Chimaera M113GGT

[60mph]

This car is coming up for auction as a non runner restoration project. I'm likely to have a go at it but the only thing I don't want is a rusted out chassis. Are there any places to look at regards to this? Do they rot (if at all) from the insides of the tubes ?

It's a 4 litre engine one. I assume if the engine is scrap I could buy a second hand Rover v8, tune, and fit myself?

Been restoring cars since 1959 so nothing would phase me apart from chassis which even that I could cope with but don't want that sort of problem.

Any help would be most appreciated especially other pitfalls.

[ChilliWhizz]

I'm planning a body off in the near future, and it does seem that although you can get some idea of the condition of (for example) the outriggers by poking around underneath you won't really know the extent of the rot until the body is lifted and you can properly inspect the tops of the tubes... there are a number of documented cases where the outriggers didn't seem too bad from a poke around underneath inspection.. but turned out to be a horror story.. I'd say if the car doesn't come with any documented chassis repair or refurbishment work having been carried out then budget for the worst....

Swapping engine bits isn't a big issue (cost aside) you just need to talk with someone who's familiar with the different RV8 lumps... plenty of people on here to help once you know what you have/what you want....

Good luck,

Chilli

[60mph]

Thanks for that info. I'll go and inspect with Fenix torn (VERY BRIGHT) and mirror. Outriggers would be OK but suspension points would be a no no.

First registered Aug 94. Is it possible to achieve MOT pollution requirements without CAT and sensor ?

Just checked my Naga tree outside and it's dead !!

[Discopotatoes]

The out rotters usually start to go on the inside edges of the front and rear mounting plates so if it's on it's way I doubt if you will see it , on the plus side I bought my car a 1995 model In 2004 and the outriggers finally gave up in 2013

[url]|http://thumbsnap.com/5PA65XZe[/ur]
I don't have a back ground in cars but decided to do a full body off restoration myself when the outriggers went, I got on it properly last April and I'm hoping to have it MOT'd in the next couple of weeks

Edited by Discopotatoes on Sunday 19th March 14:05

[ChilliWhizz]

60mph said:

Thanks for that info. I'll go and inspect with Fenix torn (VERY BRIGHT) and mirror. Outriggers would be OK but suspension points would be a no no.

First registered Aug 94. Is it possible to achieve MOT pollution requirements without CAT and sensor ?

Just checked my Naga tree outside and it's dead !!

Not heard of suspension pick up points on the chassis rusting personally but that doesn't mean they don't...

Passing emissions test if decatted is, er, unlikely, that said, mine has been fully decatted for 5 years now, and not failed an MOT yet... Guess I'm just really lucky...

I used to grow Naga's, and have recently had Viper Naga, Reaper, and some other stuff delivered, will starting germination this week

Here's a few underbody pics of mine, taken in 2013, car is a '98 so was 15 years old at the time... Body off photo isn't mine but hopefully the owner won't mind me posting it..

[Discopotatoes]

Another place they suffer is the top chassis rail under the manifolds due to the heat

[portzi]

ChilliWhizz said:

60mph said:

Thanks for that info. I'll go and inspect with Fenix torn (VERY BRIGHT) and mirror. Outriggers would be OK but suspension points would be a no no.


Not heard of suspension pick up points on the chassis rusting personally but that doesn't mean they don't...

Unfortunately Chilli a previous owner decided to paint my chassis black hiding the rust underneath , as you are aware both the top Wishbone and suspension pick up points are right underneath the manifolds, so once the heat starts to crack the powdercoat the water can get underneath and rush starts. I made stainless heat shields to help deflect the heat.

here are my top chassis rail suspension pick up points 5 years ago, before the body off. , they were cut out and replaced.

[ChilliWhizz]

portzi said:

ChilliWhizz said:

60mph said:

Thanks for that info. I'll go and inspect with Fenix torn (VERY BRIGHT) and mirror. Outriggers would be OK but suspension points would be a no no.


Not heard of suspension pick up points on the chassis rusting personally but that doesn't mean they don't...

