Am I mad? (Read 456 times)

[gainsb1]

So, here's the thing. I've recently bought a............. 1978 Series 1 Rover SD1 2600 (twin carbs, pre-fuel injection model). I haven't told the wife yet.

It is stored in a friends lock-up yard under a recently purchased outdoor cover. In typical SD1 fashion the boot carpets and the drivers well carpet were soaked, but a dehumidifier has got it nice and dry and emptied out about a gallon (Imp.) of water. I think that this water has only been in there since I bought it and left it outside uncovered during the recent downpours. Having spent two days removing the interior I can see that the floor pans are rust free.

The last owner notified sale in 1981 and from there it's history is vacant. However, at some time it fell into the hands of a company that supplies vehicle to film/TV productions and I would surmise that, being kept in their warehouse, this is why it was in such sound and damp-free condition. It would also explain why it is liveried up in Police markings, blue light and stripes (It was originally white in colour).

It came up on Fleabay and it drove back 254 miles without a murmur of trouble. It needs a paint job and I am in the process of identifying the leaks to the interior, then waxoyling and rust-curing it before sourcing new carpets. Other than that, the interior is almost excellent. It has a few "Heath-Robinson" items fitted - when the rear exhaust box perished they just welded on a bit of piping to clear the rear of the vehicle (It DOES sound good!) and tied it all up with some thick wiring flex (Sounds like one of Andrew's fixes... LOL). The choke cable lever has been replaced with..... some wiring flex (there's a theme going on here) and there is some unknown wiring going on at the rear lights. Some masking tape (Oh, come on.... ) has been used to stick the rubber seals on, where they have come adrift, and some of the door hinge pins have been replaced with nuts and bolts. All in all not bad. It is rock solid underneath and in all the usual grot-spots.

Although it had a week old MOT I got my usual garage to take it in for an MOT type inspection and it "passed" with only the rear number plate lights not working, one headlamp main beam not working, front control arm bushes worn and the washer jets were blocked. I will change the cam belt and the front camshaft seal as there is a leak here. Points, plugs, condensor and rotor arm have been changed. It starts on the button.

So, here are my questions;
1. Does anyone else have experience of the SD1? I would like a friendly person or two that I can call on in moments of frustration.
2. When (if at all) should I tell my wife?
3. Should I keep it looking like a Police car? (I got pulled over by the real Police within an hour of putting it on the road - they had their photos taken with it.....)
4. Am I mad?

Leigh (Area rep)