My 5th Sd1 - have I got a disease?
Discussion
Just sold my M3 and Cerbera so wanted a little project to keep me out of mischief. Found a black 3.5 manual in the Rover club which I bought today. Made in South Africa in 1983 and kept there for the first 6 years then the owner couldn't part with it so shipped it to the UK in 1989. It has been in storage ever since in a warm environment and its only outings were to the MOT garage once a year. The elderly owner would start it up and move it at regular intervals. He even taxed it without fail despite not using it for all those years. As he's now 83 has decided to part with it. I collect it at the weekend and will post some pics then.
This will be my 5th SD1 so I must have some sort of disease. First was a brown Mk1 3.5 auto followed by an early 2.6 manual, then a gold 2000 manual and lastly a red Vitesse auto. So here we go again.
It needs some TLC, mostly cosmetic stuff and a really good polish. There is absolutely no rust that I can find - tailgate, doors, sills, floor - and had a new clutch less than 500 miles ago. 11 months MOT and the tyres were fitted in South Africa so well overdue! Headlining kit needs to be ordered.
Looking forward to getting stuck in to her and possibly going to shows maybe next year.
This will be my 5th SD1 so I must have some sort of disease. First was a brown Mk1 3.5 auto followed by an early 2.6 manual, then a gold 2000 manual and lastly a red Vitesse auto. So here we go again.
It needs some TLC, mostly cosmetic stuff and a really good polish. There is absolutely no rust that I can find - tailgate, doors, sills, floor - and had a new clutch less than 500 miles ago. 11 months MOT and the tyres were fitted in South Africa so well overdue! Headlining kit needs to be ordered.
Looking forward to getting stuck in to her and possibly going to shows maybe next year.
Sent my order off to Rimmer Bros for a list of odds and ends plus a headlining so that's a good few hundred pounds spent!
Can only work on it at odd times so it wont be done in a week. Managed to get all the central locking freed off - good old WD40 - and the exhaust properly mounted so the story begins.
Must get some before and after pics.
Already a few people have commented how it reminds them of their childhood. Seems to be quite a popular car.
Can only work on it at odd times so it wont be done in a week. Managed to get all the central locking freed off - good old WD40 - and the exhaust properly mounted so the story begins.
Must get some before and after pics.
Already a few people have commented how it reminds them of their childhood. Seems to be quite a popular car.
Well, I will be selling it in the near future once I have done the little jobs that always seem to be needed. It was never my intention to keep it, just a winter project to keep me out of trouble for a few months.
And I need the money for my next project too.
And I need the money for my next project too.
Edited by N7GTX on Tuesday 3rd February 19:43
Furyblade_Lee said:
I have just found this 3.5 manual bizzarely in my mums garden, seriously.. Having thoughts of turning it into an '81 Triplex Group 1 touring car.
Used to love watching Tony Pond race the SD1 many many moons ago. Sold mine now, goes on Monday to its new home. Just wish I had the room to keep it and the money to put an LS 6.2 into it (quoted £19k for a proper job by Lloyds Specialists near Bristol).Well, after 3 years, I've only gone and done it again 
The title of the thread should be changed to 6th. 
After almost 3 years of having fun in the Chimaera, its time I grew old more gracefully. So, back to what I know best - another SD1. This time its a Vitesse auto (ideal for an old man) so has lots of chrome compared to the South African car. Solvol autosol ready and waiting.
I will be keeping this car (wife has said so) and aim to do the NC500 maybe next year in it. Lots of jobs to do and looking forward to getting stuck in. Already ordered some parts so Rimmer Bros will be raking it in. And I don't even pick it up till the weekend......
Oh, and its another black one
The title of the thread should be changed to 6th. After almost 3 years of having fun in the Chimaera, its time I grew old more gracefully. So, back to what I know best - another SD1. This time its a Vitesse auto (ideal for an old man) so has lots of chrome compared to the South African car. Solvol autosol ready and waiting.
I will be keeping this car (wife has said so) and aim to do the NC500 maybe next year in it. Lots of jobs to do and looking forward to getting stuck in. Already ordered some parts so Rimmer Bros will be raking it in. And I don't even pick it up till the weekend......
Oh, and its another black one
Edited by N7GTX on Tuesday 10th October 00:51
Edited by N7GTX on Tuesday 10th October 13:18
So, a month of ownership and an update on progress so far. The engine number was originally for a 3.9 in a TVR supplied by V8D.
The usual locations for oil leaks including the valley gasket and sump plug. The GM auto-box sump seal was also leaking as was the power steering pump.
So far removed the radiator and having it re-cored due to a slight weep. Pump is currently being refurbed.
Noticed movement of the crank pulley when removing the pump belt. The pulley bolt was loose. Removed it, cleaned and refitted with Loctite.
