1985 Rover 3500 Vitesse
Discussion
CR6ZZ said:
Mine when I owned it back in 1989. Doesn't look it from the photo, but it was the same colour as yours. Loved owning it and only sold it to fund some further education.
Now that's a looker, I always liked the earlier cars with the decals. Did always confuse me why they went for that font for the decals, but the square font for the rear badge. Then back to the curvy font for the 827 Vitesse. So with the Vitesse on the road I took it to wherever I could. After the British Motor Museum was a local show to me.
A good mix always tends to turn up!
All fun and games until some yobbo gets dust all over your car....
I joke, he's a good friend of mine.
The dust was real though.
With the car on the road, I could now begin my tinkering.
First up was the Throttle Potentiometer.
This along with the Air Flow Meter is the only thing that tells the engine ecu how much fuel to dump into the engine. These need to be set to a specific voltage at 0% throttle. From memory it should be 0.325v. The potentiometer was so worn I couldn't get a steady reading around this value, so a replacement was sourced. Sadly although an issue it made no difference to the running issues.
You might also notice the high tech bonnet stay. The lovely summer weather completely killed the bonnet struts.
OEM spec stabilus replacement struts sorted that. The specs of these are critical as they need to be strong enought to keep the massive sail of a bonnet up, and have a dead zone when closing the bonnet so it fits properly.
Small improvements.
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Sunday 9th September 21:42
We're almost caught up!
With little improvements the Vitesse got steadily better. (and served well to retrieve supplies for other projects...)
I found some small wiring issues, changed the distributor along with the ignition amplifier, fitted a new coil, and other little things. I was fairly happy with the condition and functioning of the ignition system so I moved onto the fuelling.
With the hot starting issues and lack of mid range torque (it was very lumpy driving around) I suspected the engine was running lean. The plugs didn't give me a decisive answer so I began to tinker. There's not a great deal of adjust-ability beyond ensuring that there's no air leaks, everything is working properly, and setting the idle mixture using the Air Flow Meter.
After richening the mixture slightly the car seemed to run a little nicer.
I continued to try and improve the running. and one filter I hadn't changed was the fuel filter.
A genuine original filter. That if you fit the wrong way does not help running.
But that was my mistake!
I knew the running could eventually be tinkered out, but first I was not enjoying the scabby MOT wheels. So new tyres for my nice wheels.
The old tyres weren't that bad, but were a little cracked, and the fronts had worn on the inner edge.
The tyre size is still readily available, but now is an economy size, and the Dunlops were the best summer tyre I could find.
Much nicer!
While the wheels were off I also finished seam sealing and over coated the rear towing eye repairs.
Completely solid and fully protected.
Just makes the car look a bit more loved with fresh tyres and immaculate wheels.
Then it was off to East Kirkby for the SD1 National Meet.
Was a brilliant day and there was so many Vitesses, and almost all of them were red! I think there was 12 Vitesses in total, and 10 were red!
Apart from still being a bit lumpy the car ran well with no issues.
I wasn't going to let the flapper Injection system beat me.
Joe
With little improvements the Vitesse got steadily better. (and served well to retrieve supplies for other projects...)
I found some small wiring issues, changed the distributor along with the ignition amplifier, fitted a new coil, and other little things. I was fairly happy with the condition and functioning of the ignition system so I moved onto the fuelling.
With the hot starting issues and lack of mid range torque (it was very lumpy driving around) I suspected the engine was running lean. The plugs didn't give me a decisive answer so I began to tinker. There's not a great deal of adjust-ability beyond ensuring that there's no air leaks, everything is working properly, and setting the idle mixture using the Air Flow Meter.
After richening the mixture slightly the car seemed to run a little nicer.
I continued to try and improve the running. and one filter I hadn't changed was the fuel filter.
A genuine original filter. That if you fit the wrong way does not help running.
But that was my mistake!
I knew the running could eventually be tinkered out, but first I was not enjoying the scabby MOT wheels. So new tyres for my nice wheels.
The old tyres weren't that bad, but were a little cracked, and the fronts had worn on the inner edge.
The tyre size is still readily available, but now is an economy size, and the Dunlops were the best summer tyre I could find.
