vin plate

[chim 500]

a friend of mine is looking at a chim 500 1996 on a p reg, on the vin plate it say's 4.3 there is only a chim badge on the back not a chim 500 badge but the log book say's it's a 5 ltr, is this worth worring about or is it a TVR cock up with the vin plate. your thoughs please.

[dannyboyo]

What does the engine say it is?

I don't think they were still producing 4.3 chims in '96, but I might be wrong.

[chim 500]

it say's on the plenum 500 hc and the vin plate is on the nearside wing

[Jarcy]

What colour is the engine block?
Purple blocks are all 500s, I believe, but I don't think it follows that if it's not purple, it's not a 500 - if you get my drift.

[UpTheIron]

The plate on the plenum is easy to change if the seller is unscrupulous - not sure what is involved in getting the V5 changed, but suspect it isn't too hard.

That said, I have seen early 500's that do not have the 500 badge.

[honestfreddie]

chim 500 said:

it say's on the plenum 500 hc and the vin plate is on the nearside wing

Worst part is, if its not a 500 you'll have to change your name

[just trouble]

honestfreddie said:

chim 500 said: it say's on the plenum 500 hc and the vin plate is on the nearside wing Worst part is, if its not a 500 you'll have to change your name

To what I.V.Beendone

[chim 500]

HONESTFREDDIE, i already have a 500, it is a friend of mine that was looking, thanks anway.

[shpub]

Jarcy said:

What colour is the engine block? Purple blocks are all 500s, I believe, but I don't think it follows that if it's not purple, it's not a 500 - if you get my drift.

Nope don't rely on plenum plates, rocker covers, or anything like that. If it is a 96 500 is should have a serpentine engine with a T5 gearbox. If it is a 4.3 it will have a normal fan belt arrangment. However I would get the car HPI checked and contact the factory. This does sound quite suspicious....

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[jonnyb]

Give the factory a call, I did and they were happy to confirm everything over the phone (VIN, engine, trim level etc..). If you want it in writing I think there is a small charge, about £15.

Their number is: 01253 509000

>> Edited by jonnyb on Monday 19th April 08:31

[the dodger]

So, exactly where on the vin plate does it say "4.3"?

I thought it just gave the serial number of the vehicle - not engine size?