Chassis, service history and inspection advice

[TVR_nut_2008]

Hello chaps,

Sorry if it has already been done to death, but I'm after some inspection advice. I've had a look at a few Chimaeras now and have a fair idea of the good, bad and ugly but as a non-mechanic I do not want to buy anything without a specialist inspection having been undertaken.

I'm particularly concerned about possible chassis corrosion, although the particular car I'm interested in seems to have been looked after in this respect. I've heard the outrigger stories - these seem to be circular hollow sections from what I've seen, does anyone know what the original thickness of steel is?

After pouring through the postings on this forum I understand not all of the chassis can be inspected without removing the body, so without doing this there is always a degree of risk. However, presumably those parts that can be inspected with ease are also those that are most exposed and hence susceptible to corrosion?

The car has a full service history, always by specialists, although some of the services were carried out just outside the limits - I think one was 18 months (but less than 6000 miles) and another 7000 miles, otherwise ok. This 'blip' in the history was around 2003/20000 miles. Other than the blemished record, is this likely to have affected the car much? The car has now done in the order of 40000 miles.

My options for an inspection are, as far as I'm aware:

1. Specialist such as Rob Ingleby or other (any suggestions?). Will these mobile guys be able to have a good look under the car with only portable ramps etc?

2. Local specialist - 'visual' inspection only costing less than £100 including VAT, so I suspect not very extensive. If I went for this option I might consider asking my local tuning company to check the engine performance - worthwhile?

3. The AA and RAC appear to offer specialist inspections, would a Chimaera be out of their league?

Any help or advice on the above would be most appreciated guys.

Cheers

[daz the plumber]

why not just stick the car under a four poster ramp , its all there for you to see .if your only spending 7or 8k why bother with more expence,seems to me people are taking advantage of the cheap price these cars are making but at the same time they want perfection .if you want perfection pay over the odds and purchase from a dealer with a warranty .i know some one who bought a cerb with rob ingleby and with in a few months the engine blew up , what does that tell you !, if your spending 20k on a car then i would have inspection ,...there`s only thing i would be worried about is the cam as your car is about ready and that will cost you £1500 or a little more .

Edited by daz the plumber on Tuesday 11th November 18:19

[shake n bake]

hi. the AA and RAC can be a little hit and miss, either very poor or over the top. rob ingleby is ok, although apparently he needs to be able to predict the future.^...! an inspection is a very good idea, an awful lot of these cars are rolling round with heavy chassis corrosion. as for a cam needing changing at 40k??? that would be very unfortunate.

[HRG]

Mine's gone at about 30K. Spent too much time in the past sat in the garage...

[scotty_d]

Cam at 40k is very unlucky and suggests wrong oil used/lack of service's. i am at 45k on mine and no issues had a rolling road to prove this. should get at least 70+ if looked after, before a cam change needed

[HRG]

scotty_d said:

Cam at 40k is very unlucky and suggests wrong oil used/lack of service's. i am at 45k on mine and no issues had a rolling road to prove this. should get at least 70+ if looked after, before a cam change needed

Or draindown from extended periods of not being used.

[lockhart flawse]

My cam went at 32,000 miles despite a full and very expensive service history. Cam replaced for about £900.

L.F.

[QuiteQuietCerb]

Hi a specialist like Rob would know where to look for chassis rot, even if he cant see the whole thing with body on, experience would tell him whether the chassis is good or not from the visible bits.
I would strongly reccomend him for piece of mind. Good luck

[TVR_nut_2008]

I don't want perfection, just to know what I'm buying as a naturally cautious person! The car has been looked after, but I just want piece of mind really.

Thanks for the info anyway guys.

[STEV8E]

I think you get a pretty good inspection from Rob for le
t's face it peanuts really.Once you know your way round these
cars its pretty basic stuff but if you are unfamiliar
with them I would use him or someone similar, I did.
Nobody can guarantee an engine won't let go and that cam
will be ok if the engine has been run regularly keeping
oil up, doesn't have to have left the garage.Look at the lobes to see if the
lifters are only touching the outer edges. Do it.
Beware prices may well drop further yet!

Looks ropey cos I am phing on the tube with my early christmas pressie,,, happy days.

Edited by STEV8E on Wednesday 12th November 21:47

[bigdods]

I think a cam at 40k would be unfortunate but if the car hasnt been looked after properly anything could happen I guess. My unmodified 450 is on 43k miles now and last tested on the rolling road at 260 horses (fly) which is bloody good for a 450 so I dont think I have much to worry about in the cam department just yet.

Plenty of people on here that have 100k+ cars with original cams judging by the posts I have read in the past. Personally I'm budgeting for a new cam at 60k (Putting aside £1k for that) and new outriggers in about 12 months (£1.5k budget seems about right).

If I dont need them then the money will be tucked away until I do because they will need doing eventually....

Previous advice is good though. If you buy cheap expect problems. If you want a good one you will pay top dollar but it may save you some nasty bills.

[lifebegins@400]

TVR_nut_2008 said:

This 'blip' in the history was around 2003/20000 miles.

Is the above suggesting there was a missed oil change? This would be my major concern - you don't have to miss too many in order to store up future misery through engine componants which have suffered accelerated wear - I believe the hydraulic function of the tappets are particularly susceptible in this way - any other views on this?

Edited by lifebegins@400 on Wednesday 12th November 21:58

[TVR_nut_2008]

Missed insofar as it was more than 12 months between services (and presumably therefore oil chnages), although the mileage covered in this time was around 5000 miles so didn't exceed the 6000 mile limit.