Help with my new toy...
Discussion
Hi all
After a 5 year break from TVR ownership I have decided to rejoin "team chimaera"
After several months searching I aquired myself a rather nice rosso red 5 Litre at sensible money. Although there are one or two little issues that need resolving. Nothing too terrible lets hope.... If anyone can help with the following it would be greatly appreciated..
1. The car is fitted with a Hornet alarm which i don't think was a TVR fit item(?) Anyway it doesn't appear to be working. The fob lights up but nothing happens. I am i better off getting a new system or is it worth getting someone to sort the existing Hornet system?
2. The pasenger door solenoid is completely dead. Is likely to be a fuse or a problem with the solenoid does anyone know? (Ihave been frantically searching for my copy of the "bible" Im sure didn't give it away when I sold my last chimaera and I'm pretty sure it would tell me a lot of what I need to know!) If anyone knows what I have done with the damn book that would also be helpful.
3. The dash is a bit knackered and I would like one of those leven stainless style ones. I had a quick look on their website and they don't list it. Does anyone still make them or has anyone got a spare one they want to sell;)
4. Centre cap nut on Estoril wheels
At the weekend I went to get down and dirty on the chassis with some wire brushes and por15 but got as far as realising I didn't have the key to even undo the centre cap on the wheels!! CAn I still buy the key? or does anyone who lives near Bishop's Stortford have one I could borrow briefly? I've tried to undo them with a large screw driver but to no avail, is there another cheat way of getting them off? I appreciate this would be better put to the Griff chaps but I was scared they might tease me.
Lastly a bit of general advice if I may...I am slightly wary of the fact that my new toy hasn't had a great deal of use during her 14 year life (only 16500 miles)and that these cars and indeed most cars tend to benefit from more regular exercise. I cannot fault the way the car runs and drives curently but is there anything I should be especially cautious of with a car that has been used so infrequently?
And thats about all for now. Any advice greatly appreciated!
Anyway good to be back, bring on the summmer!!!
After a 5 year break from TVR ownership I have decided to rejoin "team chimaera"
After several months searching I aquired myself a rather nice rosso red 5 Litre at sensible money. Although there are one or two little issues that need resolving. Nothing too terrible lets hope.... If anyone can help with the following it would be greatly appreciated..
1. The car is fitted with a Hornet alarm which i don't think was a TVR fit item(?) Anyway it doesn't appear to be working. The fob lights up but nothing happens. I am i better off getting a new system or is it worth getting someone to sort the existing Hornet system?
2. The pasenger door solenoid is completely dead. Is likely to be a fuse or a problem with the solenoid does anyone know? (Ihave been frantically searching for my copy of the "bible" Im sure didn't give it away when I sold my last chimaera and I'm pretty sure it would tell me a lot of what I need to know!) If anyone knows what I have done with the damn book that would also be helpful.
3. The dash is a bit knackered and I would like one of those leven stainless style ones. I had a quick look on their website and they don't list it. Does anyone still make them or has anyone got a spare one they want to sell;)
4. Centre cap nut on Estoril wheels
At the weekend I went to get down and dirty on the chassis with some wire brushes and por15 but got as far as realising I didn't have the key to even undo the centre cap on the wheels!! CAn I still buy the key? or does anyone who lives near Bishop's Stortford have one I could borrow briefly? I've tried to undo them with a large screw driver but to no avail, is there another cheat way of getting them off? I appreciate this would be better put to the Griff chaps but I was scared they might tease me.Lastly a bit of general advice if I may...I am slightly wary of the fact that my new toy hasn't had a great deal of use during her 14 year life (only 16500 miles)and that these cars and indeed most cars tend to benefit from more regular exercise. I cannot fault the way the car runs and drives curently but is there anything I should be especially cautious of with a car that has been used so infrequently?
And thats about all for now. Any advice greatly appreciated!
Anyway good to be back, bring on the summmer!!!
Hi and welcome back to the fold. First and very, very, important item to check is all the fuel lines, especially flow and return drivers side near the bulkhead, which sit just above a very hot manifold 
All the fuel lines should be checked as a matter of urgency as rubber perishes with age, not with mileage.
Would also think about changing out the brake and clutch fluid, engine, gearbox and diff oils,not urgent just in your own time, over the summer.
All the fuel lines should be checked as a matter of urgency as rubber perishes with age, not with mileage.
Would also think about changing out the brake and clutch fluid, engine, gearbox and diff oils,not urgent just in your own time, over the summer.
v8kev said:
the centre caps on your estoril wheels are secured with an allen key a very small one dont know the size
Not all of them. Mine have two parallel slots across them. I have a screwdriver and a chisel then when used together can turn it. Its a bit of a faff though...ETA Leven will sell you a full replacement set with the allen key fitting plus a key for £21.27 + VAT - you just need to get the old ones off with a bit of brute force.
