About to be proud new owner ...
Discussion
... of a Chimaera 450 and the dealer I am buying from recommended here as a good palce to ask questions at meet fellow owners and fans.
A couple of quickees for starters (I'm sure they'll be more when I take ownership next week!)
How much would it cost/how easy is it to get post fit alloy stalks?
(I think this is the only thing I want for the car missing from it at present ... pretty minor really!)
What's the best way to mount a GPS speed camera detector on the dash without damaging the leather?
(I've been advised that sticking velcro on the leather with 'double sided tape' is OK 'cos there's a cleaner out there to remove the 'gunk' it leaves when I remove it but would like other opinions)
Any recommended contacts for driving technique course in the Hampshire area?
(I'm going from a 1.1 litre Renault 5 to a Chimaera ... I think I may require a little bit of help to make the leap)
How do I cope with the 8 day wait until I take delivery?
1) Stalks are £65 from LevenTech or complete column set (stalks, wiper adjust, wheel adjust etc) is £85. Had mine fitted during a service but its apparently an easy enough job - LevenTech instructions are always good.
2) I've mounted a Road Angel GPS detector on top of the steering column. Fits perfectly there, held in place with the supplied TwinLoc pads (so its easily removed when leaving the car), doesn't obscure any of the dash dials and display is easily read.
3) I went from driving a Corsa (ie my driving test) to a 4ltr Chimaera. If your sensible and pay attention to the advice mentioned in the forums on many occasions (do a quick search), you should be fine. Take it steady, forget mashing the pedal into the carpet, avoid engine braking etc.
That said, I'm planning on booking a Ride Drive session shortly and many PH members reccomend them.
2) I've mounted a Road Angel GPS detector on top of the steering column. Fits perfectly there, held in place with the supplied TwinLoc pads (so its easily removed when leaving the car), doesn't obscure any of the dash dials and display is easily read.
3) I went from driving a Corsa (ie my driving test) to a 4ltr Chimaera. If your sensible and pay attention to the advice mentioned in the forums on many occasions (do a quick search), you should be fine. Take it steady, forget mashing the pedal into the carpet, avoid engine braking etc.
That said, I'm planning on booking a Ride Drive session shortly and many PH members reccomend them.
Mark.S said:
1) Stalks are £65 from LevenTech or complete column set (stalks, wiper adjust, wheel adjust etc) is £85.
2) I've mounted a Road Angel GPS detector on top of the steering column.
3) I went from driving a Corsa (ie my driving test) to a 4ltr Chimaera. If your sensible and pay attention to the advice mentioned in the forums on many occasions (do a quick search), you should be fine.
Thanks for the help ... looks like what I was told about this forum was right!
BTW intending to fit the Snooper S6 (with optional laser/radar detector) if anyone has any experience with that fittment.
I shall endeavour not to do anything really silly whilst driving!
Great car choice. Not sure how to advise managing the wait - I had to wait an extra 2 weeks because an urgent business trip came up a couple of days before I was due to pick mine up. I was in a lather of excitement all the way back from Seattle - and it wasn't caused by the BA cabin crew 
.
It's nearly a year ago now and I've had so much enjoyment from my 450. Learning about some of the Chimaera idiosyncracies from folks on PH was a great help early on and each of us tries to put something back in to the forum when new members come on board.
The Leven kit makes quite a difference and unless you smoke get rid of the stupid triumph herald ashtrays as soon as possible!
. It's nearly a year ago now and I've had so much enjoyment from my 450. Learning about some of the Chimaera idiosyncracies from folks on PH was a great help early on and each of us tries to put something back in to the forum when new members come on board.
The Leven kit makes quite a difference and unless you smoke get rid of the stupid triumph herald ashtrays as soon as possible!
The Leven stalks really are easy to fit - if you follow the instructions carefully. No need to remove anything beforehand but cover the surrounding area with masking tape to avoid marking when you saw the old ones off 
Make sure there's no evidence of the plastic "shoulder" left before you slide the new ones on. Also clean up the rubber boots and moisten a little to lubricate. All Leven stuff comes with full instructions and tools.