Much nicer!
While the wheels were off I also finished seam sealing and over coated the rear towing eye repairs.
Completely solid and fully protected.
Just makes the car look a bit more loved with fresh tyres and immaculate wheels.
Then it was off to East Kirkby for the SD1 National Meet.
Was a brilliant day and there was so many Vitesses, and almost all of them were red! I think there was 12 Vitesses in total, and 10 were red!
Apart from still being a bit lumpy the car ran well with no issues.
I wasn't going to let the flapper Injection system beat me.
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Sunday 9th September 21:42
TR4man said:
Mr Tidy said:
Great progress, Joe!
Your car is looking great.
I've always had a soft spot for the SD1 Vitesse. I mean you get a V8, manual gearbox and RWD - what's not to like?
...and four seats!Your car is looking great.
I've always had a soft spot for the SD1 Vitesse. I mean you get a V8, manual gearbox and RWD - what's not to like?
It is all the things you need in a car! Four doors and a massive boot is brilliant too, but I've spent so long on the interior I don't want anyone messing up the seats!
Well this post will bring us bang up to date.
With playing with the mixture making big differences to the way the car ran, I continued to richen up the mixture until I had no adjustment left. The car ran well at this setting, but seemed to lose its punch after an hour or so of running.
I spent a good couple of hours making sure all the electrics worked as they should, and that no air leaks were present, but something was still not functioning correctly.
Although this was a pain it still meant I got some brilliant trips out.
This is my favourite picture I've taken, and everyone else seems to agree too. I took so many pictures at this location, and they're currently my phone and computer background! Sad I know.
I really didn't like not having a scientific way of seeing how my mixture adjustments were working. I knew something was off, but I didn't know if I'd gone too far with the enriching or if it still needed more fuelling.
I don't have a friendly MOT station near me that could do me a quick gas test, and I really didn't like the accuracy of the home gas analysers you can buy. So I figured I needed a proper one.
A Ford main dealer was selling off their Omitec gas analyser, and looked like exactly what I needed, and this ended up being cheaper that the garbage home analysers. This one is still in it's calibration date and is really easy to use and tells me exactly what I need. I can also do MOT tests!
It means I can now accurately set up all my carb'd cars as well, instead of constantly pulling plugs.
Slowly getting to the point were I can do everything on my cars.
Now I could properly see what my fuel injection was doing.
No wonder it passed its MOT emissions so easily, it was running really lean. This was after I'd adjusted it to its maximum richness too. I think this also explains why it suffered so badly with the hot start fuel vaporisation. Being that lean would make it so much more susceptible!
After taking it for a drive at this fueling level it felt alright, but after a while it began to run lumpy again, and when I put it in the garage it died. It would restart easily but would then stall after 5 seconds. I initially suspected the fuel pump and rashly ordered a new Bosch Item. But after thinking about the fault a failed fuel pump wouldn't allow it to restart. But a failing AFM would....
I unplugged the AFM and the car started and ran, and stayed running although lumpy.
I swapped on my spare AFM and the car ran nicely. I'd finally got to the source of all my running issues, a dying AFM. It was slowly dying, and each time I would richen the mixture and it would help, but would continue to die and lean off the mixture until I had no adjustment left.
With a working AFM I was able to properly set up the car. After I warmed the car up again, and a little adjustment the final results were...
One perfectly set up Vitesse. The factory manual calls for 1.5% CO +-0.5 at 850 RPM so that looks bang on to me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh6tL6CiALk
Decent speakers are recommended, I think it sounds epic. I also love how the whole car rocks when you rev it, looks like its got some torque!
I'll try to get some drive-bys soon.
Sounds much happier too. It does have a little puff of smoke at high RPMs, but then again this short block won't be in there for much longer.
Now I have a fully functioning original injection system to put back on my original short block when I get it back.
It would be rude not to take it out as it was running so nicely so I joined my friend on a trip up to Nottingham.
Drove absolutely perfectly, was an absolute joy.
My 1:18 Minichamps model turned up finally too!
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Sunday 9th September 16:33
Mr Tidy said:
1275 GT said:
I also love how the whole car rocks when you rev it, looks like its got some torque!
