Wander
Expedition Leader
I looked at a fantastic 64 IIa yesturday that if I can find a way to get it I think it would be an excellent choice for my first series Rover. I used all the tips and advice gleened for you all (thank you) and looked it over closely. I was prepared with flash light and large screwdriver but found that I didn't have anything to knock or probe-the frame and bulkhead were clear of rust. The frame wasn't galvanized but just clean. Everything the seller can find indicates the Rover has lived it's life in the Charlotte NC area and has always been an extra vehicle and very likely garage/barn kept. The motor fired right up with a little choke (it was a pretty cold/raw day) and settled into a very smooth sewing machine like idle. So the first two "majors" checked out better than OK and the engine was also a nice plus. After letting it warm a bit we headed out to drive it along the lanes of the sellers farm. If there is a better way to test I don't know what it is, with the grey skies, cold biting wind and rolling pasture lands it looked very much like the English countryside. We splashed through mud puddles went into a field to go round the combine transporter and went up some climbs and down the other side. It was great for me as this was the first time I've driven a series. We then exited the farm onto a rual road to take it through the gears and so I could experience the neck snapping acceleration!:smiley_drive: I did have to adjust my shifting speed downward to not rush things but I soon found my rythmn and was really enjoying my self and trying to remain objective (not easy). So it drove, shifted, braked, etc better than expected. From reading posts here and other forums I expected a rough ride and while it was not anything near plus it also wasn't has harsh as I anticipated.
Now the things I noticed that will need $$.
It does not have heater. I am in eastern NC so not exactly an area known for cold so if I add one it will be purely by choice. I have seen some kits for about 1K, is this high or about normal?
The seats are not stock-far from it. Someone added two buckets with a center section from what I guess to be a late 60's early 70's GM muscle car. They are nice and would be a good find for someone looking for this set up for their 69 Tempest but they are way oversized for the Rover. To add insult to injury they are bolted to the seat box and have no adjustment. The size of the seat bottoms is such that you can not acces the pedals without employing some amusing contortions. I found the Frankenstein stomping metiod to work for me, the seller is taller that I am and can not engage the clutch with the door closed. The seat are also covered in a iridescent white vinyl that shifts to a pale gold at the right angle-psycadelic! Not letting the seats obscure my opinion I made a note that this will have to addressed right away. I'm seeing stock replacement seat in the $500 range and some for less depending on the quality of vinyl. The seat belts were also removed so that will have to added for safety. I'm hoping to find something used for these-what should I expect to pay?
The speedo was swinging about but that's a fairly easy fix from what I've found.
The rest of what it needs is time and elbo grease. It's almost too nice, it has a shine to the paint but the paint shop also covered the cappings, rivots and painted the rear cross memeber the same color. So nothing but time to uncover the cappings and some black paint for the parts that should be black.
That's about it, it's almost too nice which makes me worried I won't be able to raise enough $$ to buy. We'll see in January.
So what do you think? Does $500-$800 right off to correct the seats and reinstall belts sound right or will I need more. The heater can wait, maybe I can find a used one and restore it before I install-if I do.
I'm trying not to get too excited about this in case I can't afford it and to remain objective but I don't think I'll find another in this condition.
Now the things I noticed that will need $$.
It does not have heater. I am in eastern NC so not exactly an area known for cold so if I add one it will be purely by choice. I have seen some kits for about 1K, is this high or about normal?
The seats are not stock-far from it. Someone added two buckets with a center section from what I guess to be a late 60's early 70's GM muscle car. They are nice and would be a good find for someone looking for this set up for their 69 Tempest but they are way oversized for the Rover. To add insult to injury they are bolted to the seat box and have no adjustment. The size of the seat bottoms is such that you can not acces the pedals without employing some amusing contortions. I found the Frankenstein stomping metiod to work for me, the seller is taller that I am and can not engage the clutch with the door closed. The seat are also covered in a iridescent white vinyl that shifts to a pale gold at the right angle-psycadelic! Not letting the seats obscure my opinion I made a note that this will have to addressed right away. I'm seeing stock replacement seat in the $500 range and some for less depending on the quality of vinyl. The seat belts were also removed so that will have to added for safety. I'm hoping to find something used for these-what should I expect to pay?
The speedo was swinging about but that's a fairly easy fix from what I've found.
The rest of what it needs is time and elbo grease. It's almost too nice, it has a shine to the paint but the paint shop also covered the cappings, rivots and painted the rear cross memeber the same color. So nothing but time to uncover the cappings and some black paint for the parts that should be black.
That's about it, it's almost too nice which makes me worried I won't be able to raise enough $$ to buy. We'll see in January.
So what do you think? Does $500-$800 right off to correct the seats and reinstall belts sound right or will I need more. The heater can wait, maybe I can find a used one and restore it before I install-if I do.
I'm trying not to get too excited about this in case I can't afford it and to remain objective but I don't think I'll find another in this condition.