Unfortunately Chilli a previous owner decided to paint my chassis black hiding the rust underneath , as you are aware both the top Wishbone and suspension pick up points are right underneath the manifolds, so once the heat starts to crack the powdercoat the water can get underneath and rush starts. I made stainless heat shields to help deflect the heat.

here are my top chassis rail suspension pick up points 5 years ago, before the body off. , they were cut out and replaced.

Ouch!!!

Good info for the OP portzi

[60mph]

Thanks for all the help especially pictures, in view of the fact I did not introduce myself very well. Those outriggers are a real salt trap are'nt they ? I guess when sand blasted they just blow through.

[ClassicChimaera]

Not always some are in surprisingly good nick and others have suffered more. Luck of the draw, kind of use the cars had in the past etc etc has a lot to do with it maybe .

[QBee]

Generalising, the earlier cars are usually in better condition than the later ones. This is because the early work was subcontracted out - once TVR brought it in house (white chassis) the workmanship went downhill.

[ClassicChimaera]

But then there's Sheels car,, 2000 year so as bad as it gets yet the most perfect chassis that had no rust whatsoever Anthony. 50,000 miles too?
Had a very easy life by the feel of his diff (which was like my new one) !!!

But let's be honest there all old and most need outriggers at least incl mine.... soon

[ClassicChimaera]

In my cars case the riggers have lasted well but the top chassis rails around manifolds are looking and feeling weak.
If they were in better nick I'd go for riggers alone but it's a false economy if you really need to address main frame repairs.

[QBee]

My 1999 car. Outriggers failed in 2013. Chassis has just been shotblasted - no other work required

[ClassicChimaera]

QBee said:

My 1999 car. Outriggers failed in 2013. Chassis has just been shotblasted - no other work required

[OleVix]

my 94 griff looked rusty so i lifted the body and blasted the chassis... no holes just surface rust. Went straight to powdercoaters. 30k miles car

[ianwayne]

Went to view this this afternoon. It's the only car in the auction, the other 800+ lots are paintings, jewellery, pottery and glassware etc!

The paintwork has some staining in places from what looks like rusty water dripping on it. This and the o/s door being damaged from where it strikes the front wing on opening (door hinge had gone) lends itself to a full respray.

Green leather seats are in surprisingly good condition but the carpets are mouldy. Engine has the white fur all over it, and no PAS. Battery no good so couldn't check any electrics. Oil is black. Aluminium radiator fitted.

The outriggers looked in OK condition but indoors on the floor, even with a torch, it was hard to tell about the rest. Wheels are in good condition but tyres are 16 yrs old. All brakes totally rusted but I presume they pushed it in (?)

The low end of the estimate of £3k is about right, since they charge 24% buyers premium!

http://fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk/lot/156435

Not taxed since 2009, and no MoT history.

Edited by ianwayne on Friday 24th March 17:59

[eddietiv1]

Folks,just spotted this,unfortunately didnt know where it was being advertised,id of put it on here,this car belongs to my dear late friend Cladge,just got back from his funeral god bless,he purchased this from Solihull well over 10 years ago now,I drove it back and it blew my brains at the time being the HC version too, whilst I had my s2, really quick.Unfortunately work constraints and very poorly health over recent years the car as just sat in his garage,I'm guessing its in the 50s k miles,we were going to get it hooning the streets again this year but cruelly that will not be happening now,I'm a Griff owner myself and I can clarify this is a genuine car and tragic reason for sale,hopefully someone on here gets it and brings it back to life In my mates honour,and his 18 year olds daughter would love nothing more,good luck folks.

[ianwayne]

It sold for £4300. With the commission on top, that's £5332.

For a car needing a rebuild. Good news!?

http://fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk/lot/156435

Edit: Recalculated. I forgot they charge VAT on the commission, so 24% effectively.

Edited by ianwayne on Wednesday 29th March 08:24

[J400GED]

ChilliWhizz said:

I'm planning a body off in the near future, ....


Chilli

Chilli mate, let me know when you are going to start your body off I'll pop over and give you a hand if I can. All for the price of copious coffees and a sit in the Aston of course.