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#Post#: 94976--------------------------------------------------
Biggles, the lightweight
By: Just A Number Date: December 10, 2014, 7:57 am
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Because I have a bit of shipfitters disease going on I'll post a
few little project pictures along with the usual type. I've
never owned a rover and had only seen one close up as a very
young child but I determined at that moment that I would
eventually be owned by a rover. So far it's proved to be a
reliable starter and runner.
After sitting in South Hampton for nearly a month and thence on
a ship for an additional month in transit I finally clapped eyes
on Biggles in Glaveston, TX.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/inport_zps2b6d6855.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/inport_zps2b6d6855.jpg[/img][/URL]
I was a bit nervous about the vehicle starting and so I'd
brought jump leads and ether to ensure I could at least get the
vehicle on the trailer. The only thing I had to to is air up
the two driver's side tires. I hopped in and Biggles started
right up! I wanted to spend a minute tearing around the dock
areas but hard eyed security types hanging about meant that I
just drove up onto the trailer. Rather than head up the port to
hit Houston traffic we hit the ferry for an enjoyable ride over
to the coast road. I got two offers to buy Biggles whilst on
the ferry...not a chance!
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/ferry_zpsceccf585.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/ferry_zpsceccf585.jpg[/img][/URL]
Safely home in the garage that night.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/garage_zpse48f387e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/garage_zpse48f387e.jpg[/img][/URL]
First things first, new shoes.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/tires_zpsbb93b8fc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/tires_zpsbb93b8fc.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/rims1_zpsdf004c12.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/rims1_zpsdf004c12.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/rims2_zps46cd7a30.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/rims2_zps46cd7a30.jpg[/img][/URL]
After an interesting round or two with the state vehicle
register rover was now registered and road legal so we went to
work one morning.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/biggles_zps97f19f66.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/biggles_zps97f19f66.jpg[/img][/URL]
...and had an early morning chat with a State policeman...you
can see his white suburban leaving in the back ground. It was
no trouble, he was just interested in looking over the unusual
vehicle. Can't blame him there, it's not everyday you see a RHD
vehicle in the States.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/rovercrop_zps7150e848.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/rovercrop_zps7150e848.jpg[/img][/URL]
I've changed all the oils and many of the gaskets.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/refillswivel_zpscac8da3d.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/refillswivel_zpscac8da3d.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/gearbox_zps827b4525.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/gearbox_zps827b4525.jpg[/img][/URL]
Replaced the rear output seal and break shoes.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/tbreak_zps76e82491.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/tbreak_zps76e82491.jpg[/img][/URL]
Added overdrive and painted up the floors and tunnel.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/roverdrive_zpse2578607.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/roverdrive_zpse2578607.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/floorsdone_zps4049da44.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/floorsdone_zps4049da44.jpg[/img][/URL]
And begun the anti-rust campaign that promises to be a full time
job.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/rusty_zps8eb1bf1f.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/rusty_zps8eb1bf1f.jpg[/img][/URL]
Got the convoy light working and painted it up to avoid future
corrosion.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/Convoylamp1_zpsac68946f.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/Convoylamp1_zpsac68946f.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/convoylight2_zps04d93d14.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/convoylight2_zps04d93d14.jpg[/img][/URL]
Fixed up the weapons rack, it now sports a fake sterling.
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/IMG_1518_zps9a24467b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/IMG_1518_zps9a24467b.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/IMG_1515_zps0e50019d.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/IMG_1515_zps0e50019d.jpg[/img][/URL]
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/sterlingmount_zps5a1904a7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/sterlingmount_zps5a1904a7.jpg[/img][/URL]
Plus the inevitable side track jobs and projects, minor
polishing and rubbing progress is being made. I seem to
constantly add to the list of things that need doing but so far
so good!
[URL=
HTML http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/JustANumber72/media/roverbumper_zps5483c85c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/JustANumber72/roverbumper_zps5483c85c.jpg[/img][/URL]
#Post#: 94981--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: hippydave Date: December 10, 2014, 11:11 am
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nice looking motor dude, it seems to be in very good nick. but
you will still get many hours of tinkering out of it no doubt.
#Post#: 94985--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Sprocket Date: December 10, 2014, 12:22 pm
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That's a very sweet ride my friend - enjoy!
#Post#: 94987--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Peter de Dawg Date: December 10, 2014, 2:16 pm
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Very tidy looking lightweight, I bet there's not many of those
in the US..
#Post#: 94988--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: prof-pat-pending Date: December 10, 2014, 2:16 pm
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ex-cumbrian registration that one :-?
probably penrith at a guess :rolleye0012:
nice motor :smilewide:
#Post#: 95016--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Just A Number Date: December 11, 2014, 7:47 am
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I'll take your word for it. It was originally LHD but
reportedly converted to RHD by Crook Brothers after it was cast.
One of the two previous owners named it Biggles (there is a
sticker even) so I kept the name, and will be keeping it RHD,
it's not as if I'll ever need to see to pass any other vehicles!
Shed-like aerodynamics and my careful selection of back roads
keeps the speed down...unhappily for some folks on the same
roads trying to drive as fast as possible for thrills. :)
#Post#: 95021--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Roveerman Date: December 11, 2014, 11:56 am
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Nice, how do you find the overdrive? I've got the old fairy type
but allways look longingly at those yank built ones, just think
it must be just that bit quieter. Like the transfer case cover
as well.
#Post#: 95024--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Just A Number Date: December 11, 2014, 1:03 pm
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It is absolutely silent when engaged, I like it...though I did
choke a bit on the price. Their directions are good but lacking
in certain key areas. 1) Use hylomar to seal it not just their
oiled paper gasket trick. 2) The instructions will have you fit
the selector link, after you wipe your hands and say "finished"
you will find that you have to uncouple the rear bit to get to
the fill hole for adding 1/2 quart EP90 to the unit while
filling the transfer box back up.
It was easy to install, easy to use and makes for a bit less
howling at speed...for a given value of speed of course!
#Post#: 95038--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Just A Number Date: December 12, 2014, 8:42 am
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Sorry to bump with a random question but I've scoured the
internet with zero success. Is there some secret warehouse
containing all the under arch tool boxes and IRR headlight
filters for these motors? Is so how do I contact the storeman?
#Post#: 95974--------------------------------------------------
Re: Biggles, the lightweight
By: Just A Number Date: February 5, 2015, 9:08 am
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I finally tracked down the loose wire that meant no heater.
It's been a pretty mild winter for us but I'm about to head up
north and I'll be taking the rover. Since it promises to be
gibbering cold I thrilled that all it took was a few minutes
with a soldering gun.
Next up...valve clearances. I've no idea how to accomplish this
but I'm reading every post here that has that term in it. The
basic newbie questions I have are this...when I pull the cover
off is there anything that will fly away never to be seen again?
Is there a gasket that will need replacing once I've popped the
cover? Is there something that I definitely shouldn't
do/touch/think while the cover is off?
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