Discussion
Well I'm sure you'll get dozens of different answers to this one.
IMHO No.
A good independent or even a knowledgable enthusiast can do an equally good service on a chimaera. As long as it is backed up with good receipts for parts etc. This is one of the great appeals of the model.
Some things such as alignment and timing may be beyond some enthusiasts (I include myself and always defer to a specialist on these)
The cars are getting to an age now where factors other than a full TVRSH are more important - overall condition of chassis, engine, body and interior - attitude of owner etc.
IMHO No.
A good independent or even a knowledgable enthusiast can do an equally good service on a chimaera. As long as it is backed up with good receipts for parts etc. This is one of the great appeals of the model.
Some things such as alignment and timing may be beyond some enthusiasts (I include myself and always defer to a specialist on these)
The cars are getting to an age now where factors other than a full TVRSH are more important - overall condition of chassis, engine, body and interior - attitude of owner etc.
I'll post a vote for the "specialist" TVR garage. I live in south Essex and take my Chimaera to Dom and his team at TVR Power every March for a service and MOT. I find their prices very reasonable compared to other cars I have owned, including the other current chariot a Freelander 2 Td4, and know I am leaving the car is safe hands.
I know the car will be looked after and on each occassion I have noticed a few extra bits and pieces done that I know aren't part of the service schedule but do prove the car is looked at from bumper to bumper. Examples are small rubber hoses replaced, new jubilee clips here and there and a door that doesn't squeak when I open it now
In the next couple of years the car will possibly need outriggers (they are good currently but do have a little corrosion on them at each MOT that they address and tell me about) and I will have Dom and his team do this for me as well.
I know the car will be looked after and on each occassion I have noticed a few extra bits and pieces done that I know aren't part of the service schedule but do prove the car is looked at from bumper to bumper. Examples are small rubber hoses replaced, new jubilee clips here and there and a door that doesn't squeak when I open it now
In the next couple of years the car will possibly need outriggers (they are good currently but do have a little corrosion on them at each MOT that they address and tell me about) and I will have Dom and his team do this for me as well.
I let Topcats have mine once a year for a full service and good going over (they are nearish to the OP). Its not just a service but an end to end check. What I would call a full nut and bolt inspection. There's always something that needs a bit of fettling that wouldnt be found by just doing a normal oil change and basic inspection service.
In between times for odds and ends I just use my local garage and lend them the bible if necessary, but its good to have the chim properly looked at once a year by someone who knows what they are doing.
In between times for odds and ends I just use my local garage and lend them the bible if necessary, but its good to have the chim properly looked at once a year by someone who knows what they are doing.
Although I've taken mine to a local trusted garage to have an MOT and a few bits sorted in the past, I've just dropped mine off this morning at a local TVR Specialist (http://roathgarage.com/) for a service and inspection.
They are simple cars, but I think it's worth having someone familiar with the cars giving it a once over, as they are more likely to know what to look for that an ordinary garage may overlook.
They are simple cars, but I think it's worth having someone familiar with the cars giving it a once over, as they are more likely to know what to look for that an ordinary garage may overlook.
KSV said:
Thanks Guys
I'm near milton Keynes and was thinking of using Techniques Motorsport in Stotfold.
Has anyone used them? or recommend anyone close to me in my area.
Col.
Techniques are very good with the RV8 engined cars. They're primarily a Morgan dealer but do a lot of Griffs/Chims etc so your car will be in good hands with them.I'm near milton Keynes and was thinking of using Techniques Motorsport in Stotfold.
Has anyone used them? or recommend anyone close to me in my area.
Col.
There is also a place in Salford - just outside of MK that also service TVR V8s...
http://salfordservicecentre.co.uk/
Service manager Rick is very familiar with TVRs - used to work for TVR Power Bodyshop - amongst others.
If you are looking further afield that MK, then there are plenty of highly recommended places within an hour or so...
Bespoke Performance in Ware
Castle Sports cars in Stansted
Mat Smith...
The list goes on... I try to keep track on most "local" places on...
http://www.tvrcc-herts-beds.co.uk/links.asp
Some places also offer a discount for TVRCC members.
http://salfordservicecentre.co.uk/
Service manager Rick is very familiar with TVRs - used to work for TVR Power Bodyshop - amongst others.
If you are looking further afield that MK, then there are plenty of highly recommended places within an hour or so...
Bespoke Performance in Ware
Castle Sports cars in Stansted
Mat Smith...
The list goes on... I try to keep track on most "local" places on...
http://www.tvrcc-herts-beds.co.uk/links.asp
Some places also offer a discount for TVRCC members.
Edited by alex_gray255 on Friday 24th August 11:51
These are fairly simple cars, but they do have their peculiar quirks, which could confuse somebody who doesn't have experience with them. That's why I'd recommend a specialist, or at least a garage that has plenty of experience with these cars. Especially for fault-finding - a non-specialist could waste hours trying to find a fault that a TVR-experienced mechanic would fix in half an hour.
brett84 said:
has anyone used someone in the Midlands? Near Nottingham.
I'm thinking (like most it seems) it would be good to get another set of eyes look over mine just to check everything and get some peace of mind
Willow sports cars,he is a TVR specialist ,top bloke with plenty of time for enthusiasts.I'm thinking (like most it seems) it would be good to get another set of eyes look over mine just to check everything and get some peace of mind
Some swear by Prestige Performance in Newark but i have not had the pleasure and money to pay specialists
You will get a wide range of opinions bacause owners have a varied incomes .
Naybr said:
Anybody know if Techniques do MOT's?
Techniques send the car to a local MOT place down the road in Arelsey, who are familiar with the various exotica sent. I went straight to that testing station directly this year, and on mentioning Tecniques I then had the easist MOT experience ever, such is the trust between. Will be back to techniques for my annual service later on.Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff