Rover 75 CDTi Tourer
Discussion
The 75 has completed another 600 miles in a round trip to the farthest nook of Cornwall, sadly without me as the wife went off to see some family.
Obligatory sea shot, as she wasn't too fussed with Rover 75 in foreground shots:
Unfortunately while at a particularly remote location the car gave some tell-tale 'low battery' noises and would not turn over. Wife called RAC for assessment (as the timing was particularly long for a response), then called me. Fearing I had misfitted the alternator or disturbed slumbering wiring, we performed some checks over the phone. Fortunately everything was in order, and RAC man turned up in decent time to the windswept lighthouse.
Battery death was diagnosed by the RAC. Always doubtful, I asked the wife to read the screen, and their 'tester' showed that the maximum charge the battery could hold was 300 amps, significantly below the 620 printed on the side. I didn't quite see how this problem reared itself only now, after the car had covered perhaps 400 miles since the alternator change, but reasoned if the alternator was decrepit this may be the last paragraph in the battery's obituary after a few months.
While the RAC had a battery in the van, they wanted a rather gouging 149 pounds for it, a hefty 100% over the same Varta item online. Wife is no stranger to fitting easy items and had a small toolit, but she needed to leave the place she was staying that day, and so I couldn't overnight a battery from Tayna. We both grimaced and coughed up, RAC fitted and of course it leapt into life straight away.
Charging figures looked good (as I was worried it was the new alternator killing it), but I will check it again in the coming weeks to be sure. I checked the history and the battery was last changed when we got the car, so almost 6 years and 40k ago, and I have had to resuscitare it twice after lights/doors being left on/open.
Not impressed with the modern RAC markup, but at least it was solved in short order.
Obligatory sea shot, as she wasn't too fussed with Rover 75 in foreground shots:
Unfortunately while at a particularly remote location the car gave some tell-tale 'low battery' noises and would not turn over. Wife called RAC for assessment (as the timing was particularly long for a response), then called me. Fearing I had misfitted the alternator or disturbed slumbering wiring, we performed some checks over the phone. Fortunately everything was in order, and RAC man turned up in decent time to the windswept lighthouse.
Battery death was diagnosed by the RAC. Always doubtful, I asked the wife to read the screen, and their 'tester' showed that the maximum charge the battery could hold was 300 amps, significantly below the 620 printed on the side. I didn't quite see how this problem reared itself only now, after the car had covered perhaps 400 miles since the alternator change, but reasoned if the alternator was decrepit this may be the last paragraph in the battery's obituary after a few months.
While the RAC had a battery in the van, they wanted a rather gouging 149 pounds for it, a hefty 100% over the same Varta item online. Wife is no stranger to fitting easy items and had a small toolit, but she needed to leave the place she was staying that day, and so I couldn't overnight a battery from Tayna. We both grimaced and coughed up, RAC fitted and of course it leapt into life straight away.
Charging figures looked good (as I was worried it was the new alternator killing it), but I will check it again in the coming weeks to be sure. I checked the history and the battery was last changed when we got the car, so almost 6 years and 40k ago, and I have had to resuscitare it twice after lights/doors being left on/open.
Not impressed with the modern RAC markup, but at least it was solved in short order.
Edited by Spinakerr on Tuesday 18th August 09:15
The 75 recently completed a sojourn to the south of Wales, my first proper break since this whole 2020 debacle kicked off, and it performed faultlessly.
Some shots of Wales and Pembrokeshire for context. We lucked out on the sunshine though the sea was a decidedly invigorating 13 degrees each day!
The only maintenance of note was a split rear wiper, Bosch replacement a 10 second fix. These rear plastic arms can be quite fragile at this vintage so extra care is required with the clippity bits.
Its long overdue a good scrub and wax before the weather turns, and the Meyle drop links have arrived, so the agenda for October looks set.
Some shots of Wales and Pembrokeshire for context. We lucked out on the sunshine though the sea was a decidedly invigorating 13 degrees each day!
The only maintenance of note was a split rear wiper, Bosch replacement a 10 second fix. These rear plastic arms can be quite fragile at this vintage so extra care is required with the clippity bits.
Its long overdue a good scrub and wax before the weather turns, and the Meyle drop links have arrived, so the agenda for October looks set.
