Summer is here and as a result I have the best fleet in PHHQ, I’m perma-tanned from traffic jam sunbathing and my shirt backs are always creased from the lovely combination of leather chairs and no air-con. Regardless, one shouldn’t complain.
The TVR has developed a fault, and not a mechanical one either I’m pleased to say. After 14 years of folding I now have a small tear in the rear plastic screen and, in all honesty, I don’t know what to do about that. Some have suggested getting a new screen stitched in, others have mentioned replacing the rear section completely… I’m open to the most cost-effective solution right now but it’s not that urgent as the car is in the garage when wet; it needs sorting though.
Another issue requiring attention is audio as I just can’t hear it over the exhaust and sometimes a bit of musical encouragement along my favourite road is nice. New headunit and door speakers have been added to the wishlist as a result. Might be needing some tyres soon too, but at least the small wheel size means my wallet will survive without too much trauma.
I’ve been using it as my daily car of late, seems rude not to with the weather, with lots of motorway use coupled with heavy urban traffic. I’m overjoyed to report that even after far too long stuck in crawling traffic in scorching sunshine the temp gauge has been rock solid. Finally my 2012 fears of cooling issues have been put to rest. Quite frankly we are now back to being great mates again, and I’m always pleased the Chim gets so much attention and admiration even when I’m out about with my friends who drive Ferraris, Lambos and other assorted exotica. They may be more powerful but I make more noise…
The Mazda has taken a back seat of late thanks to the TVR being used so much, but that doesn’t mean it has been forgotten. With the fresh MOT in place it was time to get on with a few other jobs that needed doing and the first was to replace the exhaust system with something better and that came in the form of a Quicksilver exhaust (who I thought only made pipes for more exclusive cars in all honesty). The pipe has been fitted but it needs some adjustment to be perfect, especially as it has melted the bumper slightly after I scooted home around the M25 after the initial fit. Bugger.
I also acquired a Jackson Racing manifold too, but when we tried to fit it we realised it was for the 1.6 and not the 1.8. My loss is Dan's gain however and he plans to get it fitted to his Eunos soon. I can’t say too much about the pipe yet as I want to adjust the way it fits the car, and as a result miles have been minimal. Next time I’ll tell you more about the pipe, the performance and the company who are kindly helping me get it onto the car. Initial signs, however, are hopeful.
Tomorrow I hope to go and see another car, an addition to the fleet rather than a replacement. It has a 3.5-litre engine and that’s all I’m going to say for now. Looks like my next report will have a lot to cover, but in the meantime the sun is shining and I need to top up my tan.
Fact Sheet:
Car: 1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0
Run by: Garlick
Bought: December 2009
Purchase price: £12,995
Last month at a glance: Small tear, good weather, cooling nicely
Fact Sheet:
Car: 1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8iS
Run by: Garlick
Bought: November 2012
Purchase price: £600
Last month at a glance: New pipe, needs fettling, melted bumper