Another body off thread.

[Classic Chim]

Well that’s it no more excuses.
My cars already sat waiting, tomorrow I take a huge step of personal faith in starting the body off process on my fantastic Chimaera.

I’ll actually start a thread with a decent tittle so chaps can find it in future for any pics or help they might need.
This had been documented many times now so hardly a new thing so I’ll try to stick to the point and only really mention any difficult bits and pieces I come across.

I’ll probably list in order how I do it so it’s easy to simply reverse the process when putting it all back together. Haynes manual style

With luck I can’t see it taking too long to dismantle, manifolds the exception but I’ve had them off before so hopefully things are not to seized.
I few years ago when my gander was up I actually re painted much of my front chassis and removed most things out the engine bay to facilitate that so I’m quietly confident I know much of the car and the jobs to be done to lift body, accessing a load of bolts being the main task.

I’ve looked at various lifting techniques, this I'm still not sure about until I’m in the garage and work out some logistics. Hmm.
Anyway wish me luck lads,,,
I’m sure I’ll have questions, most of my car has been done through others giving me the confidence to do it so hopefully another Tvr will inadvertently be restored through the help and advice on these pages. Thankyou dearly in advance.

Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 28th November 10:00

[Classic Chim]

Squirrelofwoe said:

I won't be contributing much knowledge, but I rest assured I'm sending plenty of positive vibes in your direction- looking forward to the progress! In the hope I can at some point copy your well-documented (no pressure) method!

You'll have a seriously sorted car once it's done.

That’s really appreciated Dave. Thanks man

I’ll do my best on the step by step approach and do my best to take pictures.

[Classic Chim]

Mr Supercharged said:

I have just started my body off journey, I have produced a series of video to document this that are being added in the internet. If you PM me I'll tell you where but believe I'm not allowed to advertise it on pistonheads.

I used an engine crane to haul up the front end with a piece of 7x2" wood to span the gap between the 2 inner wheel arches at the front while the car is on axel stands. I used 2 large trolley Jacks to start the lift at the back. Then put the wheels back on the car and lowered the chassis. With additional blocks of wood on the Jack's I was about 18" short of the lift height I need to clear everything. I had 6 people over, one on the engine hoist which lifted front clear, 4 on the back of the car to lift and one to pull the rolling chassis out. I then put the body on a trolley I've made to allow me to store my Westfield underneath, so effectively double stack and gives me other side of garage to work on the car. Let me know if I can be of help to you or you can watch my how to videos.

Pm’d
And Thankyou.
Basically very similar to what you’ve written above.

I’m using a ramp to first allow exhaust and all underneath jobs to be done
Lower car to the ground, use hydraulic jacks front and rear with some 3x2 wood or similar to gently lift body off chassis to gain enough room to then use the 2 post lift to lift body up and away. Store body, cry at the amount of work to be done then crack on with it with aplom.. it’s gonna shine if anyone knows me

[Classic Chim]

mrciarano said:

Never done it but interested to see how you do it! Out of interest do you have a lift or are you thinking of doing a homebrew pulley and winch system across the ceiling? Curious as I'm looking to attempt one in the near future

See above as a base idea. Roof trusses are modern, wouldn't take the weight using winches which is a pity as it could be stored easier right there. plus I have access to ramps.

Start tomorrow with
1 exhaust rear anti rollbar removal
2 petrol tank ( rear chassis bolts )
3 radiator out ( front chassis bolts )

I’ll probably be working on tank all day

Actually I’m moving vehicles about first, I’ll get bugger all much done but those are my first jobs.

Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 28th November 15:35

[Classic Chim]

^^^^^^^

I had a great half hour on its final drive before the major surgery begins, very emotional in ways, it’s so good the last thing I wanna do is pull it apart but I hope I really get into it without getting to obsessed

200 miles, I still love my new engine 25,000 miles in fast as fury for a standard model

I’ve decided the MBE install makes the engine bay work a lot easier as it’s all labelled up

[Classic Chim]

Dave85chim said:

Good Luck Alun!

Fingers crossed for you - take your time and just enjoy doing it. My rebuild time scale is shot to buggery but have enjoyed it!

Can’t wait to see the pics!!! And don’t use Wheelie bins!

Hi Dave, yeah but your’s is a proper resto, well more resurrection actually. Least i have an engine

I’m under no illusions and quietly looking forward to it. Rushing won’t be on the cards as I’m to old for that

Wheelie bins not strong enough to support a body I assume

[Classic Chim]

Hi Pete great to hear from you.
Great hopefully i’ll be ok but might ask for advice here or there.