Edited by Dodsy on Wednesday 2nd May 19:13
Blimey, theres a name from the past - Hi Paulo 
I last saw you back in 2008 when I was at Castle buying my T350, I believe you were at the time finalising the sale of your white Chim.
As for the new toy, are the outriggers/chassis good?
Main other bits to check - all seals and fuel lines. Bushes may also be cracked. When were the tyres last changed? Rubber may be hard and brittle if too old, especially coolant pipes. Gaskets will likely start leaking through regular use due to the minimal use in the past. I speak as someone who bought his Chim with it having done less than 1000 miles in the 2 years prior to me purchasing.
I last saw you back in 2008 when I was at Castle buying my T350, I believe you were at the time finalising the sale of your white Chim.
As for the new toy, are the outriggers/chassis good?
Main other bits to check - all seals and fuel lines. Bushes may also be cracked. When were the tyres last changed? Rubber may be hard and brittle if too old, especially coolant pipes. Gaskets will likely start leaking through regular use due to the minimal use in the past. I speak as someone who bought his Chim with it having done less than 1000 miles in the 2 years prior to me purchasing.
Thanks for the replies all!
Fuel lines look in good condition, probably too good to be the originals I think. Im going to book her in for a full monty service at Castle TVR for all the fluids to be taken care of.
Ropps- Not sure? this one was on autotrader and advertised at less theen that but could well have been on PH aswell. I end up looking at so many adverts and seeing the same car on PH/Ebay/auotrader it all gets a bit confuddelling
I take it the car didn't get a glowing report! Can you link the thread?
How are you enjoying the T350?
Fuel lines look good, unfortunately a few of the bushes are a little worse for wear but to be expected I suppose. The outriggers are bit crusty where the powdercoating is peeling off. Still feel very solid after robust pokes with a screw driver. I plan to save it with some wirre brushing and Por15 in the short term. My ultimate plan is to enjoy the car for 18 months and then do a body off chassis rebuild. I kept drooling over pictures in the chassis rebuild threads and decided I really want to do that. My cousin who works within this particular field is very keen to be let loose with a welder on the poor girl. Hopefully he will be dissapointed for a little while yet!
Hello again Keith, you very nearly got a call from me earlier in the week but appears someone beat me to your cans of paint in the classifieds! No doubt see you out and about over the summer
Thanks for your help Les. got the centre cap nuts off today after getting a little more aggressive with them then I had previously dared. Didn't want to disturb you during another breathtaking tottenham performance last night (coys) shall give you a buzz later to chat exhausts.
Cheers,
PAULO
Fuel lines look in good condition, probably too good to be the originals I think. Im going to book her in for a full monty service at Castle TVR for all the fluids to be taken care of.
Ropps- Not sure? this one was on autotrader and advertised at less theen that but could well have been on PH aswell. I end up looking at so many adverts and seeing the same car on PH/Ebay/auotrader it all gets a bit confuddelling
I take it the car didn't get a glowing report! Can you link the thread? Zippee said:
Blimey, theres a name from the past - Hi Paulo
I last saw you back in 2008 when I was at Castle buying my T350, I believe you were at the time finalising the sale of your white Chim.
As for the new toy, are the outriggers/chassis good?
Main other bits to check - all seals and fuel lines. Bushes may also be cracked. When were the tyres last changed? Rubber may be hard and brittle if too old, especially coolant pipes. Gaskets will likely start leaking through regular use due to the minimal use in the past. I speak as someone who bought his Chim with it having done less than 1000 miles in the 2 years prior to me purchasing.
Hi Zippee, I remember that day. I think we at opposite ends of the happiness scaleI last saw you back in 2008 when I was at Castle buying my T350, I believe you were at the time finalising the sale of your white Chim.
As for the new toy, are the outriggers/chassis good?
Main other bits to check - all seals and fuel lines. Bushes may also be cracked. When were the tyres last changed? Rubber may be hard and brittle if too old, especially coolant pipes. Gaskets will likely start leaking through regular use due to the minimal use in the past. I speak as someone who bought his Chim with it having done less than 1000 miles in the 2 years prior to me purchasing.
How are you enjoying the T350?Fuel lines look good, unfortunately a few of the bushes are a little worse for wear but to be expected I suppose. The outriggers are bit crusty where the powdercoating is peeling off. Still feel very solid after robust pokes with a screw driver. I plan to save it with some wirre brushing and Por15 in the short term. My ultimate plan is to enjoy the car for 18 months and then do a body off chassis rebuild. I kept drooling over pictures in the chassis rebuild threads and decided I really want to do that. My cousin who works within this particular field is very keen to be let loose with a welder on the poor girl. Hopefully he will be dissapointed for a little while yet!
