5 replies to this topic

[Bubba]

Hello all,

After un-hibernating my 2002 NA this year, I thought I’d give it a treat and finally get a bodywork paint job to restore it back to it’s unblemished Rabbiata red glory, I also asked the repair shop fella if he’d be able to restore the interior, as the silver of the central column and sides, fascia, footwells etc, were very scuffed and scratched. “Sure, no problem”..

 

Six interminable weeks later, after what was supposed to be a two-week-max job, the paint-job has been done, but it’s a disaster elsewhere. Long story, but the passenger seat leather has been destroyed, which the fella has accepted responsibility for, he/they attempted to start removing the central column but decided it was too tricky (and in the meantime replaced the gearknob/stick the wrong-way round so the gear numbers are upside down), one of the side wall panels by the door grip indent has been cracked, and a bit of leather panel has been scuffed. Apart from that, wonderful job!!,....
So I’m left with an interior job that wasn’t done and in fact is in a worse state than before..

 

I’m in touch with Dave The Trimmer (Frimley, not Bedford one), who seems a decent chap and discussing options. It’s been agreed I’ll be getting both seats reupholstered (and paid-for), as one new one and one 20-year old one will be v.noticeable. 

Couple of questions:

 

1) Does anyone have interiors with cream/camel style leather they have pics of, to share please? And any thoughts..

Many years ago, I remember test-driving a red VX with such leather and thinking it reminded me of classic Testarossa looks! (Albeit at a different price point!). I’m thinking this could be an opportunity to replace my black leather (and obviously I’d have to do the leather side panels on the doors too)..
 

2) I’m going to ask Dave if he’s able to restore the internals. Does anyone have experience or tips for doing them? Obviously they are mostly just bits of plastic and cleaning doesn’t seem to make much, if any difference, so are they a lick of paint job, or...?

 

3) I’ve also just discovered my (track/sports) exhaust that is fitted is a bit loose and has been resting on the bumper, some of which has melted away, disappointingly! I didn’t recall/don’t know how long it’s been like this. Obviously I’m getting the exhaust re-tightened. Anyone else experienced this and/or tip for repair?!... Unsurprisingly, I’m not keen to let the bodyshop guy anywhere near it ever again!..

 

Thanks for any assistance! :-)

 

FYI: “Bumps & Scuffs”, Farnham. Avoid!

 

 

 

[quimbles]

You can get to the back box by taking the small rear tray off. Probably just loosen the clamp from the ubend and youll be able to adjust.

[hairy]

1) The Wolfmachine's biscuit interior: http://www.vx220.org...es-wolfmachine/

[Strugs]

How long's your hibernation been? 5 posts since 2003?    Anyway, I'm Farnham-based so look forward to seeing yours back on the road.. 

 

With regard to trimming seats, door cards etc.. you need to speak to Ross Hogg-Robinson. You're welcome to have a butchers at my car to see the quality of his work (everything apart from the seats, ironically, in my car are his handywork..)..   

[Lee37vernon]

Is that Dave Cook the trimmer? Peter (the trimmers) son..

Peter had been doing bits for me since the 90's.

That'll be three of us with a 4 square mile radius - Farnham will be the new up north lol

[Bubba]

Apologies for slow reply.. but thanks for all your prompt and helpful replies! 

 

The nice chaps at Kwik-fit did my MOT and adjusted the exhaust free of charge. I’ll need to get the melted bit of bumper sorted..

They also attempted to unscrew and correct the wrongly replaced gear knob (mine is the VX aluminium one that was an option when buying..I like it). They said that’s it been screwed on so tight by a tool (in both senses of the word), that it’s left grip marks on the knob, and that they’ll similarly need a tool to unscrew, likely causing more damage, and reckon that it might well sit loosely now, once correctly aligned, because of the mistreatment. What to do...

 

An extra disappointment...Dave discovered half of my “VX220” badge from the rear hidden in the knackered seat. So not only did the bodyshop guy not replace it once painted, but broke it and hid it.. ffs. Now I have a “220” badge sitting in my hallway. Any spares?!

 

Ah yes, biscuit interior, that’s it! Wolfmachine’s looking very tidy. Magnum PI’s Ferrari 308; that was what I was recalling! With potential for a similar look with my Rab-Red.. Now depends how much of the door I do in the biscuit (probably shoulder pad and card)..

 

Haha, it’s not been in hibernation that long, mostly just me! Decided years ago winter/cold n wet driving isn’t for me in the VX after a close shave... Very helpful to pop on here though occasionally for lurker’s research/assistance, so thanks everyone..
 

Not sure of Dave’s surname, but it seems he has worked on several VX/Elises.. I’m actually based near Richmond/Twickers but pass through Surrey often.. Thanks Strugs, I’ll PM you. I see Ross comes recommended in other posts too; Crewe not so-handy though!..