Fell into this marque!

chrismpw

chrismpw

New Member
Hello all - please allow me an introduction.

I'm Chris and live in north Wiltshire with my understanding and tolerant car-widow, Caroline.

I have a newly acquired P6, intended to be my every day transport, and it's all her fault. A few months ago, she sent me a link for a ropy looking Hillman Avenger on Ebay. I dismissed that and had a bit of a browse, when I happened across a few P6s and P5Bs. The memories came flooding back. I was 10 and my dad had a V8 Daimler (like a series 2 Jag) and THAT and the Rover P6 were my all time favourite cars. My life's desire is to drive something with a V8 soundtrack, but always the Daimler looked to be a bit too expensive a dream.

I've run a few classics in the past - my first car was a Mini Clubman - wasn't a classic at the time, but is now, then there is Rosie, a 1969 MG Midget - which I have had since 1992. Added to the stable 5 years or so ago and still going, is a 1959 Series 2 Land Rover which is possibly the most useful car I've ever owned. Since getting into classics as a mere youngster in the early 90s, I have also run/worked on an MGBGT, a Reliant Scimitar (which I sadly bent around a juggernaut while enjoying the rumble of an accelerating Wessex V6) and a Riley RME.

So - in comes the Rover - in pretty good nick. I've had it just over a week and have been snagging the sort of stuff you do with old cars. The tacho now works, as does the vacuum advance, the fuel and temperature gauge both LOOK as though they no longer lie to me and the MOT diagnosis of a worn bottom ball joint has been changed (by me) to that of a worn wheel bearing .... part in the post.

Of course, on day 5 of ownership - the clutch starts to slip. Not really keen on doing that job, if I can avoid it so am looking for a classic garage, or mobile nearby who can quote a reasonable price (not one that I have to work a week or two to pay for their afternoon's effort). Anyone know of anywhere?

Might consider a SD1 gearbox while I'm at it. The car's crying out for a 5th gear it seems to me. Originality is important to me - but so is practical every day transport.
 

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Cheers Johnny E

Never quite sure how to take the credit for a good looking thing I've had so little involvement in, as yet, but thanks. I can take credit, however, for the fact that the tacho now works. :)

(and the horn switch .... I kid you not, the car came with receipts from two garages that had attempted to find the fault with the horn, totalling £180. Their remedy was to solder a wire to a fuse and insert a push button into the dashboard. It took me around 20 minutes to remove the steering wheel, cowl and switch, dis-assemble, clean contacts, rewire and re-assemble. Garages eh?)
 
Hello and welcome, from another relatively recent P6 owner. I can thoroughly recommend then gearbox swap, mine's a delight to drive with the 5 speed, I think the conversion may be a little more difficult on the manual version due to a narrower transmission tunnel, but as far as I know it's still possible.
 
G'Day
Garages !! Phhht . What can I say . Same as you ,Ive experienced grease monkies experimenting on old world marques to the owners cost .
If you find a compatible mechanic - keep him on your xmas card list .
This forum has the best knowledge available to keep your red devil in good order .
You've cut your teeth on some very basic cars with no fancy gizmos to stump you . The P6 has a few curly gismos but nothing that the DIY guy like yourself can't fix at home with the help of your friends on here .
I particularly like the "S" in red . It looks fast standing still.
cheers
Gerald
 
Well thanks for the welcome chaps.

Having had a chat with a localish mechanic I'm going off the idea of the SD1 box, due to budgetry constraints.

What is it about replacing clutches that attracts such different quotes? Some people I know get them done for £300, others are quoted over £1000 on various everyday cars. I know parts will be around £150 but how does a bill, for a day's mechanical work get to what it takes me a week and a half to earn on professional wages?

Have done clutches (and gearbox) before, on my Landrover - in and out in around a day, with no special equipment and as an amateur. How do garages justify a day and a half for two men with a lift?

What's the average going rate for this rate on a P6, given I'm not sure I want to go grubbing around underneath it?
 
Book time to replace a 3500S clutch is 4h36m, any one whoknows what they're doing should be able to do it in 4 hours, providing it all goes to plan and the manifold downpipe studs don't snap off. That will add to the time to sort that out.

If the clutch is slipping it's worth bearing in mind that if the operating system isn't set up correctly, particularly if the drop arm on the gearbox is set too far forward, that can make the clutch slip.
 
PS. You have to be very careful when dropping the engine back to remove the gearbox, not to put the fan through the rad, and not to lean it too far back, otherwise you'll break the petrol reserve tap with the rocker cover.
 
Hello ,and Welcome :)

Cracking looking car ,I think a 5 speed is a good idea ,ok it won't be original ,but your car ,your rules ,Enjoy!! 8)


ATB

Adam :)
 
Hi Chris, and welcome to the forum!

That's a very tidy-looking S you've fallen on there, and it does sound as if you've got the bit between your teeth sorting out those minor niggles.

As far as the clutch is concerned, I had a problem with mine slipping soon after having a new one fitted....which was cured by adjustment of the withdrawal mechanism. It might be worth your while checking this before pulling the box.

Here's the thread......

http://www.classicroverforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4946

================

You're right not to underestimate the cost of fitting a 5-speed box, but in my opinion it's the best mod I've ever made to Occie. If you've got the facilities, it's not too difficult to do yourself, but not a quick job!

If you do find you need to replace your clutch, and are sticking with the 4-speed box, I've got a Borg & Beck kit with very minimal wear spare in the garage.

This was my effort at the box change:

http://www.classicroverforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9111


Good luck!

Stan
 
Thanks for your sage advice chaps.

Having spoken to a local garage "expert" he put me off the idea of a 5 speed, using the word "agricultural" .... so then I go and replace the clutch then see all these comments saying how it is such a good upgrade. Doh!!

In the end - even thought I bought a new clutch, it seems part of the reason it was slipping was down to a dished flywheel. It's since been skimmed and I can now accelerate again!

Best

Chris
 
The later R380 has a much better reputation that the earlier LT77 - LDV Pilots are the most abundant and cheapest source of these at the moment.
 
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