Make sure there's no evidence of the plastic "shoulder" left before you slide the new ones on. Also clean up the rubber boots and moisten a little to lubricate. All Leven stuff comes with full instructions and tools.
Voltaire53 said:
Any recommended contacts for driving technique course in the Hampshire area?
(I'm going from a 1.1 litre Renault 5 to a Chimaera ... I think I may require a little bit of help to make the leap)
How do I cope with the 8 day wait until I take delivery?
Just be careful in the wet, from going from a 1.1 front wheeled drive Corsa since your test to 4.5 TVR Chim rear wheeled drive beast the traction in the wet is so much different...its fine just remember to be careful pulling away in the wet or you will easily loose the back end.
Enjoy...I did!
Alan.
Alf Essex said:
Just be careful in the wet, from going from a 1.1 front wheeled drive Corsa since your test to 4.5 TVR Chim rear wheeled drive beast the traction in the wet is so much different...
Alan.
Luckily not since my test - I've owned a RWD 2 litre Manta and a 'sprightly' Alfa Romeo 1.5 Sprint over the years ... nothing like the TVR but a little closer than the Renault 1.1!
Alf Essex said:
Enjoy...I did!
I intend to!
>> Edited by Voltaire53 on Thursday 31st July 09:22
Mark.S said:
1) Stalks are £65 from LevenTech or complete column set (stalks, wiper adjust, wheel adjust etc) is £85. Had mine fitted during a service but its apparently an easy enough job - LevenTech instructions are always good.
The dealer who sold me the car saw this post and has offered to fit them at the pre-delivery service for just the cost of the items ... I am already not only impressed with this forum but also the Adrian Blyth dealership who I'd heard were good but now I know!
I was about to say what a good dealer for referring you here, before I read that it was old Blythy. Well you couldn't go far wrong there!
As far as getting a bit of help on the driving standards many on here will sing the praises of Ride Drive (as advertised on that wonderful web widget (www) that is PistonHeads
) and I am all booked up for a session next week, so watch this space!!!!
As far as getting a bit of help on the driving standards many on here will sing the praises of Ride Drive (as advertised on that wonderful web widget (www) that is PistonHeads
) and I am all booked up for a session next week, so watch this space!!!!
new tricks then Beano 500! Good to hear you benefited from the day and I know Justin (Voltaire53) will be keen to gain some feedback. 
beano500 said:
Have you picked it up yet then Justin?
Not a good moment to ask
Just got a call from Adrian Blyth and after replacing the windscreen wiper motor it was discovered that only one of the blades works due to the wiper 'wheel' assembly being duff/broken ... and it takes a full day to fit a replacement since it's burried down behind the dash somewhere.
Of course I really appreciate the fact that the car will be given to me in tip-top condition and that Adrian Blyth are doing such a fine job of being thorough, but I'm sure everyone can understand the frustration of looking at the sunshine and having to wait probably 4-6 more days (which may mean I can't get up there for another couple of days due to work committments next week!)
Ah well, I know it'll be worth the wait ... but the weather better
stay this good! Ah well "it all comes to he who waits" or whatever.
Had mine up to 110 yesterday, by the way.
Degrees that is not MPH
That was on the airfield where I learnt an awful lot about how brilliant TVRs actually are! Finding (and in some cases
exceeding) the limits was much fun! Just can't understand why I am still covered in brake dust ...
Performed faultlessly, the car that is, (just taken me 2 1/2 years to get there since taking it off Adrian's hands....
) even if the temp did get a bit high!
Had mine up to 110 yesterday, by the way.
Degrees that is not MPH
That was on the airfield where I learnt an awful lot about how brilliant TVRs actually are! Finding (and in some cases
exceeding) the limits was much fun! Just can't understand why I am still covered in brake dust ... Performed faultlessly, the car that is, (just taken me 2 1/2 years to get there since taking it off Adrian's hands....
) even if the temp did get a bit high!Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff