Front Splitter
Discussion
haha!, nice!
I was thinking about it whilst driving the daily into work this morning.
So many modern cars have splitters built into their front bumper, even my SUV does.
Though on my Chim, the numberplate is mounted quite low on a very TVR/Heath Robinson bracket, and I might need to look at altering that, as it might negate or at least reduce the effect of a splitter. You can see from my second photo that I could move the number plate up on the bracket by maybe 3cm without really exposing it to anyone not lying on the floor...
Any points of view on this?
I was thinking about it whilst driving the daily into work this morning.
So many modern cars have splitters built into their front bumper, even my SUV does.
Though on my Chim, the numberplate is mounted quite low on a very TVR/Heath Robinson bracket, and I might need to look at altering that, as it might negate or at least reduce the effect of a splitter. You can see from my second photo that I could move the number plate up on the bracket by maybe 3cm without really exposing it to anyone not lying on the floor...
Any points of view on this?
That’s not typical Tvr.
That’s a mod done and the two bolts nearest the picture are actually the bolts that hold the horn in place behind the grill by the look of it.
The splitter is designed to reduce air flow under the body so where it will be placed I don’t think your number plate will effect its effect.
The Tvr splitter is an aluminium strip placed further back and often knocked off or damaged over speed humps. I made a plastic one from angled house guttering which at least costs pennies and easy to replace when it’s knocked or broken off.
That’s a mod done and the two bolts nearest the picture are actually the bolts that hold the horn in place behind the grill by the look of it.
The splitter is designed to reduce air flow under the body so where it will be placed I don’t think your number plate will effect its effect.
The Tvr splitter is an aluminium strip placed further back and often knocked off or damaged over speed humps. I made a plastic one from angled house guttering which at least costs pennies and easy to replace when it’s knocked or broken off.
BritishTvr450 said:
That’s not typical Tvr.
That’s a mod done and the two bolts nearest the picture are actually the bolts that hold the horn in place behind the grill by the look of it.
The splitter is designed to reduce air flow under the body so where it will be placed I don’t think your number plate will effect its effect.
The TVR splitter is an aluminium strip placed further back and often knocked off or damaged over speed humps. I made a plastic one from angled house guttering which at least costs pennies and easy to replace when it’s knocked or broken off.
Good points.That’s a mod done and the two bolts nearest the picture are actually the bolts that hold the horn in place behind the grill by the look of it.
The splitter is designed to reduce air flow under the body so where it will be placed I don’t think your number plate will effect its effect.
The TVR splitter is an aluminium strip placed further back and often knocked off or damaged over speed humps. I made a plastic one from angled house guttering which at least costs pennies and easy to replace when it’s knocked or broken off.
I suspected it might not be original TVR, but I don't know...
The two bolts were those holding the air filter connector (until I recently moved that connector to the top of the mouth having fitted the ACT induction hose kit), now they only hold this numberplate bracket.
I questioned it because this Seat Leon splitter would be mounted further forward than the TVR splitter, and would be visible.
It also has an area in the centre that allows air to pass through itself, and I suspect this might be blocked or partially blocked by my numberplate mount.
I think I'm going to order one and just have to fettle to make it fit...!
Is the one you posted the same as the one above it? It could just be the angle the pics are taken from but they look different.
A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
PabloGee said:
Good points.
I suspected it might not be original TVR, but I don't know...
The two bolts were those holding the air filter connector (until I recently moved that connector to the top of the mouth having fitted the ACT induction hose kit), now they only hold this numberplate bracket.
I questioned it because this Seat Leon splitter would be mounted further forward than the TVR splitter, and would be visible.
It also has an area in the centre that allows air to pass through itself, and I suspect this might be blocked or partially blocked by my numberplate mount.
I think I'm going to order one and just have to fettle to make it fit...!
On my later car with the Mk2 grill the filter is fitted at the top of the opening so they probably just used the holes for the earlier filter placement as a suitable place to mount the horn siren. I suspected it might not be original TVR, but I don't know...
