I found out over the weekend my wife has bought me a TR7 for my sixtieth. I've not even seen it yet in person, but I know some jobs have been done already.
Looks like she has been ripped off a bit with a very dodgy MOT. It has had several clear fail areas that could not possibly have deteriorated/happened in the couple of weeks and 100 miles since the MOT!!!
I currently have an F32 BMW435d xdrive convertible as a daily which is a beast, and in the garage is a 20 year old E46 BMW330ci beautiful straight six convertible as a weekend and track day toy, which is now going to have to go cos I don't have the space for the TR7 when I eventually get hold of it. Also have access to a Mini Cooper Convertible. What can I say we like the wind in our hair. I'm going to have to see the car soon, just to confirm I can actually get in and out with the roof up, otherwise its going to have to go and I'll keep the 330ci, which is starting to increase in value now and that sweeeeeet straight 6 noise is wonderful.
The car is 130 miles away at present being looked after by my son. He is organising the general fixes in the meantime. I have no idea if it's had any upgrades so I'm a bit lost what if any preventative work needs to be done.
There was one problem which happened that required an auto electrician and he said a frayed popup headlight wire had nearly taken out the loom. He's fixed that, but left the headlights up and disconnected cos he was concerned the light loom is getting caught and needs a permanent fix. This is what my son has told me, but I have no idea what is being referred to................ring any bels for anyone?
Some tips on basic prevention or enhancement work would be good, so far I've got the following on my list. However I dont know if any have already been done.
- Timing Chain - I cannot seem to get a definitive answer to this one - what is the interval for changing? I've read 25k to 80k At 87k its probably worth doing anyway, unless there is some indication its been done recently.
- My son tells me the hood needs some attention with broken studs/snaps and a bit of loose stitching, which should be an easy fix. Add a bit of a clean and re-proof would no doubt help. But until I see it in person I won't be able to say exactly what's needed, or its level of repairability.
- Lanoguard the underneath - not sure if its do-able on a jack and axle stands, plus I have a belly to jack height ratio issues limiting access 🙂
- better brake pads (not planning on going the full brake upgrade unless the existing ones are dire), but I know from my track days how much difference they can make.
- Halogen upgrade - may be done already - don't know.
- Electronic ignition................how good an idea is this generally are they temperamental starters if left?
- Polybush
Unless there is a good reason the car won't be driven in the rain, so I was wondering is storing the car with the roof down would be a bad idea or it'll be fine?
Anyway - tips and guidance gladly received.