While doing the auto-box sump seal replaced the filter and fitted a new gear lever bush to give a precise movement. Oil was looking tired so all drained and new filled. The speedo only worked very occasionally so a new transducer has been fitted.
The exhaust manifolds looked shabby so removed, cleaned and sprayed with Rustoleum silver. New stainless flanged serrated nuts in place of the original tired brass ones. New gaskets too. New exhaust hangers so it doesn't bang now over potholes.
Alternator removed and cleaned. The mounting bracket removed and sprayed with Rustoleum black (looks like a deep grey) hammered finish. One engine mounting was cracked so both replaced.
The aircon compressor and 2 pipes were missing so decided to remove the rest of the system. Hopefully the sunroof will keep us reasonably comfortable in the searing UK weather.
With the radiator out and the front spoiler and under-tray removed, have treated the surface rust across the front of the car. The anti-roll bar was looking scruffy, so removed, cleaned up and painted. The bushes are poly ones and in good condition so being reused.
Driver's window jumped out when lowering so found one of the locating runners in the glass channel had completely corroded away. These channels are no longer available so ordered an early Discovery one. It is the same length, the only difference being the width of the runners. A few minutes of fettling with hammer and grips and all is now good.
After picking up the car I went straight to the petrol station as the fuel gauge was highly inaccurate. The car locked itself on the forecourt but managed to force the window down and get in. After a lot of effort found that the lock barrel had been wrongly fitted which required a rebuild as no longer available. That kept me busy for a while. A new sender unit fitted which has cured the 'have I got enough petrol' problem.
The driver's side rear electric window did not work. Traced to the installation of the remote central locking receiver where the installer had cut the earth wire and left it under the carpet by the accelerator pedal. Cheap fix.
That's about it for this update. Need to get the car off the axle stands as the driveway is being done in a week's time. Hope to remove the front suspension next - Gaz adjustable - to clean up, repaint and make the 30mm lowering springs look presentable.
The usual locations for oil leaks including the valley gasket and sump plug. The GM auto-box sump seal was also leaking as was the power steering pump.
So far removed the radiator and having it re-cored due to a slight weep. Pump is currently being refurbed.
Noticed movement of the crank pulley when removing the pump belt. The pulley bolt was loose. Removed it, cleaned and refitted with Loctite.
While doing the auto-box sump seal replaced the filter and fitted a new gear lever bush to give a precise movement. Oil was looking tired so all drained and new filled. The speedo only worked very occasionally so a new transducer has been fitted.
The exhaust manifolds looked shabby so removed, cleaned and sprayed with Rustoleum silver. New stainless flanged serrated nuts in place of the original tired brass ones. New gaskets too. New exhaust hangers so it doesn't bang now over potholes.
Alternator removed and cleaned. The mounting bracket removed and sprayed with Rustoleum black (looks like a deep grey) hammered finish. One engine mounting was cracked so both replaced.
The aircon compressor and 2 pipes were missing so decided to remove the rest of the system. Hopefully the sunroof will keep us reasonably comfortable in the searing UK weather.
With the radiator out and the front spoiler and under-tray removed, have treated the surface rust across the front of the car. The anti-roll bar was looking scruffy, so removed, cleaned up and painted. The bushes are poly ones and in good condition so being reused.
Driver's window jumped out when lowering so found one of the locating runners in the glass channel had completely corroded away. These channels are no longer available so ordered an early Discovery one. It is the same length, the only difference being the width of the runners. A few minutes of fettling with hammer and grips and all is now good.
After picking up the car I went straight to the petrol station as the fuel gauge was highly inaccurate. The car locked itself on the forecourt but managed to force the window down and get in. After a lot of effort found that the lock barrel had been wrongly fitted which required a rebuild as no longer available. That kept me busy for a while. A new sender unit fitted which has cured the 'have I got enough petrol' problem.
The driver's side rear electric window did not work. Traced to the installation of the remote central locking receiver where the installer had cut the earth wire and left it under the carpet by the accelerator pedal. Cheap fix.
That's about it for this update. Need to get the car off the axle stands as the driveway is being done in a week's time. Hope to remove the front suspension next - Gaz adjustable - to clean up, repaint and make the 30mm lowering springs look presentable.
Agree with your logic about the engine. My first was a 2.6 manual and I loved that car. Something about a straight 6 engine 
I did't intend getting a Vitesse as I wanted another 2.6 but impatience got the better of me
My aim is to do the North Coast 500 in it next summer. Fingers crossed.......
I did't intend getting a Vitesse as I wanted another 2.6 but impatience got the better of me My aim is to do the North Coast 500 in it next summer. Fingers crossed.......
Boosted LS1 said:
[quote=N7GTX
My aim is to do the North Coast 500 in it next summer. Fingers crossed.......
