What does £2500 of Rolls Royce look like? Not bad actually..
Discussion
Wiccan of Darkness said:
M3333 said:
Wow, i was expecting to have a laugh at your misfortune but that looks really honest, complete and in tidy condition, well done and good luck with it 
This one however, get some beer before embarking on this thread!
http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/130482/roll...
I'm reading this thread now. Dear God, I'm halfway through and all I can say is fThis one however, get some beer before embarking on this thread!
http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/130482/roll...
k me, this guy has no idea what he's doing, I can't tell if all the support from the others in the thread is genuine or whether they're egging on a useless clown. I mean, when it went outside the damn wheels didn't fit in the wheel arches. I've got no clue myself on restoration of old cars but even I know that you can't replace an entire panel with bits of smaller panels welded together. I only know that because someone did that to their own car and it fell to bits on the M50.It's insane, are people really this naive?
- edit* Just come to the end of the retro rides thread, noted the thread started in may 2012 and it's now may 2017. If that guy isn't careful, some of the new plates will start rusting. No update since october, I'm wondering if he's seen sense and shot himself? Left the car to his worst enemy in his will with the explicit instruction to complete the restoration...
Edited by Wiccan of Darkness on Friday 26th May 19:53
I am no expert but have done bits of fabrication and welding, looks like some impressive work to me, have you done anything like that as to be honest it doesn't sound like you have, the car falling to bits comment especially, i would be inclined to take it seriously if you talked about weld penetration, butted joints, plug welds, seam welds and stuff.
He is mental for taking that horror on but that is how you learn and improve, just think it is too much work, would rather weld the Titanic back together.
The op's car looks much better thankfully, and he is diving in getting it sorted.
J4CKO said:
Of course you can fabricate panels from several smaller parts, it is common practice and sometimes the only way to make a repair piece, if it is welded properly it becomes one piece.
I am no expert but have done bits of fabrication and welding, looks like some impressive work to me, have you done anything like that as to be honest it doesn't sound like you have, the car falling to bits comment especially, i would be inclined to take it seriously if you talked about weld penetration, butted joints, plug welds, seam welds and stuff.
He is mental for taking that horror on but that is how you learn and improve, just think it is too much work, would rather weld the Titanic back together.
The op's car looks much better thankfully, and he is diving in getting it sorted.
I am no expert but have done bits of fabrication and welding, looks like some impressive work to me, have you done anything like that as to be honest it doesn't sound like you have, the car falling to bits comment especially, i would be inclined to take it seriously if you talked about weld penetration, butted joints, plug welds, seam welds and stuff.
He is mental for taking that horror on but that is how you learn and improve, just think it is too much work, would rather weld the Titanic back together.
The op's car looks much better thankfully, and he is diving in getting it sorted.
Good luck OP.
I have driven a few back when they were new ,one in the same colour as the OP car with the addition of lambswool over carpets .
Also several Bentley versions more recently .
Consumption was 15-18 wafting about out of town or 7-10 in town or driving with a bit of enthusiasm. Planning and anticipation is required if trying to hustle as they are huge and you have a fair bit of weight to pull up on the brakes .
Any shimmering or wobbles will be worn suspension components ,they don't take kindly to being kerbed .The engines should be almost turbine smooth any lumpiness will probably be plugs and leads .
I have driven a few back when they were new ,one in the same colour as the OP car with the addition of lambswool over carpets .
Also several Bentley versions more recently .
Consumption was 15-18 wafting about out of town or 7-10 in town or driving with a bit of enthusiasm. Planning and anticipation is required if trying to hustle as they are huge and you have a fair bit of weight to pull up on the brakes .
Any shimmering or wobbles will be worn suspension components ,they don't take kindly to being kerbed .The engines should be almost turbine smooth any lumpiness will probably be plugs and leads .
J4CKO said:
Of course you can fabricate panels from several smaller parts, it is common practice and sometimes the only way to make a repair piece, if it is welded properly it becomes one piece.
I am no expert but have done bits of fabrication and welding, looks like some impressive work to me, have you done anything like that as to be honest it doesn't sound like you have, the car falling to bits comment especially, i would be inclined to take it seriously if you talked about weld penetration, butted joints, plug welds, seam welds and stuff.
He is mental for taking that horror on but that is how you learn and improve, just think it is too much work, would rather weld the Titanic back together.
