New member - Hiya

O

Obeaston

New Member
Hiya,

I have a 1972 Rover P6 2000TC in my lock up. It's been there since 1988 and in another garage lock up since ~1984.
We had great fun and outings in her, she was my,now wife and my car when we were babes in arms and had just met, so don't really want to beak her.
Going to have a look see if I can get her roadworthy again.
She is tobacco leaf brown with fibreglass wings, full leather interior and ET headrests but with some |(rubbed down) bodywork patches, sunroof (new in the 80's) and is all there and original.
She broke down in Edinburgh in the early 1980's and had the wheel trims pinched, passenger door glass smashed and the glovebox knifed, but these have all been replaced.

I rebuild the engine prior to it being stored away, with bore rehoned, new oil control piston rings and the head reworked - unfortunately the carbs needed balanced which was done but no locking nuts on the adjuster bolts - so that was a waste of time/money. I have a few questions before I look at her, I'm hoping my new friendly? enthusiasts can help me with -

1/ She has never been SORNed, will I get a hefty fine when I try to put her on the road as tax exempt?
2/ The timing chain tensioner fell into the sump, can the sump be removed without taking the engine out?
3/ Does anyone have a tensioner I can buy?
4/ The carb pots are seized, what is the best way to get them apart?
5/ I have carb rebuild washer kit but need the mixture adjuster nut locknuts, best source or what size are they?
6/ Starter solenoid was a bit hit and miss, would I just need new brushes?
7/ Which size battery will I need?
8/ I've got the rear caliper adjuster tool but think the pads are seized onto the discs, any advice?
9/ Once I get the old fuel out should I keep the original mechanical fuel pump or change to another type?
10/ Spark was a bit weak years ago, can I get a new voltage regulator, if so which type?
11/ Exhaust system, can I get a new one anywhere?

Suppose I need to concentrate on getting her running first, wish me luck!
I'll await some replies before I creak open the garage door :LOL:
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Brian (Fife Scotland)
 
Hi Brian,

Good to see you here on the forum, and I must say - what an excellent choice of car ;) It sounds like you've alot of memories with her, so please put her back on the road and enjoy!

First, joing the club! I recommend http://www.p6club.com - a real friendly bunch and good value, also you'll get help with the DVLA and authorities :)

1. I don't know, I don't think so, but if you have any difficulties with the DVLA - give Mark Gray a call at editor@p6club.com
2. Yes - Jack her up and support on axle stands. Follow the workshop manual - umpteen bolts all the way round and a couple from the bellhousing and the sump comes off easily. there is no gasket - so a bit of hylomar when you put her back.
3. tensioners readily available from http://www.rover-classics.co.uk/ - Ian Wilson who runs Rover Classics will become your best friend as you recommission her. Hes a great chap and loves our cars.
4. When you say the carb pots, do you mean the pistons? Personally, I'd use penetration oil - what would others on here use? I've never had to do this.
5. If no-one on here has any spare bits, you can still buy most of the SU stuff brand new from http://www.sucarb.co.uk/. Burlen Fuel systems bought SU.
6. Brushes are available and s/h starters crop up occassionally on eBay.
7. Take your battery box with you to the nearest motor factor, ask for a battery that fits! remember to get one with the terminals on the correct side! I use a battery that was meant for a 4x4.
8. ?
9. Keep the fuel pump. If it does give you any problems (like pouring fuel into the oil!) then replacement seals are available. The V8 owners often switch to electric, but that's to get round fuel vapourisation - something we don't suffer from.
10. As it's sat around for ages, I'd have a good look round and replace of much of the ignition components. Not the regulator - more the coil/points/plugs/leads.
11. You can still get the odd mild steel section new, some sections s/h, but if you get stuck, there is always the stainless steel option which are made to order.

Best of luck getting her running, and when you do creak open that garage door - take your camera and upload some pics - we love our pics.
Keep us all posted with regular updates and photos on progress - create yourself a thread in the "members projects" section.

Cheers,
Bri.
 
Wow. Great response Brian. Now got loads to keep me busy and motivated. I'll open the door this weekend with camera in hand :?
Thank you.
 
Hi Brian

As your car was put off the road prior to the SORN legislation coming into force, you shouldn't have any problems.

Colin
 
Hi Brian, and welcome! :)

Can't remember when the SORN Regs came in, but certainly after 1988 so, as said, you won't have any problems there.

To free the pads off the discs try jacking the rear up then slowly lower the wheel onto offset block(s) of wood with handbrake off...like this:

freeingrearpads.jpg


Usually works!

Good luck in getting her back on the road.
 
Nothing to add to Brian's comments - all spor on!

re No 8 - if it's been stood since '84 then the rear calipers are certain to need the full treatment. The easiest way to do this is to have the calipers off. Ylou then have a choice of either doing them yourself on the bench or waving the cheque book for a recon pair. Past Parts would be my choice for recons http://www.pastparts.co.uk/ You are probably awate that the hansgrake adjustment mechanism in the rear calipers is a bit of a nightmare to get right, plus the tiny cylinders really do benefit fom resleeving if you're not to repeat the repair at regullar intervals. Obviosly replace all brake hoses after this amount of time off the road.

Chris
 
Hi Brian,

good to hear that you have kept the car all those years and are finally getting the chance to sort things out. Also good to see another Scottish forum member (I'm in Paisley). Only thing I would add so far is if you need any distributor/ignition bits, http://www.distributordoctor.com/ is a good place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top