Late Chassis - any difference

[floatingjimi]

I am looking at a 2005 4.2 as well as a few 4.5's from 2002. Was there any difference in treatment of the later cars chassis comapred to the early approach?

[Gazzab]

Generally early chassis are best. The 98/99 period the worst. However there are so many variables you need to really check each car out especially outriggers, by front wheel arch and by manifolds.

[floatingjimi]

you would have thought that by 2005 they would have come across issues from the early cars to change the proc ess acordingly - ho hum

[Gazzab]

floatingjimi said:

you would have thought that by 2005 they would have come across issues from the early cars to change the proc ess acordingly - ho hum

As I understand it the QA process wasnt great, the demand in late 90s outstripped their abilities and they outsourced some stuff (although outsourced was often better than internal).

[itiejim]

Apparently the early chassis were constructed in house and then sent out to be powder coated professionally. As volumes increased TVR saw another opportunity to reduce costs and decided to start powder coating themselves. Unfortunately, I am told that they used to build up batches of chassis which they left outside before powder coating them some time later. This often meant that they were coating rusty or even wet chassis. This might explain some of the problems with '97-'98 cars.

I have currently got the engine, 'box and diff out of my early '96 car and have been able to have a really good look at the chassis. TBH I'm amazed at how good it is; it's lost some of the powder coating on the sill rails but, by and large it's all intact. I've seen a lot of pictures on here of damage were the manifolds run close to the chassis but mine's perfect. It's currently undergoing a full clean and repaint in POR-15, so hopefully it'll stay like that for another 15 years or so!

I also heard that the early cars were wax oiled whereas the later ones weren't. Apparently someone on the shop floor couldn't bear the smell so they stopped...

[floatingjimi]

I should know early next week - I would have thought that the few that were produced in 2005 - (any idea how many?), would have had a bit more time spent on them -

[JensenA]

floatingjimi said:

I should know early next week - I would have thought that the few that were produced in 2005 - (any idea how many?), would have had a bit more time spent on them -

Or possibly they could have used an old chassis that had been outside in the yard for years - we need some of the ex TVR guys to shed some light on this really.

[floatingjimi]

guess so - will speak to the guys at Automedon and X works for enlightenment

[Gazzab]

floatingjimi said:

I am looking at a 2005 4.2 as well as a few 4.5's from 2002. Was there any difference in treatment of the later cars chassis comapred to the early approach?

ps afaik the late 4.2 you are looking at MIGHT be the one sold at auction a few months ago - needed some TLC including paint.
The 4.5's look good. The blue one sold and then the owner looked to sell it on quite quickly thereafter a few months ago. The black 4.5 looks lovely. Has been for sale for a few weeks.
If looking at late Cerbs be aware that most have different cams that give lower power. Joolz was suprised that mine doesnt have the late cams and is so powerful.

[floatingjimi]

thanks for the info - the 4.2 is at Dorset cars - one owner car. Which black one are you refering to - the one with R.p.m or the one at Tony Gilbert? not sure re the blue one. At the moment Mick's 4.5 at Automedon looks like the favourite - but the 2005 is of interest - late car, condition etc. They have a rolling orad etc over there, so may be worth getting a reading also.

[Redmist336]

While searching for my car I had Rob Ingleby look at that 2005 4.2 before I purchased my 4.5. He stated the below
"I was in 2 minds whether to go down to Dorset cars to see their 4.2, but curiosity got the better of me and I decided to make the extra journey. Shame I did because even though it is a fine example, the lower mileage did not make any difference, in fact the car was not as clean underneath as Tim's and it definitely didn't drive as well as Tim's."

[floatingjimi]

good shout - I had Rob look for a car for me a few years back - surprising re the 4.2

[al 350i]

what's yout budget? and have you considered this one http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1323998.htm

[floatingjimi]

I have a budget up to mid twenties - I have spoken to Michael re his car - however Mick's is a 2002 with less miles and also has a two year warranty on the top end - same money great looking car though.