Thanks! Cars eh? Who'd have 'em?
The 75 continues to quietly dispatch any task throw at it, though in lockdown the mileage it low and it mainly sits outside waiting to be filled with things or covering short distances for shopping.
Last year a slow puncture was sorted with a good reseating of the tyre on the the alloy by Micheldever, and ever since it keeps going.
Recently used as an excellent defence an snowball repository in our street's snow battle.
Sadly, it appears our time with the 75, 6 long years and over 60k, may be drawing to a close. If anyone has an interest before I post an advert PM me (is this allowed?), otherwise it will be submitted to the Grand Rover Beards at CowleyHenge (the 75andztforum for sale section). I will be extremely sad to see it go - its taken us on two house moved, Euro road trips, lugged inumerable things for all kinds of people and is genuinely the most comfortable, cost efficient and handsome modern car I have ever driven. I've learnt more fixing and improving this car than most, it really is cheap and practical.
A pox on you, London politicians and demonisers of 'old stuff' and the arbitrary ULEZ restrictions. You ruin the planet with hypocrisy and a push to the incurable, unsustainable purchase of 'new stuff' more than this old diesel ever will.
Don't worry though... something is coming to fill its space, and it qualifies for ULEZ....ish...
The 75 continues to quietly dispatch any task throw at it, though in lockdown the mileage it low and it mainly sits outside waiting to be filled with things or covering short distances for shopping.
Last year a slow puncture was sorted with a good reseating of the tyre on the the alloy by Micheldever, and ever since it keeps going.
Recently used as an excellent defence an snowball repository in our street's snow battle.
Sadly, it appears our time with the 75, 6 long years and over 60k, may be drawing to a close. If anyone has an interest before I post an advert PM me (is this allowed?), otherwise it will be submitted to the Grand Rover Beards at CowleyHenge (the 75andztforum for sale section). I will be extremely sad to see it go - its taken us on two house moved, Euro road trips, lugged inumerable things for all kinds of people and is genuinely the most comfortable, cost efficient and handsome modern car I have ever driven. I've learnt more fixing and improving this car than most, it really is cheap and practical.
A pox on you, London politicians and demonisers of 'old stuff' and the arbitrary ULEZ restrictions. You ruin the planet with hypocrisy and a push to the incurable, unsustainable purchase of 'new stuff' more than this old diesel ever will.
Don't worry though... something is coming to fill its space, and it qualifies for ULEZ....ish...
MOT time for the 75 - I had noticed the drop links has started to wither and die, a very common ailment for the Rover so I ordered some top notch replacements from Meyle on the sage advice of key Rover sorcerer Jules Anderson.
First step: jack up your car.
Actually the first step is loosen the wheel nuts on the floor, but I had to get that reference in.
All four split boots. Yay. Also a mismatched pair, absolutely filthy and ingrained with rust. Double yay.
The left hand bottom bolt shearing was a portent of the procedure to come. Access is bad, and I spent a good hour alternating sides with various spanners - ring, thin, stubby, ratchet - you name it!
It was a bout 5pm yesterday, and I was really past it, having spent the morning reassembling the Saab (see separate thread) since early doors.
As my swearing got louder and my patience shorter it seemed every neighbour wanted to stop for a chat. One of my first jobs was valeting cars, so I have a bad reaction to the drones that squawk "You can do mine when you're finished!" when you're cleaning a car. Somehow worse is the not-even-vaguely interested "How have you been?" when you're visibly shaking from exertion and leaning full weight on a spanner in the nether recesses of a car, slathered in rust, old grease and bloodied fingertips.
The right hand side, a more recent replacement with 15mm nuts, eventually gave out, and the left side I coaxed off with my narcoleptic Dremel after loosening it enough for access.
With those two old items out I uttered a quick epitaph while my wife happily guided me indoors for some supper as the light faded.
Recuperation essentials.
Some rest of course was the requirement - this morning the new items went on in 20 minutes with some careful spannering. These units are far superior.
Ready for the MOT next Saturday. Phew.
First step: jack up your car.
Actually the first step is loosen the wheel nuts on the floor, but I had to get that reference in.
All four split boots. Yay. Also a mismatched pair, absolutely filthy and ingrained with rust. Double yay.
The left hand bottom bolt shearing was a portent of the procedure to come. Access is bad, and I spent a good hour alternating sides with various spanners - ring, thin, stubby, ratchet - you name it!
It was a bout 5pm yesterday, and I was really past it, having spent the morning reassembling the Saab (see separate thread) since early doors.
As my swearing got louder and my patience shorter it seemed every neighbour wanted to stop for a chat. One of my first jobs was valeting cars, so I have a bad reaction to the drones that squawk "You can do mine when you're finished!" when you're cleaning a car. Somehow worse is the not-even-vaguely interested "How have you been?" when you're visibly shaking from exertion and leaning full weight on a spanner in the nether recesses of a car, slathered in rust, old grease and bloodied fingertips.
The right hand side, a more recent replacement with 15mm nuts, eventually gave out, and the left side I coaxed off with my narcoleptic Dremel after loosening it enough for access.
With those two old items out I uttered a quick epitaph while my wife happily guided me indoors for some supper as the light faded.
Recuperation essentials.
Some rest of course was the requirement - this morning the new items went on in 20 minutes with some careful spannering. These units are far superior.
Ready for the MOT next Saturday. Phew.
NGRhodes said:
Good work, are you still planning on replacing your 75 ?
I have a shortlist, but zero motivation to move this car on when its running so well... at least one more summer and a good few road trips I think before a replacement has to be found.The most annoying item is that the house I'm in isnt within the ULEZ (yet), but that the dump, to which this car has a season ticket, is.
Bah.
mercedeslimos said:
The solution to this is to see if Jules comes across a nice 2.5 V6 in a similar spec and condition. Surely he'd take a part-ex and you'd be sitting pretty 
Maybe, although I'm keen on two extra cylinders...PrinceRupert said:
Did you struggle to get the top nuts tight?
I found a total ballache to get a spanner in there, cut my spanner down with an angle grinder to help, and they still knocked a week later as I hadn't got them tight enough
It was one of the struggles in this operation. I managed to find very 'thin pronged' spanner (from a set my wife had, actually) as none of my favourite would fit. I'll be taking it on a test drive to ensure everything's tight and perhaps check them again in a month. What a chore!I found a total ballache to get a spanner in there, cut my spanner down with an angle grinder to help, and they still knocked a week later as I hadn't got them tight enough
Cambs_Stuart said:
I always use Meyle HD part if they're available. Always seem to be good quality.
My Neighbour also likes a chat when I'm covered with sweat, blood, tears and dripping with swear words. I need my own garage, preferably with a lift.
I'm currently aiming for planning permission, as the existing garage fits a GT6 and not a whisker of anything else around it. The 'conversations' on Sunday have somewhat increased my motivation.My Neighbour also likes a chat when I'm covered with sweat, blood, tears and dripping with swear words. I need my own garage, preferably with a lift.
Muddle238 said:
I think it depends on your situation. Despite public opinions (or should that be government direction...) no longer favouring diesels, objectively as cars they’re still viable daily drivers. Of course, if you live in or on the edge of a ULEZ it’s increasingly difficult, but if you live away from big cities and spend a lot of time on the motorway, they’re ideal; frugal and relatively bulletproof, if a little agricultural.
This is the debate we're having - if we only use this for outbound journeys, its just ideal. I've spent so much time and money getting to know it and its so each to maintain, really, plus cheap parts, this could trudge on forever. The issue is we regularly want to nosy into town and liberate large items from their owners. In 5 years the Saab will be 'exempt', but as the government is insistent on always moving the goalposts for 'green' and changing their mind on incentives, I think classics will be quietly removed from the list before then.If the zone expands, there aren't many cars on my street, let alone my driveway, that would be eligible - that may prompt my emigration!
MOT on Saturday for the 75, if it passes I'll give it a good clean.
MOT achieved today for the 75, though not without incident!
The place I use is 'No Bookings, First Come First Served', so I set my alarm for a bleary 7am this morning and shovelled myself into the 75 in order to secure the first slot.
Usual practise is to leave the car unlocked, keys in the ignition for the team to drive it onto the ramps. I got out, slammed the door and heard a disconcerting half-click. The door locked itself! Not a full lock mind, but enough to prevent ingress.