Yes, it's a great feature! My P6B 3500S used to do that, but I put it down to the soft springing! Now that's also a car I'd love to have a go in, always loved the look of a P6 and the manual S just makes it all the more appealing!
Joe
Mr Tidy said:
After an SD1 I think you'd find it disappointing - PAS was an option on the 3500S (and mine didn't have it) and while they rode really well mine handled like a boat!
I replaced my P6 with a MK2 Granada 2.8 Ghia and after the P6 it felt like a go-kart - but was badly lacking in performance. It needed to be a manual 2.8i!
Coincidentally this morning I went to a car meet at the Black Swan pub in Ockham, Surrey and a blue P6 3500S turned up - that took me back!
I have enjoyed the power steering and creature comforts on the SD1, I like how modern it feels despite its age. It's an interesting change as the only older cars I've driven before were minis!I replaced my P6 with a MK2 Granada 2.8 Ghia and after the P6 it felt like a go-kart - but was badly lacking in performance. It needed to be a manual 2.8i!
Coincidentally this morning I went to a car meet at the Black Swan pub in Ockham, Surrey and a blue P6 3500S turned up - that took me back!
I did always love watching The Professionals when they threw around Granadas, Cortinas, and escorts. Always looked like fun cars to drive.
Brilliant spot, you do still see a few P6's knocking around I know of at least a few near me parked on driveways.
Well I've done a little more tinkering on the SD1.
Unfortunately my original fuel filter came back to bite me again, I noticed it had started to weep a yellowy gunge from the crimped side, so I needed a new filter ASAP. Luckily for me the Rover's injection system is Bosch derived, and as such you can still buy most of the service items! Yes I fitted it the right way round this time.
I also panic bought a new fuel pump when I thought that was to blame for my rough running, but it's always good to have a spare isn't it!
I'm also slowly replacing all the fuel lines with brand-new genuine Goodyear fuel hose as some of the original stuff had started to crack a little.
Installed and running, it's now seems to hold fuel rail pressure a bit better, and fires into life a bit quicker.
Joe
d_a_n1979 said:
Such a fantastic build and a car of my youth... Always loved seeing these on the road. I remember the very last ones that the Lancs police used too; loved hearing them storm about!
Thankyou 
People do love seeing it when I take it out. On a short trip out recently I had 2 offers to buy it while stopped at traffic lights!
Always loved a SD1 police car, my favourite Scalextric car when I was young.
Joe
gforceg said:
Mr Tidy said:
1275 GT said:
People do love seeing it when I take it out. On a short trip out recently I had 2 offers to buy it while stopped at traffic lights!
I'm not surprised - your car is a stunner. He did seem a little taken a-back, I think he was thinking a lot lower, but said he'd still love to own it.
I still think it's silly that a decent Single Plenum is worth half what a similar Twin would market at, but it's what the people want!
I'll just have to do a Twin next...
Joe
Fast Bug said:
Great thread, just wallowed in nosalgia as my Uncle had a Red Vitesse like yours. God I loved that car 
Thankyou Fast Bug! Every time I see it it reminds me of the one my dad had as a child. Your uncle has excellent taste! Well it's been a while since I've updated this, a new job has been keeping me very busy.
Vitesse is now at the lovely point where if the mood takes me I can just go for a drive.
Everything works as it should, and is just lovely to drive.
Sadly it's got to this stage right at the end of show season though.
I have managed to attend a few though.
I took it to visit a friend who's purchased something which could be more 80's, sadly no pictures yet, but I'll get some soon. It's very 80's Japanese.
I Brilliant time at a very busy BL Autumn Rally in Milton Keynes with my Dad. I drove the GT so he could enjoy the luxury of the SD1.
It's even surprisingly economical returning 33.9MPG for the day (I know the trip computers are hilariously inaccurate but who really cares)
Last show was a local one to me earlier this month, perfect after work activity.
May have left the show a little too enthusiastically...
But sadly no evidence of that. Must get more videos.
Now the Vitesse spends most of the time cooped up in the garage, but I still drive it at least once a week if the weather stays dry.
Next step will be refitting its original rebuilt engine and air-con system!
