question regarding grey market RR

[84greymarket]

I picked up a 1984, 5 speed, four door classic for a thousand bucks. It runs, but I think I need to do a major tuned up. I have been planing on picking up a classic for a while, but jumped on this one when I saw it. What really attracted me to it was that everything is manual, no electric locks or windows. Doesn't have too many bells and whistles, its more like a real truck. it is in ok condtion, the body is straight with no visible rust, but mechanically it needs some attention. I can barely get up to 65mph. I was wondering how rare these pre-imports are, and if they are more or less desirable because of the availability of parts? Also what are some of the first things mechanically that should be addressed that are different than a car?(changed, lubed, tightened, replaced etc.) Thank you.....

[junkyddog11]

Hard to even know where to start with that one. Parts to replace original are difficult, although RN can help out with that to a high degree. Many mechanical parts can be replaced/substituted with newer model parts. I've had several of these in the shop. Most have been parted out and are gone. Some have had big $$ applied and are on the road. One is still here and has a nice body but the subframe is fairly well corroded.

Note that visible rust is not the issue with these, it's what you can't see that will kill it. Give it a good looking over under the skin and behind the coverings before you get to involved in resurection.

Not sure why you are lacking power. Could be tuning. Could be a tired motor.

[Les Parker]

Nice pic. Matt !!
Cant be current, though, 'cos there's no snow around.

Seems like the grey market RRC's last longer than the 87-92's though.


Tootle-pip

[Paul Grant]

I just retired my '85 5 speed last fall. She looked great from the outside but rotted away on the inside. I fought the good fight for almost seven years replacing the sills, doing the floors, even replacing the rear cross member. In the end there was just too much rot on the steel portions of the inner body for it to be saved. If I ever dared to tally up the money I had in her (included a 4.0L) I'd have a stroke! Nevertheless, she was a great vehicle and is sorely missed.

[57loboy]

Paul - I've got to ask, what's the winch line hooked to? Were you winching something up that nice, smooth, straight driveway of yours?

[Paul Grant]

Hey Tom,
The winch line is attached to a recover point under the bumper. I guess the photo makes it look like it's in use. I bet you could have used the winch to get that big ash tree out of the way when you were up here the last time. I had no idea that sucker had fallen, let alone right across the driveway. Thanks for moving the debris out of the way! That ash kept us warm for about three weeks!
Cheers,
Paul

[Bryhn]

Rovers North will be tops in North America, but may not be able to get their hands on everything.

I have a '75 2 door 5 spd. and I've been searching for seat slides for months. Found one from a U.K. parts dealer, still need the other.

Your best bet (if RN doesn't have) would be to google the part or search U.K. ebay or Australia.

I have found a lot of old 2 doors for parts, but they always want to sell the whole vehicle. Oh well, the search is fun and it means you have something unique.


Good luck with your new Rover.

[rino]

I am also rebuilding a 75 RRC from the ground up. I finally went with D1 running gear/frame.

I have found that you have to shop around for parts,and you can find parts that will fit from other British cars..

Good luck to all, and lets post where we can source parts, I am always looking , and also open to subbing parts with other makes and models


R.

[Bryhn]

rino,

Found a guy in UK parting out an old 2 door. Not sure the year, but I will find out. I asked him if I could supply his e-mail to anyone else needing parts. I'll let you know what he says.

[jgkmmoore]

Methinks yer tars is too big. Quite surprising that fifth will pull the car at all , unless the gears have been changed? Try some 225/75X16's, or a tire that is about 29" diameter. That will tune ya up good. I don't know how you can just whip out and 'try' a set unless you borrow a set of a friends winter tires/wheels for the day? A minor tuneup at least, plugs,cap,rotor,wires would be in order anyway.
Good Luck.....sounds like a fun project if it's not too rusty.