Absolutely! A proper full-length weld is every bit as strong as the metal it joins, so no reason you can't make multiple little parts together as one. If you were stupid enough to try and spot weld a solid panel that's different...I am no expert but have done bits of fabrication and welding, looks like some impressive work to me, have you done anything like that as to be honest it doesn't sound like you have, the car falling to bits comment especially, i would be inclined to take it seriously if you talked about weld penetration, butted joints, plug welds, seam welds and stuff.
He is mental for taking that horror on but that is how you learn and improve, just think it is too much work, would rather weld the Titanic back together.
J4CKO said:
The op's car looks much better thankfully, and he is diving in getting it sorted.
Yep, looks great, proper barging. 
Oof, big kahunas for taking this beast on OP, but I bet it's great to waft around in.
A friend of my Dad had one of these from new, he was in the scrap metal trade. I used to sit in awe as he rolled into the car park of a local Rec to play Sunday League football, as an 8yo I got a half mile ride in it to the post-match pub, I thought it was like riding on a magic carpet!
A friend of my Dad had one of these from new, he was in the scrap metal trade. I used to sit in awe as he rolled into the car park of a local Rec to play Sunday League football, as an 8yo I got a half mile ride in it to the post-match pub, I thought it was like riding on a magic carpet!
Hi - glad to see another RR project. I did something similar to my Silver Shadow II so if you need any help let me know. Mine is a 1980 which has pretty much the same underpinnings as a 1981 Spirit. I went the heavy modification route rather than restoration but a lot of the systems (brakes, suspension, electrics, etc.) had to be dealt with one way or another.
You might want to take a look through the tech info here: http://rrtechnical.info/
I ran my car unmodified for a few years before I took the plunge and the problems I had were:
Distributor: a common problem. The short term solution (I kid you not) is to lightly tap it with a hammer whenever it cuts out. Mine used to cut out while driving which was a worry as it leaves you with no power steering or brakes. The only solution is a replacement which I did as an exchange for a refurb.
Accumulators: One thing that is supposed to protect you against the 'no brakes' issue is the accumulators on the hydraulic system. There is supposed to be enough charge in there so that should the engine stop you have some pressure to apply the brakes. Mine had lost all pre-charge and needed a nitrogen boost. You might want to look at that before you take the car out for a long drive.
Brakes: My brakes would jam on which was fun. Turned out it was general blockage in the hydraulics which again is a common problem. I was quoted £7K to get it fixed which was the final straw before my modification spree.
I use flying spares for all of the RR parts I need. They're good to talk to and deliver on time.
Good luck
You might want to take a look through the tech info here: http://rrtechnical.info/
I ran my car unmodified for a few years before I took the plunge and the problems I had were:
Distributor: a common problem. The short term solution (I kid you not) is to lightly tap it with a hammer whenever it cuts out. Mine used to cut out while driving which was a worry as it leaves you with no power steering or brakes. The only solution is a replacement which I did as an exchange for a refurb.
Accumulators: One thing that is supposed to protect you against the 'no brakes' issue is the accumulators on the hydraulic system. There is supposed to be enough charge in there so that should the engine stop you have some pressure to apply the brakes. Mine had lost all pre-charge and needed a nitrogen boost. You might want to look at that before you take the car out for a long drive.
Brakes: My brakes would jam on which was fun. Turned out it was general blockage in the hydraulics which again is a common problem. I was quoted £7K to get it fixed which was the final straw before my modification spree.
I use flying spares for all of the RR parts I need. They're good to talk to and deliver on time.
Good luck
If you're thinking about performance upgrades, remember that the stock L-series V8 is massively over-engineered as standard. Forged rods, forged nitrided crank, massively overbuilt block, low compression - it's asking for boost! You can also get forged pistons for a somewhat higher 9:1 compression, plus cams, lifters etc from this US-based outfit... http://www.touringshoppe.com/enginerebuilding.html - 150bhp increase just N/A, never mind adding forced induction! I know Corbin Goodwin's highly modified Shadow drift monster is running a whopper of a single turbo on the stock V8, he's talking about 700bhp-ish from that...
not read all the posts, have you said what neck of the woods you are form OP ?
Have a family friend I can recommend if you are in the Bucks/Berks/Herts/Oxon area.
He has a RR resto / svcing / repair biz and has been all over the world sourcing and restoring RR's.
Ex-RR and a top guy to boot. Even if you are doing all the work yourself may be a good place to source parts or just talk to.
Google Chris Lee and RR / Bentley.
