Chimaera Windscreen replacement recommendations?

Chimaera Windscreen replacement recommendations?

Author
Discussion

WillS66

Original Poster:

90 posts

116 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Morning all,

My Chimaera came with an added extra when I bought it, a strip of black electrical tape running along the bottom covering up some screen de-lamination. Now the de-lamination is creeping up over the tape (& the black seal around the glass is also looking a bit ropey) so I'm looking to get it replaced.

Normally I'd chuck the car at Fernhurst TVR, who I bought it from, but they aren't in a position to do it at the moment. I'm uncertain about calling in the standard autoglass type windscreen people so are there any specialists you'd recommend or is my autoglass nervousness unwarranted?

Thanks

WillS

ianwayne

6,292 posts

268 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
It's more important you find someone who knows how to fit one to a TVR, even if one of the usual companies. I'd hasten to recommend one of the 'big boys' but my experience with them was very good.

My Chimaera windscreen was fitted under the insurance (£75 excess) by Autoglass in 2014. I wasn't sure it would be a good idea using a non-specialist but the branch I used had a chap who'd done one before (although at first they weren't sure they'd be able to get one, took 3 days). They kept the car indoors overnight with the roof off for the bond to dry completely. This is because there is a lot of pressure on the top rail when you fit the targa panel.

Mine is also a 'Safevue' one which some PH subscribers don't recommend but mine has been fine and the roof panel fits OK.

Unfortunately, many companies including the one who did mine don't have premises anymore and have become mobile only, so you'd need a good cover or garage to leave the roof off of course.


blaze_away

1,506 posts

213 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
I would not allow the usual suspects to do the job UNLESS they could guarantee the person doing it had done my specific model before and did it properly. It is a specialist job and can easily go wrong, big time wrong. I'm not saying they are no good because clearly they are, I've had 2 windscreens in Co cars (Volvo and Audi) and they were spot on, great service and a great job done, just not on my TVR.

I know of a specific situation where a cerbera was done by a normal glass co and they messed up, they damaged the dashboard top and paint ultimately causing a partial retrim and respray.

Go to someone like Central TVR in Walsall or ask your local TVR specialist for a recommendation.

Yex 450

4,583 posts

220 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Look up Glassman in the members directory thumbup

WillS66

Original Poster:

90 posts

116 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Yex 450 said:
Look up Glassman in the members directory thumbup
Thanks for the pointer, I'll drop him a line.

WillS

Andav469

958 posts

137 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Central TVR replaced mine 2 years ago, done through my insurance.

A perfect job smile

KevinCamaroSS

11,630 posts

280 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Try asking Fernhurst who they would use to do the job?

TheRainMaker

6,334 posts

242 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
S&D sorted both mine (Cerb and Chimaera), I don't think they actually did them, but know people who do.

Both are perfect with no damage to the car smile

ianwayne

6,292 posts

268 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
blaze_away said:
Go to someone like Central TVR in Walsall or ask your local TVR specialist for a recommendation.
They are in Kingswinford: http://www.centraltvr.com/contact/

ClassicChimaera

12,424 posts

149 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
Andav469 said:
Central TVR replaced mine 2 years ago, done through my insurance.

A perfect job smile
+ 1 mines also,perfectly fitted.

seeby

1,807 posts

170 months

Wednesday 11th January 2017
quotequote all
Bespoke Performance in Ware sorted mine . Spot on job .

CanoeSniffer

927 posts

87 months

Wednesday 11th January 2017
quotequote all
WillS66 said:
Morning all,

My Chimaera came with an added extra when I bought it, a strip of black electrical tape running along the bottom covering up some screen de-lamination. Now the de-lamination is creeping up over the tape (& the black seal around the glass is also looking a bit ropey) so I'm looking to get it replaced.

Normally I'd chuck the car at Fernhurst TVR, who I bought it from, but they aren't in a position to do it at the moment. I'm uncertain about calling in the standard autoglass type windscreen people so are there any specialists you'd recommend or is my autoglass nervousness unwarranted?

WillS
I had to have the windscreen replaced in my Chim recently and due to going through insurance was left to Autoglass after I'd paid my excess- apart from a long wait for them to find the right stock (made longer because they then turned up with one that didn't fit) they seem to have done a decent enough job, though time will tell if it perseveres smile

ianwayne

6,292 posts

268 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
quotequote all
Autoglass did mine. You should have got a lifetime guarantee with it. For as long as you own it anyway.

ukdj

1,004 posts

184 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
quotequote all
If you want the best fit everes... err I mean get Glassman to do it !

Top bloke, attention to detail and great service.

JD1000

11 posts

56 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
quotequote all
Hi All - I want 10 X Chimaera/Griffith front windscreen for shipping to New Zealand.
Apart from tvr-parts.com, I can't see anyone else listing them. (previous dealings with these guys rules them out completely!)
Where can I buy them from, and which manufacturer is the best - I have seen a few posting regarding poor fitment from some suppliers.
Many thanks
Jon

Classic Chim

12,424 posts

149 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
Central Tvr sell and install the correct fitting screens that also come with the TVR LOGO etc. Maybe call Adrian and enquire.

V8fan

6,292 posts

268 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
They get their stock from the same place, TVR parts. They order them in batches because of the shipping charges.

I spoke to them when I was waiting for a screen for my Cerbera back in the Spring; Central only had the later models ones in stock. Due to the fact that Chimaera / Griffith screens are the same and much more regularly required, they usually have stock.

JD1000

11 posts

56 months

Thursday 21st November 2019
quotequote all
Thanks - they have none in stock anyway (apart from a few damaged/scratched in transit ones that 'might' be able to be polished out) - they are waiting for the next shipment from Finland sometime March 2020.
I wonder how many you'd have to order direct? There are 70 Chimaeras/Griffs here in NZ
Not sure exactly who the Finnish manufacturer is....

Glassman

22,533 posts

215 months

Thursday 21st November 2019
quotequote all
JD1000 said:
Not sure exactly who the Finnish manufacturer is....
Muotalasi is the original plant, now owned by Saint Gobain Sekurit.



JD1000

11 posts

56 months

Friday 22nd November 2019
quotequote all
So helpful!
I have emailed them.
Many thanks.
(we are getting a bit desperate - 5 cars with no windscreens!)