Buying a chim advice please

Buying a chim advice please

Author
Discussion

Whizz65

Original Poster:

127 posts

211 months

Thursday 20th February 2014
quotequote all
Really excited off to view a Chim tomorrow!
I had a T reg 450 for 4 years but the divorce forced the sale late in 2010!
Looking for some advice on the things to check, I read the bible cover to cover before I bought the last one and it was dream to drive and own.
Please can you add to the list if I’ve missed things I should be checking.
I’m looking at one with about 90K miles, full TVR service history up to mid 80k miles at the same dealer/garage I’m told. Its a w plate, mid 2000.

Chassis, out riggers, main rails just behind front wheels, seat belt mounts in rear arches. Check for any accident damage, all weld the same etc, any signs of repairs. I am prepared to do a body lift in the next few years if I have to.
Oil pressure, 40/45psi + when cold? Drop to about 15/20 when hot and go up to 40/45 when running along? This is where I’d really like to know what the “norm” is as these engines get older.
Cam noise? again advice please.
Temp gauge should run at 70-90? Fans cut in at 90-92 with it standing they should cut in and out?
Leaks around rad corners, water pump and anywhere else.
Widescreen “milkiness” signs of delamination.
Power steering leaks
All electrics work, windows, wipers, locking, lights etc etc
Carpets all dry.
Body work, bonnet hinges, doors dropped, general fit, damage on top of rear wings where people but the roof in and out of the boot, side of / rear wings if items in boot have damaged the side
General condition of hood, stitching, fit, rear window, stay bars
Dash, cracks in veneer,
General condition of seats and inertia trim, looks very good in pics.
The car is dark blue with cream inertia, just like my last one!

Many thanks, I’ll let you all know what its like

Whizz65

Original Poster:

127 posts

211 months

Friday 21st February 2014
quotequote all
Many thanks, its a good 45psi when cold and after a run didn't drop much on tick over, after a 100 mile trip and a good "BLAST up the A1 it was 30psi ticking over on the drive. 45psi when running even when really hot.

Just bought the w reg 450, 91K miles, the guy was a real gent, had arranged with the local garage for the use of the ramp.
All he's done for the last 4 1/2 years I think is put petrol in and maintain it regardless of cost.......... & use it on an odd sunny day!
Out riggers all look good, as does the main chassis rail. Body work........mint. one of the bonnet hinges has a little play but nothing to worry about yet.
Drivers seat a little tired but I've seen a lot worse.

Only thing I could say is it has a light coloured dash top..........oh and the radio doesn't work! not that I'll ever use it, the green light on the door release when you lock the doors doesn't light up.......... but hey all in all a w reg 450 at £7500 you can't expect perfection can you! I didn't even ask if he was open to offers!
It has full TVR history, just once service at 80K miles done at an independent sports car garage.
Brake discs are like new, big folder full of history........
A spare set of wheels, with good tyres but one badly scuffed..... but the wheels on the car are near perfect!