Chimaera Project

Chimaera Project

Author
Discussion

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
Hi,
Well better late than never, I’ve taken the plunge and acquired a Chimaera.
It’s replaced my little Spitfire so mega learning curve which at my age is going to be a challenge.
No special plans for it just to finish the good work the PO started but was unable to finish, and enjoy occasional sunny day motoring.
PO has said he will help with completing the rebuild and I hope you peeps will assist because I didn’t take it to pieces.
More to follow.
Cheers
Lance
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Ps: there is a picky in the forum “my Garage”

QBee

20,975 posts

144 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
Your wheels are Team Dynamics Monza. I assume you have the induction and exhaust bits?

PhilH42

690 posts

102 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
Welcome to the girly 400 club Lance smile

Brilliant machines....even if you're under the bonnet for a while thumbup

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Saturday 25th February 2017
quotequote all
Cheers,

It was last on the road in 2006 as L40GTR and prior to that as M255FUB (any previous owners on here?). It was VOR to repair a broken exaust stud and blowing manifold an ended up with a full chassis and suspension etc resto plus engine overhaul, gearbox and diff inspections. Plus T350 front lights.

Everything is there to finish the resto plus some tidy modifications. I must make a list because I cant remember all the things that have been done. I'll keep you posted

Only thing is PO was converting it to a Hard top, I prefer the original set up and althought the roof and rear section (frame used as pattern for the profile etc) are there, they have been used in the conversion process. Might be easier to get a used assembley.

Anyway I will push it out of my garage and post up some photos for you in the near future.

OE wheels then?
Happy to be in the Girly400 club at lastthumbup


All the best.
cool

PS used the DVLA online reg'no' retention/transfer system, very quick V5C back in three days.

PhilH42

690 posts

102 months

Saturday 25th February 2017
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Well you've got a good base to work from..chassis and engine sorted and the drive train checked through is positive. I see he's left you one or two challenges though!

I'd say get yourself the bible by Steve Heath and get a good idea whats been removed and from where...whats the deal with the braking system...can't see the fluid reservoir?

If you need any pictures of anything assembled just ask.

Good luck

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Sunday 26th February 2017
quotequote all
When I get some photos up, the work to finish will be clearer.

As well as the big bits, exhaust, steering column, fuel tank, radiator and pedal box with servo there are lots of large storage boxes full of bits that shortly I will unpack and the PO says he will come round and tell me what they are and where they golaugh

There will be a lot of bits left over as well like unused big end and main bearings still in their boxes.

The Bible came with it together with the Owners Handbook, stamped up to 75,100miles and pages and pages of other owners service notes and receipts, as well as records of what the PO has done.

I must get a written list of exactly what has been done because at my age verbals go in one ear and out the other, however I know the engine was run in before the body was refitted.

Regarding photos of where bits go, thanks for the offer and the PO has been suggested I get to some meetings and take as many piccys as I can.

Thinking of starting on connecting the fuel system up, then then finish the hydraulics.

Cheers.
cool


lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Monday 27th February 2017
quotequote all
Vehicle Lift.
Have these been discused on PH in the past? Anybody using one? It should just fit under a std car, but would there be anywhere on the chassis that might match up with position of the long pads?

http://tinyurl.com/hpmzrgq

Oh I found another ID for my Chim' when reading the Owners Handbook...1st reg' ACW111V, makes me wonder how many other IDs it has hadconfused. I'll be putting my cherished reg' on as wellhehe.

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QBee

20,975 posts

144 months

Monday 27th February 2017
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Lifting points are the corners of the outriggers I believe

J400GED

1,202 posts

237 months

Monday 27th February 2017
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QBee said:
Lifting points are the corners of the outriggers I believe
Yep.

Steve-Edwards

56 posts

228 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
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lancepar said:
Only thing is PO was converting it to a Hard top, I prefer the original set up and althought the roof and rear section (frame used as pattern for the profile etc) are there, they have been used in the conversion process. Might be easier to get a used assembley.