After the members of the garage had stopped laughing and dried their eyes, I examined options:
1) Call Jules the Rover Whisperer
2) Call my asleep wife to bring the spare key
Jules answered. I gave him a minute to stop laughing, and sadly there's no mystical Longbridge spell that can be cast - I thought I might be able to recite a curse of the Phoenix Group, throw a drop link over a shoulder and face Cowley. Sadly not.
As I calculated the time-honoured equation for matrimonial help, one of the mechanics came over with a 'set of keys'...
Inner handle would not budge, and the key... let's just say we were close!
Fortunately a nearby piece of scrap metal allowed us to tap the locking button by the handbrake.
MOT gained, karma smiled on me once again as I spotted a house clearance in motion on the way home.
I always, always stop for skips and house clearances. This time the prize was four 1960s Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs - though I think they may be period copies as they're full fibreglass but unsigned.
Further proof that I will always need an estate car.
The place I use is 'No Bookings, First Come First Served', so I set my alarm for a bleary 7am this morning and shovelled myself into the 75 in order to secure the first slot.
Usual practise is to leave the car unlocked, keys in the ignition for the team to drive it onto the ramps. I got out, slammed the door and heard a disconcerting half-click. The door locked itself! Not a full lock mind, but enough to prevent ingress.
After the members of the garage had stopped laughing and dried their eyes, I examined options:
1) Call Jules the Rover Whisperer
2) Call my asleep wife to bring the spare key
Jules answered. I gave him a minute to stop laughing, and sadly there's no mystical Longbridge spell that can be cast - I thought I might be able to recite a curse of the Phoenix Group, throw a drop link over a shoulder and face Cowley. Sadly not.
As I calculated the time-honoured equation for matrimonial help, one of the mechanics came over with a 'set of keys'...
Inner handle would not budge, and the key... let's just say we were close!
Fortunately a nearby piece of scrap metal allowed us to tap the locking button by the handbrake.
MOT gained, karma smiled on me once again as I spotted a house clearance in motion on the way home.
I always, always stop for skips and house clearances. This time the prize was four 1960s Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs - though I think they may be period copies as they're full fibreglass but unsigned.
Further proof that I will always need an estate car.
NGRhodes said:
I presume that its not normal for your car to lock itself when the keys are in !
So does you wife know the story yet ?
Not normal, never happened before! The only think I can see is the trim of the door card being loose - it may have wobbled enough to bat the lock up a tad when slammed. One to keep an eye on...So does you wife know the story yet ?
Wife has double check location of spare key, and was most interested in how to break into cars...
Thinking back to my barely-awake state (easy to do when the clocks change) - I had given the interior a wipe down for the MOT team, including handles and door tops, so could easy have half-hit the centre console lock button or the to of the door.
Its never happened before, and until it happens again I'm not going to worry about it!
As the car passed its MOT, I kept up my side of the bargain by giving it a good wash. Properly this time - not just a pressure washer to take off salt and loose particles. Obligatory snow foam/clean/polish shots.
My reference point is always the photos I took when we bought the car, as the seller had completed a good polish and wax when we bought it.
Other than the tuning fork alloys flaking quite a bit more, and a good few additional swirl marks to cover up with SRP its held up pretty well. A layer of wax added today to seal it a bit won't go amiss, and I'll also wave the hoover at the interior and give the leather a clean.
Ready for post lockdown hauling.
Its never happened before, and until it happens again I'm not going to worry about it!
As the car passed its MOT, I kept up my side of the bargain by giving it a good wash. Properly this time - not just a pressure washer to take off salt and loose particles. Obligatory snow foam/clean/polish shots.
My reference point is always the photos I took when we bought the car, as the seller had completed a good polish and wax when we bought it.
Other than the tuning fork alloys flaking quite a bit more, and a good few additional swirl marks to cover up with SRP its held up pretty well. A layer of wax added today to seal it a bit won't go amiss, and I'll also wave the hoover at the interior and give the leather a clean.
