Newbie seeking advice
Discussion
'Jack, I won't be along to the rendezvous unfortunately but I'm not so far away so you're welcome to drop me a PM anytime you fancy poking round a Chim of K-vintage. I imagine you'll glean most of what you need to know from Ed especially if you get the car up on a lift but if you've any more questions, especially regarding the earlier cars, I'll happily impart the little that I know 
That is a shame CS. Looking at your pics I am so glad that I posted on here. Thanks for the offer which I am sure I will take you up on especially if you are considering letting yours go. I don't know if you are into bikes but I was working on this this afternoon. It is the equivalent of a TVR, raw with a great sound. I have an earlier version which is still a pile of bits I am considering letting go to help fund a TVR!
Just got back from Ed's after a very enjoyable and educational couple of hours. Not only did he give us a tour of his car, he raised it on his ramp so we got a good look underneath as well. He took us for a spin and I got my first experience of driving a TVR. To say I was apprehensive was an understatement. The adrenalin was flowing for quite some time after. What a great car and top bloke. Many thanks Ed.
It was good to meet Steve as well.
Cheers Jack
It was good to meet Steve as well.
Cheers Jack
Hiya
Just like to add my observations from the pics and the conversation.
The outriggers are shot and needs new tires to get it on the road.
These cars do attract a lot of attention and as such probably needs a paint job to be presentable.
It does not look like it has a main cat so may need some attention to get a MOT
So without any other issues, I bet there are few depending how long it has been off the road the above is going to blow 5 to 6k to get it presentable and road worthy, the 3k paint job could wait depending what its like close up, but the last thing you want with your pride and joy is a dog close up.
This makes it a 4 to 5k car because for 10k you could buy an on the road car and drive away.
However I do think its worth looking a bit deeper as it may be a 4.3 big valve, because of the flanged and bolted manifolds, only a few were made and could be worth a punt if it is
The outriggers use to be the elephant in the room with these cars, but with a lot now having been replaced, and many respectable specialists offering this work without removing the body or cutting holes in the floor it has become a much less scary proposition, I took this route but with the following.
I lifted the car and removed all road wheels, exhaust and cleaned as much of the central spine chassis as possible and with mirrors and camera took a weekend to satisfy myself in the main it was in good nick.
Only then did I have the outriggers replaced by a reputable specialist who offered me a receipt together with pics of the work to add to the history – could have had the work done for half this by buying a kit and employing a competent welder, but felt as this was structural it deserved a professional job by those who have experience of the task.
Hi BM,
Thanks for your contribution it is appreciated. From my understanding the car was being used occasionally until the MOT expired a few months ago. Interesting what you say about the engine. Having been in Ed's today I would say performance was comparable however it was not my foot on the accelerator but both impressed me. What I did notice was it was louder than Ed's Chim. This may be as it had Cherry Bombs fitted. Being new to TVRs I know little about these. Is it a full exhaust system? I just checked the vehicle details on DVLA and the engine capacity is recorded as 3952cc,
Cheers Jack
Thanks for your contribution it is appreciated. From my understanding the car was being used occasionally until the MOT expired a few months ago. Interesting what you say about the engine. Having been in Ed's today I would say performance was comparable however it was not my foot on the accelerator but both impressed me. What I did notice was it was louder than Ed's Chim. This may be as it had Cherry Bombs fitted. Being new to TVRs I know little about these. Is it a full exhaust system? I just checked the vehicle details on DVLA and the engine capacity is recorded as 3952cc,
Cheers Jack
The engine code and number is stamped usually on the passenger side of the engine block although TVR often put their own codes elsewhere just to confuse you. Anyway, keep a copy of this list which might help when looking at potential cars.
https://rimmerbros.com/content--name-Rover-V8-Engi...
https://rimmerbros.com/content--name-Rover-V8-Engi...
Found the advert with more pics
It is a standard 4L - the bolted flange was on early cars - but the main cat has been removed and replaced with a straight through Y. It would be difficult to pass a regular MOT without the main Cat so another reason why no MOT and a different sound.
It is advertised as the cheapest around which is probably true, but add the cost of putting it on the road and its not such a great deal for the most common 4L
It is a standard 4L - the bolted flange was on early cars - but the main cat has been removed and replaced with a straight through Y. It would be difficult to pass a regular MOT without the main Cat so another reason why no MOT and a different sound.
It is advertised as the cheapest around which is probably true, but add the cost of putting it on the road and its not such a great deal for the most common 4L
If you're in Chippenham pop down the M4 to the boys at Amore autos. Mark and Paul are TVR nuts and will happily help you whether you end up buying from them or not. They can source a car to your spec and budget and also have ramps you can get the car up on before buying.