The two bolts were those holding the air filter connector (until I recently moved that connector to the top of the mouth having fitted the ACT induction hose kit), now they only hold this numberplate bracket.
I questioned it because this Seat Leon splitter would be mounted further forward than the TVR splitter, and would be visible.
It also has an area in the centre that allows air to pass through itself, and I suspect this might be blocked or partially blocked by my numberplate mount.
I think I'm going to order one and just have to fettle to make it fit...!
I doubt it would make a huge difference if your number plate blocks that area.
indigochim said:
Is the one you posted the same as the one above it? It could just be the angle the pics are taken from but they look different.
A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
You're right, the cheaper one I found looks to be a different shape, the middle section isn't part of the smooth curve, it's set back.A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
If I were to install this one, I would look to use the whole thing, for structural integrity as well as helping to centre the whole thing.
But then I'm thinking the other version has a clean line that echoes the curves of the nose of the car better. These only seem to be second hand now, and it's hard to see the condition of the object through ebay.
One of the things I don't like about many modern cars is the bitty angular aesthetic with different elements overlapping and hitting each other, this Honda is a particularly acute example. And I wonder if the new/cheap version might look like I've added a splitter from a modern Seat Leon to my '95 TVR Chimaera...
I have been trying to find an original Leon Cupra R mk1 splitter, but all the breakers are either ignoring me or telling me it's sold.
So I bought this ebay version.
It's a slightly different shape (Poirot), and it's gloss black, but I'm going to see if I can work with it.
It's also in three parts, so I will probably glue it together with contact adhesive for flex before fitting.
Prior to fitting I'm also going to roll my car down to the end of the drive where it meets the road, to check if I'd knock it off before I've gone anywhere!
Also because of the position of my number plate, I think the recessed middle section will sit neatly below/behind the plate (looked like it might when I offered it up to the car in the dark last night).
I have got myself prepped:
- matte black spray paint in case I don't like the gloss finish
- self tappers and penny washers (I feel like I'd rather it tear out a screw than a bolt with a washer and nut on the other side of it - and I don't expect access down the side of the nose towards the wheel arches)
- heat gun in case I need to manipulate the shape
Hoping to look at it more closely tomorrow, and will report back for interest.
So I bought this ebay version.
It's a slightly different shape (Poirot), and it's gloss black, but I'm going to see if I can work with it.
It's also in three parts, so I will probably glue it together with contact adhesive for flex before fitting.
Prior to fitting I'm also going to roll my car down to the end of the drive where it meets the road, to check if I'd knock it off before I've gone anywhere!
Also because of the position of my number plate, I think the recessed middle section will sit neatly below/behind the plate (looked like it might when I offered it up to the car in the dark last night).
I have got myself prepped:
- matte black spray paint in case I don't like the gloss finish
- self tappers and penny washers (I feel like I'd rather it tear out a screw than a bolt with a washer and nut on the other side of it - and I don't expect access down the side of the nose towards the wheel arches)
- heat gun in case I need to manipulate the shape
Hoping to look at it more closely tomorrow, and will report back for interest.
PabloGee said:
I have been trying to find an original Leon Cupra R mk1 splitter, but all the breakers are either ignoring me or telling me it's sold.
So I bought this ebay version.
It's a slightly different shape (Poirot), and it's gloss black, but I'm going to see if I can work with it.
It's also in three parts, so I will probably glue it together with contact adhesive for flex before fitting.
Prior to fitting I'm also going to roll my car down to the end of the drive where it meets the road, to check if I'd knock it off before I've gone anywhere!
Also because of the position of my number plate, I think the recessed middle section will sit neatly below/behind the plate (looked like it might when I offered it up to the car in the dark last night).
I have got myself prepped:
- matte black spray paint in case I don't like the gloss finish
- self tappers and penny washers (I feel like I'd rather it tear out a screw than a bolt with a washer and nut on the other side of it - and I don't expect access down the side of the nose towards the wheel arches)
- heat gun in case I need to manipulate the shape
Hoping to look at it more closely tomorrow, and will report back for interest.
So I bought this ebay version.
It's a slightly different shape (Poirot), and it's gloss black, but I'm going to see if I can work with it.
It's also in three parts, so I will probably glue it together with contact adhesive for flex before fitting.
Prior to fitting I'm also going to roll my car down to the end of the drive where it meets the road, to check if I'd knock it off before I've gone anywhere!
Also because of the position of my number plate, I think the recessed middle section will sit neatly below/behind the plate (looked like it might when I offered it up to the car in the dark last night).
I have got myself prepped:
- matte black spray paint in case I don't like the gloss finish
- self tappers and penny washers (I feel like I'd rather it tear out a screw than a bolt with a washer and nut on the other side of it - and I don't expect access down the side of the nose towards the wheel arches)
- heat gun in case I need to manipulate the shape
Hoping to look at it more closely tomorrow, and will report back for interest.
This one looks better.
I’ve loosely offered the Leon one up to the car, and it looks to be sufficiently the right size.
Will do more tomorrow when it’s light and dry.
Don’t know about the Altea, but the shape is pretty similar to the Poirot I’ve got.
If I had time to search a load of scrap yards and all the other options, I bet there’s another good fit out there, but for now it’s the Spanish option.
Hoping to celebrate with a glass of Rioja when it’s done
Will do more tomorrow when it’s light and dry.
Don’t know about the Altea, but the shape is pretty similar to the Poirot I’ve got.
If I had time to search a load of scrap yards and all the other options, I bet there’s another good fit out there, but for now it’s the Spanish option.
Hoping to celebrate with a glass of Rioja when it’s done
PabloGee said:
I’ve loosely offered the Leon one up to the car, and it looks to be sufficiently the right size.
Will do more tomorrow when it’s light and dry.
Don’t know about the Altea, but the shape is pretty similar to the Poirot I’ve got.
If I had time to search a load of scrap yards and all the other options, I bet there’s another good fit out there, but for now it’s the Spanish option.
Hoping to celebrate with a glass of Rioja when it’s done
Fingers crossed for you, and well done. Will do more tomorrow when it’s light and dry.
Don’t know about the Altea, but the shape is pretty similar to the Poirot I’ve got.
If I had time to search a load of scrap yards and all the other options, I bet there’s another good fit out there, but for now it’s the Spanish option.
Hoping to celebrate with a glass of Rioja when it’s done
PabloGee said:
indigochim said:
Is the one you posted the same as the one above it? It could just be the angle the pics are taken from but they look different.
A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
bitty angular aesthetic with different elements overlapping and hitting each other, this Honda is a particularly acute example. And I wonder if the new/cheap version might look like I've added a splitter from a modern Seat Leon to my '95 TVR Chimaera...A guy I met on a club run recently had a seat one fitted and it looked great. He said it was in sections and he'd not bothered about the center as it was hidden behind his number plate. You couldn't see any missing parts and I suspect it still did enough of a job.
Ok, it's on, and honestly I think it looks great.
Seat Leon Cupra R mk1 front splitter - from eBay, and it's different from the original for some reason, but getting an original seems to be a breakers yard venture. Cost me around £33 just for the splitter.
I also bought plastic primer, matt paint and satin lacquer (couldn't get matt without having to wait - don't ask), and used some wet & dry sandpaper (1200 grit). Probably spent around £20 on paint. Don't forget to use white spirit before every coat to de-grease the surface (ask me how I know!).
Notable tools were a heat gun, chop saw, junior hacksaw, file.
I have to make a few specific adjustments to make it work, the most significant being the surface finish.
I wasn't happy with the hi-gloss finish, so I set about sanding, priming, painting and lacquering - and to be honest I'm not 100% sure how long the finish will last, but we'll see. If you can find one in a matt or satin finish, I think it looks better on the car. I wish I had a sandblasting booth...
The first thing I did was find the centre-line on the car - with a mixture of measurements and eyeballing, and marked it with a line on some masking tape.
Then I used masking tape to hold the three parts together, then with the front of the car raised I drilled a first hole to start working out the position.
It's something you have to do by eye, it's pretty hard to measure anything accurately on the front of a Chim!
Start cutting...
Middle piece:
1. cut the height of the ribs down on the middle section - I measured 25mm from the bottom of the rib front profile, and on the back of the rib I measured 19mm from the bottom of the piece - this should create a slightly angled cut.
Detail - because my car is lowered, I had to go back in once I'd fitted it, and took a further 7mm off the central rib to flatten the middle section more - it slightly caught the road when I reversed back up my drive. Speed bumps are now my biggest fear.
2. cut 11mm off either side to shorten the middle piece - I used a chop saw for a straight cut, just lined up the angle and went slowly. Then I had to slightly modify the overlap profile on the sides, but you'll see what needs doing just by looking at it.
Side pieces:
1. cut a section off the back of the middle area - this is to allow the side pieces to follow the shape of the nose underside better. Clearly on the Seat Leon the bottom of the front bumper is flat.
2. Cut 19cm off the end of each side piece. I chose to file the end to a bullnose shape so any smaller alignment issues would be less obvious (this photo was when installed). You may want to judge this length yourself.
Anticipate that using a heat gun will help you to follow the shape of the car, it's not a perfect fit out the box.
Whilst it was hanging on the car, I drilled the first holes in the side pieces and up into the fibre glass, then I took it off to drill a few further holes along the flat top of the side pieces (I did 5 screws either side anticipating it needs to hold a curve it isn't really designed to do.
At this point I painted and lacquered the separate parts, because I wanted it to be more satin/matte than glossy.
This is clearly optional, the only advice I can give is to thoroughly key the surface with wet & dry, use a primer, then paint and a lacquer.
Even better would be to get a proper auto paint shop to paint it for you, then you can match the body colour.
Once you've got the finish you want, you can start fitting properly.
I used three slightly longer screws through the ribs, using a large penny washer.
Then the side pieces only need shorter screws - I recommend using pan head not countersunk.
Start at the centre and work your way out. This is easier from under the car.
The heat gun is needed to soften the plastic as you manipulate it onto the body contours, just keep moving it, holding it, checking you're happy, then drill through the hole into the fibre glass , then pop a screw in...
As you can see here, the recessed profile lines up nicely with the number plate, and visually sits well.
Seat Leon Cupra R mk1 front splitter - from eBay, and it's different from the original for some reason, but getting an original seems to be a breakers yard venture. Cost me around £33 just for the splitter.
I also bought plastic primer, matt paint and satin lacquer (couldn't get matt without having to wait - don't ask), and used some wet & dry sandpaper (1200 grit). Probably spent around £20 on paint. Don't forget to use white spirit before every coat to de-grease the surface (ask me how I know!).
Notable tools were a heat gun, chop saw, junior hacksaw, file.
I have to make a few specific adjustments to make it work, the most significant being the surface finish.
I wasn't happy with the hi-gloss finish, so I set about sanding, priming, painting and lacquering - and to be honest I'm not 100% sure how long the finish will last, but we'll see. If you can find one in a matt or satin finish, I think it looks better on the car. I wish I had a sandblasting booth...
The first thing I did was find the centre-line on the car - with a mixture of measurements and eyeballing, and marked it with a line on some masking tape.
Then I used masking tape to hold the three parts together, then with the front of the car raised I drilled a first hole to start working out the position.
It's something you have to do by eye, it's pretty hard to measure anything accurately on the front of a Chim!
Start cutting...
Middle piece:
1. cut the height of the ribs down on the middle section - I measured 25mm from the bottom of the rib front profile, and on the back of the rib I measured 19mm from the bottom of the piece - this should create a slightly angled cut.
Detail - because my car is lowered, I had to go back in once I'd fitted it, and took a further 7mm off the central rib to flatten the middle section more - it slightly caught the road when I reversed back up my drive. Speed bumps are now my biggest fear.
2. cut 11mm off either side to shorten the middle piece - I used a chop saw for a straight cut, just lined up the angle and went slowly. Then I had to slightly modify the overlap profile on the sides, but you'll see what needs doing just by looking at it.
Side pieces:
1. cut a section off the back of the middle area - this is to allow the side pieces to follow the shape of the nose underside better. Clearly on the Seat Leon the bottom of the front bumper is flat.
2. Cut 19cm off the end of each side piece. I chose to file the end to a bullnose shape so any smaller alignment issues would be less obvious (this photo was when installed). You may want to judge this length yourself.
Anticipate that using a heat gun will help you to follow the shape of the car, it's not a perfect fit out the box.
Whilst it was hanging on the car, I drilled the first holes in the side pieces and up into the fibre glass, then I took it off to drill a few further holes along the flat top of the side pieces (I did 5 screws either side anticipating it needs to hold a curve it isn't really designed to do.
At this point I painted and lacquered the separate parts, because I wanted it to be more satin/matte than glossy.
This is clearly optional, the only advice I can give is to thoroughly key the surface with wet & dry, use a primer, then paint and a lacquer.
Even better would be to get a proper auto paint shop to paint it for you, then you can match the body colour.
Once you've got the finish you want, you can start fitting properly.
I used three slightly longer screws through the ribs, using a large penny washer.
Then the side pieces only need shorter screws - I recommend using pan head not countersunk.
Start at the centre and work your way out. This is easier from under the car.
The heat gun is needed to soften the plastic as you manipulate it onto the body contours, just keep moving it, holding it, checking you're happy, then drill through the hole into the fibre glass , then pop a screw in...
As you can see here, the recessed profile lines up nicely with the number plate, and visually sits well.
Excellent work - looks really good. You spent a while getting it right and it shows.
Agree with the high gloss finish - not the right look.
Have to say it's 1000% easier with the original Seat part but seems these are now unobtainium so I'll be extra careful when going over speed humps.
Now have a cold beer - you've earned it.
Agree with the high gloss finish - not the right look.
Have to say it's 1000% easier with the original Seat part but seems these are now unobtainium so I'll be extra careful when going over speed humps.
Now have a cold beer - you've earned it.
Brilliant stuff, that looks great!
Your write up will be very useful for when I eventually get around to doing this - it's taken a bit of a back seat for now as I've recently purchased an XJ8 that will be my daily driver, so am currently spending my time sorting out various bits and bobs there first
Your write up will be very useful for when I eventually get around to doing this - it's taken a bit of a back seat for now as I've recently purchased an XJ8 that will be my daily driver, so am currently spending my time sorting out various bits and bobs there first
Cheers chaps.
Ironing all sorted (I do a better job than the wife...!)
I just found this version ,which is cheaper and in matte finish - which I would personally veer towards.
Tempted to buy one as a spare...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Cupra-Bumper-Sp...
Ironing all sorted (I do a better job than the wife...!
)I just found this version ,which is cheaper and in matte finish - which I would personally veer towards.
Tempted to buy one as a spare...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Cupra-Bumper-Sp...
At that price well worth the investment.
Have you driven it at speed to see if the steering feels more direct or more planted.
Did you have the Tvr splitter on the car before you fitted the Seat one.
I remember years ago there was mention that the TVR splitter was really designed ( if that’s what you can call it ) to create a low pressure zone so air wouldn’t go up into engine bay possibly resulting in forcing the bonnet upwards, people in the past reported bonnets could pop up, considering the air pressure forcing over the top of it I doubt that’s likely but maybe that’s why later cars have the more pronounced lip in front of the windscreen, a sort of Gurney flap.
Have you driven it at speed to see if the steering feels more direct or more planted.
Did you have the Tvr splitter on the car before you fitted the Seat one.
I remember years ago there was mention that the TVR splitter was really designed ( if that’s what you can call it ) to create a low pressure zone so air wouldn’t go up into engine bay possibly resulting in forcing the bonnet upwards, people in the past reported bonnets could pop up, considering the air pressure forcing over the top of it I doubt that’s likely but maybe that’s why later cars have the more pronounced lip in front of the windscreen, a sort of Gurney flap.
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