That's my aim to, hopefully in my TR.My aim is to do the North Coast 500 in it next summer. Fingers crossed.......
So, power steering pump refurbed and back in. Offside front strut off, dismantled, cleaned and painted. Spring in good order so refreshed and strut insert in good nick too. Waiting for a new gaiter for the strut as it was torn, as a previous numpty fitted it all upside down. Wheel bearings cleaned of old grease and re-lubed.
2 steps forward and one back - took the radiator for re-coring and they threw the sides away before the new one arrived without, you've guessed, the side rails. After some measuring they've made it again.
Anti-roll bar refitted after its clean and repaint - using Rustoleum - and new track rod ends and steering gaiters - Bailcast - fitted too.
Have to get the car off the stands as the driveway is being done on Monday so work will stop for a week.
Wheel bearings cleaned of old grease and re-lubed.2 steps forward and one back - took the radiator for re-coring and they threw the sides away before the new one arrived without, you've guessed, the side rails. After some measuring they've made it again.
Anti-roll bar refitted after its clean and repaint - using Rustoleum - and new track rod ends and steering gaiters - Bailcast - fitted too.
Have to get the car off the stands as the driveway is being done on Monday so work will stop for a week.
Driveway all now done so car back on axle stands. Jacked up and got some pink fluid dripping down. The refurbished power steering pump is leaking quite badly from the gland seal. Not impressed with the local company so taken off and now back with them to fix properly.
The new rad seems to be okay and have checked with Kenlowe who say the fans were originally designed to be 'push type'. So, with the aircon condenser long gone, lots of usable room in front of the rad to make up a support bracket to fit them to. Started the engine and left the multimeter connected to the fan wiring and watched the temp. Just before an indicated 100c the voltage changed from 0v to battery voltage so that side is looking good.
Today, took the nearside front strut off, stripped it down and made a start on cleaning it all up. As per the offside, the gaiter upper collar was on top of the spring upper so no use to anyone. Too cold to spray so will wait till the weekend. Fitted a new steering rack gaiter - Bailcast neoprene type for long life - and a new track rod end.
The new rad seems to be okay and have checked with Kenlowe who say the fans were originally designed to be 'push type'. So, with the aircon condenser long gone, lots of usable room in front of the rad to make up a support bracket to fit them to. Started the engine and left the multimeter connected to the fan wiring and watched the temp. Just before an indicated 100c the voltage changed from 0v to battery voltage so that side is looking good.
Today, took the nearside front strut off, stripped it down and made a start on cleaning it all up. As per the offside, the gaiter upper collar was on top of the spring upper so no use to anyone. Too cold to spray so will wait till the weekend. Fitted a new steering rack gaiter - Bailcast neoprene type for long life - and a new track rod end.
Been making some progress on the old girl. Drained the auto box so I could replace the sump gasket which had a small leak. Refilled and turned the key to start and nothing happening. 
Suspected inhibitor switch on the gearbox as 0v at the starter motor. Access is difficult with the exhaust still on but managed to remove it and found the cover was separating from the body. Cleaned up, secured and refitted and 12v once more at the starter solenoid. Phew - no longer available.
Nearside strut reassembled and refitted so front suspension completely overhauled. As she has Jag V12 front discs and calipers had to trim a bit from the brand new back plates to allow fitting.
Made a start on sorting the door locks/handles etc. The passenger side rear door childproof lock mechanism was missing. Had a spare rod from a kit for a front door so cut it to size, tapped a tiny M4 thread and fitted the little white plastic button and grommet. The driver's side rear door handle was missing the external gasket so fitted that. A fiddly job with cold fingers.
Suspected inhibitor switch on the gearbox as 0v at the starter motor. Access is difficult with the exhaust still on but managed to remove it and found the cover was separating from the body. Cleaned up, secured and refitted and 12v once more at the starter solenoid. Phew - no longer available.
Nearside strut reassembled and refitted so front suspension completely overhauled. As she has Jag V12 front discs and calipers had to trim a bit from the brand new back plates to allow fitting.
Made a start on sorting the door locks/handles etc. The passenger side rear door childproof lock mechanism was missing. Had a spare rod from a kit for a front door so cut it to size, tapped a tiny M4 thread and fitted the little white plastic button and grommet. The driver's side rear door handle was missing the external gasket so fitted that. A fiddly job with cold fingers.
More progress this week. Door cards all refitted only to find one of the door window switches dodgy. Rimmer Bros sell them at £17 each but also sell a set of 7 for the whole car for £13 - bargain.
Wiring to the auto box is cracked and brittle so new harness only to find connectors the wrong type. Spent an hour fitting the old ones to the new part. Hopefully that goes back on tomorrow.