It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
^^^^^^^^^ This
And the point made earlier in this thread, if the riggers are really as bad as a few pics make them look the centre sections of the chassis may well have serious corrosion too which requires a lot more work time to repair. Easily done with body off but a far more comprehensive job to do.
I’m sure there’s a TVR saying I heard once,,,,,, “There’s no such thing as a cheap TVR”
Luckily the Griff and Chim are cheap to own if you have a good one,,,,,, it just takes a tonne of money to make a good un so invariably it’s better to buy one that’s close to all done or had a long time very carefully dry use owner and if your unlucky might need riggers a few years down the line as that kind of car will have a good centre section you’d hope.
If your handy with the spanner’s and a welder I’d still be looking at getting the best mechanicals first as that’s the expensive stuff.
By the way welcome to the Chim forum and I seriously like your bikes
top man 
And the point made earlier in this thread, if the riggers are really as bad as a few pics make them look the centre sections of the chassis may well have serious corrosion too which requires a lot more work time to repair. Easily done with body off but a far more comprehensive job to do.
I’m sure there’s a TVR saying I heard once,,,,,, “There’s no such thing as a cheap TVR”
Luckily the Griff and Chim are cheap to own if you have a good one,,,,,, it just takes a tonne of money to make a good un so invariably it’s better to buy one that’s close to all done or had a long time very carefully dry use owner and if your unlucky might need riggers a few years down the line as that kind of car will have a good centre section you’d hope.
If your handy with the spanner’s and a welder I’d still be looking at getting the best mechanicals first as that’s the expensive stuff.
By the way welcome to the Chim forum and I seriously like your bikes
top man ScrumpyJack said:
That is a shame CS. Looking at your pics I am so glad that I posted on here. Thanks for the offer which I am sure I will take you up on especially if you are considering letting yours go. I don't know if you are into bikes but I was working on this this afternoon. It is the equivalent of a TVR, raw with a great sound. I have an earlier version which is still a pile of bits I am considering letting go to help fund a TVR!
Is it a Harris or Moto Martin Jota?mach2 said:
If you're in Chippenham pop down the M4 to the boys at Amore autos. Mark and Paul are TVR nuts and will happily help you whether you end up buying from them or not. They can source a car to your spec and budget and also have ramps you can get the car up on before buying.
It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
Thanks Mach. Great advice I will get in touch with them. I think it would be time well spent.It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
Classic Chim said:
^^^^^^^^^ This
And the point made earlier in this thread, if the riggers are really as bad as a few pics make them look the centre sections of the chassis may well have serious corrosion too which requires a lot more work time to repair. Easily done with body off but a far more comprehensive job to do.
I’m sure there’s a TVR saying I heard once,,,,,, “There’s no such thing as a cheap TVR”
Luckily the Griff and Chim are cheap to own if you have a good one,,,,,, it just takes a tonne of money to make a good un so invariably it’s better to buy one that’s close to all done or had a long time very carefully dry use owner and if your unlucky might need riggers a few years down the line as that kind of car will have a good centre section you’d hope.
If your handy with the spanner’s and a welder I’d still be looking at getting the best mechanicals first as that’s the expensive stuff.
By the way welcome to the Chim forum and I seriously like your bikes top man
Good advice and taken onboard. I have dismissed the idea of purchasing this car. I am fairly competent with a spanner as I did a 4 year apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. Have recently undertaken an introductory course to welding and purchased a mig welder. Space is my issue, or lack of, as I have far too many bikes, many of which are projects. I am a bit of a Laverda addict. Thanks for the compliment!And the point made earlier in this thread, if the riggers are really as bad as a few pics make them look the centre sections of the chassis may well have serious corrosion too which requires a lot more work time to repair. Easily done with body off but a far more comprehensive job to do.
I’m sure there’s a TVR saying I heard once,,,,,, “There’s no such thing as a cheap TVR”
Luckily the Griff and Chim are cheap to own if you have a good one,,,,,, it just takes a tonne of money to make a good un so invariably it’s better to buy one that’s close to all done or had a long time very carefully dry use owner and if your unlucky might need riggers a few years down the line as that kind of car will have a good centre section you’d hope.
If your handy with the spanner’s and a welder I’d still be looking at getting the best mechanicals first as that’s the expensive stuff.
By the way welcome to the Chim forum and I seriously like your bikes
top man Das - It is a Saxon Motodd Laverda. One of circa 55 frames made by Nigel Hill of Saxon Racing and sold by Phil Todd of Motodd fame. I became obsessed and had 4 of these projects until recently, I sold the Mk1 but still have a Mk2, 3 and 4. There are only 5 of the Mk4 below. It has a rising rate anti dive front end which was copied by BMW and marketed as there Para-lever front end. This is a project that I have not started. In fact I sold the bike at the beginning of the year and recently bought it back!
