Keeping a TVR on the street...
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a Chimaera in the new year, spending around £15K. The only problem is that I don't have a garage but I've wanted one for years and that isn't going to stop me
. Now I've checked the insurance and thats okay, but I'm more worried about the weather-proofing or lack thereof. Any little gems of advice.
Cheers,
Andy
I'm looking to buy a Chimaera in the new year, spending around £15K. The only problem is that I don't have a garage but I've wanted one for years and that isn't going to stop me
. Now I've checked the insurance and thats okay, but I'm more worried about the weather-proofing or lack thereof. Any little gems of advice. Cheers,
Andy
I am sure there are many car covers that keep them dry.
Have a garage myself but know Companys like Leven technology
Sell them.
Good luck with the search, you should get a very nice example for 15k
BB
>> Edited by Ballistic Banana (moderator) on Friday 20th December 17:18
Have a garage myself but know Companys like Leven technology
Sell them.
Good luck with the search, you should get a very nice example for 15k
BB
>> Edited by Ballistic Banana (moderator) on Friday 20th December 17:18
Well I've had mine 3 years now, always been kept outside, and now used everyday, it does leak, but it's not exactly swimming inside, waterproof the hood often with Thompsons water seal or similar and things aren't too bad.
Reseal the brake reseviour if your getting wet feet.
And enjoy driving it as often as possible
Reseal the brake reseviour if your getting wet feet.
And enjoy driving it as often as possible
Sounds like "Pimping" to me 
There is a range of experience about whether the soft tops will weather a good storm. In my experience, and including regularly "sealing" the roof, the cars are designed quite well - probably as good as any rag top. You probably won't know how waterprrof a particular example is until you have lived with it.
There are some very good covers to be had, if you're so inclined.
There is a range of experience about whether the soft tops will weather a good storm. In my experience, and including regularly "sealing" the roof, the cars are designed quite well - probably as good as any rag top. You probably won't know how waterprrof a particular example is until you have lived with it.
There are some very good covers to be had, if you're so inclined.
My Griff leaks ever, ever so slightly, and even then it takes a fair storm. Hardly much to worry about, a few drips come in where the window doesn't quite touch the roof seal.
However, I found that these cars have a very useful adjustment feature. As the slight ingress was on the drivers side, I reseated the roof to get a better seal. It works, only trouble is it shifted the problem to the girlies' side. Still, she always was wet behind the ears
However, I found that these cars have a very useful adjustment feature. As the slight ingress was on the drivers side, I reseated the roof to get a better seal. It works, only trouble is it shifted the problem to the girlies' side. Still, she always was wet behind the ears
Top advice one and all, thanks. I did think long and hard about the crime thing as well. I figure that if I don't get a TVR becuase some buzzard 'might' vandalise it or 'might' nick it then they've won already havn't they?
Saying that, I'm not sure I could be held responsible for my actions if it did happen....
Saying that, I'm not sure I could be held responsible for my actions if it did happen....
Depending on the site, what about installing a CCTV camera with infra-red facility connected to industrial-grade multi-hour VCR? Perhaps this would reduce insurance costs too? Or maybe a big automatic light is an option - visual deterrent (overt as opposed to covert, to prevent rather than apprehend).
Many threads on sealing Chimaeras in the Chimaera section - roof & rear hood Fabsil or Thompsons as already suggested - make sure drain holes in doors don't get blocked and check seal around steering column/ brake master cylinder...
I had 3 TVRs parked on the street in a less than solubrious area of Wandsworth for 3 years and only had one incident of vandalism (keys down both sides of my 3 month old Chimaera). That said - the wheels of my Calibra dissappeared with regular monotony and my flat was burgled twice in the same time.....
If its in London and you don't have a dedicated parking space, beware the estate car/4x4 with an exposed tow-hitch that reverses into your pride and joy whilst "parking" - couple of mates in Battersea and Clapham suffered this...
I had 3 TVRs parked on the street in a less than solubrious area of Wandsworth for 3 years and only had one incident of vandalism (keys down both sides of my 3 month old Chimaera). That said - the wheels of my Calibra dissappeared with regular monotony and my flat was burgled twice in the same time.....
If its in London and you don't have a dedicated parking space, beware the estate car/4x4 with an exposed tow-hitch that reverses into your pride and joy whilst "parking" - couple of mates in Battersea and Clapham suffered this...
