Introductions, and thanks
Discussion
Hello to all who read this post.
I'm currently going through the process of buying a Chim. Getting quite excited now, and hoping that the purchase completes soon (Saturday?!) and without hitches.
I'm new to TVR and new to sports cars (my wife's MX5 is good, but it doesn't really count in this company)
For the last week or two I've been delving into the posts, old and new, and I'd like to say a massive "thanks" to all the contributors. The sense of community here is fantastic - not to mention the advice I've picked up on the way.
So thank you all for the help you have unwittingly given me.
I've read the comments on the car itself, and I think that I'll now be fine with rebuilding it from the ground-up should I need to. Not that I expect to - it looks a goodun (thanks for the pointers for spottin' a goodun, by the way). And thanks to the other two owners for keeping it a goodun too.
I've read the warnings. And taken heed. Honestly. ('...respect, and then more respect...' was my favourite). It must have been the slowest, steadiest first test drive ever. Night time, wet roads, Chim 450, inexperienced driver, smell of suppressed anxiety I'm sure from the current owner in the next seat along. Hooked. In fact hooked from the first turn of the key (is that normal? ;-)
I now fully expect to immerse myself in the life of a TVR owner, warts and all. It's been 20 years since I started waiting for this moment. How long can 2 more days take, eh? (yes, I've read comments on this too...)
So, hello and thanks to all. Wish me luck. And talk to you again.
I'm currently going through the process of buying a Chim. Getting quite excited now, and hoping that the purchase completes soon (Saturday?!) and without hitches.
I'm new to TVR and new to sports cars (my wife's MX5 is good, but it doesn't really count in this company)
For the last week or two I've been delving into the posts, old and new, and I'd like to say a massive "thanks" to all the contributors. The sense of community here is fantastic - not to mention the advice I've picked up on the way.
So thank you all for the help you have unwittingly given me.
I've read the comments on the car itself, and I think that I'll now be fine with rebuilding it from the ground-up should I need to. Not that I expect to - it looks a goodun (thanks for the pointers for spottin' a goodun, by the way). And thanks to the other two owners for keeping it a goodun too.
I've read the warnings. And taken heed. Honestly. ('...respect, and then more respect...' was my favourite). It must have been the slowest, steadiest first test drive ever. Night time, wet roads, Chim 450, inexperienced driver, smell of suppressed anxiety I'm sure from the current owner in the next seat along. Hooked. In fact hooked from the first turn of the key (is that normal? ;-)
I now fully expect to immerse myself in the life of a TVR owner, warts and all. It's been 20 years since I started waiting for this moment. How long can 2 more days take, eh? (yes, I've read comments on this too...)
So, hello and thanks to all. Wish me luck. And talk to you again.
Welcome!
I took the plunge on a 450 3 years ago and haven't looked back. Wouldn't change it for the world! The 'respect, and then more respect' line is deeply apt, though... took me a year and a half to get bitten exiting a roundabout, executing a 180 which a better driver might have recovered or never caused! Didn't hit anything, so was lucky.
I distinctly remember driving it slower than a fiesta for the first six months, but even keeping in mind the potential to get you in a lot of trouble the power (and more specifically, torque) still becomes 'normal' after a while. It certainly isn't! I'd heartily recommend a driver training course (some do airfield and road training, which is ideal), even if just to maximise your enjoyment, as well as reducing the risk of cracking fibreglass... :-)
Andrew
I took the plunge on a 450 3 years ago and haven't looked back. Wouldn't change it for the world! The 'respect, and then more respect' line is deeply apt, though... took me a year and a half to get bitten exiting a roundabout, executing a 180 which a better driver might have recovered or never caused! Didn't hit anything, so was lucky.
I distinctly remember driving it slower than a fiesta for the first six months, but even keeping in mind the potential to get you in a lot of trouble the power (and more specifically, torque) still becomes 'normal' after a while. It certainly isn't! I'd heartily recommend a driver training course (some do airfield and road training, which is ideal), even if just to maximise your enjoyment, as well as reducing the risk of cracking fibreglass... :-)
Andrew
Chim Chim Cheree said:
I should also mention that, now she's seen and heard it, my wife 'kind of gets it' now. She's now looking for any Leven bits that it hasn't already got. Women!?
Ooooerrr - You had to work hard to convince her then 
Carpets are OK, but if she starts dropping hints about curtains well....
...Dave
Chim Chim Cheree said:
WooHoo said:
... I'd heartily recommend a driver training course ...
I'm looking at Ride-Drive. They seem to understand the kind of education a new TVR owner needs. Today's freeze is making me more nervous...PS. Welcome to the fold
Chim Chim Cheree said:
I now fully expect to immerse myself in the life of a TVR owner, warts and all.
In that respect, you've found the right place. There's a lot of folk willing to post any help needed on here and it's worth checking out the Griffith forum too as the cars are basically the same. Welcome, but I don't think I need to wish you luck for Saturday. You've obviously done your homework in advance- the same reason I found this site too- so enjoy yourself.
Just remember to switch from normal TVR driving to tip-toeing when you suddenly turn from a gritted road into non gritted one, as I had to do twice this morning.
The Royal Ballet are keen to sign the two of us up for our wonderfully corrected pirouttes
Thanks, all, for your words of welcome.
kenny Chim 4 said:
The Royal Ballet are keen to sign the two of us up for our wonderfully corrected pirouttes
Note to self : Must avoid this. Really don't look good in a tutu... (please, no replies asking how I know this - it's just an instinct)Edited by Chim Chim Cheree on Friday 14th December 04:33
Chim Chim Cheree said:
WooHoo said:
... I'd heartily recommend a driver training course ...