Have a family friend I can recommend if you are in the Bucks/Berks/Herts/Oxon area.
He has a RR resto / svcing / repair biz and has been all over the world sourcing and restoring RR's.
Ex-RR and a top guy to boot. Even if you are doing all the work yourself may be a good place to source parts or just talk to.
Google Chris Lee and RR / Bentley.
Thanks for all the comments, I have read them but haven't had a chance to reply to them yet as we are quite busy what with the upcoming wedding!
Progress has been made, although not as fast as I had hoped.
I made a new panel for the boot floor and welded it in. I didn't take many pictures as I forgot!
Here's the panel I made (actually my future father in law did most of the making of it).
P1010675 by Hi, on Flickr
Here it is tacked in place:
P1010676 by Hi, on Flickr
I forgot to take any more pictures until I was nearly finished... here it is all welded up with seam sealer and a coat of zinc primer:
P1010689 by Hi, on Flickr
EDIT: I haven't finished with this panel, I will be putting in a strengthening bar to replace the previous bead rolled section, plus I will be replacing the battery fixing points.
I also had an auto electrician come out to look at the electrical issues, they found the problem and had it fixed in an hour (£100 including call out charge). Now I don't have to faff around with the fuse board any more thanks goodness, and the dash all works although the fuel and coolant gauges seem a bit lazy.
Unfortunately there is still an issue with it cutting out when I drive it, it will run for a couple of minutes when cold and then splutter and die. It will then fire up straight away and run for 20-30 seconds before spluttering to a death again. I 'think' it is lacking fuel, possibly caused by an electrical issue cutting off the fuel pump. I am hoping to have the auto electrician out again tomorrow to have another look.
Previous total £2600.50
New costs:
£10 - sheet metal
£10 - wiper blades
approx £50 - paint, grinding/sanding discs etc
£100 - auto electrician
Total to date £2770.50
More to follow soon, I had plans for big progress today but due to the running issue it is now on hold...
Progress has been made, although not as fast as I had hoped.
I made a new panel for the boot floor and welded it in. I didn't take many pictures as I forgot!
Here's the panel I made (actually my future father in law did most of the making of it).
P1010675 by Hi, on FlickrHere it is tacked in place:
P1010676 by Hi, on FlickrI forgot to take any more pictures until I was nearly finished... here it is all welded up with seam sealer and a coat of zinc primer:
P1010689 by Hi, on FlickrEDIT: I haven't finished with this panel, I will be putting in a strengthening bar to replace the previous bead rolled section, plus I will be replacing the battery fixing points.
I also had an auto electrician come out to look at the electrical issues, they found the problem and had it fixed in an hour (£100 including call out charge). Now I don't have to faff around with the fuse board any more thanks goodness, and the dash all works although the fuel and coolant gauges seem a bit lazy.
Unfortunately there is still an issue with it cutting out when I drive it, it will run for a couple of minutes when cold and then splutter and die. It will then fire up straight away and run for 20-30 seconds before spluttering to a death again. I 'think' it is lacking fuel, possibly caused by an electrical issue cutting off the fuel pump. I am hoping to have the auto electrician out again tomorrow to have another look.
Previous total £2600.50
New costs:
£10 - sheet metal
£10 - wiper blades
approx £50 - paint, grinding/sanding discs etc
£100 - auto electrician
Total to date £2770.50
More to follow soon, I had plans for big progress today but due to the running issue it is now on hold...
Edited by Hi on Thursday 8th June 02:02
Edited by Hi on Tuesday 14th November 20:05
RoverP6B said:
Any updates? PHers are going to need to stop using Photobucket, now they've withdrawn external photo hosting, a lot of threads on a lot of forums are suddenly looking very bare.
Photofkit have ruined huge amounts of the internet, effectively putting a $400 gun to users' heads. I'm glad it clearly hasn't worked and people will desert them in droves.I hope Photof
kit disappears as a result.Funk said:
Photofkit have ruined huge amounts of the internet, effectively putting a $400 gun to users' heads. I'm glad it clearly hasn't worked and people will desert them in droves.
I hope Photofkit disappears as a result.
It was a very nasty, cynical thing to do. wkit have ruined huge amounts of the internet, effectively putting a $400 gun to users' heads. I'm glad it clearly hasn't worked and people will desert them in droves.I hope Photof
kit disappears as a result.kbucket will, without a shadow of a doubt now collapse.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff