jj
Rover Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Dec 9, 2018 17:37:03 GMT
Hi,
Rover newbie here!
I would just like to ask a (few) questions on the forum.
I became the proud owner of a Rover P5B coupe on the 24th of November from Historics auctions. The car has been well looked after, but could do with some minor TLC which I can do myself or with the help of my local garage contacts.
First question - does anyone living in or near (east) Devon know of any local Rover contacts for advice, meetings, maintenance and parts?
Second question - what are (sensible) upgrades that I could consider for the car over the next years, i.e. brakes, steering, cooling, performance, reliability? I want to keep the car as original as possible but at the same time ensure it's long term use and survival.
When the weather improves in the New Year, I plan to visit or join in local car shows, like Powderham Castle, so any info on this would also be welcome.
I am sure that I will have more questions in the future, and plan to use the forum to tap into all the knowledge that seems to be out here!
Kind regards
JJ
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Post by eightofthem (Andy) on Dec 9, 2018 18:00:38 GMT
I have had dealings with road rally race in Paignton 07551 707078 ask for Richard. They have dealt with P5 and P6 models, the P6 being a favourite of his.
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jj
Rover Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Dec 9, 2018 19:16:09 GMT
Hi Andy,
Thank you for the advice.
My local garage has looked after my cars for years, and when I spoke to him about wanting to own a P5B, he said he has worked on quite a few in his earlier years as a mechanic! He has rebuild and serviced the V8 engine many times, both in Rovers and other cars (Marcos).
I trust him to give me good advice, he will also be honest if something is outside of his expertise or comfort zone.
I understand you are near Paignton, could you tell me if there is a local Devon/Cornwall/Somerset Rover branch of the P5 club?
All the best
JJ
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tonys
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 419
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Post by tonys on Dec 9, 2018 20:57:29 GMT
Is yours the 2-door?
Congratulations on your purchase.
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tonys
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 419
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Post by tonys on Dec 9, 2018 21:03:31 GMT
If you want to exhibit at Powderham and you're not already aware, you'll need to register fairly early. From memory, in 2018, all spaces were filled by May, so whilst it's still some way off, you can't leave it until the last minute.
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Post by richardlamsdale on Dec 9, 2018 21:25:10 GMT
Your question on upgrades is likely to get a range of views, so here's mine! If your car is in good order there aren't really any common weaknesses with these cars. At the most basic I'd just recommend checking everything is working, serviced and rust-proofed. I think fitting hazard warning lights is a good idea in modern traffic, and modern seat belts if yours are quite old.
From here it's really down to you. If your car has an automatic choke (AED) they can be problematic and many have been retro-fitted back to a manual choke. Some people fit electric fans to improve cooling (the V8 produces a lot of heat but I've never had a problem), and electric fuel pumps are a fairly common upgrade, as is electronic ignition, but I wouldn't say any of these are necessary if your car is running well. From there you could go anywhere up to swapping the gearbox for a more modern unit or replacing the suspension for a more modern setup.
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tonys
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 419
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Post by tonys on Dec 9, 2018 21:58:12 GMT
I would concur with the above, particularly the first paragraph. It's all very much a matter of personal choice but I would say that a well maintained original-specification car would be better and more reliable than a 'less well maintained' modified/updated car. It's probably fair to say that fuel vapourisation, in slow moving/stationary traffic on very hot days, is one of the more commonly reported 'issues' but I don't recall it ever being an issue when the cars were current, perhaps that's down to modern fuels, or global warming If your car has an electric fan, which I suspect it has if it's the one I'm thinking of, a manual over-ride switch might be a useful addition, if not already fitted.
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Post by Warwick on Dec 10, 2018 6:55:34 GMT
My philosophy is that you change whatever you like, to suit your tastes, but think twice before you change anything permanently. These cars are now appreciating in value. For example, if you like particular alloy wheels, by all means get some. But don't get rid of the original wheels. Not everyone likes white-band tyres. I do. But they aren't a permanent change. My car has the better Volvo steering box fitted. These don't leak and improve the steering of the car. But fitting one doesn't require structural changes, and I made sure I acquired an original Rover steering box and it's safely stored in case one day the car is worth much more by having the original leaking box. If you fit an electric fuel pump, don't throw the original one away; even if it doesn't work.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Dec 10, 2018 8:45:08 GMT
My car has the better Volvo steering box fitted. These don't leak and improve the steering of the car. Don't throw the original one away; even if it doesn't work. The Hydro box if set up correctly it is fine! and they don't have to leak
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Post by Warwick on Dec 10, 2018 10:02:01 GMT
Sorry John. I didn't mean they weren't fixable. But you can't just send them off to be rebuilt, and fix the problem. The repairer needs to know what they are doing, and modify things.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Dec 10, 2018 12:24:56 GMT
Sorry John. I didn't mean they weren't fixable. But you can't just send them off to be rebuilt, and fix the problem. The repairer needs to know what they are doing, and modify things. Yes I understood that Warwick
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jj
Rover Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Dec 10, 2018 20:30:59 GMT
Hi Tonys,
Yes, it is!
Congratulations to you for spotting the Historics reference! I thought I would see how long it took for anyone to notice that Adam is now safely in my garage.
Very lucky, I had been looking for a P5B coupe for a while and end up with the only 2 door!
I am currently trying to find out as much as possible about the car, so any info will be welcome.
My aim is very much to keep him in good shape and take him out to explore the (Devon) countryside.
All the best
JJ
PS I see you are in South Devon, is there a local Rover branch/group as I am in East Devon?
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jj
Rover Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Dec 10, 2018 20:36:55 GMT
Thanks you the advice on the upgrades.
I will firstly get the car properly looked at, set up correctly and then make list of any possible tweaks. He starts well with the manual choke, runs well and the gear box changes nicely. The ride is good, very comfy! Seat, interior, carpets etc are all in need of minor TLC and some elbow grease. Exterior paint in generally good with a few old age beauty spot
I am sure that I will use this forum in the future for advice, and as with any questions there are always multiple answers, all or none (!) can be correct but all will be useful.
All the best
JJ
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tonys
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 419
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Post by tonys on Dec 11, 2018 11:48:57 GMT
JJ
You have a personal message (PM).
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Post by ray on Dec 11, 2018 11:53:44 GMT
JJ, Welcome to the forum run by the P5 club. The website for the P5 Club hold lists of all meetings, there are two in Devon. www.roverp5club.org.uk/#DEVONI would recommend meeting members and discussing all your ideas as that is the best way to get the experience of others. ...you have of course joined the club? If you have bought the 2 door Coupe that was built by or previous Club secretary and her husband. It is a well known car. I hope you get may miles of happy motoring with it. Look out for next years National P5 Rally, you will enjoy it! Kindest regards Ray
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jj
Rover Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Dec 11, 2018 20:04:51 GMT
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the info.
I have joined the club and two magazines arrived today, so I now have some contacts for my region.
My car is the 2-door coupe as you correctly guessed, and I certainly hope to enjoy many miles with him.
Firstly I will try and meet some local P5B owners to get some insider knowledge and advice. I also intend to record all the information I can find (and haven't got yet) about the car. So anything you or other readers know would be welcome. I understand that there have been two articles on the car in Take Five, could I still get copies of these somewhere?
I do intend to show the car when I have time and when he's been spruced up a bit. I will keep an eye on the events diary.
All the best
JJ
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Post by ray on Dec 12, 2018 11:43:16 GMT
JJ,
Seek your local P5 Club contact for copies from older magazines, that will get you talking with your local group which I am sure will enhance your enjoyment of your car.
If you can find which magazine the article was in, I can probably get a copy of the article.
I feel that it will be possible for you to get more information about the rebuild of it and may-be a meeting with Vicky & Ray who had it made. Particularly if that combined with a rally, near enough for Vicky to get to (midlands area).
Don't wait to spruce it up... this club is all about using and enjoying the cars. It is often more interesting to follow and enjoy the journey of restoration as much as seeing fine cars.
Mine has been in-progress for about 20 years!
Cheers Ray
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