My first car - Chimeara 400
Discussion
Just bought my very first TVR on Monday and have just logged into the "forum" for the first time as well. Checked the car over as best I could as I know little about the finer detail.
It's the 1999 400 Cooper green Chim with the very low mileage. Thing is I'm driving it (her) back from Kings Lynn to Northumberland tomorrow and am wetting myself that something should go wrong.
The car is very clean and goes fine but has only been used on short local journeys. I intend to take it very easy coming back but is there anything I should know or any advice on offer to ease my worried brow ?
It will go straight into Hexham H.C for a service when I get back.
It's the 1999 400 Cooper green Chim with the very low mileage. Thing is I'm driving it (her) back from Kings Lynn to Northumberland tomorrow and am wetting myself that something should go wrong.
The car is very clean and goes fine but has only been used on short local journeys. I intend to take it very easy coming back but is there anything I should know or any advice on offer to ease my worried brow ?
It will go straight into Hexham H.C for a service when I get back.
NewChimBoy said:
Checked the car over as best I could as I know little about the finer detail.
Such as how to spell its name...
Only kidding, I'm sure the journey will be fine, just enjoy it! Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to take a few basic precautions like checking all the fluids and tyre pressures before setting off. You could also take a few basic tools, tow rope, etc. Do you have breakdown cover? Many providers do cheap deals but it'll cost far more if you find yourself having to take out cover after a breakdown rather than before.Edited by Risotto on Wednesday 18th May 15:29
Risotto said:
Such as how to spell its name...
Only kidding, I'm sure the journey will be fine but it wouldn't hurt to take a few basic precautions like check all the fluids and tyre pressures before setting off. You could also take a few basic tools, tow rope, etc. Do you have breakdown cover?
Just be carefull with the Tyre pressures 24lbs should do it any more and it could hurt
Only kidding, I'm sure the journey will be fine but it wouldn't hurt to take a few basic precautions like check all the fluids and tyre pressures before setting off. You could also take a few basic tools, tow rope, etc. Do you have breakdown cover?Graeme
Risotto said:
Such as how to spell its name...
Only kidding, I'm sure the journey will be fine, just enjoy it! Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to take a few basic precautions like checking all the fluids and tyre pressures before setting off. You could also take a few basic tools, tow rope, etc. Do you have breakdown cover? Many providers do cheap deals but it'll cost far more if you find yourself having to take out cover after a breakdown rather than before.
Tow rope !? I reckon that would be a quick way to knacker your nosecone if you tried to tow a chim - what would you fix it to ?
Only kidding, I'm sure the journey will be fine, just enjoy it! Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to take a few basic precautions like checking all the fluids and tyre pressures before setting off. You could also take a few basic tools, tow rope, etc. Do you have breakdown cover? Many providers do cheap deals but it'll cost far more if you find yourself having to take out cover after a breakdown rather than before.Edited by Risotto on Wednesday 18th May 15:29
Breakdown cover

NewChimBoy said:
Just bought my very first TVR on Monday and have just logged into the "forum" for the first time as well. Checked the car over as best I could as I know little about the finer detail.
It's the 1999 400 Cooper green Chim with the very low mileage. Thing is I'm driving it (her) back from Kings Lynn to Northumberland tomorrow and am wetting myself that something should go wrong.
The car is very clean and goes fine but has only been used on short local journeys. I intend to take it very easy coming back but is there anything I should know or any advice on offer to ease my worried brow ?
It will go straight into Hexham H.C for a service when I get back.
Ive had a couple of similar long drives after buying mine. Richard at HHC will look after you and it will be nice having another Tiv to look out for in Northumberland! Enjoy your drive back and welcome to the club!It's the 1999 400 Cooper green Chim with the very low mileage. Thing is I'm driving it (her) back from Kings Lynn to Northumberland tomorrow and am wetting myself that something should go wrong.
The car is very clean and goes fine but has only been used on short local journeys. I intend to take it very easy coming back but is there anything I should know or any advice on offer to ease my worried brow ?
It will go straight into Hexham H.C for a service when I get back.

Yes this is my first TVR (Chimaera - terrible spella me). Also trying to get the hang of the forum. Apologies if text ends up in the wrong place.
I do have break down cover and tow rope but thanks for advice on nosecone and checking levels & tyre pressures.
Just thought it's difficult keeping your speed down to 70MPH on a motorway these days; always seem to end up in inside lane with numpties.
Yes looking forward to getting back home to begin the sorting out.
Regular visitor to Pistonheads but never been onto "Forums". Have spent all p.m. reading comments which have filled me with dread and laughter alike.
Is it best to have top up when doing motorway driving ?
I do have break down cover and tow rope but thanks for advice on nosecone and checking levels & tyre pressures.
Just thought it's difficult keeping your speed down to 70MPH on a motorway these days; always seem to end up in inside lane with numpties.
Yes looking forward to getting back home to begin the sorting out.
Regular visitor to Pistonheads but never been onto "Forums". Have spent all p.m. reading comments which have filled me with dread and laughter alike.
Is it best to have top up when doing motorway driving ?
NewChimBoy said:
Is it best to have top up when doing motorway driving ?
Depends how dirty the inside of the car is. If there is lots of rubbish etc. anything over 90 usually sees it cleaned out nicely 
Enjoy the drive back, it's just a car, it won't kill you, you'll make it kill you if you go beyond your limits. The cars limits are pretty extreme.
M@H said:
NewChimBoy said:
Is it best to have top up when doing motorway driving ?
Petrol - yesRoof - depends on the weather, it gets hot in these cars on long runs with the roof on.




Don't get hung up about some of the things you read, all cars can have 'issues', especially if not maintained and even then they still can if they are maintained.
If you get a problem with hot start, then just let it cool a bit until you are in a better position to look into it. As others have said, basic checks like you would for any other car, fluids, tyres, keep an eye on the gauges when driving and, depending on your experience, take it easy until you get used to it. It'll be fine - enjoy it - that's what they're about.
As far as roof is concerned, purely personal. If it's down and you think it's a bit blustery, you can either slow down or put the roof up. Depends what you want.
Or you could do what Griff owners do - wear a nylon headscarf

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