My new ride!

[Rich]

Well, I did a trip up to Downham Market in the Rover 220 on Sunday and came back with a Rover 45 1.8i! Same colour, Tahiti Blue, but under the bonnet a far more familiar sight.... A nice little 1.8 K Series! It's identical in engine/performance spec to a ZS120, has air con and, quite unusually, it has a sunroof too. Fully electric everything, very high level of comfort. six speaker sound, now with one of my Pioneer headunits wired in (same as in the 'F), and eagerly awaiting some subtle mods. Needs a spoiler on the back and I have my eye on one... It'll need to be sprayed up though!

Pics to folllow...

Rich

[Guest]

Nice one Rich, look forward to the piccies.

[Nick]

Nice one Rich, how many cars in the stable now? Are you trying for a bulk buy of Tahiti Blue touch up paint

Right time to get the LEDs, spoilers, kerb basher alloys, silver wipers etc etc have a chat to Stu for some pointers

[dressur]

Nice one Rich, how many cars in the stable now? Are you trying for a bulk buy of Tahiti Blue touch up paint

Right time to get the LEDs, spoilers, kerb basher alloys, silver wipers etc etc have a chat to Stu for some pointers

I saw some nice Burberry fabric when I was out checking out horse rug material this morning! Wipe clean and available with either red or black piping!!

[Rich]

Nice one Rich, how many cars in the stable now? Are you trying for a bulk buy of Tahiti Blue touch up paint

Right time to get the LEDs, spoilers, kerb basher alloys, silver wipers etc etc have a chat to Stu for some pointers

I traded the 220 in for it, so there's still just the three on the driveway... The 'F, the 45 and Kate's 400.


There are one or two bits I'll be doing just to add a slightly personal touch but as the car is so near perfect and already has decent alloys, etc. there will be no LEDs or additional silver bits! Of course, being a non-vvc MG engine, some performance mods may kick in. I could even fit a ZS XPower exhaust straight on, but the one on it is in good condition so I'll save my pennies for the mo. Mustn't neglect the 'F now, must I!


Rich

[Matto 180]

Rich, it's a same it's not a Zed though...

[Guest]

Right time to get the LEDs, spoilers, kerb basher alloys, silver wipers etc etc have a chat to Stu for some pointers

So you admit that is where you got all the ideas for your car from then.... Copying me!!!!

Rich, can't wait to see pictures, sounds like a good move keeping it original if it is in such a good condition.

[M77XNE]

So, what made you get a new car then rich?

[Nick]

Oh and Mikes got a brand new K&N apollo enclosed system for sale

[M77XNE]

Oh and Mikes got a brand new K&N apollo enclosed system for sale

I'm having it off him!!!!!

[Guest]

I'm having it off with him!!!!!

Really????

[M77XNE]

Oh deer, excuse me. Stew, did you change what I had put? Poor Mike, wouldn't want to put him through that! lol

[Rich]

So, what made you get a new car then rich?

Stuff needed doing to the 220, like both bumpers respraying and the replacement of those horrific wheels, and when I did the sums, the car wouldn't be worth any more, and money better spent upgrading to a better car instead. I took the extra bits I added back off before part-exing it. But the new car is like a limo compared to the old one, with the performance of a ZS! I dare say you'll see it very soon...

Rich

[Rich]

Finally took some pics. It's had one or two bits done already but nowt big yet...

The 'Rich' trademark black grille that has to be my first mod, although there could be further changes here...


Kate liked the Rover alloys so that saved me an expense. Swapped with her ZS hairpins...


And the dash was a bit too black so I've 'jagged' it up a bit with dial rings. No chav comments please. No more bling being added!


Looks like the exhaust may be changed earlier than I thought. But not stainless steel at the moment as the budget won't allow. Got a slight rattle in the centre box though.

Rich.

[Nick]

Liking the dials, brightens it up nicely. Could your rattle be a loose baffle, I fixed one of my metro's baffles by whacking the box with a hammer!

[Matto 180]

Tidy looking car Rich - like the alloys!

[Rich]

... Could your rattle be a loose baffle, I fixed one of my metro's baffles by whacking the box with a hammer!

I'm suspecting the baffle too as when the car gets hot, it sounds like it's blowing underneath, about level with the handbrake which is where the centre box is. Really weird how when it's cold, it's fine, then when I've taken the car for a good blast gets very noisy... a competitor for Stewart's! But then it goes quiet again after standing still for five minutes!

Rich

[Rich]

Visited Clifton-Lane today and found the problem. When cool, the exhaust doesn't blow anywhere, but when it's hot it's blowing near where the pipe comes out of the centre box. it's just a hairline crack which even when hot and the metal has expanded is difficult to see, but it can be heard and felt. I've just sealed it with exhaust filler for the moment, but will buy a centre section soon. I'm seeing if I can stretch to a stainless steel section, with the idea that a back box will come shortly after.

Rich

[Nick]

Some idiot probably hit the back box with a hammer at some time in the past!

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