Joe
MCSV8 said:
Well done ! Great car. One of the very few (IMHO) that look good despite not having a traditional-style radiator grille.
You don't really notice that until you point it out, almost unheard of on modern cars! But as you say it doesn't date it massively. Piginapoke said:
I think you just won Pistonheads.
A glorious car, well done.
A glorious car, well done.
Very high praise indeed, thankyou I'd love to bring it along to a Sunday Service at some-point, see what people make of it in the flesh.
yonex said:
A fantastic journey, lovely, lovely car. Well done.
Thankyou it's been a lot of fun playing around with a completely different car from what I was used too. Evo said:
From an age where a set of alloy wheels and a rubber rear spoiler meant you'd made it, awesome car and top marks OP.
It really did, still amazes me that the spoiler is actually rubber, it weighs a bloody tonne! Mr Tidy said:
Yes, stunning OP!
Thankyou wormus said:
Yes, I’ve already offered once to buy it. Too embarrassed to try again. Stunning, car and reminds me of the one I had when I was 18. Bloody loved it!
Don't worry I still have you in mind if I do decide to let it go, unfortunately for you I'm having a little too much fun with it at the moment!Well that and I have a terrible record of letting cars go...
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Monday 29th October 22:28
Long time no update!
Like 5000 other nutters I was up at 6am on Sunday for the Bicester Sunday Scramble.
I'd spent Saturday polishing and prepping and was really excited. Right up until around 7.30am sunday morning.
Does still look good though.
Less cool...
Not cool, with my dad posing beside.
A very rare picture with me in it.
Safe to say I didn't make it to Bicester! Alternator didn't like me using the lights and the heater together and promptly died. Couldn't get any voltage out of it so the AA recharged the battery and I managed to run it home on that.
I wasn't going to bother but in the end grabbed another car and bombed down to Bicester anyway. Definitely worth it, what a place! One of the best shows I've been too, just a shame I didn't get to show off my car as well.
Did get to see another one of my Vitesse friends with his red single plenum, so everyone still got to see one SD1.
Got home that afternoon and got to use one of my Christmas presents. I've always wanted a proper set of ratcheting spanners.
Alternator is off, and off for a rebuild. Battery is also out for a conditioning, the discharge can't have done it much good.
Can't waste a months tax!
Joe
Like 5000 other nutters I was up at 6am on Sunday for the Bicester Sunday Scramble.
I'd spent Saturday polishing and prepping and was really excited. Right up until around 7.30am sunday morning.
Does still look good though.
Less cool...
Not cool, with my dad posing beside.
A very rare picture with me in it.
Safe to say I didn't make it to Bicester! Alternator didn't like me using the lights and the heater together and promptly died. Couldn't get any voltage out of it so the AA recharged the battery and I managed to run it home on that.
I wasn't going to bother but in the end grabbed another car and bombed down to Bicester anyway. Definitely worth it, what a place! One of the best shows I've been too, just a shame I didn't get to show off my car as well.
Did get to see another one of my Vitesse friends with his red single plenum, so everyone still got to see one SD1.
Got home that afternoon and got to use one of my Christmas presents. I've always wanted a proper set of ratcheting spanners.
Alternator is off, and off for a rebuild. Battery is also out for a conditioning, the discharge can't have done it much good.
Can't waste a months tax!
Joe
Alias218 said:
I've been following your progress and have to say that is a rather lovely SD1, although it's a tremendous shame it couldn't make it to spend some time with it's buddy.
Keep the updates coming!
Thankyou very much Keep the updates coming!
I was annoyed as it's the first time it's let me down, but as far as breakdowns go its easily fixed and no damage done really. Alternator has been dropped off to Rotating Electrics in Birmingham, it's near my work and comes recommended. I also took my spare alternator and 2 starter motors. Their condition was unknown so I thought I'd play it safe and have them rebuilt too.
I'll let you all know when I collect them and get the car back out.
Joe
wormus said:
It’s a fine looking beast in rare condition. Even better that you are finding time to use it when most of us have our cars put away for winter. How’s the bodywork holding up? I remember mine was awful for rust, especially the bonnet.
Please keep the updates coming.
Thankyou Please keep the updates coming.