When sorted, they are waterproof, but you do need to keep an eye on it. Mine's been street parked in London for a little over a year without any vandalism. I can't remember ever hearing about one being nicked. Thieves couldn't sell it or break it up for parts anyway. Never even heard of a joyrider pinching one. I've had a few prats chip the paintwork with their parking attempts .... Obviously having a garage is an advantage, but not having one is no big deal.
Mine came with a Leven Hood and the couple of times I have used it (not had it long ), it has been great.
Also, in a small way - it deters random slashings of the back window... obviously won't stop a blade but removes the visual temptation.
But do get a TVR - I was the same. Wanted one for years finally decided that it was now or never and love it!
), it has been great. Also, in a small way - it deters random slashings of the back window... obviously won't stop a blade but removes the visual temptation.
But do get a TVR - I was the same. Wanted one for years finally decided that it was now or never and love it!
Keeping them outside is no real issue. As has already been mentioned they don't tend to attract joy riders; despite being ridiculously easy to break in to. Vandalism is generally reserved for the Porkers and BUMs, etc. (There's probably a separate thread there...)
In this weather you need a tip top battery too. If the car is left out in the cold then the oil is more viscous, battery power is lower at lower temperature - all these give the starter motor a harder time. Also remember that a long crank to start may need 20+ minutes of road driving to recharge what you took out.
Anyway, happy hunting, make sure you get the car that is right for you and you will never look back. I've had my Griff 18 months; I use it every day and it's been reliable if temperemental at (very rare) times. They are no worse then any other marque, though they do need more attention. Keep that in mind and you'll have a huge grin.
Dave
In this weather you need a tip top battery too. If the car is left out in the cold then the oil is more viscous, battery power is lower at lower temperature - all these give the starter motor a harder time. Also remember that a long crank to start may need 20+ minutes of road driving to recharge what you took out.
Anyway, happy hunting, make sure you get the car that is right for you and you will never look back. I've had my Griff 18 months; I use it every day and it's been reliable if temperemental at (very rare) times. They are no worse then any other marque, though they do need more attention. Keep that in mind and you'll have a huge grin.
Dave
Mine has lived outside from new (28 months ago) & is still leak-free up here in sunny Scotland. I have put Thompsons Waterseal on the roof & also resealed around the brake fluid reservoir. It also gets a regular Hammerite & Waxoil of the chassis.
When I first got it I used a car cover, but found in windy conditions it chafed the laquer slightly (easily polished out, but not good over the long term)
One tip (from Manek IIRC) if you regularly park in the street is to get 2 cones from somewhere & put them at either end, 1/2 foot from your car, that way you have a chance that numpty parkers notice the cone thud before the car *crack*
The only TVR I've heard of being nicked was Carolann's Griff, which was stolen from a locked garage in Wales, but then recovered unharmed.
When I first got it I used a car cover, but found in windy conditions it chafed the laquer slightly (easily polished out, but not good over the long term)
One tip (from Manek IIRC) if you regularly park in the street is to get 2 cones from somewhere & put them at either end, 1/2 foot from your car, that way you have a chance that numpty parkers notice the cone thud before the car *crack*
The only TVR I've heard of being nicked was Carolann's Griff, which was stolen from a locked garage in Wales, but then recovered unharmed.
Mine is permanently outside and I agree with CraigAlsop that covers can chafe the paintwork in high winds. Even a hood cover can chafe the tops of the doors if it starts flapping. It is probably better to leave it uncovered in winter if you have waxed and waterproofed it properly because it is a GRP body after all, and use a cover in summer to protect it from the sun (assuming its not in constant use then of course!).
If you drive it in all weathers like I do, the chassis will dry out a lot faster out in the open with air circulating underneath than sitting in a cold damp garage.
I've never had any vandalism (touch wood), unlike other cars I have owned. The worst I get is finding kids' fingerprints all over the windows, but that's a burden you'll have to bear owning a cool car! However, I would recommend a visible theft deterrent like a Disklok.
If you drive it in all weathers like I do, the chassis will dry out a lot faster out in the open with air circulating underneath than sitting in a cold damp garage.
I've never had any vandalism (touch wood), unlike other cars I have owned. The worst I get is finding kids' fingerprints all over the windows, but that's a burden you'll have to bear owning a cool car! However, I would recommend a visible theft deterrent like a Disklok.
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff