Newbie; Taimar; a few questions

[mgaut]

Hi All

I'm the new owner of a 1977 Taimar, and having owned an S3, Chimaera and Cerbera I've finally seen the light !! The car has been mostly unused for the last 9 years, and hasn't even had a service. I will upload a picture soon.

Anyway, I've done most of the service (engine oil, filter, sump plug, plugs, leads, dizzy cap, fuel filter, coolant etc as well as replacing a leaking fuel return line) and it's running really smooth; next week the body comes off for a full strip down and refurn (POR15 at the ready). Things on the "to do" list include replacing all bushes and bolts, and electronic ignition. The interior is pretty tidy bar the carpets, so I'm going to try and make some replacements using coverdale as the source. I'm also ditching the rear silencers for stainless pipes, mostly harping back to my S ownership days.

Words can't describe how much fun it is to drive; I'm more than used to the power of the RV8 and AJP but this is far more fun for completely different reasons.

Two of my kids are keen to do the chassis strp down, and having bought the car do "get my hands dirty" we are going to strip and paint the chassis ourselves rather than get it powdercoated.

Both Adrian Venn and Steve Reid have been absolute stars in answering some of my basic questions, but I thought the PH troops could help with a few numptie questions:

. the 14" steering wheel is a bit big for me and my lanky co-pilot; I was thinking of replacing it with a 10" or 12". A few are for sale on ebay; anyone got any experience of what to buy ? Would happily buy second hand as it's not exactly top of the spending list.

. the heater is causing major condensation on the inside of the screen when blowing hot. Any clues where to start ?

. The paintwork and exterior are largely good, but the wingmirrors are shot; where do I source a new pair ? What are they off ?

. the T-Slot wheels (if that's what they are called) need a refurb. I've used BJV Engineering in Watford several times before, but they only do single colours. Any idea who could refurn them or do I get them to paint in silver then hand-paint the relevant bits then get them laquered ?

. I've used Protech shocks on both the Chimaera and Cerbera before and I really like them. Has anyone used them on a Taimar/M and if YES what spring rates are recommended.

. the car is blue but originally was brown (resprayed by David Gerald's on purchase from the previous owner) and the sunroof cover is cream, which really doesn't suit the car. Where can I source a replacement cover ?

I've got stacks of other questions, but I won't push my luck !!

Any responses gratefully received; work rules means I don't get to read replies other than in the evenings.

cheers

Mike

[nwarner]

mgaut said:

. the 14" steering wheel is a bit big for me and my lanky co-pilot; I was thinking of replacing it with a 10" or 12". A few are for sale on ebay; anyone got any experience of what to buy ? Would happily buy second hand as it's not exactly top of the spending list.

My 3000S has a 13" which is OK but I would have thought that if you went any smaller the steering would be heavy at parking speeds etc.

mgaut said:

. the heater is causing major condensation on the inside of the screen when blowing hot. Any clues where to start ?

Leaking heater matrix ?

mgaut said:

. The paintwork and exterior are largely good, but the wingmirrors are shot; where do I source a new pair ? What are they off ?

They are probably Tex door mirrors as fitted to MGB's if they look like this.

mgaut said:

. I've used Protech shocks on both the Chimaera and Cerbera before and I really like them. Has anyone used them on a Taimar/M and if YES what spring rates are recommended.

I've got adjustable AVO's recommended and bought fron Adrain Venn (he supplies the correct springs too) on my 3000S

mgaut said:

. the car is blue but originally was brown (resprayed by David Gerald's on purchase from the previous owner) and the sunroof cover is cream, which really doesn't suit the car. Where can I source a replacement cover ?

I presume it's a Webasto. If so try http://www.tudorwebasto.com/


I'm sure others will be along with other suggestions.

Nige

[mgaut]

many thanks Nige; I've made a few calls based on your response.

Is the heater matrix in the black box in the engine bay ? If so, is it a refurb or replace job and if replace from where ?

cheers

Mike

[Steve Brabazon]

Hi Mike,

Yes the matrix is in the black box in the engine bay. I have a 1980 Taimar so my heater box is a little bit different to yours however I beleave the heater matrix's came from a Cortina Mk3 (if I am wrong I am sure somebody will correct me). If the matrix itself is leaking I think you will need to open the box up and obtain a new matrix.

Steve

Click on thumbnail

[mgaut]

Thanks Steve; will add it to the list of things to do over the festive period while the body is off.

Mike

[nwarner]

mgaut said:

many thanks Nige; I've made a few calls based on your response.

Is the heater matrix in the black box in the engine bay ? If so, is it a refurb or replace job and if replace from where ?

cheers

Mike

The last heater matrix that I had that was blocked I got refurbed by my local Serck Radiators. They have loads of places round the UK. I'm sure an internet search will find a local one. Also worth checking the air pipe runs to make sure they are all connected and sealed.

[Slow M]

Mike, congratulations!
That's a terrific looking car!!

mgaut said:

. The paintwork and exterior are largely good, but the wingmirrors are shot; where do I source a new pair ? What are they off ?

Don't feel like you should be married to this style. If you prefer the look of something else fit those. A variety of styles were fitted to the M series cars. My personal preference is for bullet mirrors.

mgaut said:

. the T-Slot wheels (if that's what they are called) need a refurb. I've used BJV Engineering in Watford several times before, but they only do single colours. Any idea who could refurn them or do I get them to paint in silver then hand-paint the relevant bits then get them laquered ?

This would be a good place to get your hands dirty! They're not difficult to do.

mgaut said:

. I've used Protech shocks on both the Chimaera and Cerbera before and I really like them. Has anyone used them on a Taimar/M and if YES what spring rates are recommended.

Use the search function to find the last discussion on spring rate recommendations.

mgaut said:

. the car is blue but originally was brown (resprayed by David Gerald's on purchase from the previous owner) and the sunroof cover is cream, which really doesn't suit the car. Where can I source a replacement cover ?

The originals, as far as I know, were Birmingham Weathershields.

mgaut said:

I've got stacks of other questions, but I won't push my luck !!

You'll probably find lots of your questions have been asked and answered by others in the past. Use the excellent search function on this forum and you'll discover all the reading materials anyone could hope for.

Best of luck.
I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
B.

[TVR_owner]

Slow M said:

mgaut said:

. The paintwork and exterior are largely good, but the wingmirrors are shot; where do I source a new pair ? What are they off ?

Don't feel like you should be married to this style. If you prefer the look of something else fit those. A variety of styles were fitted to the M series cars. My personal preference is for bullet mirrors.

mgaut said:

.

Bullet mirrors fitted to an M or Taimar using the same mounting holes as the mirrors it came with will result in zero visability passenger side and next to none driver side. They do look good though!

[Slow M]

TVR_owner said:

Bullet mirrors...will result in zero visability passenger side and next to none driver side. They do look good though!

Is the window frame in the way?
Will convex mirrors help?
I also like the "California" style for the M; the chrome or stainless ones. I think they were made by Vitaloni. Just looked on google image search but could not find the sleek pedestal style I remember seeing on Italian cars in the late seventies.
B

[TVR_owner]

Slow M said:

TVR_owner said:

Bullet mirrors...will result in zero visability passenger side and next to none driver side. They do look good though!

Is the window frame in the way?
Will convex mirrors help?
I also like the "California" style for the M; the chrome or stainless ones. I think they were made by Vitaloni. Just looked on google image search but could not find the sleek pedestal style I remember seeing on Italian cars in the late seventies.
B

Frame is in the way...

[Steve Brabazon]

Hi Mike,

Before my car was prepared for painting I taped Bullet mirrors onto the doors in different positions.

On the passenger side no mater were I put it I could not get enough of an angle on the lens to be able to use it. So I left it off.

On the drivers side I found the only viable position was as far foreword and as high up as possible. so you are looking through the quarter light. If it is mounted any further back, again you cannot get enough of an angle on the lens.


Click on thumbnail for more photos

Steve

[TVR_owner]

thegamekeeper said:

I dont know if you,ve noticed John but you have started to repeat yourself lately.

Its an age thing, I say, its an age thing..

[Adrian@]

RE bullet mirrors....there are bullet mirrors and then Tex Torpedo exterior door mirrors, the cheap generic version adjust via the mirror head (won't fit on the passenger side and are almost crap on the drivers side)THEN the rather expensive Tex units adjust via both the head and a ball socket these can be retro fitted onto cars that have the later (BL/MG look) Tex version as they fit directly onto the current plinth.
Adrian@

[mrdps]

Hi, I have fitted bullet mirrors to both sides of my m, after modification I can see out of both of them, mine are the type with a screw at the forward, which when un-screwed allow for adjustment.After slight modification you do get good vision, and the car is better looking ( its blue so its a faster one)

[mgaut]

All

Can somebody let me know where I can order a new heater matrix.

The one I hace is beyond repair, I'd say.

cheers

Mike

[Adrian@]

Mike,
Any good radiator workshop would be able to order in the core and then swap the end tanks over. Adrian@

[mgaut]

thanks Adrian.

[The Surveyor]

Hi Mike

If you're struggling locally with the matrix, pop it in the post and i'll get it sorted up here, there is a very good radiator specialist in Newcastle and i've got a mint matrix here they can use as a template if necessary.

Cheers

Paul

[Comadis]

hi,

i dont want to critizize your way of restoration but:

if you do a body-off job, do it right! do it that it will last forever, especially as today´s posibilities of rust-proofing a chassis are not so expensive anymore.

POR15 seams to me not the correct way:

sandblast/sodablast the chassis, replace the rotten tubing (you will sure find some rotten parts), and than decide weather you go the powder-coating way (incl. iron phosphate or zinc phosphate in advance)or the painting-way.


everything else is wasted time and money, unless you want to start again in a few years.

Edited by Comadis on Sunday 20th December 21:17

[Slow M]

WOW! Good catch! I didn't notice the POR-15 note in the OP. Totally agree.
That stuff should be called POS.
I could rant at length about how horrible it is and how it is NOT as advertised.
B