Got my first TVR...................A Chim 500 no less !!
Discussion
Just picked up my first ever TVR (probably won't be my last either!!).......and no, I haven't got any photos YET !!
Got a 98 Chim 500 with around 40K on the clock, Cooper green with black leather and black carpets. Been used fairly regulary and lots of parts replaced at service times so the previous didn't scrimp on looking after it, same owner since new in fact. Didn't have power steering which is a shame but its not too bad without, fine when you get going just a little tough when you want to park, etc. A good honest car to start the new TVR lifestyle !!
Good ride home, made a 40 mile trip into about 90 miles so it can't be that bad !!
First few questions if I may -
1. Can you put the alarm on without the roof being on ??
2. Do the lumber support things fail as the drivers side seems to do nothing ??
3. Seem to have had some water ingress in the drivers side footwell, is this normal ?? Its now garaged full time so after drying it out it might not be much of a problem anymore.
4. When cleaning the headlamps I realsied that most of the sh*t seems to be inside the lense, can you get into them easily to clean or are they a sealed unit ??
5. The radio seems to be a bit crappy. Hooray !!
(that wasn't a question I know)
6. Is it a bit anal to get a toothbrush to try and get between the leather joins to clean it properly ??
Regards,
Simon
Got a 98 Chim 500 with around 40K on the clock, Cooper green with black leather and black carpets. Been used fairly regulary and lots of parts replaced at service times so the previous didn't scrimp on looking after it, same owner since new in fact. Didn't have power steering which is a shame but its not too bad without, fine when you get going just a little tough when you want to park, etc. A good honest car to start the new TVR lifestyle !!
Good ride home, made a 40 mile trip into about 90 miles so it can't be that bad !!
First few questions if I may -
1. Can you put the alarm on without the roof being on ??
2. Do the lumber support things fail as the drivers side seems to do nothing ??
3. Seem to have had some water ingress in the drivers side footwell, is this normal ?? Its now garaged full time so after drying it out it might not be much of a problem anymore.
4. When cleaning the headlamps I realsied that most of the sh*t seems to be inside the lense, can you get into them easily to clean or are they a sealed unit ??
5. The radio seems to be a bit crappy. Hooray !!
(that wasn't a question I know)6. Is it a bit anal to get a toothbrush to try and get between the leather joins to clean it properly ??
Regards,
Simon
Edited by SimonV8ster on Sunday 8th July 18:35
1. Can you put the alarm on without the roof being on ?? Yes, it will go off when people lean in to gawp though.
2. Do the lumber support things fail as the drivers side seems to do nothing ?? No idea, don't have 'em
3. Seem to have had some water ingress in the drivers side footwell, is this normal ?? Its now garaged full time so after drying it out it might not be much of a problem anymore. Happens a lot, leaks occur around master cylinder, steering column, and various other places. Check for leaks by removing carpet and getting someone to hose it down while you lay upside down in the car!
4. When cleaning the headlamps I realsied that most of the sh*t seems to be inside the lense, can you get into them easily to clean or are they a sealed unit ??Not qualified to answer, unless it has a Speed 6 conversion!
5. The radio seems to be a bit crappy. Hooray !! (that wasn't a question I know)
6. Is it a bit anal to get a toothbrush to try and get between the leather joins to clean it properly ??Yes, but don't let that stop you!
2. Do the lumber support things fail as the drivers side seems to do nothing ?? No idea, don't have 'em
3. Seem to have had some water ingress in the drivers side footwell, is this normal ?? Its now garaged full time so after drying it out it might not be much of a problem anymore. Happens a lot, leaks occur around master cylinder, steering column, and various other places. Check for leaks by removing carpet and getting someone to hose it down while you lay upside down in the car!
4. When cleaning the headlamps I realsied that most of the sh*t seems to be inside the lense, can you get into them easily to clean or are they a sealed unit ??Not qualified to answer, unless it has a Speed 6 conversion!
5. The radio seems to be a bit crappy. Hooray !!
(that wasn't a question I know) 6. Is it a bit anal to get a toothbrush to try and get between the leather joins to clean it properly ??Yes, but don't let that stop you!
Well done Simon, looks a beauty in the Ad, I assume it's this one!
www.pistonheads.com/sales/148660.htm
With regard to the headlights, there is an access panel in the wheel arch to change the bulbs If you really want to clean inside the cover this is the best way to get at it rather than remove the sealed unit from the front.
With regards to leaks, also seal around everything going into the footwell from the engine bay, make sure you also seal round the rivets for the ID plate and the edges of the ID plate.
Will keep an eye out for you and that grin you are more than likely to be showing!! Enjoy!!
www.pistonheads.com/sales/148660.htm
With regard to the headlights, there is an access panel in the wheel arch to change the bulbs If you really want to clean inside the cover this is the best way to get at it rather than remove the sealed unit from the front.
With regards to leaks, also seal around everything going into the footwell from the engine bay, make sure you also seal round the rivets for the ID plate and the edges of the ID plate.
Will keep an eye out for you and that grin you are more than likely to be showing!! Enjoy!!
V8 Devil said:
Well done Simon, looks a beauty in the Ad, I assume it's this one!
www.pistonheads.com/sales/148660.htm
With regard to the headlights, there is an access panel in the wheel arch to change the bulbs If you really want to clean inside the cover this is the best way to get at it rather than remove the sealed unit from the front.
With regards to leaks, also seal around everything going into the footwell from the engine bay, make sure you also seal round the rivets for the ID plate and the edges of the ID plate.
Will keep an eye out for you and that grin you are more than likely to be showing!! Enjoy!!
www.pistonheads.com/sales/148660.htm
With regard to the headlights, there is an access panel in the wheel arch to change the bulbs If you really want to clean inside the cover this is the best way to get at it rather than remove the sealed unit from the front.
With regards to leaks, also seal around everything going into the footwell from the engine bay, make sure you also seal round the rivets for the ID plate and the edges of the ID plate.
Will keep an eye out for you and that grin you are more than likely to be showing!! Enjoy!!
Hi Mike, yes it is indeed that one !! Had a good few miles in her already and she drives very well, hope the weather stays good for some more
!!
pwd95 said:
Nice one Simon. Good choice there by the looks. Bit more civilised than the Ginetta. How does the performance compare?
Hi Wyn - you're right, the Chim is more civilised and its nice to have more of an interior !!Its obviously better built and finished and feels a bit more 'weighty', you can slam the doors and they go 'clunk'!!.
As for performance I would say that the G car must have the edge, its feels more 'frantic' and responsive. The Chim weighs about 20-25% more so the Ginetta has quite a weight advantage on its side, I think this is why it just feels so responsive in any gear. Had her out for the first time this year on Sunday - shes ballistic !!
F*ck that was good fun !! I felt a little quilty when I finally came home, boy she took some stick. That doesn't mean i'm putting the Chim down, far from it, its a more capable, better finished, genuine all rounder. So, two cars on a similar theme but different outcomes -
The TVR for pure driving pleasure, cruising, cross country hacks, driving holidays, all round capable GT car. (haven't tracked it yet but probably good at that too
). The Ginetta for balls out driving, shaking the fillings out of your teeth, track day hooligan.
I know I'm just lucky to be able to compare them, just got to see how long I can keep them both for !!
Been watching some of your vids, looks like you've got some great roads and scenary over your neck of the woods !! Hope your motors running fine
simonb9 said:
Been watching some of your vids, looks like you've got some great roads and scenary over your neck of the woods !! Hope your motors running fine
Aye the old wedge is going like a bomb. Trouble is once you get used to something you always want more...
I think I've got a problem 
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