Newbie - Restoration Project 1st Post and Photo
Discussion
Hi, Really enjoying reading everyones Chimaera experiences. Just started body off prep on my 98 4.0 Model. Its a complete basket case at the moment with little or no outriggers without rust. Thought you might be interested in the o/s/f lower track control arm! Camber is a little adrift and way past sand blast and re powder coat i think! Looking forward to picking the forum's thoughts as i progress through the restoration.
Yep, does look like its been in a lake doesn't it. I knew it was rough and decided that as i was likely to have a the body off one eventually i might as well have a cheap one as a blank canvas.I've read a lot about the later ones being the worst and this certainly confirms that view.Thankfully whilst completely neglected the car is pretty much unmolested so probably worth the effort.
Interesting mix of glass half empty and glass half full answers! Remains to be seen if the chassis is salvageable, I'll get the body off and take a more informed view.Luckily it looks like the sump has been leaking for quite a while, which has provided some additional chassis protection!
By the way, I'd like to meet the bloke who designed the lack of space around the exhaust manifold bolts
Body and some dismantling photos later.
By the way, I'd like to meet the bloke who designed the lack of space around the exhaust manifold bolts
Body and some dismantling photos later.
As promised some pics from todays endeavours. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and comments so far.
Basically, rear anti roll bar off, exhaust off, rear diff sensor disconnected, fuel pump wiring disconnected, reverse switch and handbrake switch disconnected. Handbrake unbolted from chassis, starter removed and all but one of the exhaust manifold bolts removed from the offside(one sheared and one simply refuses to budge at the moment). If Phazed can confirm body will come off without manifold removal then i wont bother withe the rest.Makes sense i guess, i can't imaging the factory putting the manifolds on after fitting body to chassis? Onwards and upwards!
Basically, rear anti roll bar off, exhaust off, rear diff sensor disconnected, fuel pump wiring disconnected, reverse switch and handbrake switch disconnected. Handbrake unbolted from chassis, starter removed and all but one of the exhaust manifold bolts removed from the offside(one sheared and one simply refuses to budge at the moment). If Phazed can confirm body will come off without manifold removal then i wont bother withe the rest.Makes sense i guess, i can't imaging the factory putting the manifolds on after fitting body to chassis? Onwards and upwards!
Don't know much of the history I'm afraid . Looks like it started life in Nottingham and later servicing was in Manchester. I bought it about a year ago and stored it indoors whilst I worked up the enthusiasm.The last tax disc was 2009 so it could well have been off the road since then. I must look up the VOSA mot history and see if that sheds any light. I can only guess that it failed an MOT and was then left out in all weathers since. Having got it in the air I'm quite surprised that's the main chassis looks in much better nick than the suspension arms. I have little doubt that it will need some repairs but nothing I've seen looks irretrievable at the moment.At least I was under no illusions when I bought it as a non running sorry looking beast that deserves a second chance.
Hi Chilli, I've joined the Norfolk and Suffolk TVR club, are you involved in that's? The answer to both questions is yes, always wanted a proper sports car and couldn't resist that V8 burble!
Plan is to pretty much bring it back to standard form, that in itself is going to cost a few pennies I suspect. Really enjoyed making a start and it's nice to work on something 'old school' without lots of extra electrical bits.I will be a lot happier when I can get those blinking manifolds off, after that it should be reasonably ok, save no doubt for a few more rusted bolts.
Just looked up the Mot history and I was totally wrong in my assumptions, last test expired 30/4/2013. Got to laugh one of the advisories was " N/S and O/S inner sills slightly corroded but not effecting chassis" They must have been temporarily partially sighted!
Plan is to pretty much bring it back to standard form, that in itself is going to cost a few pennies I suspect. Really enjoyed making a start and it's nice to work on something 'old school' without lots of extra electrical bits.I will be a lot happier when I can get those blinking manifolds off, after that it should be reasonably ok, save no doubt for a few more rusted bolts.
Just looked up the Mot history and I was totally wrong in my assumptions, last test expired 30/4/2013. Got to laugh one of the advisories was " N/S and O/S inner sills slightly corroded but not effecting chassis" They must have been temporarily partially sighted!
Mr Supercharged, yes that's definitely an option. The bolt sheared off right at the head so I hope there is enough left for 'stud' type removal. I reckon that if you can at least get one manifold off then it might give a little wriggle room for the body to clear and then I can get at them for a better job? Anybody lifted the body with just one manifold off? If not i may just pull the whole engine out.
Managed to get the manifolds off,not a job i want to do again any time soon!
Had 3 bolts that refused to move and one that sheared, had to resort to cutting the bolt heads off which at least leaves a stud behind to be extracted when i can gain access.
What's the opinion on this cat pic, has someone had a bit of a go at removing or is it just decay? Nothing on the other side. Are the cats worth extracting? I'd like to improve the noise eventually but thought i would partially sleeve the rear box. If removing is good whats the best method?
What's the best thought on manifold refit, studs in the bottom row and cut slots in the lower manifold bolt holes?
Last pic of the day, some scary looking fuel pipes, this car just keeps giving doesn't it. Are the pipes from to back normally done in something that looks like big bore metal brake pipe joined at each end with rubber or are the proper flexible fuel pipe all the way through?
BTW thanks to everyone for the advice, offer of parts and assistance. When I've got a bit further and had a chance to fully come up with a plan of attack i'll no doubt be taking up some of the kind offers.
Had 3 bolts that refused to move and one that sheared, had to resort to cutting the bolt heads off which at least leaves a stud behind to be extracted when i can gain access.
What's the opinion on this cat pic, has someone had a bit of a go at removing or is it just decay? Nothing on the other side. Are the cats worth extracting? I'd like to improve the noise eventually but thought i would partially sleeve the rear box. If removing is good whats the best method?
What's the best thought on manifold refit, studs in the bottom row and cut slots in the lower manifold bolt holes?
Last pic of the day, some scary looking fuel pipes, this car just keeps giving doesn't it. Are the pipes from to back normally done in something that looks like big bore metal brake pipe joined at each end with rubber or are the proper flexible fuel pipe all the way through?
BTW thanks to everyone for the advice, offer of parts and assistance. When I've got a bit further and had a chance to fully come up with a plan of attack i'll no doubt be taking up some of the kind offers.
you can ask Mr Supercharged!
I've tapped away at some of the nastier looking rusty bits and I haven't created any holes - YET!
Blasting isn't particularly costly so will see what it looks like after. Got a good mate who welds and fabricates in his own business so may need a bit of magic from him.
I've tapped away at some of the nastier looking rusty bits and I haven't created any holes - YET!
Blasting isn't particularly costly so will see what it looks like after. Got a good mate who welds and fabricates in his own business so may need a bit of magic from him.
Thanks for the rust advice, I will drill a few of the worst bits and check the thickness left. I won't be happy if I suspect an area is structurally unsound. I've no doubt there are lots around that have had partial body lift and outriggers fitted that have lots of hidden areas of concern. Most of the ones on here seem to be of a very high standard. If you are going to the lengths that will be required for this one then we might as well do it right.
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