Here is one of the 2 prototype Mk4's.
The Mk5 was raced by Sir Alan Cathcarte at Assen where he won!
Edited by ScrumpyJack on Tuesday 9th October 07:31
mach2 said:
If you're in Chippenham pop down the M4 to the boys at Amore autos. Mark and Paul are TVR nuts and will happily help you whether you end up buying from them or not. They can source a car to your spec and budget and also have ramps you can get the car up on before buying.
It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
Great advice Mach. I dropped in after work today to look at a more affordable S2 that was just advertised. Needs a lot of work but that was reflected in the price. I didn't realise that the V6 sounded so good and could be a consideration for the future. Very helpful guys with plenty of knowledge that they were happy to share and plenty of great cars. The outcome of the visit is when the cash is available to buy a car it will be one that is already sorted. I have the difficult decision of which bike/s to sell now! It will be the best few hours you will invest in before buying.
http://www.amoreautos.co.uk
Cheers Jack
So I went and looked at another locally advertised Chim being sold by a dealer. It didn't look bad for it's age and was in a colour that I liked. It had upgraded front calipers (why no rear as well?), 4 good Toyos and Nitron shocks. It also had deeper bucket seats than standard with the beige colour matching the interior, these where rigidly fixed to the floor with no adjustment. It started easily with nothing untoward out the rear end. Ticked over nicely but the oil pressure was about 15psi. It warmed up until the fans kicked in just below 90 deg C. Took it for a spin and it handled nicely with no rattling or other noises. The oil pressure seemed to drop to around 10psi (how accurate are the gauges?) and it did not seem to accelerate as well as the 2 I had recently been in (cheers Ed).
The advert did state fast road/track day car so I guess that it has been set up for the track and the seller did say it had been used on the track. Mileage was low but maybe it had a lot of track use?
I had my camera with me and stuck it underneath for a few snaps to look at when I got home. I am glad that I did.. The MOT history did not identify corrosion as an issue but looking at the pics when I got home I don't think it will be long before it is. So this is one I will walk away from. Check out the pics at the link as it may save you a journey.
Cheers Jack
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149151322@N05/albums...
DSC00165
The advert did state fast road/track day car so I guess that it has been set up for the track and the seller did say it had been used on the track. Mileage was low but maybe it had a lot of track use?
I had my camera with me and stuck it underneath for a few snaps to look at when I got home. I am glad that I did.. The MOT history did not identify corrosion as an issue but looking at the pics when I got home I don't think it will be long before it is. So this is one I will walk away from. Check out the pics at the link as it may save you a journey.
Cheers Jack
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149151322@N05/albums...
DSC00165Edited by ScrumpyJack on Saturday 20th October 19:44
Edited by ScrumpyJack on Saturday 20th October 22:46
going off your pics the car is a total shed. What an odd car, to have the expense of Nitrons/presumably a good spec brake upgrade/good tyres, but be so neglected underneath.
To answer your question OP, it's not unusual at all to have a front brake upgrade only. I've replaced all my discs and calipers, whilst I went for a 300mm upgrade on the front I replaced the rears with pattern Ford parts and the car brakes perfectly, the balance is superb- I would suggest that the front brakes are the limiting factor in the factory setup, rather than the rears. I always found the standard sizing odd, considering when you're hard on the anchors the front is where the weight goes!
Also I should add that whilst this car turned out to be a bit of a dog, don't be put off by a car being tracked. I would argue that my fast road/track Chim is more meticulously maintained than many garage queens....
(ducks for cover)
To answer your question OP, it's not unusual at all to have a front brake upgrade only. I've replaced all my discs and calipers, whilst I went for a 300mm upgrade on the front I replaced the rears with pattern Ford parts and the car brakes perfectly, the balance is superb- I would suggest that the front brakes are the limiting factor in the factory setup, rather than the rears. I always found the standard sizing odd, considering when you're hard on the anchors the front is where the weight goes!
Also I should add that whilst this car turned out to be a bit of a dog, don't be put off by a car being tracked. I would argue that my fast road/track Chim is more meticulously maintained than many garage queens....
(ducks for cover)
Edited by CanoeSniffer on Sunday 21st October 00:06
Edited by CanoeSniffer on Sunday 21st October 00:06
CanoeSniffer said:
Also I should add that whilst this car turned out to be a bit of a dog, don't be put off by a car being tracked. I would argue that my fast road/track Chim is more meticulously maintained than many garage queens....
(ducks for cover)
Absolutely. There isn't any excuse to let the underside go if you are keen to look after your car.(ducks for cover)
Most of these cars have had some sort of modification, the majority I would say, for the better.
It is just a matter of keeping on top of things, regular maintenance and a bit of care.
Right, I'm just off to polish the underside of my prop shaft, got to practice what I preach!
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