Ready for post lockdown hauling.
darkyoung1000 said:
Nice to see an update on the Rover, glad it got an MOT, even if there was the slight hiccup of having to break into it. You should have brought it to York 
If I spot a perfect AX engine here and a few G60 parts I would be up to York in no time! Touch wood nothing untoward against the fleet like you experienced. Trust all's well.Yes a few interesting cars on the street - actually 3 air cooled Beetles, an XK8, a Smart Roadster, Volvo 244GL, Aston DB9 - of course outnumbered by Golfs, Quashqays (?), X5s etc. but a nice sprinkling of variety.
GT6 still with me... I'm currently prepping it for sale...
The 75 continues to provide comfortable motoring - as lockdown unwinds its completed several dump runs and also a few trips around the UK seeing friends for a week off. The cruise control and excellent mpg won out over the 164, which has decided to start clonking more urgently from the front suspension and require an occasional starter solenoid tap. Some greenery in Cheltenham:
It just ticked over 170k, which is not a record for a CDTi 75 but I'm happy its now probably in better order all round than it was at purchase of ~110k.
One recent worrying noise turned out to be wheel nuts - I swear I tightened them up correctly during the recent drop link surgery but evidently they needed a further nip after 100 miles. Glad it was this rather than the dreaded dry CV rumble or a bearing!
I decided to sort out a few squeak and rattles last weekend. The driver's door card separated itself when slammed, the interior lock button squeaked, the passenger handle rattled and the driver's chrome trim was broken.
All now fixed with the box of trusty spares from the previous doors, a fancy new 527,998 piece interior trim set from eBay (may not be accurate) and application of various noxious products.
I think this might be the first time that the car has genuinely been squeak free.
On to 200k.. unless I see a perfect replacement of course...!
It just ticked over 170k, which is not a record for a CDTi 75 but I'm happy its now probably in better order all round than it was at purchase of ~110k.
One recent worrying noise turned out to be wheel nuts - I swear I tightened them up correctly during the recent drop link surgery but evidently they needed a further nip after 100 miles. Glad it was this rather than the dreaded dry CV rumble or a bearing!
I decided to sort out a few squeak and rattles last weekend. The driver's door card separated itself when slammed, the interior lock button squeaked, the passenger handle rattled and the driver's chrome trim was broken.
All now fixed with the box of trusty spares from the previous doors, a fancy new 527,998 piece interior trim set from eBay (may not be accurate) and application of various noxious products.
I think this might be the first time that the car has genuinely been squeak free.
On to 200k.. unless I see a perfect replacement of course...!
With summer arriving and two years since the last trip to Wales to see Jules, I booked a two day mini-break to Colwyn Bay.
The 75 is due to put on a fair few miles this year for various adventures, and I'll jump on any excuse to go to the Welsh coast for a breath of fresh air.
First up, the schlep up to the Bay itself, which was marred by traffic and crashes on the M6. Fortunately the last remnants of the air con R134 coughed their way through the vents to keep me relatively unfrazzled, and arrived without incident.
A top evening with Jules provided another gorgeous backdrop, and I could already feel the stress levels ebbing in preparation of a long working day. Standard parking arrangement:
First up - a front suspension clonk on the front right turned out to be the wishbone ball joint. As this was replaced on the other side 2 years ago, it was a logical follow up. Again a few bolts fought us, but nothing Jules' experience couldn't see off in short order.
Completely dry end under the dust cover:
New TRW part from the stores, mounted in doublequick time:
Jules also checked my drop link fitment - all ok but a quick nip on the RHS with the spanner - sorted.
Also Jules advised trimming the original drains from their 'tapeform' form to prevent blockages. Which mine had!
A quick check of other corners necessitated a handbrake adjustment but nothing else of note - clean bill of health after only 6 years of maintenance!
Final job was a check of the air con system and a regas. Luckily no leaks and no new fitments or pipes required, so after a brimming of the correct molecules I was back on the road and heading home. Probably one of the shortest visits but the 4 hour incredibly trouble-free trip back was bliss. Not a single clonk from the suspension, ice cold cabin and (as mentioned earlier to the disbelief of all) not a single interior squeak. Factory fresh at 171k.
The 75 is due to put on a fair few miles this year for various adventures, and I'll jump on any excuse to go to the Welsh coast for a breath of fresh air.
