Chimaera Fuse Box

[Johnny 89]

Hi All,

I am about to undertake a full restoration of my '94 Chimaera 400 and first up I need a replacement fusebox as the existing unit has succumbed to corrosion (not uncommon due to positioning).

I've read the threads about building up a modular fuse box or modifying an Audi 80 unit per TVR spec. I am trying to avoid either of these routes for simplicity and would like to replace "like for like".

Does anyone know where I might be able to source a fuse box for a '94 Chim?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks
Johnny

[Polly Grigora]

Have you any images of the internal damage?

[LucyP]

Johnny 89 said:

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I might be able to source a fuse box for a '94 Chim?

Douglas Valley Breakers - £237. Doesn't look to be in the best of condition though! Was £250, so it's now a "bargain"

[Belle427]

Im all for originality but going like for like on this particular job is a mistake.
Not an easy job granted but putting in a more modern fusebox with readily available spares would be my choice.
I would be concerned how much water had got itself into a fusebox from a breakers yard.

[s p a c e m a n]

I think you'll be unlikely to find one in better condition than yours. Steve D took one apart to clean it, maybe that will be the best route if you must have originality.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[NMNeil]

Johnny 89 said:

Hi All,

I am about to undertake a full restoration of my '94 Chimaera 400 and first up I need a replacement fusebox as the existing unit has succumbed to corrosion (not uncommon due to positioning).

I've read the threads about building up a modular fuse box or modifying an Audi 80 unit per TVR spec. I am trying to avoid either of these routes for simplicity and would like to replace "like for like".

Does anyone know where I might be able to source a fuse box for a '94 Chim?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks
Johnny

It's likely that TVR uses an existing fuse block/box for it's cars rather than make or have made it's own.
A few I've seen for sale used on EBay have the VW/Audi logo on them, but the part number is unreadable.
Can you see any VW/Audi/Bosch part numbers on yours?

[Steve_D]

You won't find a new box but could modify the audi one. Not easy but can be done. Any second hand (TVR or Audi) box is liable to have corrosion so you will be no better off than you are now. I tried to dismantle a box to treat the corrosion but the internals are brass without any plating and I failed to find an easy way to remove the corrosion. I imagine if I sent away all the parts for plating then the acid dips they use would have worked but if one piece (of about a zillion) went missing then the whole box is FUBAR.

A better route would be to use modular clip together units to form a new box. I've recently done this for both a wedge and a Noble M10.

Steve

Beware the Audi and TVR boxes look identical from the outside but are connected diferently inside and have the potential to do nasty things with your electrics if just plugged in.

[Johnny 89]

Thanks for the replies all and I really do get the advantages of the new box. I don't have the car at my place and have unfortunately lost the photos I had on my phone. I've asked for some to be sent on but from memory it looked pretty badly water damaged and two relays weren't working as a result. Will post pics when I get them.

[Polly Grigora]

Ok then

Look carefully at all the fusebox plugs as there could be many corroded terminals in them that will need replacing if you do fit another identical box