Hello again Keith, you very nearly got a call from me earlier in the week but appears someone beat me to your cans of paint in the classifieds! No doubt see you out and about over the summer
Thanks for your help Les. got the centre cap nuts off today after getting a little more aggressive with them then I had previously dared. Didn't want to disturb you during another breathtaking tottenham performance last night (coys) shall give you a buzz later to chat exhausts.
Cheers,
PAULO
Fuel lines look good right up to the moment they start pissing out fuel. Mine looked good even when they were leaking fuel.
When mine were disconnected and we tried to bend them they just shattered. This is the pipes under the bonnet that do suffer from heat. easy to replace and worth doing just for peace of mind. They run across the top of the exhaust manifold which gets very hot...
When mine were disconnected and we tried to bend them they just shattered. This is the pipes under the bonnet that do suffer from heat. easy to replace and worth doing just for peace of mind. They run across the top of the exhaust manifold which gets very hot...
Dodsy said:
Fuel lines look good right up to the moment they start pissing out fuel. Mine looked good even when they were leaking fuel.
When mine were disconnected and we tried to bend them they just shattered. This is the pipes under the bonnet that do suffer from heat. easy to replace and worth doing just for peace of mind. They run across the top of the exhaust manifold which gets very hot...
Thats a touch worrying, I shall definately be replacing those then. Cheers DodsyWhen mine were disconnected and we tried to bend them they just shattered. This is the pipes under the bonnet that do suffer from heat. easy to replace and worth doing just for peace of mind. They run across the top of the exhaust manifold which gets very hot...
Hi Bud,
Was it this one? Im sure some of the guys went to see it but decided not to buy!! to be honest i think its a cracking buy and would of been tempted myself if i had not bought mine a few months ago. I will see if i can find the thread as it had some interesting comments.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3717699.htm
Ropps- Not sure? this one was on autotrader and advertised at less theen that but could well have been on PH aswell. I end up looking at so many adverts and seeing the same car on PH/Ebay/auotrader it all gets a bit confuddelling I take it the car didn't get a glowing report! Can you link the thread?
Was it this one? Im sure some of the guys went to see it but decided not to buy!! to be honest i think its a cracking buy and would of been tempted myself if i had not bought mine a few months ago. I will see if i can find the thread as it had some interesting comments.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3717699.htm
Ropps- Not sure? this one was on autotrader and advertised at less theen that but could well have been on PH aswell. I end up looking at so many adverts and seeing the same car on PH/Ebay/auotrader it all gets a bit confuddelling
I take it the car didn't get a glowing report! Can you link the thread? Ropps- Yeah that's the one. Im hoping it will turn out to be a good buy, it does need a little TLC for sure but hopefully nothing too horrendous (time may tell with this one). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish list
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish listAJV8 said:
Paulo, love the old white Tiv, you got any more pics of it for inspiration with mine ?
AJ
Oh go on then, you've twisted my arm you smooth talking devil.AJ
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
yep absolutely, cracking price plus money in the back pocket for a few tweeks etc etc.. i really want some spiders on mine but tried to get some 4 stud wheels put together but that failed, so my option is 5 stud conversion! let me know how you get on and roughly what costs are to do the full conversion, i presume your doing brakes/calipers too?
Paulo.dicanio said:
Ropps- Yeah that's the one. Im hoping it will turn out to be a good buy, it does need a little TLC for sure but hopefully nothing too horrendous (time may tell with this one). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish list
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish listAJV8 said:
Paulo, love the old white Tiv, you got any more pics of it for inspiration with mine ?
AJ
Oh go on then, you've twisted my arm you smooth talking devil.AJ
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
Ropps said:
yep absolutely, cracking price plus money in the back pocket for a few tweeks etc etc.. i really want some spiders on mine but tried to get some 4 stud wheels put together but that failed, so my option is 5 stud conversion! let me know how you get on and roughly what costs are to do the full conversion, i presume your doing brakes/calipers too?
You need to join this crew for the spidersPaulo.dicanio said:
Ropps- Yeah that's the one. Im hoping it will turn out to be a good buy, it does need a little TLC for sure but hopefully nothing too horrendous (time may tell with this one). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish list
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
). Plus I certainly can't argue with the price I paid for it, leaves a fair chunk left in the budget for some fix ups and maybe even some treats!! Spider alloy hub conversion high on my wish listAJV8 said:
Paulo, love the old white Tiv, you got any more pics of it for inspiration with mine ?
AJ
Oh go on then, you've twisted my arm you smooth talking devil.AJ
That was a nice looking car if I do say so my self. Definately missed her these last few years. Are you thinking about a serious make over then?
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