First up, the schlep up to the Bay itself, which was marred by traffic and crashes on the M6. Fortunately the last remnants of the air con R134 coughed their way through the vents to keep me relatively unfrazzled, and arrived without incident.
A top evening with Jules provided another gorgeous backdrop, and I could already feel the stress levels ebbing in preparation of a long working day. Standard parking arrangement:
First up - a front suspension clonk on the front right turned out to be the wishbone ball joint. As this was replaced on the other side 2 years ago, it was a logical follow up. Again a few bolts fought us, but nothing Jules' experience couldn't see off in short order.
Completely dry end under the dust cover:
New TRW part from the stores, mounted in doublequick time:
Jules also checked my drop link fitment - all ok but a quick nip on the RHS with the spanner - sorted.
Also Jules advised trimming the original drains from their 'tapeform' form to prevent blockages. Which mine had!
A quick check of other corners necessitated a handbrake adjustment but nothing else of note - clean bill of health after only 6 years of maintenance!
Final job was a check of the air con system and a regas. Luckily no leaks and no new fitments or pipes required, so after a brimming of the correct molecules I was back on the road and heading home. Probably one of the shortest visits but the 4 hour incredibly trouble-free trip back was bliss. Not a single clonk from the suspension, ice cold cabin and (as mentioned earlier to the disbelief of all) not a single interior squeak. Factory fresh at 171k.
dandam said:
This is so true, owning a car that is near the bottom point for depreciation and it running well is motoring smugness
Agreed - while I try not to be smug, I have been reading a lot of threads on PH recently of brand new multi-tonne 'hybrids' getting into the heady heights of 50mpg in between software 'issues'. Big woo. Just get a properly engineered old car that's half the weight and get it running right. Plus I've never had to take it back to the dealer under warranty to have the autobagsuperspongeadaptive suspension re-flashed nor the digital gauges and in-built sat nav reset. All those complications are just distractions and complications in my mind, but I digress.Cascade360 said:
Good update, Jules' place really is in a pleasant part of the world!
It really is - its clear he chose it for very good reasons other than storing a dozen 75s on the lawn!75 just knocked off another 700 miles for a holiday around Devon - down to Mousehole, Minack Theatre, Prussia Cove and the Fowey. No squeaks, no fuss, and it carried all the usual paraphernalia for cold water swimming, hiking and other ventures in cosseting air conditioned loveliness.
I've managed to vacuum out almost all the sand from the interior, now the weather has turned sunny I'll have to wait for a cool shady moment to deal with the exterior. Oh and the lights will need a little polish. And the steering needs a slight alignment I think after all those miles - likely due to our suspension faffage of late.
carinaman said:
Was there a production on at the Minack Theatre?
Is this an Auto or manual?
We saw 'Charlie and Stan', a physical comedy set on and around the time Stan Laurel and Chaplin were on the same boat to America. Good fun but the highlight was the live piano accompaniment in proper silent movie style.Is this an Auto or manual?
Its a manual - see earlier pages where I gave myself a black eye adding the wooden gearknob!
JakeT said:
Good choices. There’s a fantastic beach around the corner from the Minnack and Porthcurno that’s so well hidden it’s still quiet even in the heights of summer.
Ah there's always one more beach in Cornwall! We will be back next Feb all being well, likely with thicker wetsuits!As part of the holiday unpacking ritual I gave the 75 a proper bath and also cut the lights back. Scrubs up well for 172k.
Thanks - if only the moon mileage was a target I could actually hit!
173k ticked over this weekend after another few hundred miles performing various duties.
I spotted a house being entirely gutted nearby that had a lot of original features, so asked the owner and builders if they could put a few things aside. I can't abide by waste, and when I spy original 1930s doors, sinks, bakelite doorknobs and other goodies I almost chained myself to the skip.
The 75 squeezed in 4 doors, 2 sinks and other trinkets with only a mild uncomfortable seating position...
..followed by a series of trips for my wife to Bristol, Dorset and Hampshire, we ended up meeting at a campsite for a BBQ with friends at the end of summer. Even my wife's mother said 'gosh is that the same car you've always had?'.
The only complaint the car had was a central thrumming/rattling on acceleration. I surmised it could be a heatshields, which had previously been secured with jam jar lid 'repair washers', but upon arrival home and jacking the car up, the culprits were identified as worn front exhaust rubbers which drooped enough that waste pipe clanged on the brackets.
