Desperately searching for...
Desperately searching for...
Author
Discussion

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
...any sort of targa roof section (although preferably a black standard unit) to fit my '98 Chimaera.

So, hello to all. I am the proud owner of my first TVR. A chimaera in quite good condition was paid and collected last Sunday (22.5.2011) and about an hour later on the motorway, the roof disappeared, police arrived, accident luckily did not occur but even so...wow! Now, I knew that TVRs have a reputation of being little gits, but an hour into our relationship is a bit strong.

Anyway, I now am the proud owner of a car that I can't really leave parked anywhere, nor can I drive far if I think that there is even the slightest chance of a shower. Bugger!

I have contacted neary every shop and breakers that 'google' lists but to no avail. If anyone can help me out I would be delighted as only one breakers yard said they have a roof, but 2 days and a few emails and phone calls later, they seem to not get their act together to send me through their bank details. GGGrrrrrrrr....

Many, MANY thanks in advance for any help.

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
...in addition, my apologies if this is the wrong section for the post. I'll try to learn for the future.

Barreti

6,689 posts

268 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
I wouldn't bother replacing it - well not unless something cheap drops into your lap.

Have a search on here for "surrey roof" - thats the thing you need now.
Expensive I grant you, but far more practical, especially if you plan on touring with a boot full.

Here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Or you could go for the split roof option
Here: http://www.prwood.webeden.co.uk/#/split-roof/45243...

Edited by Barreti on Tuesday 24th May 19:05

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
Thanks for the prompt reply.

The surrey roof is an option, however the nice gentleman is off on holiday tomorrow and I have no idea what the lead times are on the product.
The split roof will not be built again until the end of the season is what they told me when I called.

Both options therefore don't really help me play with my new toy and at present I am even having to borrow a garage until it can be parked outside again (roofed private parking but not exactly secure).

TJC46

2,199 posts

237 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
Have you tried the following-
www.douglasvalley.co.uk/ usually very expensive'
www.bellhillgarage.com/tvrpartshome.htm also expensive.Both worth a try if you are desperate, good luck with your search, Tom.

pena

317 posts

292 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
estutjaweh said:
...any sort of targa roof section (although preferably a black standard unit) to fit my '98 Chimaera.

So, hello to all. I am the proud owner of my first TVR. A chimaera in quite good condition was paid and collected last Sunday (22.5.2011) and about an hour later on the motorway, the roof disappeared, police arrived, accident luckily did not occur but even so...wow! Now, I knew that TVRs have a reputation of being little gits, but an hour into our relationship is a bit strong.

Anyway, I now am the proud owner of a car that I can't really leave parked anywhere, nor can I drive far if I think that there is even the slightest chance of a shower. Bugger!

I have contacted neary every shop and breakers that 'google' lists but to no avail. If anyone can help me out I would be delighted as only one breakers yard said they have a roof, but 2 days and a few emails and phone calls later, they seem to not get their act together to send me through their bank details. GGGrrrrrrrr....

Many, MANY thanks in advance for any help.
Yep had this on the A3 once. Fortunately I was able to fetch it back.
Give Adrian at Central TVR a call, he should know some people.
Good luck

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th May 2011
quotequote all
Hi, thanks for all the quick answers. I have tried the breakers but they have none in stock right now - douglas valley offered to keep my number in case one arrived though...we'll see.

I retrieved mine back too, unfortunately however a lorry had driven over it crushing the passenger side. The driver simply carried on so who knows what will come of it all if he reports the experience. Anyway, I don't think its repairable. I'm gonna try some body shops at the weekend if its not raining ( so I can drive the roof to show them (tut roll of eyes etc).

WokingWedger

1,030 posts

236 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
Why did it pop out ?

Is there not sufficient pressure applied by the struts ?

darkcat

2,354 posts

201 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
Im supprised it can pop out tbh.. can only imagine the struts wherent properly in place, mines got nearly an inch of overlap front and back and it held in VERY securely (no leake either)

Good luck finding one, must be like hen's teeth...


--
Edited to add...
It is a VERY LONG shot, BUT it may be worth contacting TVR Power, I read somewhere that they have all the moulds chimaera-onwards..

LordGrover

34,189 posts

243 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
Some of the more established garages/workshops like Dulford may be worth a call? scratchchin

quattrophenia

1,103 posts

229 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
How the hell did that happen?. Was it not locked into place with the back metal brackets? Bonnets flying up yes, but roofs flying off eek

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
It was locked correctly into place by the owner owner prior to my purchase (as he showed me the ins and outs of dong it correctly!!). After it was in place a thunderstorm ensued and I left it where it was for the drive back. The rear stabiliser/clamp bar things were locked in place and it all seemed ok. being a new car to me I realized at speed that it would get noisy but whether it was excessively noisy (i.e. the roof was not correctly fitted) I don't know thanks to my lack of experience.

I'm still hoping to find a wreck with a good roof to buy, otherwise this is gonna get expensive.


FlipFlopGriff

7,144 posts

278 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
Try these guys. I was told £200 when I called but they didn't have one when I was in the area, now got a folding and split roof so don't need one anymore. Shipping will be expensive wherever they are in the UK.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/list.asp?d=1923
FFG

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
yep! They were said breakers yard that haven't got back with bank details etc. 250 pounds. In stock. Black. I'll send you email with bank details for wire transfer......that was Monday.......Can it be they are just too busy to want the business??? Strange none-the-less.

estutjaweh

Original Poster:

328 posts

186 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
Well, the good chaps at TVR Dean just got back to me with Paypal info. so it looks like all is well that ends well. I guess my panicking left me feeling a little deserted at the few days wait - we'll see when it actually arrives.

Thanks to all who have helped. If all goes well, I 'll get around to uploading a few pics upon receipt of the roof.

FlipFlopGriff

7,144 posts

278 months

Wednesday 25th May 2011
quotequote all
I know when I've called they had a roof but the chap who deals with the TVR's wasn't there so I could have picked it up - so frustrating. Their loss in the end.
Glad you're sorted. Hope the £50 premium is for postage.
FFG

BeastMaster

443 posts

218 months

Thursday 26th May 2011
quotequote all
I have written a post regarding my roof, which has come off twice. The first time I thought it was the roof hoop at fault, as the bolts were loose. The second time I looked more into it.

Anyway the short bit is that I discovered the front lip of the targa was only held in by the screen rubber which is bonded onto the steel frame, when enough pressure was applied the rubber would unstick and the roof allowed to lift up.

I have fitted small angle cleats screwed to the steel frame under the rubber so when the targa is fitted the front lip goes under these cleats and holds it down in a more positive way

The problem for me was that I do not normally have the hood on while driving unless it is wet, in which case I drive with respect, only finding the problem years later when I needed the hood on and was pressing on. - Andy

haircutmike

22,511 posts

235 months

Thursday 26th May 2011
quotequote all
£200!!!

I let my spare go for £20!

Mind you, I bought a useless P/S rack for £400, I must be a soft touch!