I replaced my drivers seat belt which ended up with a broken bolt,,, into rigger, new thread after getting it out, I know all about what not to do on that bd

Early start tomorrow and might even get a bit done but I’m going to be as systematic as possible, so take my time.
Thanks for the offer of help it’s really appreciated. Maybe when I’m putting it back together I might need a keen pair of eyes looking over it. Thanks mate

[Classic Chim]

Note to self
Lots of photo’s, will do Pete
Plastic tubs, nice one Alan let’s see how we go and what I find
And Mike,,, two of you lifted it that high, remind me not to meet you down a dark alley
By the look of it your fit as a butchers dog with all them lovely bikes around.

Mike that’s a good looking chassis right there, I’d drop it back on and carry on 10 years

Mines the dreaded late chassis, I’ve seen enough to know it’s gonna be quite a job. Full strip down I reckon but maybe it’s better than I imagine. Soon find out.
Thanks gentlemen. Tvr folk, can’t beat em.

[Classic Chim]

Petrol tank drained pipes loosened and out bar two bolts I need an extra pair of hands on, decided against using cutting disc as fuel was everywhere.
Rad drained and out bar another pair of hands to lift it away as it scratches my paint.
Starter motor removed
Exhaust and Manifolds and Y piece removed. Rear anti roll bar was already removed. Manifolds are time consuming so i’m chuffed a got them out the way.

Hopefully a have full day on it Sunday as today was only about 5 hrs work so I’m fairly happy with progress. Jeez it’s a daunting old task but enjoy being in the garage pottering away

Can’t seem to download pics from my phone so I’ll try again next time with iPad.

Edited by Classic Chim on Friday 29th November 16:55

[Classic Chim]

philburch said:

I did my Chim 5yrs ago ,lots of sleepless nights thinking about all the what if's.When you get started you will find it's not that bad.As others have said take lots of pictures ,you can't take to many.I got some plastic containers for all the suspension parts marked them up for each corner . The sense of achievement you will get when it's done is amazing. Good luck.

Thanks Phil. I found today quiet therapeutic just me alone in the garage with the radio on deep in thought and scrabbling about removing things.
My mates tools are a nightmare, takes me 5 mins to find what I’m after so likely to take my own socket and spanner sets just because it saves faffing about.

[Classic Chim]

Skyedriver said:

It's the doing it single handed bit that would worry me.
That and the exhaust manifolds, I replaced gaskets on a previous Chimaera - 5 hours as side......

I’ve had plenty of offers of help from the Tvr community and my friend who’s garage it is can hold the odd spanner here and there.
Much of this work pulling it apart I can do safely alone, I think I’ll need more help when putting it back together.
Once I’m ready to lift body I’ll be be grabbing a few friends to help coax the thing off.

[Classic Chim]

roseytvr said:

Cmon Al, too many tea and fag breaks! You got the bonnet off yet mate?

I have a engine crane you can borrow if you need it.

Good luck

Can tell you and Alan run things

1 tea break and that was drank on the job, no time to stand about in my line of work

Cheers Ian, we’ve got all the gear,,, no idea but I’ll work it out.

Great craic ain’t it

[Classic Chim]

blaze_away said:

Just confirming I have quite a lot of tools at your disposal and am 15mins away, willing to help as much as you need pal.

Thanks Frank. I’ll Bell you

I’ve been a bit fed up recently thinking the Tvr forum /fraternity had reduced itself to being obsessed with prices and market forces( bound to happen when money gets tight) and all the home builders / modders had got bored and onto other things.

It’s nice to still see so many offer help / confidence tools, hands on, the lot.
If it wasn’t for Peter I’d still have a naff Diff in there, if it wasn’t for Anthony my clutch would still be lying in pieces,,, the list of people who have given free advice is endless.
I’ve learnt so much since owning this money pit, fulfilled a boys dream,
Manifold bolts push my patience a bit

A year ago when I knew I couldn’t put this off any longer my heart sank a bit, the amount of work seems very time consuming and it absolutely is, I’ve dug out my old ski suit I wore for 10 years on hi rise building sites, i was quite the man in this baby, feels great to be doing something positive and I’m as warm as toast

[Classic Chim]

TJC46 said:

This thread is nothing without pics.

