What’s in the boot?

[von vardo]

I’m new to the world of TVRs and having a great time with my Chimaera. So far it’s going well… but in an effort to be prepared for the inevitable mechanical mishaps what’s everyone’s tips for stuff to carry in the boot?

I’ve been told to keep a jumper wire for the fan switch and a spare relay - I’m sure there are some further words of wisdom on this forum!

Also is there a decent workshop manual available anywhere?

[Belle427]

Some stuff below is overkill but just an idea.

Spare relays for the fuel injection.
Fuses, I fitted the type that glow when they blow due to fusebox location.
Fuel pump
Coil
Plugs
Spare king lead and another long plug lead.
Ignition module
Cap and rotor
Alternator belt

Not much you can do really, it's inevitable if it breaks down it will be something you can't fix!

[NicBowman]

Hi, 7 TVRs over 42 years. Never broken down.

Had to wait for latest Griff to 'hot start' in 2021, then bypassed the immobiliser and ok. Ran out of fuel once in a 3000m back in 1981.

So, not inevitable that you will breakdown!

I would suggest that good maintenance is essential, in advance of breaking down. I usually tinker. Spent 100's of hours under my Griff in 2021, making sure everything is shiny and serviceable.

So, in the boot, Surrey roof, can of tyre goop. RAC card.

Best


Nic

[glow worm]

Cable Ties and a TVR tool kit (Still with the original clean white gloves)

[TarquinMX5]

Belle427 hasn't specifically mentioned it but might be worth carrying a spare 100-amp fuse as they're not always easily available from 'normal' sources.

[kris450]

I know a lot of people don't carry one/may well disagree with this, but without fail I have the 'TVR spare wheel' in there.

Tyre foam etc can't always fix the issue and there is no way I'm ever going to try and change a wheel on the side of the motorway. Even if I have to limp off to a safer place and then call for recovery thats till preferable for me !

[8Speed]

[quote=kris450]I know a lot of people don't carry one/may well disagree with this, but without fail I have the 'TVR spare wheel' in there.

Tyre foam etc can't always fix the issue and there is no way I'm ever going to try and change a wheel on the side of the motorway. Even if I have to limp off to a safer place and then call for recovery thats till preferable for me ![/quoteI

I carry a spare wheel, always a good idea imho to get you home in case of a shredded tyre.

[Belle427]

8Speed said:

kris450 said:

I know a lot of people don't carry one/may well disagree with this, but without fail I have the 'TVR spare wheel' in there.

Tyre foam etc can't always fix the issue and there is no way I'm ever going to try and change a wheel on the side of the motorway. Even if I have to limp off to a safer place and then call for recovery thats till preferable for me ![/quoteI

I carry a spare wheel, always a good idea imho to get you home in case of a shredded tyre.

I'd agree just make sure it fits if you have big brake conversions etc.

[von vardo]

Thanks for the replies everyone, a really useful list of bits to put together.

I’m all for a bit of preventative maintenance - is the “bible” worth getting? Prices on Amazon are astronomical

[NicBowman]

Bible medium useful. Pulls together a lot of stuff. A lot of chat though, not a Haynes manual. In saying that I have one. They were still available new from author. Search for his site. Don’t pay over £45. Unless the world has changed in the last year.

Nic

[Belle427]

von vardo said:

Thanks for the replies everyone, a really useful list of bits to put together.

I’m all for a bit of preventative maintenance - is the “bible” worth getting? Prices on Amazon are astronomical

It's a no from me, better information and help here.
The Facebook owners group is great too and worth joining, help can often be found in minutes there if your stuck.

[Classic Chim]

The bibles informative but mostly an over view. It does give you info regards various changes and roughly when that happened.
It does contain some specs but you can readily get that info online.
It’s more a general look at the cars. It’s not a technical book in reality. More a decent read and does give you a general idea of various electrical changes etc.
Your talking about a company who used parts wherever they could source them so fuse boxes change at various intervals for instance.
I used the Bible to determine where my cars build falls in this time line and indeed which fuse box and wiring diagrams are used in my car.
I gave it away to a friend as after a while I never really used it to fix the car.

[Classic Chim]

Service the car while everything works. Put those known working parts safe in the boot.
Mostly we are talking electrical components that make up the ignition system.
A spare plug and long HT lead that will reach every plug hole. Dizzy cap and rotor. IGN module +paste and a good coil that still works when it’s very hot.
A piece of wire to by pass immobiliser The better alternative is to repair/ replace
Spare working stepper motor) rare
That’s 95% of breakdowns covered.

My car came with Tyre weld and no spare wheel from TVR.
I’d have to be driving to extremes to shred a tyre.
Logically TVR sit very lightly on there tyres observed by the very low tyre pressures suggested.
A tvr on a space saver wheel must be border line dangerous and if I was more than 30 miles from home I’d probably call the recovery truck.
You also have to carry a Jack
This is all added weight lads that’s upsetting my 50/50 balance

I reckon it would be safer to drive on a flat than a space saver if it’s only to get me to a safe place.
Ok I have 17 in wheels so tyres are readily available which does give me confidence I can get replacement rubber quickly. Especially abroad as the options are all readily available. I drove 3000 miles round France with 2 bottles of tyre weld quite happily

Edited by Classic Chim on Sunday 26th February 08:59

[glow worm]

After all the advice , I'm not sure you'll fit it all in the boot, so buy a Rally Support Vehicle and leave the Chim in your garage

[RayTVR]

And a spare throttle cable (or repair wire)

[Classic Chim]

glow worm said:

After all the advice , I'm not sure you'll fit it all in the boot, so buy a Rally Support Vehicle and leave the Chim in your garage

And I thought my choices offered the most stripped out version of said advice which will get you home which is also cost effective.
Ive never had a breakdown that was not connected to me fiddling.
Once in haste to drive the car forgot to connect coil wires up securely and after 10 mins of intermittent spark remembered and luckily had pliers in the car, nipped up the spade connector and carried on as if nothing ever happened.
That is in fact the only time my car failed other than the same issue at my fuel pump connections, the bump id just been over being the most obvious clue
2 mins later on my way again

[Riff Raff]

RayTVR said:

And a spare throttle cable (or repair wire)

That’s all I carry, along with the last alternator belt I swapped out. I don’t carry all the ignition spares mentioned up thread, as I don’t have a dizzy. Or a stepper motor!

[glow worm]

Classic Chim said:

Ive never had a breakdown that was not connected to me fiddling.
Once in haste to drive the car forgot to connect coil wires up securely and after 10 mins of intermittent spark remembered and luckily had pliers in the car, nipped up the spade connector and carried on as if nothing ever happened.
That is in fact the only time my car failed other than the same issue at my fuel pump

So the car has never broken down , YOU just repeatedly break it

[silentbrown]

Am I the only one thinking this...?

[Classic Chim]

glow worm said:

So the car has never broken down , YOU just repeatedly break it

In a nut shell