Yesterday I replaced the alternator in my Tonga green 1.8 XEI project facelift. I managed to break the coolant return plastic pipe in the process, as it had gone very brittle. :mad:
At least the alternator fixed the glowing battery lamp. :)
I also set about replacing the cracked rear bumper, which was done with too much effort. Thankfully the dremel tool made quick work of cutting slots in the stubborn wheel arch liner screws.

Also the interior has now dried out, thanks to the dehumidifier that's been running it in for 2 weeks.

Just the front bumper to still to sort, a leaking exhaust joint and put it through the MOT.:D
 
Finish putting the rear end of the project 1.8 XEI back together.
20200119_161136.jpg
20200119_161117.jpg
 
Temporary fix to windscreen wiper linkage and dried out the tailgate lock mechanism. Had a "someone's been here before" moment when I removed the tailgate trim. Torn inner door liner with loads of 2 inch masking tape!
 
Where did you purchase the stainless screws from?
Ebay. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/401875632904
Got to say @Nodge68 - thats a really nice job you did on the black section of the back bumper, mind posting a bit more info on how you achieved it
I'd like to say I did it, but the bumper actually arrived in that condition. All I needed to do was swap over the coloured corner bumper trims (the offside I'd already painted) and fit the whole assembly back on the car. There was no other damage on the rear end, except the bumper.
 
Clocked up 170k today. VCU still good at under 30 sec (1.2.m, 5kg) and it has been with me since 80k. Thanks Bell!
As spoken of earlier, my TD4 came minus VCU / propshaft so cannot do a test.
It has left me pondering - do I or dont I really need it all.
I dont plan off roading of having fun I once had with my 10 years ownership on my early 3 door D1 200 cooking oil burner.
Look, i`m 72 near as dammit, not quite "so well"
but not sat at home in a soft chair either.
The boy in me says YES, but the sane old man says quite simply WHY.
keeping the hippo up to scratch is enough really surely.
It drives very well in front wheel drive only..
So, I think my mind Is made up, or, has it..
LOL
 
The boy in me says YES, but the sane old man says quite simply WHY.
keeping the hippo up to scratch is enough really surely.
It drives very well in front wheel drive only.
LOL

Driven ours 2WD since we got it. It's a still a capable machine. Forget the completeness, pull the rear diff and drive shafts off and stick 'em in't boot as ballast. There's still plenty of other potential for tinkering ;)
 
Had a quick look over the adventure we shared. I don't think I'd have been so confident to go across Scotland in anything less than this car

DSC00420.JPG Untitled-2.png DSC00515.JPG DSC00284.JPG DSC00267.JPG
 
I kicked Bender and threatened him with the scrap yard if he didn't pull his socks up and stop smokin ol' stogies (he's found)
 
As spoken of earlier, my TD4 came minus VCU / propshaft so cannot do a test.
It has left me pondering - do I or dont I really need it all.
I dont plan off roading
As long as the insurance company are happy to insure it, and you don't need AWD for winter or off road, then you could probably live without it, on the slow and ponderous TD4. The powerful V6 and zippy 1.8 really do make the most of the extra traction afforded by the rear drive, however the TD4 wouldn't really notice the loss of traction on roads, under normal driving conditions, .
 
Topped up the rear diff oil. Had a play with the FBH pump in the rear wheel arch to see if I can get the FBH running. The fan starts and the water pump but it never ignites and stops after 45 seconds or so. I've never heard the pump ticking so worth a look. No joy putting 12 volts on it on the car so took it off. Gave it a few light taps and put 12v on the bench and hey presto it shot diesel across the garage. Put it back in and primed the whole thing. I'll try it in the morning to see if it changes anything.
 
As long as the insurance company are happy to insure it, and you don't need AWD for winter or off road, then you could probably live without it, on the slow and ponderous TD4. The powerful V6 and zippy 1.8 really do make the most of the extra traction afforded by the rear drive, however the TD4 wouldn't really notice the loss of traction on roads, under normal driving conditions, .
Fanks Nodge68, nowadys I dont really "go fast" but will just say I set my decent satnav to shout at me If i`m over 10% of posted speed limits, but its always nagging me while out.
I`ll post a photo of me something like - Heres one I done earlier type of thing (was some years ago now) ..
Hope it comes out, if not i`ll have to ask my grandchildren as I`m stoopid - lol
I done 14 happy years of both driving fast and smashing cars up, all in 4 different formulas i once raced, so, I dont really need to drive "fast" but thats not saying i still cant, as you can wind up that oil burner If you wanted too..
BUT thanks for your reply.
 
Something i have promised my black hippo for the last 2 weeks, but keep waiting for a non rainy day.
the country lanes round our way seem to have new housing going up with mud covered lorries covering the roads and my car also, but I did clean my windows and outside mirrors the other day..
Soon, Soon it`ll get a good wash.
 

Similar threads