I'm not going to lie it spent most of December tucked up. It only really makes it out when the roads have been salt free for a while and nice weather. So maybe not as commited as you thought! I have completed hibinated my minis too, they'd definitely dissolve in the winter! I have protected the underside with Bilt Hamber products and I'm really happy with the repairs I did but I'd rather not risk it, as you said they do have a reputation for not fairing so well!
Definitely will, should be back on the road in a few days, well maybe not with the rubbish weather on the way. Snow drifting would be fun though....
BSSBMW said:
In typical readers car fashion ive just read this thread from start to finish!
I've only ever been a Ford and BMW man myself concentrating on 80s-00's hardware, the bulk of it 80s but there are a handful of other cars from other brands i would like in my garage and one of those is a red SD1 vitesse (preferably a TP) to go along side a series 3 XJ12 and a MK2 Granda 2.8i Ghia X (of which ive has a couple of 2.8i Ghia Xs) to form a trio of non german 80s executive chariots!
Kudos to the effort involved in brining this one up to scratch.
I hope you enjoyed the read I've only ever been a Ford and BMW man myself concentrating on 80s-00's hardware, the bulk of it 80s but there are a handful of other cars from other brands i would like in my garage and one of those is a red SD1 vitesse (preferably a TP) to go along side a series 3 XJ12 and a MK2 Granda 2.8i Ghia X (of which ive has a couple of 2.8i Ghia Xs) to form a trio of non german 80s executive chariots!
Kudos to the effort involved in brining this one up to scratch.
I can't knock those choices, I've always admired the older BMWs and I have an E34 M5 on my radar as a next project.I did always stay on the BL side rather than Ford, although I did always think a mk2 cortina would match my 1275GT nicely. I have also seriously considered a jag, I'd have an XJ12c in a heart beat.
Thankyou
I did enjoy getting it to this stage, satisfying knowing the work that went into it. Joe
BSSBMW said:
An E34 M5 is a brilliant choice of older BMW. They are put together so well and have one of the most glorious straight sixes.
I had a 3.6 a few years ago that i did a lot of work to bring it up to scratch.
If you have some spare time have a read here.
https://www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/wounded-e34-m5-3-6_...
I'll definitely give that a read, they really do have everything going for them, dream is a daytona violet one. I had a 3.6 a few years ago that i did a lot of work to bring it up to scratch.
If you have some spare time have a read here.
https://www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/wounded-e34-m5-3-6_...
I did a lot of design work for a company that specialised in BMW engines, they used modified S38 engines on slide throttles for historic racing, and had a few e34 M5s laying around. Offered me one when I said I'd always wanted one, but I didn't have the funds at the time. Always told me to avoid the later 3.8's though.
Joe
E24man said:
Even the very best E34's are starting to suffer corrosion issues so be prepared for that; E34 M5 prices have been steadily climbing (rather than the slightly bonkers E28 M5 price rise) for five years snow since their lowest point so I'd recommend getting in soon if you're serious.
The 3.6's are anecdotally more robust than the 3.8's and the 3.8's need to be top notch to make their headline 340bhp. The six speed gearbox of the late 3.8's is unique to them and spare parts are become ever scarcer for them whereas the five speed in either the 3.6 or the 3.8 is well supported, documented and more easily repairable.
I had a five speed M5 Touring at rock bottom price and pretty shabby condition; it ran well enough for five years but once it started to let go (bottom end knocking) I started to do the sums for a full rebuild. I wouldn't have got change out of £7k and that was 10 years ago (the head gasket alone was over £400 back then) and because of some Atlantic Coast living prior to my ownership the bodywork was heading for a similar sum so it was sold for breaking.
It didn't break my love for the E34 which had started with a 540i Touring with a six speed so I waited until the only E34 Alpina Touring in right hand drive eventually surfaced and I bought it unseen.
I said earily in the thread how much I loved the SD1 due to my Fathers love for them and you've made yours an excellent example - it is simply stunning, well done.
Excellent advice, and a dream list of E34's you've had! especially the tourings. Can't believe the values they achieve these days. The 3.6's are anecdotally more robust than the 3.8's and the 3.8's need to be top notch to make their headline 340bhp. The six speed gearbox of the late 3.8's is unique to them and spare parts are become ever scarcer for them whereas the five speed in either the 3.6 or the 3.8 is well supported, documented and more easily repairable.
