Can you fit mirror opener button to a 430?
Discussion
I am looking for my first Chimaera and have found a 430. It's a bit of a project but it comes on a good chassis. The 1 thing that is kind of putting me off it is the fact it doesn't have the under mirror door openers (one of the features that I love about the later chimaera).
Would it be possible to remove the push button/lock from the flanks (glassing over the holes) and replace them with under mirror buttons?
Would it be possible to remove the push button/lock from the flanks (glassing over the holes) and replace them with under mirror buttons?
I think it would be a bit more difficult than that. On the mirror buttons, you are completing a circuit to operate a servo to release the door. On the ones you have, you are physically pushing a rod to release the door lock. I expect it can be done but then you'd have the repair and painting expense.
I actually prefer having the flank buttons because if you have a flat battery with the later method, getting in is a real chore. I leave my car unlocked in the winter (when parked safely of course) so that I can still get in if the battery fails. On my last Chimaera, I had issue with the wiring inside the door to the release button as well, due to a previous door mirror repair.
You could wire in the mirror release method as an addition and then leave the flank buttons to operate as a back up maybe?
I actually prefer having the flank buttons because if you have a flat battery with the later method, getting in is a real chore. I leave my car unlocked in the winter (when parked safely of course) so that I can still get in if the battery fails. On my last Chimaera, I had issue with the wiring inside the door to the release button as well, due to a previous door mirror repair.
You could wire in the mirror release method as an addition and then leave the flank buttons to operate as a back up maybe?
He is so right
I have compounded the problem by moving my battery to the boot, so if I have a truly flat battery i cannot even get to the battery to charge it, as the boot release is also electronic.
As well as fitting the buttons to the mirrors (not difficult) you will need to make the section of loom all the way round from the buttons to the door release solenoids, which are behind the doors themselves, and source and fit the solenoids, which these days come from the TVR suppliers with the wrong wiring. And presumably fit central locking wiring and solenoids too, or do the early cars have these already?
I agree about loving the buttons - hours of endless fun with relatives young and old. I even moved the buttons when i changed my mirrors to Corrado, but then I already had the wiring in place and no other way of opening the doors.
I have compounded the problem by moving my battery to the boot, so if I have a truly flat battery i cannot even get to the battery to charge it, as the boot release is also electronic.
As well as fitting the buttons to the mirrors (not difficult) you will need to make the section of loom all the way round from the buttons to the door release solenoids, which are behind the doors themselves, and source and fit the solenoids, which these days come from the TVR suppliers with the wrong wiring. And presumably fit central locking wiring and solenoids too, or do the early cars have these already?
I agree about loving the buttons - hours of endless fun with relatives young and old. I even moved the buttons when i changed my mirrors to Corrado, but then I already had the wiring in place and no other way of opening the doors.
motul1974 said:
I've got mirror operated ones but wish I had the older style.......just a case of wanting what i/we haven't got! Lol
Kind of 
I've got the door plungers on the rear quarters but love the later under mirror buttons, I also preferred the MK3 faired headlights so added them to my 96 Chim.
But I have the translucent back lit number plate as standard and love it, I wouldn't want the later arrangement.
I guess for me it's all about those little idiosyncratic TVR features that make these cars so unique and special.
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