Made a start on the rear suspension. Even after 40 years, all the bolts into captive nuts on the chassis came out without a fight. Removed all of the Watts linkage including the mounting brackets and binned the lot. All new parts ready to fit. Shockers removed, cleaned and greased up to prolong their life but plenty resistance in them and no leaks. Springs removed, wire brushed and painted with that lovely hammered finish Rustoleum.
The car must have been stood for a while as the back axle has a lot of surface rust. So, next job is to clean it all off and also the fuel tank. Have got some epoxy paint to protect it from further rust. Forecast is dry and to warm up so hoping to progress.
Wiring to the auto box is cracked and brittle so new harness only to find connectors the wrong type. Spent an hour fitting the old ones to the new part. Hopefully that goes back on tomorrow.
Made a start on the rear suspension. Even after 40 years, all the bolts into captive nuts on the chassis came out without a fight. Removed all of the Watts linkage including the mounting brackets and binned the lot. All new parts ready to fit. Shockers removed, cleaned and greased up to prolong their life but plenty resistance in them and no leaks. Springs removed, wire brushed and painted with that lovely hammered finish Rustoleum.
The car must have been stood for a while as the back axle has a lot of surface rust. So, next job is to clean it all off and also the fuel tank. Have got some epoxy paint to protect it from further rust. Forecast is dry and to warm up so hoping to progress.
Wow, it was a bit parky this morning. The driveway is in shade until early afternoon so out with the thick carpet to lay on.
First job was to fit the gearbox wiring harness that now has new wire with the old connectors so no more cracked/brittle stuff to fail. The inhibitor switch was disintegrating so laid a layer of Araldite on it which has given it a nice tough finish so hopefully that will last a few years.
Removed the old handbrake cable and fettled the compensator bracket which was well rusted. Rimmers price for the 2 small steel parts alone is a whopping £29+p&p so cleaned it all up and given a coat of Rustoleum. So set about the rear axle giving it a hard wire brush to remove rust/dirt. Then the fuel tank so I'd forgotten about the cold by now. Gave the tank a quick coat of Zinc182 until the weather warms up (alledgedly) next week when I can apply the black 2 part epoxy paint.
First job was to fit the gearbox wiring harness that now has new wire with the old connectors so no more cracked/brittle stuff to fail. The inhibitor switch was disintegrating so laid a layer of Araldite on it which has given it a nice tough finish so hopefully that will last a few years.
Removed the old handbrake cable and fettled the compensator bracket which was well rusted. Rimmers price for the 2 small steel parts alone is a whopping £29+p&p so cleaned it all up and given a coat of Rustoleum. So set about the rear axle giving it a hard wire brush to remove rust/dirt. Then the fuel tank so I'd forgotten about the cold by now. Gave the tank a quick coat of Zinc182 until the weather warms up (alledgedly) next week when I can apply the black 2 part epoxy paint.
Used the Rustbuster epoxy on the petrol tank and the back axle. Never used it before so will compare to other treatments in time. Removed the propshaft and checked for play and all good. Replaced the gearbox output shaft seal so fingers crossed, no more drips. Must remember to top the box up when the Dexron 2D comes tomorrow. Drained then refilled the back axle with EP90.
New handbrake cable and Watts linkage all greased up ready to go on tomorrow. Brake pipes cleaned and given a covering of grease.
Removed the last remnants of the cruise control which did not work with several parts missing. That tidied up the engine bay a bit. Then fitted NGK BPR6EIX plugs so no need to change them for 40,000 miles.
New 15" steering wheel from Rimmers - simple black 3 spoke vinyl covered one to match the black paintwork - fitted. Much better as it gives more thigh room. Took the top of the dash off to see what surprises there might be. The speedo works intermittently and having already tested the speed transducer noticed the wiring had been chopped at some time behind the dash. Fingers crossed it is a bad connection as the speedo is no longer available. But I always use a satnav one in my cars anyway.
Finally, fitted a new water temperature sender with the correct colour code as the one that was in was over reading badly.
And so to bed......
New handbrake cable and Watts linkage all greased up ready to go on tomorrow. Brake pipes cleaned and given a covering of grease.
Removed the last remnants of the cruise control which did not work with several parts missing. That tidied up the engine bay a bit. Then fitted NGK BPR6EIX plugs so no need to change them for 40,000 miles.
New 15" steering wheel from Rimmers - simple black 3 spoke vinyl covered one to match the black paintwork - fitted. Much better as it gives more thigh room. Took the top of the dash off to see what surprises there might be. The speedo works intermittently and having already tested the speed transducer noticed the wiring had been chopped at some time behind the dash. Fingers crossed it is a bad connection as the speedo is no longer available. But I always use a satnav one in my cars anyway.
Finally, fitted a new water temperature sender with the correct colour code as the one that was in was over reading badly.
And so to bed......
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