Chimaera Queries

[TVR_AJN]

Hi All,

With me getting to know my Chimaera a little better now, as well as it getting to the cooler/wetter period of the year I have decided to starting thinking about preparing it for next year, I thought I would seek some advice on a couple of queries:

1. I bought the car with adaptable GAZ Shock suspension, however, I have noticed since making the shocks stiffer (to settle the car quicker) the steering appears to have got heavier? Is this right or is the PAS pump dying?
Levels in the PAS header tank appear fine with them being on the top line on the dip stick, but I do hear a noise when the steering is moved

2. All TVR owners know the outriggers are the things to watch, but the car has a new chassis, so all is good at the moment. However I am all too aware things could change, so has anyone tried to seal the arch of the body the chassis sits in to prevent water from getting in there? At the moment this is a proactive preventative measure.

Any help/advice greatly appreciated.

TVR_AJN

[TV8]

Hi, I can’t think why the steering should be affected by the damper settings. Try reverting the settings to rule that out. Also, check the tyre pressures are as spec.

Re the outriggers, there are covers some people use to stop mud and moisture getting in. These are mostly home made using something weather proof and flexible.

[Sir Paolo]

Hi, I have recently filled in the gaps between the body and the outriggers (from inside the front wheel arches), with WaxOyl Underbody Seal.

I’ve smoothed it in a way that allows water and road salts to run cleanly from inside the arch.

The rust inhibitors also help contain any existing corrosion.

[QBee]

Someone on here or Faceache makes stainless protectors that go in front of the outriggers at the rear of the front wheel arch. Might be Peter Essling, but I couldn't swear to it. It's a good idea to do something. Stones fly up off the wheels and chip the paint on the riggers, and the rot starts.

I have had Gaz Gold dampers in the past - never had that problem with mine. As said, check your tyre pressures. Should be 22 psi. But if your PS is noisy, that could be your issue. Someone else will know if the fluid should be changed regularly - I don't know.

[pete275]

Changing the PAS fluid won't hurt, its cheap to do and the stuff that came out of mine was brown not red.

Tyre pressures definitely work checking as others have said

[Hedgehopper]

I bought a sheet of aluminium from B&Q and made mud/stone protectors for my Griff. They are held securely in place with a single tie-wrap around the chassis diagonal and then sealed against the body with silicone. Easily removed and fairly discreet.
Picture below of rear protector, front is very similar.

[TVR_AJN]

Thanks for all the advice. I might ask someone to fabricate some covers, as like you say, the chassis being in the wheel arch, it will get chipped and smothered by all the stuff flying off the tyres.

I also think I have found the problem to my steering! :-) I believe it is the old universal joint on the steering column becoming clogged with grime over the years, so with a bit of penetrating oil and lubrication the steering feels much better now. When the car is in for service next I will change it for a new one, so hopefully this will eliminate the problem. With the car being mainly garaged over the winter, this will be less of an issue until next spring.

Thanks for all the advice once again.

[macdeb]

I made these about 10 years ago from stainless steel with rubber backing so as not to vibrate against chassis causing other unwanted damage. Riveted to body and sealant used also, seemed to work ok and much better than nothing imo.

[combine04]

TVR_AJN said:

Thanks for all the advice. I might ask someone to fabricate some covers, as like you say, the chassis being in the wheel arch, it will get chipped and smothered by all the stuff flying off the tyres.

I also think I have found the problem to my steering! :-) I believe it is the old universal joint on the steering column becoming clogged with grime over the years, so with a bit of penetrating oil and lubrication the steering feels much better now. When the car is in for service next I will change it for a new one, so hopefully this will eliminate the problem. With the car being mainly garaged over the winter, this will be less of an issue until next spring.

Thanks for all the advice once again.

Peter Essling, a well know fabricator of parts for Chims / Griffs /Cerbs has the following which over purchased. The fit and quality is superb. I also have his pedals.