I had a five speed M5 Touring at rock bottom price and pretty shabby condition; it ran well enough for five years but once it started to let go (bottom end knocking) I started to do the sums for a full rebuild. I wouldn't have got change out of £7k and that was 10 years ago (the head gasket alone was over £400 back then) and because of some Atlantic Coast living prior to my ownership the bodywork was heading for a similar sum so it was sold for breaking.
It didn't break my love for the E34 which had started with a 540i Touring with a six speed so I waited until the only E34 Alpina Touring in right hand drive eventually surfaced and I bought it unseen.
I said earily in the thread how much I loved the SD1 due to my Fathers love for them and you've made yours an excellent example - it is simply stunning, well done.
Thankyou again
Well the Vitesse is alive again!
I dropped off my broken alternator, spare, and two unknown starter motors to a place near my work called Rotating Electronics.
Got a call a week later to go through what they needed, and a few days later a call to say they were completed. Guy was brilliant, and even met me nearer my work to save me fighting through the traffic.
Safe to say I was impressed with the work. All 4 items were looking worse for wear and now look like new.
Fitted and verified the charging system, a solid 14.5V at idle.
Very happy.
Engine bay still looking nice and tidy.
and a gratuitous front shot sat in the garage with lights ablaze.
Back to fully functioning as it should be, I'll probably wait until after the snow to take it out though, the salt is a killer!
Joe
Despite being busy with work the nicer weather meant I couldn't resist having a play with the Rover.
First thing on the agenda, was after the alternator failure I wanted to sure up my engine electrics.
Current engine loom placement isn't ideal being too close to the rocker cover and I'm not sure how it ended up that way. The original brochure shows the loom routed a different way coming over the throttle linkage, so that's how I will return it too.
That and the loom coating was slowly shedding. Apart from that the condition is good, and functions fault free.
First up was removal of the old loom cover. It does make the engine bay look tatty and a little unloved, something that definitely isn't the case.
All the covering was removed, and after cleaning everything, the original electrical tape that holds the breakouts in place was replaced.
Then many hours later with new fabric loom tape we get this!
So much better! Very happy with how this turned out, definitely not easy but worth the effort.
With that done, the fresh alternator and nice weather I had to take it out.
Weekend trip to Calke Abbey was brilliant, and last weekend I finally got around to visiting Caffeine and Machine.
What an amazing place, I'm already a big fan and will definitely be back.
I know I'm biased but I really do love the Rover looks.
Drove beautifully and is such a brilliant cruiser. Current engine is a bit smoky though on the overrun, I need to get the original engine sorted ASAP!
So still plenty to be tinkering with.
Joe
First thing on the agenda, was after the alternator failure I wanted to sure up my engine electrics.
Current engine loom placement isn't ideal being too close to the rocker cover and I'm not sure how it ended up that way. The original brochure shows the loom routed a different way coming over the throttle linkage, so that's how I will return it too.
That and the loom coating was slowly shedding. Apart from that the condition is good, and functions fault free.
First up was removal of the old loom cover. It does make the engine bay look tatty and a little unloved, something that definitely isn't the case.
All the covering was removed, and after cleaning everything, the original electrical tape that holds the breakouts in place was replaced.
Then many hours later with new fabric loom tape we get this!
So much better! Very happy with how this turned out, definitely not easy but worth the effort.
With that done, the fresh alternator and nice weather I had to take it out.
Weekend trip to Calke Abbey was brilliant, and last weekend I finally got around to visiting Caffeine and Machine.
What an amazing place, I'm already a big fan and will definitely be back.
I know I'm biased but I really do love the Rover looks.
Drove beautifully and is such a brilliant cruiser. Current engine is a bit smoky though on the overrun, I need to get the original engine sorted ASAP!
So still plenty to be tinkering with.
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Tuesday 26th February 19:45
gforceg said:
Thanks for the update. The weather has been perfect for early outings. Thanks for the mention of that cafe/restaurant. I'd never heard of it before but could go past on the way to Lincolnshire in a couple of months so may well drop in.