With none to hand, I added the traditional old Jubilee clip and hoisted it clear of thrummable obstacles. I will await Jules' verdict on mounts that last.
Done. I also spotted some oil at the bottom of the radiator, traced back to the turbo pipe having a slight weep. Tightened clip, wiped down. Will check again when I return to the underside for the exhaust mounts.
Only 49k to go to the moon... oil change next.
173k ticked over this weekend after another few hundred miles performing various duties.
I spotted a house being entirely gutted nearby that had a lot of original features, so asked the owner and builders if they could put a few things aside. I can't abide by waste, and when I spy original 1930s doors, sinks, bakelite doorknobs and other goodies I almost chained myself to the skip.
The 75 squeezed in 4 doors, 2 sinks and other trinkets with only a mild uncomfortable seating position...
..followed by a series of trips for my wife to Bristol, Dorset and Hampshire, we ended up meeting at a campsite for a BBQ with friends at the end of summer. Even my wife's mother said 'gosh is that the same car you've always had?'.
The only complaint the car had was a central thrumming/rattling on acceleration. I surmised it could be a heatshields, which had previously been secured with jam jar lid 'repair washers', but upon arrival home and jacking the car up, the culprits were identified as worn front exhaust rubbers which drooped enough that waste pipe clanged on the brackets.
With none to hand, I added the traditional old Jubilee clip and hoisted it clear of thrummable obstacles. I will await Jules' verdict on mounts that last.
Done. I also spotted some oil at the bottom of the radiator, traced back to the turbo pipe having a slight weep. Tightened clip, wiped down. Will check again when I return to the underside for the exhaust mounts.
Only 49k to go to the moon... oil change next.
mercedeslimos said:
Oh cock, you've just reminded me I've to do the exhaust rubbers on ours, cable ties have held them together for 3 years but one is written off and the poor exhaust likes to vibrate the joiner eventually and it sags onto the cross-member.
Going to have a root at home on some random VW product for some.
Good luck - it seems exhaust rubbers fail about 3-4 weeks after you just checked them with the car on a lift and easy access / good weather. I do like the fact that the 75 has a proper cross members so there's minimised danger of anything actually hanging off and dragging like mechanical entrails.Going to have a root at home on some random VW product for some.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Your heat shield repair washers have lasted well! I've got a heat shield type rattle from under my legacy that might need similar treatment.
Premium washers courtesy of Taste The Difference - no expense spared on repairs here!The original Rover front mounts should be a dark red substantial rubber, and upon consulting the oracles these are not available any mroe but decent imitations have been given the nod.
A pack of three arrived, cheaper than two singles (eh?) and so car went up on the jacks again today. Bit of silicon spray to ease things along, and I used the jubilee clip to position the holes at the exact gap of the holes on the mount. This saved an awkward strength test while squashed under the car, and meant I didn't have to reposition a jack.
Swapped the clip over after the firs tone, sizing set for the apertures and front done. Phew.
These replacements are about twice the thickness of the previous incumbents, so hopefully they will suffice.
The rear still hung a bit low though for my liking...
A quick gander at the outside rear mount revealed a more obvious mount issue.
Luckily, that third red mount was just keen to join its friends, and I ended up using the trolley jack on the back box to line it up.
Still, it wasn't perfect. Let me just check the other, final mount...
Oh for goodness sake!
That's enough cars for one day.
Thanks - I decided to just buy a new rear section, as for £80 delivered I couldn't really fault a part that Jules and the 75 community says is 'acceptable'.
If I even manage to patch this rear bit I'm sure another crack will open up at another join!
At least I can re-use the old rubber mount as it looks to be in good order.
Not 100% sure how to tackle the exhaust fitment - I think attempting to get hold of a ramp rather than struggle on my own on a driveway is preferred, as its a significant piece of wandage.
If I even manage to patch this rear bit I'm sure another crack will open up at another join!
At least I can re-use the old rubber mount as it looks to be in good order.
Not 100% sure how to tackle the exhaust fitment - I think attempting to get hold of a ramp rather than struggle on my own on a driveway is preferred, as its a significant piece of wandage.
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