HELP - Chimaera - Boot release

[V8Bomb]

Grateful for any help on this.
My wife was driving this morning and someone ran into the back of her Chimaera.
Thankfully, nobody hurt but Chimaera boot and Light cluster has been damaged.
The car is still driveable and now to the woes, she has ran out of Petrol and cannot get the Boot to open using the normal method.
Is there a boot release handle, that might work instead?

Thanks in advance.

[ianwayne]

Your profile shows a Tuscan but I could tell you by email. Just need to know if its the early type or the later facelift type, without wanting to disclose on here the reason why, it's a slightly different method.

[V8Bomb]

Thanks Ian... it's a 2000 'X-Reg'... 450 model with the rear Number Plate lights.
I have just spoken to my nearest TVR Garage (Dreadnought) and they were very helpful and able to give me an idea of what to do.
I won't be able to get the TVR before 4.30pm, but fingers crossed, there suggested method works OK.

Thanks again.

[Dougal9887]

The self same thing happened to mine a few months ago. The metal 'finger' on the lid was bent by the impact. Keeping the release button held in and using brute force on the lid got it open.
Bad news is that it's likely to be a much more major repair than the visual appearance would indicate. There are likely to be many cracks and widespread crazing. Mine's still away having a section of the rear end replaced.

[ianwayne]

YHM V8bomb. Apologies for the delay, I've been busy trying to get the dash back together on mine!

[V8Bomb]

Thanks for your helpful replies... much appreciated!
Managed to open the Boot with a bit of extra force.
Now filled up with fuel and heading for repair estimate in morning... ahh the joys of motoring!
Thanks again.

[BeastMaster]

Dougal9887 said:

The self same thing happened to mine a few months ago. The metal 'finger' on the lid was bent by the impact. Keeping the release button held in and using brute force on the lid got it open.
Bad news is that it's likely to be a much more major repair than the visual appearance would indicate. There are likely to be many cracks and widespread crazing. Mine's still away having a section of the rear end replaced.

This is very wise words.

A couple of years ago I was stopped in a car park access lane behind another car, a stupid women reversed straight out of parking bay and hit my Chimaera just in front of the NS door. On inspection could see no damage, had a good look at the wishbones as thought she must of hit the wheel. Took details but did no more.

12 months later had the car repainted and was shocked at the micro cracks which extended over the wing and into the inner wing in this area.

If the car had been checked out not sure what would have come to light, but at least it would have been logged, perhaps even her insurance would have been involved to pay for the inspection??

Would think that some issues would have come to light over time, so would now be very careful in the same situation.

Andy