I'm looking at Ride-Drive. They seem to understand the kind of education a new TVR owner needs. Today's freeze is making me more nervous...Ride-Drive is a great idea. Like all of us, i drove cautiously to begin with, gradually getting more bold - all the time heeding that "respect" word. When i felt i knew the car a little better, then i did the Ride-Drive course, including the airfield hour.
The additional fun i got out of the car afterwards far exceeded any mods for the same price.
Go for it
Chim Chim Cheree said:
It's been 20 years since I started waiting for this moment. How long can 2 more days take, eh? (yes, I've read comments on this too...)
And your posting in the early hours of the morning - complete and normal behavior!I was losing sleep bad for the entire week before picking up mine, 24hr PH addiction
- but dont think you will get anybody to disagree with me on that one....All the best and welcome
Chim Chim Cheree said:
WooHoo said:
... I'd heartily recommend a driver training course ...
I'm looking at Ride-Drive. They seem to understand the kind of education a new TVR owner needs. Today's freeze is making me more nervous...The latest... I collect at 10am tomorrow. All seems fine (there's no smiley for crossed-fingers!?)
This is getting silly. I thought the grin was supposed to start when you get the car. At this rate I'm going to need pain killers for cramp of the face. Non-drowsy ones, yep.
E1DJH, I agree. First things first. Learn to drive first, then mods if need be... though...
laz11, I like the sound of the upgrade. When I get to it (see above), I'll be looking at brakes, wheels, suspension - probably in that order I think.
mdotrutherford, glad to know I'm not the only one. Cheers.
Finally for now, I've been wrapped up in myself this week, and now I'd like to request for a minute's silence tomorrow at 11am (after last checks and paperwork), out of respect for the guy I'm buying off. Private sale. It's for the best, but he's not too happy. I can't imagine how he's feeling.
This is getting silly. I thought the grin was supposed to start when you get the car. At this rate I'm going to need pain killers for cramp of the face. Non-drowsy ones, yep.
E1DJH, I agree. First things first. Learn to drive first, then mods if need be... though...
laz11, I like the sound of the upgrade. When I get to it (see above), I'll be looking at brakes, wheels, suspension - probably in that order I think.
mdotrutherford, glad to know I'm not the only one. Cheers.
Finally for now, I've been wrapped up in myself this week, and now I'd like to request for a minute's silence tomorrow at 11am (after last checks and paperwork), out of respect for the guy I'm buying off. Private sale. It's for the best, but he's not too happy. I can't imagine how he's feeling.
Congrats on imminent Chimaera purchase.
As you will no doubt have researched on here, life with a Tiv can sometimes be trying;
Bits wont always work.
It'll probably leak in when it rains.
Exiting after a long journey may -you may find yourself streched out -face down on the grass/pavement/tarmac whilst you wait for all your limbs to re-start functioning.
Floor it on a wet or icy road and you Will be in the lap of the gods - you may possibly even meet your's very shortly after.
.
That said , TVR ownership brings access to a rawer ,more visceral form of driving - a blast in a Tiv is an excellent antedote to normal transport.
There's a great bunch of TVR driving PH'ers here to give advice ,and as a Petrolhead, in other Petrolhead company you will be given respect - although some owners of other Marques may not always show it.
Enjoy your Chim - when the roads are dry give it some welly , look after it and cherish it, it was hand built - with passion - by real people in an anarchic little Sports Car factory in Blackpool and like every TVR , that makes it Special.
Have Fun.
As you will no doubt have researched on here, life with a Tiv can sometimes be trying;
Bits wont always work.
It'll probably leak in when it rains.
Exiting after a long journey may -you may find yourself streched out -face down on the grass/pavement/tarmac whilst you wait for all your limbs to re-start functioning.
Floor it on a wet or icy road and you Will be in the lap of the gods - you may possibly even meet your's very shortly after.
.That said , TVR ownership brings access to a rawer ,more visceral form of driving - a blast in a Tiv is an excellent antedote to normal transport.
There's a great bunch of TVR driving PH'ers here to give advice ,and as a Petrolhead, in other Petrolhead company you will be given respect - although some owners of other Marques may not always show it
.Enjoy your Chim - when the roads are dry give it some welly , look after it and cherish it, it was hand built - with passion - by real people in an anarchic little Sports Car factory in Blackpool and like every TVR , that makes it Special.
Have Fun
.Edited by RetroWheels on Friday 14th December 21:03
Amen, to the god of petroleum, and to the god of uneven surfaces on an adverse camber on a decreasing apex. To whoever will listen, really.
Oh, and the god of skilled automobile technicians - even if he does turn a blind eye at inopportune moments (like Oct 06)
Oh, and the god of skilled automobile technicians - even if he does turn a blind eye at inopportune moments (like Oct 06)
Edited by Chim Chim Cheree on Friday 14th December 23:55
Chim Chim Cheree said:
Amen, to the god of petroleum, and to the god of uneven surfaces on an adverse camber on a decreasing apex. To whoever will listen, really.
Oh, and the god of skilled automobile technicians - even if he does turn a blind eye at inopportune moments (like Oct 06)
Haven't got a clue what you're talking about, but hope all goes well for you today! You're gonna love it! Oh, and the god of skilled automobile technicians - even if he does turn a blind eye at inopportune moments (like Oct 06)
Edited by Chim Chim Cheree on Friday 14th December 23:55
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