British Racing Green (color I am looking for). Looked around, the chassis is fine, checked for the usual rust spots (behind the wheels where there is no mud flap) and all sounds fine. I have test-driven it and looked especially for the steering problem and the car responds fine, although a slight tendency to go left but many cars do that.
The part that sort of pout me off is the coffee interior. The woman who was driving it used to pick the leather with her finger so there is a large part of the armrest that has a different color, as if the is a plastic film on top that has been peeled off. This doesn't look nice at all. So I would be looking at a replacement, any idea on how much that would cost and if I can fit it myself, what are the procedures to follow?
Second, the doors are dropping slightly and the driver window is not moving much, stuck half way to be precise. Any good guides on repairing those 2 problems?
Last thing is the gearbox lever is kind of loose and makes a little rattling noise, but that should be easy enough to fix.
Thanks, I am looking forward to your comments
Alex
I am new to this forums and am interested in buying a S2 as my first TVR. I have read a lot about it and went to see one today but I have a few questions, some might be stupid but hey, I got to start somewhere
The car I went to see is a 1988 S2 in British Racing Green (color I am looking for). Looked around, the chassis is fine, checked for the usual rust spots (behind the wheels where there is no mud flap) and all sounds fine. I have test-driven it and looked especially for the steering problem and the car responds fine, although a slight tendency to go left but many cars do that.
The part that sort of pout me off is the coffee interior. The woman who was driving it used to pick the leather with her finger so there is a large part of the armrest that has a different color, as if the is a plastic film on top that has been peeled off. This doesn't look nice at all. So I would be looking at a replacement, any idea on how much that would cost and if I can fit it myself, what are the procedures to follow?
Second, the doors are dropping slightly and the driver window is not moving much, stuck half way to be precise. Any good guides on repairing those 2 problems?
Last thing is the gearbox lever is kind of loose and makes a little rattling noise, but that should be easy enough to fix.
Thanks, I am looking forward to your comments
Alex
Hi and welcome....
Other experts will be along in a while and give all the indepth info... first and foremast on the cars is chassis..... after that other bits are not so costly to put right...
Retrimming the central console shouldn't be expensive as long a you can get a colour match..
Pulling to the left is more of a concern... it shouldn't but if it runs in a straight line whilst not under braking then it will just need the brakes looking at... gear box... I'll pass on this one as no expert... but if they need to reconditioned it is an engine out job..
You haven't said mileage or price?? My only concern is if the current owner is happy to rip the inside to bits with her nails she obviously doesn't really care about the car and it may be her general approach to maintanence of the car is the same...
you won't regret buying an S but you just need to make sure it is the right one.... are you coming to S Club Heaven next weekend? If you are looking to buy and looking for hints this is place you need to be at...
Paul
Other experts will be along in a while and give all the indepth info... first and foremast on the cars is chassis..... after that other bits are not so costly to put right...
Retrimming the central console shouldn't be expensive as long a you can get a colour match..
Pulling to the left is more of a concern... it shouldn't but if it runs in a straight line whilst not under braking then it will just need the brakes looking at... gear box... I'll pass on this one as no expert... but if they need to reconditioned it is an engine out job..
You haven't said mileage or price?? My only concern is if the current owner is happy to rip the inside to bits with her nails she obviously doesn't really care about the car and it may be her general approach to maintanence of the car is the same...
you won't regret buying an S but you just need to make sure it is the right one.... are you coming to S Club Heaven next weekend? If you are looking to buy and looking for hints this is place you need to be at...
Paul
Hi and thanks for the advice all.
For the steering to the left, it is nothing major I think as I had a few car not going straight in the past and it also could be due to an incorrect balance. This car has just had its MOT in April and flew through without problems at all.
I read in the buying guide that you need to look out and see if the engine fan kicks in properly. But as soon as the ignition was ON, the fan started and was ON until the key was removed. Is that normal?
The gear stick just needs a better screwage apparently But I would need to hear from anybody that fix the door hinges as the doors drop a tad and it makes it hard to close.
I do like the car but have not got Bill Gates' wallet, far from it... so I am looking around at the moment.
Sorry I won't be able to make it to S Club Heaven for the simple reason that it is too far (I live near Portsmouth, south coast)
Cheers, Alex
For the steering to the left, it is nothing major I think as I had a few car not going straight in the past and it also could be due to an incorrect balance. This car has just had its MOT in April and flew through without problems at all.
I read in the buying guide that you need to look out and see if the engine fan kicks in properly. But as soon as the ignition was ON, the fan started and was ON until the key was removed. Is that normal?
The gear stick just needs a better screwage apparently
But I would need to hear from anybody that fix the door hinges as the doors drop a tad and it makes it hard to close. I do like the car but have not got Bill Gates' wallet, far from it... so I am looking around at the moment.
Sorry I won't be able to make it to S Club Heaven for the simple reason that it is too far (I live near Portsmouth, south coast)
Cheers, Alex
axe said:No, that is not normal. Likely that the Otter switch (which controls when the fan turns on / off) has either been bypassed or has gone short circuit. Either way, its no biggie..
