Bit of an odd request...

[Squirrelofwoe]

No nothing like that!

Has anyone got any DIY Chim projects/maintenance jobs on the go or in the pipeline who wouldn't mind an additional pair of hands / fetcher-carrier / someone to stand and nod sagely at their work?

I've got a few minor jobs I intend to do on my own Chim in the Spring when I should have access to a workshop of sorts, but in the meantime I'm keen to try and get as familiar as possible with the oily bits of these cars- basically I wondered if I could trade my time & rudimentary mechanical skills for the opportunity to soak up as much knowledge as possible from those who have 'been there, done that', if that makes sense?

In terms of those rudimentary mechanical skills, the limit of my ambition to-date was a partial engine-bay strip down of my old Starion Turbo- removing the radiator be re-cored, changing the cambelt/tensioner, replacing the power-steering pump, and putting it all back together again (it even worked!). I've also done stuff like brake pad/disc changes, oil changes, and fitted a new exhaust system to my old BMW.

Oh and assisting my old man with various agricultural machinery maintenance over the years (tractor clutch replacements/fitting new starter-motors/basic machinery servicing)- which probably has far more relevance to the Chimaera...

So I know how to wield a spanner to a certain degree, but generally whilst following instructions! Having a friendly Honda mechanic on hand (and owning increasingly newer cars) has meant I've done less and less of this myself over the last couple of years- which I am keen to change with the TVR! I don't want to reach the day where I finally own a fully equipped garage to work on my Chim, only to feel like a primary school kid looking at hieroglyphics.

So that's it really, bit of a long-shot but if anyone vaguely close to the Oxfordshire or surrounding areas didn't mind having a very enthusiastic fellow TVR owner come along and get involved, please get in touch- I want to trade my (limited) skills/assistance for knowledge! And maybe the odd mug of tea

[jesfirth]

mines a griff but they are the same as a chim. I am in high Wycombe bucks so not far from you. I will know this weekend when I put the car back on the road whether the diff is knackered and therefore whether I need to pull it out. that involves exhaust off lots of awkward fiddly bolts, prop, drive shafts etc so help always welcome. also need to change brake fluid and sort out rear brakes so various other jobs. my garage is heated with Sky TV so quite homely. will let you know if its knackered and whether I need to do it. cheers Jes

[Squirrelofwoe]

jesfirth said:

mines a griff but they are the same as a chim. I am in high Wycombe bucks so not far from you. I will know this weekend when I put the car back on the road whether the diff is knackered and therefore whether I need to pull it out. that involves exhaust off lots of awkward fiddly bolts, prop, drive shafts etc so help always welcome. also need to change brake fluid and sort out rear brakes so various other jobs. my garage is heated with Sky TV so quite homely. will let you know if its knackered and whether I need to do it. cheers Jes

That would be fantastic, I did very nearly post this in the general TVR section as I'd happily get involved with any models but obviously a Chim/Griff is ideal.

As you say, High Wycombe isn't too far at all, definitely keep me posted if you go ahead

[Richard 858]

jesfirth said:

mines a griff

........but not as we know it, it's sort of a griff and certainly not like any other TVR !!!!!!!

[Richard 858]

Pity you didn't post this a few weeks ago Dave. I've just replaced front wishbones, bushes & front wheel bearings. Removed, stripped down, reassembled & refitted front hubs & anti roll bar c/w new bushes & brackets etc., etc. now half way through replacing rear wheel bearings and probably c.v. joints & driveshafts to follow so it's not too late if you fancy a ride over. I'm in Wellingborough, Northants but don't have Sky or any other sort of TV in my garage!!!!!!!!

[QBee]

Both of these are great offers.
Both cars are superb examples of how you can develop a TVR.
Both are competing in the TVR Sprint Championship.
You won't regret helping both of them.

[Squirrelofwoe]

Richard 858 said:

Pity you didn't post this a few weeks ago Dave. I've just replaced front wishbones, bushes & front wheel bearings. Removed, stripped down, reassembled & refitted front hubs & anti roll bar c/w new bushes & brackets etc., etc. now half way through replacing rear wheel bearings and probably c.v. joints & driveshafts to follow so it's not too late if you fancy a ride over. I'm in Wellingborough, Northants but don't have Sky or any other sort of TV in my garage!!!!!!!!

Thats a great offer Richard, thank you! Wellingorough isnt too bad- in fact im actually DJing my mate's wedding in Wellingborough in August

I'll drop you a PM in the morning

[jesfirth]

Richard 858 said:

jesfirth said:

mines a griff

........but not as we know it, it's sort of a griff and certainly not like any other TVR !!!!!!!

Richard - its just a griff with less bits than normal whereas your chim has more bits than normal - swap?

[jesfirth]

Squirrelofwoe said:

As you say, High Wycombe isn't too far at all, definitely keep me posted if you go ahead

bad news for you but good news for me is that the bolt tightening exercise seems to have worked so I don't need to pull out the diff. still need to change brake fluid though which is much easier with 2 people and tinker with the rear brakes which rattle when they get too hot. Because mine is stripped you can get at/see pretty much everything which might be useful for you. I will PM you to see if we can sort out a date.