It really has, definitely perfect driving weather. Glad to spread the word, I really enjoyed my trip surveyor said:
This belongs to a friend.... Lovely car, but currently a bit broken after 3 bolts sheared when he was taking the head off....
Poor Nathan! Last time we spoke he was ordering his stainless exhaust manifolds, doesn't sound like the install has gone well... TheVole said:
Just dropping in to say I'm a big fan of the car and what you've done with it - I saw it at Caffeine & Machine on Sunday (I've got a photo somewhere!) and it's even cleaner in person than it looks in this thread!
I'd love an SD1 one day, despite the last ones being 8-9 years older than me.
Thankyou very much glad you enjoyed seeing it, and that means a lot I'd love an SD1 one day, despite the last ones being 8-9 years older than me.
Chuck the picture up! I love seeing other peoples pics! I've not regretted getting this one, and it's 7 years older than me.
Joe
Legacywr said:
I've been watching that it does look amazing, pricey though!
f:1Lots of false information in the add too.
Even at that price I can already see some bits that I'd change too, those sills wouldn't stay black for long...
Joe
L80KUS said:
Your cars is looking great!
My brother had one back in the early 90’s.
Now that is amazing! Proper whale tail! My brother had one back in the early 90’s.
It's been a little while since I've updated this, but don't worry I've been busy in the background!
First up is a boring one, I finally found the elusive lower boot carpet. Very hard to find in SD1 circles as they always used to rot away!
It's the darker grey, but still happy to have one
Next up was a temperamental oil pressure gauge, something that you definitely don't want. It would sporadically drop to zero when driving around, I have thoroughly checked the oiling system so was confident I wasn't destroying the engine. But as the oil system is staying for the rebuilt engine I wanted to have some confidence in it.
The oil sender was way to high meaning it was very close to the alternator, so a proper sender was sourced. Not cheap though!
Proper cold oil pressure and no drop outs now, much better.
Now we have tail light gate.
Something that's always bothered me when trying to get those detailed rear end badge shots (sad I know) is the tail lights. The stuff I can't get out from the reflectors has always looked horrible, so I finally bit the bullet and ordered some new ones, along with new boot gas struts.
Even took my old lights off in exciting anticipation!
They finally arrived, and I was underwhelmed...
They are NOS (date stamped Week 16 1986) and the passenger lamp is beautiful. The drivers side not so much, I removed the lamp holders and they where filthy with corrosion on the bulb holders. I tried cleaning it, but it just wasn't going to work. After an initial offer of a small discount on my next order, Rimmer Bros did eventually offer to replace the lamp with a more suitable one.
Did mean I had to put the old drivers side back on as I wanted to take it out!
It was worth the wait though.
With the new light I could finally finish the prep for Pride of Longbridge!
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Friday 21st June 23:17
Edited by 1275 GT on Friday 21st June 23:18
Spinakerr said:
Looking fantastic, as always - you even have the headlamp covers!
There's another example that is a very close relative in this month's Practical Classics - do you know that car? B455SFA...
There's another example that is a very close relative in this month's Practical Classics - do you know that car? B455SFA...
Thanks, I thought the headlight stickers were a bit fun too, marmite though!
First show I made it too I parked next to John Jones' Vitesse it really is stunning. It was originally exported when new so a much later registration than mine, but actually a much earlier car.
Joe
It's been another few weeks and I've been making the most of the nice weather.
First up was Pride of Longbridge, always a fun one with plently to see, it was very cold though!
Lots of Rovers, Only a few SD1s though. But then again nobody complained that we turned up in a cars built in Cowley!
A very rare picture of me infront of the camera! I am rather proud of the old girl.
The other SD1's in attendance looked stunning, an amazing police car and some brilliant Vitesses to see.
Joe
First up was Pride of Longbridge, always a fun one with plently to see, it was very cold though!
Lots of Rovers, Only a few SD1s though. But then again nobody complained that we turned up in a cars built in Cowley!
A very rare picture of me infront of the camera! I am rather proud of the old girl.
The other SD1's in attendance looked stunning, an amazing police car and some brilliant Vitesses to see.
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Friday 21st June 23:16
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