We need lots of "before" and "after" pics please.

I really enjoyed doing my body lift.

There is something quite satisfying when it all starts to go back together. Any way, this thread had me searching through some old photos.

Here you go.... a before and after. 1st pic is right at the beginning of the strip down. 2nd pic is the really enjoyable bit when it all starts to go back.

Pictures,,, i’m on it

I’m still very undecided on chassis coating but I’ll stay stock and go for white whatever I do.

I’ve also decided I don’t care what you coat it with unless it’s a dry use only car some form of oil based protection will still be needed if it’s to be a daily runner, sod winter though, it really does destroy any good work you do.

I love cars in bits,, it’s a great hobby for sure.

[Classic Chim]

Steve_D said:

Hi Alun
Did you say you have a 2 post?
If so then do all your prep work on that and when you are ready to lift get 4 axle stands (tall as possible) and 4 shortish lengths of 4x2.
Put the car in the air with wheels on.
Position the axle stands at the front edge of the footwells with the timber on top so that as much as possible of the footwell front edge is supported. Do the same at the back ie just behind the seats. Carefully lower the car making sure you are happy with the position of the stands. You will get to a point where the body is now on the axle stands. Lower further and the chassis will carry on down and the body will stay on the stands. When the chassis is down on its wheels you can swing the arms out from under the chassis, lift the ramp a little and swing the arms back under the door sills. You can now lift the body to the full height of the ramp.

We have the advantage of some very tall truck stands.

There will be lots of groaning as the body separates from the chassis and you may even need to use a tyre lever/breaker bar to encourage the front and rear of the chassis to start moving. You will also find the top rails of the chassis (below the manifolds) will also jam on the body and require some persuasion.Keep a close eye on all the cables etc in case something snags or you make the classic mistake of forgetting to disconnect the handbrake switch.

Spent today doing pretty much the same as you on a 500.
Give me a shout if you have questions. Remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Enjoy
Steve

That’s bob on that is.
Yeah, I’ve been pondering this way or that.
I know we have two big stands, hopefully four.

My friend has built a few stockcars Mk1 Cortina’s and a lovely MGB race car so has plenty of gear, even a 4 wheeled trolley to drop body onto so I’m very lucky.

Thanks Steve all this advice is fuelling the motivation.

I’m on it big time now

[Classic Chim]

Steve_D said:

Trolley to put the body on you say.



That then frees up the 2 post again so you can lift the chassis to a nice working height to strip it down.
Lift chassis then lower it down over an upturned milk crate or dustbin. Unbolt diff. lift chassis clear leaving diff on upturned whatever.

Steve

See I wouldn’t have thought of the crate idea. Thanks mate,,,,that beast sat next to it looks a beauty.

[Classic Chim]

Steve_D said:

Ultima GTR

You work on some fine cars Steve.

[Classic Chim]

Cracking on.
Rad and fuel tank out.
Front/ rear chassis bolts removed
Seat belts released ( Bolts are rusty and useless) slitting disc to cut through bolts where they go into rigger, all done cleanly, mine are so rusty they have no strength left in them so sacrificial and saves hours of plus Gas etc. 80% of chassis bolts have had heads ground off and ready to knock through, only 4 corner ones and tunnel bolts to remove. Cracking on indeed. I love this stuff.

















Looking at rear of car o/s into boot, tank lent over to the left revealing a name

There’s a bit of detail here
1 notice left hand top chassis bolt which is an Allen key head and earth point

You can also just see bottom left chassis bolt half out. Luckily all these came loose with a bit of penetration oil.
Next to that chassis bolt is a humorous Tvr quirk,, the hole to take fuel pipe out to pump is about 2 inch dia No bungs left so some bugger has rolled up yellow masking take, filled around fuel hose then added a bit of mastic for good measure






Most of pictures won’t upload, beats me!

Edited by Classic Chim on Sunday 1st December 18:04

Edited by Classic Chim on Sunday 1st December 18:06

Edited by Classic Chim on Sunday 1st December 18:20

[Classic Chim]

Steve_D said:

That's normal factory fit.

Steve

I’ll put it back then
Very industrious if you have no materials to work with I suppose.

[Classic Chim]

TV8 said:

Great Alun, that is a big job you have taken on. I am sure that you will have it shining like new under there when you have finnished.

Is that your garage with the lift?

No a friends, dream on

It’s a big job but someone’s got to do it, might aswell be me.