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Post by jamesh on Dec 31, 2020 12:42:16 GMT
Hello everyone!
I'm looking to buy myself a P5B as a retirement present to myself after over 35 years NHS service. It's going to be my first classic and I hope to be able to use it fairly frequently over the summer. It will be dry stored over the winter.
I'm hoping to do little bits of maintenance and routine servicing but things like welding and bodywork are a bit of a closed book to me I'm afraid.
Sadly, I've also got a fairly severe back injury (thanks NHS!) and would need to be fairly well supportive. Are they difficult to reupholster and repair?
I'm based in the North West and would love to be able to meet up with others.
James
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Dec 31, 2020 12:57:23 GMT
Hi James welcome to the forum it's good to hear you have found something to keep you busy  |
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Post by entwisi on Dec 31, 2020 13:28:29 GMT
Hi, I'm also a NW based(accrington) newbie but i have got my car. Its in good condition but like all there are things I want/need to do to it. My list is seat belts, refurb leather, new uprated LED headlights, electronic ignition. I'm also a bad back victim after a big motorbike accident in 2003 ( smashed L1 vert and damaged muscles meaning i have " events" every few years that knock me off my feet for a few months ) so I know your pain, literally
Where aboouts are you?
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Post by jamesh on Dec 31, 2020 15:17:50 GMT
Thanks for the welcome.
I'm based in Bolton, partner lives near Chorley.
Interested in the updating of the headlights - is this a common upgrade?
James
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Post by Sam Bee on Dec 31, 2020 16:10:50 GMT
Welcome James. My 'home' town is Bolton, Turton actually (granddad was the Vicar), but many years in Sussex.
Headlight conversion is quite common, just doing mine. You have to be careful what you buy so as not to spoil the look.
And good luck with the search. Sam
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Dec 31, 2020 16:46:24 GMT
I bought our P5s after my back injuries and ops in 1988 because it was easy to get into, drive and work on. Buy the best you can afford. Parts are easy but some are not cheap and a P5/P5B that does not need welding is very rare. Do not buy the 1st you see and take someone with you who understands old cars and even better P5s to look it over before you buy
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Post by djm16 on Dec 31, 2020 23:51:16 GMT
Phil should have added:
A P5B that does not need welding is
a) rare
b) very expensive
c) hard to identify from the 100 others that look great with bog over rust
This is a serious suggestion: if this is going to be your first classic, then consider something massively more straight forward like a Morris Minor, but avoid Travellers.
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Post by enigmas on Jan 1, 2021 7:47:41 GMT
Good luck and good fortune seeking out your first classic car. If you really do want a P5 and preferably a P5B do take your time and preferably a friend or club member who knows these cars inside out and get the best one you can afford. Upholstery and rust repairs on these cars can be extremely expensive for obvious reasons so keep your emotions well in check before purchasing one.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2021 10:21:02 GMT
I too have a messed up back. Showing off by carrying a boat engine and with an encore of vanishing from sight with it through a totally rotten bit of deck. I find the P5b quite comfortable although maybe not as much as my old London black cab which has a built in pump up back cushion in the drivers seat back rest.
At present I'm replacing all the foam in my seats. Professional repairs are as others have said very expensive and if your back is suspect removing the front seats will test it as they are extremely heavy.
Rust is an issue on these and any time spent checking for it is never wasted.
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Post by charlie on Jan 1, 2021 11:50:46 GMT
Had many P5/P5B over the years my own view is that the MK11 3 litre was the most comfortable and quietest of them all, not the quickest though, if there was a 3 litre MK11c coupe brand new in a showroom auto or manual somewhere I would be camping outside the showroom tonight until it opens.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 1, 2021 12:41:44 GMT
Had many P5/P5B over the years my own view is that the MK11 3 litre was the most comfortable and quietest of them all, not the quickest though, if there was a 3 litre MK11c coupe brand new in a showroom auto or manual somewhere I would be camping outside the showroom tonight until it opens. I could not agree more EXCEPT I do have bend myself more to avoid banging my head on the roof gutter to get into our Coupe which I do not need to on our P5B saloon. The more comfortable seats make up for it though |
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Post by charlie on Jan 1, 2021 14:30:15 GMT
Yes did have a few people say they banged their head getting in the back of coupe but never with saloon, I wouldn't say no to a P4 105s or a 110 but not as nice looking or as roomy as P5, prefer dash-dials on 110 to 105 same seats as P5 though I think.
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Post by lagain on Jan 1, 2021 16:20:05 GMT
Thanks for the welcome. I'm based in Bolton, partner lives near Chorley. Interested in the updating of the headlights - is this a common upgrade? James I changed to LED headlights a couple of years ago, not sure that they are much better but struggle to see well in the dark anyway ! roverp5.proboards.com/thread/10772/led-headlampsShould help |
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