Rochdale Olympic Restoration....

[tel595]

Hi. I'm new to this group but have been on the TVR S forum for sometime now..
I've just collected this little beauty from a friends mother whose husband was going to restore and use some years ago. Unfortunately, circumstances took a turn for the worse and as such the car has been left in her garage since the early 1970's. I'm totally unfamiliar with these cars so restoration is going to be 'interesting'.. I'll no doubt be looking for words of wisdom and advice from any members on here with similar cars in the future. Pictures of progress will be forthcoming as I progress..

[hidetheelephants]

What's the drive train and running gear? Rochdale seem to have mixed and matched over the years.

[tel595]

It's got an A series engine (in bits) and what looks like Morris Minor front suspension and rear axle. There's a steering rack and numerous other parts that I'll start trying to identify soon. I'm not sure what route I'll go with it, might consider a newer type engine or just keep it as original as possible..

[alolympic]

How are you getting on with the Rochdale?
I am attempting a rebuild of a Phase 1 too....

[tel595]

Unfortunately, not very quickly. The lady who owns the car is in the process of moving house, and that's why it was unearthed from her garage after many years stored. She's not been able to decide what she wants to do with the car, obviously she has other things on her plate at present. Soon as anything progresses, I'll be posting pics and details on the forum..

[alolympic]

tel595 said:

Unfortunately, not very quickly. The lady who owns the car is in the process of moving house, and that's why it was unearthed from her garage after many years stored. She's not been able to decide what she wants to do with the car, obviously she has other things on her plate at present. Soon as anything progresses, I'll be posting pics and details on the forum..

I don't think Rochdale builds ever move quickly. You'll probably still get yours on the road before me though.
Interesting front end modifications on this one.
Not much online activity with Rochdales so it would be great to see the build posted. (if you want to see my tragi comedy build - http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/87630/1962-...

[Skyedriver]

Wheels look to be MG Midget 13" circa 1970
Early cars were Riley 1.5 IIRC (Early B Series and a bit like Morris Minor A Series to look at
Later cars were Ford (pre) Crossflow
Late friend had one for many years