I can put you in contact with a chap who has a full used Chimaera roof assembly available if you're looking for one - folding rear section and matching targa panel, both genuine TVR items, good condition, in black.
PM me if interested.

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
PM sent Steve,

Also I will show some photos how far the PO got with the conversion, someone might want to carry on with it.

cool

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Wednesday 1st March 2017
quotequote all
Some photos of the Chimaera as received.
Plenty to do.


This will probably be relocated behind the seat(s).


Boot containing all the trim for patterns. PO was going to position the battery behind the wheel arch, Might put it elsewhere if it still works. New HD wiring looped over the boot lip.


Unfinished hard top, will be going.


Hard top shaped to match the folding hood section.


Hard top fixing.


View from rear, Targa top I have but has been stripped and filled to match where it butts the rear section.


Doors I have complete but dismantled and because the mirrors were damaged PO has cut out the bonded thread so OE ones can't be used.


Mid' section of modified dash with 7" touch screen display which will be used to configue the engine management, or so I'm told. (Was also for a entertainment centre, but thats gone).


Good screen, but may have to come out to retrim.

That will do for now, but what a pain removing masking tape that has set rock hard after being inplace for many a year.

cool

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Friday 17th March 2017
quotequote all
Boot lid refitting.

I needed to make some space to work around the Chim so thought I would refit the boot lid.
However as I didn’t take it off I would imagine it is at least a two man job, unless you peeps know better that is.
Can’t find anything on here so any suggestions as how is it best done please? Any links?

Cheers.
Lance
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ClassicChimaera

12,424 posts

149 months

Friday 17th March 2017
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Hi mate, you can fit the boot on your own, if it's a Mk 1 then maybe slightly different to the later cars but I fitted a boot by fixing mountings to bodywork then using towels to protect bodywork. Lower boot into place in the open position using towels to support its position and screw bolts in loosely Etc.

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Friday 17th March 2017
quotequote all
Thanks Alun,

That went well. I wasn't aware it opened that much.

Cheers

cool

ClassicChimaera

12,424 posts

149 months

Friday 17th March 2017
quotequote all
What it worked, well I'll be. thumbup

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Friday 31st March 2017
quotequote all
Apart from using vehicle lifts, two post etc, how would you peeps suggest I get my Chim’ in the air.
I don’t need to remove the wheels I just need to get it high enough to finish off some small jobs.
I’ve been considering some adjustable service ramps but even the ones that go down the lowest mean a small incline to push the car up or place under the wheels after jacking the the car off the ground.
Would 400mm under the wheels be a reasonable hight for working on the chassis?
Cheers
cool

Edited by lancepar on Friday 31st March 20:12


Edited by lancepar on Saturday 1st April 09:51

Paulprior

864 posts

105 months

Saturday 1st April 2017
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Hi
I have spent most of the winter under my car, i have just measured 420mm from the floor to the bottom of the outriggers and i have been laying on a trolley, its not spacious and a bit more space could have been good,

kennybgr8

379 posts

142 months

Sunday 2nd April 2017
quotequote all
Have a look at the link below, I have a set of the 12 feet ramps for sale but im up in edinburgh,,,


http://www.restorationramps.co.uk/phdi/p1.nsf/supp...

lancepar

Original Poster:

1,018 posts

172 months

Monday 3rd April 2017
quotequote all
Paul and Kenny,
I'll be happy with 400mm min' then.
Edinburgh is a bit too far but thanks.

New question.
I've tried but cant' find what size blanking plugs I need to fit in my E55997-01 and -02 manifolds, are they M18x1.5?
And what material are the manifolds and "Y" section made from, I'd guess the cat' sections are stainless and the remainder mild steel?
Someone has made a tidy job of removing the catalitic material from the manifolds by the way, remains in the "Y" section which I'm happy with.

Cheers
cool