FAQs
Is there a club that I can join?
Of course! See The TVR Car Club. Membership gets you discounts on a wide range of products and services and a monthly copy of the club magazine 'Sprint'.
Why won't my car start?
Any petrol in the car? Seriously - a troubleshooting section is coming soon.
Why won't my car idle?
90% of the time this problem can be solved by cleaning the 'Stepper motor'. See 'The Bible'
What's this "Bible" I keep hearing about?
The term 'Bible' refers to the good book - "The TVR Griffith and Chimaera" by Steve Heath. Currently in it's second edition it includes almost everything you could ever need to know about buying and running a Chim. You can get a copy from Amazon.
Can I have a Chim if I don't have a garage?
The general consensus is, 'Yes' but there are some points that you need to be aware of. Firstly it may affect your insurance, secondly you'll need to ensure that your roof is well sealed. There are covers available for cars which are kept outside, check out Classic Additions or Hamilton Classic. It's important to get a cover that's breathable to ensure that moisture doesn't get trapped against the bodywork. Click here for a review of the Hamilton Classics cover.
My battery is flat, how do I get in?
This is a slightly tricky subject, you need to speak to your local dealer for details.
Is it okay to bump-start a Chimaera?
Bump-starting is possible but should be avoided.
Which tyres should I use?
This is the source of much discussion. However one key point is that you should not skimp on quality tyres. They should be 'Z' rated. Toyo and Bridgestone seem to be the favourites. Click here for more details on tyres.
Where have the dash lights gone?
This is a feature to enable you to concentrate on the road. To get the back press the button under the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
Do I have heated mirrors?
All Chimaeras have heated mirrors. They should come on for around 10 mins after the ignition is turned on.
How do I look after the chassis?
For regular maintenance Waxoyl seems to be the way to go. If you're really keen then a good clean, scrape and application of 'POR 15' will help to keep the chassis in top condition.
What car does this part come from?
Take a look at this page.
What does this light mean?
Coming soon... ;-)
How do I get my odo to go past xx,999 miles?
This is a common problem. Possible solutions include - ignore the problem, eventually it'll move. Repeatedly pressing the 'Reset' button while moving both forwards and backwards.
Why is my speedo less bright than my tacho?"
They all do that sir" - This is a 'feature' to encourage you to look at the dial that matters. Some owners have tried putting a higher wattage bulb into the speedo with some success.
Why does my roof leak?
The roof needs to be maintained. The recommended approach is to thoroughly clean the roof with soap and water. Rinse out all of the soap and then allow to it to dry. Then apply several coats of Thompsons Weatherseal or Reveno paying particular attention to the joins.
Why doesn't my car re-start when it's hot?
This is known as the hot-start problem. It is thought to be due a wire which drives the starter motor getting too hot, this in turn causes an increase in it's resistance stopping sufficient power getting through. Adding a relay will resolve the problem, and mod-wise sell a complete kit. Click here for installation details.
Where can I get a new back-lit number plate?
Try: www.craigsplates.co.uk
Of course! See The TVR Car Club. Membership gets you discounts on a wide range of products and services and a monthly copy of the club magazine 'Sprint'.
Why won't my car start?
Any petrol in the car? Seriously - a troubleshooting section is coming soon.
Why won't my car idle?
90% of the time this problem can be solved by cleaning the 'Stepper motor'. See 'The Bible'
What's this "Bible" I keep hearing about?
The term 'Bible' refers to the good book - "The TVR Griffith and Chimaera" by Steve Heath. Currently in it's second edition it includes almost everything you could ever need to know about buying and running a Chim. You can get a copy from Amazon.
Can I have a Chim if I don't have a garage?
The general consensus is, 'Yes' but there are some points that you need to be aware of. Firstly it may affect your insurance, secondly you'll need to ensure that your roof is well sealed. There are covers available for cars which are kept outside, check out Classic Additions or Hamilton Classic. It's important to get a cover that's breathable to ensure that moisture doesn't get trapped against the bodywork. Click here for a review of the Hamilton Classics cover.
My battery is flat, how do I get in?
This is a slightly tricky subject, you need to speak to your local dealer for details.
Is it okay to bump-start a Chimaera?
Bump-starting is possible but should be avoided.
Which tyres should I use?
This is the source of much discussion. However one key point is that you should not skimp on quality tyres. They should be 'Z' rated. Toyo and Bridgestone seem to be the favourites. Click here for more details on tyres.
Where have the dash lights gone?
This is a feature to enable you to concentrate on the road. To get the back press the button under the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
Do I have heated mirrors?
All Chimaeras have heated mirrors. They should come on for around 10 mins after the ignition is turned on.
How do I look after the chassis?
For regular maintenance Waxoyl seems to be the way to go. If you're really keen then a good clean, scrape and application of 'POR 15' will help to keep the chassis in top condition.
What car does this part come from?
Take a look at this page.
What does this light mean?
Coming soon... ;-)
How do I get my odo to go past xx,999 miles?
This is a common problem. Possible solutions include - ignore the problem, eventually it'll move. Repeatedly pressing the 'Reset' button while moving both forwards and backwards.
Why is my speedo less bright than my tacho?"
They all do that sir" - This is a 'feature' to encourage you to look at the dial that matters. Some owners have tried putting a higher wattage bulb into the speedo with some success.
Why does my roof leak?
The roof needs to be maintained. The recommended approach is to thoroughly clean the roof with soap and water. Rinse out all of the soap and then allow to it to dry. Then apply several coats of Thompsons Weatherseal or Reveno paying particular attention to the joins.
Why doesn't my car re-start when it's hot?
This is known as the hot-start problem. It is thought to be due a wire which drives the starter motor getting too hot, this in turn causes an increase in it's resistance stopping sufficient power getting through. Adding a relay will resolve the problem, and mod-wise sell a complete kit. Click here for installation details.
Where can I get a new back-lit number plate?
Try: www.craigsplates.co.uk