I read in the buying guide that you need to look out and see if the engine fan kicks in properly. But as soon as the ignition was ON, the fan started and was ON until the key was removed. Is that normal?
axe said:Sorry axe, but what's a 'screwage' ?
The gear stick just needs a better screwage apparently
axe said:IIRC, its not the easiest job to put right but not one that I've ever needed to do - so not really qualified to answer. Try searching the S forum for tips and advice on the subject..
But I would need to hear from anybody that fix the door hinges as the doors drop a tad and it makes it hard to close.
SS2. said:ahaha sorry
Sorry axe, but what's a 'screwage' ?
in fact the gears engage fine it is just the lever that is a bit loose, no biggy either imo...
Now the worse part is the leather on the armrest, I have no idea how that could be repaired. Maybe a little touch of magic cream?!?! Because changing it is gonna be hard, as it seems to me the damn thing is attached to the dashboard all in one piece!
Thanks for the info, I read some topics about the door hinges, still have to get the car first...
Alex
Curious - how much do they want for this beauty and whats the milage Alex ?
axe said:
Sorry axe, but what's a 'screwage' ?
in fact the gears engage fine it is just the lever that is a bit loose, no biggy either imo...
Now the worse part is the leather on the armrest, I have no idea how that could be repaired. Maybe a little touch of magic cream?!?! Because changing it is gonna be hard, as it seems to me the damn thing is attached to the dashboard all in one piece!
Thanks for the info, I read some topics about the door hinges, still have to get the car first...
Alex
It is a 1988 S2 that has 71,000 miles, all paperwork included as well as all MOTs.
The couple that has it bought it for £6,250 in 2004 and have done about 5,000 miles since. Kept it garaged and it starts first time. It has been off the road for the past year...
They want £3,500 for it...
It is not in Pristine condition that's for sure but with a little TLC can be a good little car for a first tiv.
Besides, apart from the sound, what else matters?
>> Edited by axe on Saturday 20th May 22:43
The couple that has it bought it for £6,250 in 2004 and have done about 5,000 miles since. Kept it garaged and it starts first time. It has been off the road for the past year...
They want £3,500 for it...
It is not in Pristine condition that's for sure but with a little TLC can be a good little car for a first tiv.
Besides, apart from the sound, what else matters?
>> Edited by axe on Saturday 20th May 22:43
Call me a cynic (which I am) but I'd be a little suspicious of such a big drop in perceived value over a relatively short period (about 18 months??) 
Check and double double check the chassis condition. Without meaning to tread on toes and bearing in mind I haven't seen the car, it sounds like the original cost to the current owners was a bit too much and some scary looking quotes have been tabled?
Check and double double check the chassis condition. Without meaning to tread on toes and bearing in mind I haven't seen the car, it sounds like the original cost to the current owners was a bit too much and some scary looking quotes have been tabled?mr clifford said:Valid point, Mr C and worth checking out by axe. I had assumed from axe's comment
Also, fan on full time would worry me !
Is it on full time because the car overheats !
axe said:that the car was cold when he went to view.
as soon as the ignition was ON, the fan started and was ON until the key was removed.
Another quickie and I'm no TVR historian - but did TVR manufacture the S2 in 1988 ? I thought they made the switch from S1 to S2 in 1989..
steve j said:
Get yourself up to S club heaven, my brother in law lives on the Isle of Wight and he is going. Also you can get answers to all your questions on the day, plus it`s the one day in the year you get to see 50 plus tvr S in one place, last year was awesome and it`s not to be missed.
True !
Worth the petrol for the day out !
An `S` motor show with genuine owners to chat too !
My bad then... It is a 2.8l from 1988 so I guess it is a S1.
As for the fan, the car was cold when we arrived and the fan started as soon as ignition was ON.
Looked at the chassis in the usual place and there is what seems to be a little surface rust, not been drilling the dude's car
It as been off the road as they built an extension to the house and the building materials blocked the driveway during the summer months of 2005 and as they use it only for summer cruisin' that would explain.
And for SCH, I would like going there but some people in my relationship don't seem to share the same enthusiasm as me regarding this kind of things. It is the same person that holds the wallet hence why I cannot afford more
I have been looking around and went to test drive a 2.9l from 1989 with 60,000 miles... I would go for it but the price tag of £5,500 is a little too much for me...
Thanks for the info anyway
As for the fan, the car was cold when we arrived and the fan started as soon as ignition was ON.
Looked at the chassis in the usual place and there is what seems to be a little surface rust, not been drilling the dude's car
It as been off the road as they built an extension to the house and the building materials blocked the driveway during the summer months of 2005 and as they use it only for summer cruisin' that would explain.
And for SCH, I would like going there but some people in my relationship don't seem to share the same enthusiasm as me regarding this kind of things. It is the same person that holds the wallet hence why I cannot afford more
I have been looking around and went to test drive a 2.9l from 1989 with 60,000 miles... I would go for it but the price tag of £5,500 is a little too much for me...
Thanks for the info anyway
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