1972 2000 TC, Black Betty

Hi Dom
Sorry to see Black Betty giving you more problems to solve. I think I have got that to come after I have finished the welding. Lol. I have noticed there are a couple of awkward bushes that are gonna need to be done.
I have completed the rear n/s quarter of The Minstrel welding wise. That includes the rn/s floor, inner sill, wheel arch and outer sill. And also all the doors have got new window scrapers on so that should control any water ingress that was there before. Now starting on the the f/n/s. So far I have had to cut out nearly as much flooring as I had in the rear! Still, one thing is for sure,when she's finished she's gonna be a helluva lot stronger than when she was made. Lol. I am going to write an update on The Minstrel's project later today with pics, so you'll be able to catch up on what's been done. It was great having both my son and grandson working with me. Unfortunately my son goes back to sea today for a month, so it's just gonna be lonely old me. Mind you if I need help I have some good friends and neighbours who will muck in with me.

I hope you get Betty sorted out, m8. Sounds like you are having real trouble with the brakes. Have you tried running without the thermostat to see if she still overheats? I had a MKII Cortina many years ago that used to overheat. A friend advised me about taking the thermostat out which seemed to stop the overheating problem. The Cortina ran fine for another couple of years after that. Mind you there's quite a bit of difference between the Ford and the Rover. I am sure there is a guy near Doncaster who collects and hoards old P6's. I remember seeing him on Car SOS when they restored a P6 for this guy in Essex. It was Series 1 Episode 6. Worth a watch just to watch them do the car.

As far as changing to a V8, I'm afraid I cannot help you out there. But I am certain one of the great guys on here will be eager to give you their sound advice and point you in the right direction.

If you do change to a V8 would you be interested in selling your twin carbs and how much would you want for them? The Minstrel is a 2000Tc but only running on one carb atm. No problem if you are not, but I had to ask. :)
Hope you get sorted soon, m8.
Best of luck........Steve :)
 
Hi Steve, I've just checked the minstrel thread and wow, it's coming along nicely, very well done sir! It is coming along nicely and very neatly, nice work on the welding and rubbers. The minstrel grows stronger day by day by the looks. I will have to have a look at the Car SOS just for the restoration.

The brakes have been sorted after a very dirty hour or two the other day. After flushing out the rad, heater matrix and the block, I found no blockage that could stop the water circulating. That didn't work, so I took out the thermostat and the water now seems to be circulating as it should. However, the engine is now so lumpy it cannot be driven. I attempted to take it for a drive today and was met with nothing but excessively lumpy acceleration restraining me to a maximum speed of roughly 30mph . It ran well on idle but as soon as I moved off it jolted about as if going up the side of Everest. I have asked for my Dad's advice and after looking, he hasn't a clue. He is now at the stage where, if the V8 is not a feasible option, he just wants to sell it. We have spent months fixing every problem that we came across only for another one to pop up within the week of fixing the previous. As far as the carbs go, if we can replace the engine, the original will most likely not be going back in. If this is the case, I'll let you know about the carbs Steven.

Keep on soldiering and I can't wait to see the minstrel on the road, All the best
Dom
 
Hi Dom.
Many thanks for the kind words, m8. As I said in the report I am well pleased with progress this week. Wish the same could be said for Betty.
Reading into what you are saying about Betty, it sounds to me like possible fuel starvation. Will it rev on idle or does it choke back like it does when being driven? I don't think it has anything to do with no thermostat in the engine. I have driven a few cars with no thermostat and never had any problem when driving the car. Is the timing ok? May be a silly suggestion but have you checked the points, plugs, leads and dizzy, etc? You probably have but sometimes the obvious is overlooked as being too obvious. Bad petrol will also cause problems. I'll keep thinking on it and also have a word with a couple of buddies who have built a few classics. Good luck with it, Dom. Hate to see you having to get rid of her.
All the best, m8.........Steve :)
 
Hi Steven,

I've replaced the Dizzy, points, condenser, leads, plugs and fit a new coil that are all in working order. I can rev it on idle till the fuel runs dry, not a problem there. The timing was done a few weeks ago but I think the carbs need setting up due to a bit of lumpiness before the overheating problem, when reaching around 2500-300 revs. I'm taking it to a friend of mine on Monday to see if he can sort them out for me and have a look at the thermostat at the same time. I think it may be the carbs causing low fuel like you say. That will however, be the second time I have tuned the carbs or have had them tuned rather. The first was by my Dad so there is a chance it could have been a bad setup. If it is the carbs causing the problem, that just leaves the thermostat problem.

I've spoken to my Dad and a friend of mine about some of the changes needed for the V8. "If we can put a 1993 Sierra into a Consul, we can swap a Rover engine for a Rover engine" was their response with two very smug, and to be honest reassuring, smiles.

Once again, thank you for your help and advice Steven, to say it is much appreciated would be an understatement.
I'm off to pour my Dad a pint and pick his brains, see what's what.

Thank you and have a good evening,
Dom
 
Hi Dom.
Sorry for drop in contact. Had a few personal problems in the last few weeks. Will post you a note later in the week. Everything ok and going fine with The Minstrel. Hope Black Betty being a good girl? Catch you in a couple of days.
All the best
Steve
 
Hi Dom.
How's things going with Black Betty? I'm hoping you have managed to iron out some of the problems.
I have found out something about The Minstrel recently that I didn't realise. As I said, she is running on a single carb, but the thing I hadn't thought of was that the manifold is a single carb manifold. Talk about greenhorn mistake! I don't think I am going to change her back to a twin as it is gonna be pretty pricey as I will have to get another manifold and possibly another head plus the throttle cables as the twin cable has been removed as well...
Glad to say as far as the welding is going it's coming on great. Catch up on my project page. I updated it tonight. At last I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Once the welding is done it is just a question of messing about with doing a service, checking all the bushes and gaiters and putting the seats etc back.
Just hope things are going right for you, m8.
Catch ya soon
Steve :)
 
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