Blimey, a 62 IIa 88" rebuild

[64osby]

Thanks Colin.

Series, sounds like a good plan of attack for the swivel.

I have a new diff flange for the front. Hoping to get that installed in the next couple days. Ordered the rear output flange today. Hope to see it by the weekend.

That might get me two less leaking points. Every bit counts.

I have a large piece of sheet vinyl under Blimey to track the leaks, and save my driveway. It is easy to clean and shows the leaks really nice.

Progress!

I have to say it is absolutely enjoyable to be out and about driving this Series once again. Leaks and all.

[series guy]

Removing or adding shims is quick and easy. Remove the wheel and then place a bottle jack under the hub. Remove the 4 nuts or bolts holding the top swivel pin and adjust the bottle jack so that you can turn the pin easily by hand. It doesn’t take much pressure at all. Then simply twist and pull the pin out and make your adjustments. It’s a pretty simple job.

[cnfowler]

Excellent results.

Colin

[64osby]

Switched the springs tonight. It is on an even keel now. Took it for a test drive, Might be a little better in terms of the wobble of the right front.

Next up is removing a shim from the swivel.

[64osby]

Hey Colin, thanks for the reply. Switching springs was on the list and can be done pretty quickly.

I had set pre loads on both sides. My measuring device is not the most accurate. I couldn't find my fish scale, so I used a bow scale. The measurement is on the low side of the scale so it probably is plus or minus 15%.

That is a good call from you. Thanks!.

[cnfowler]

The springs are handed so I would imagine you have them on the wrong side. Swapping them should take care of the high passenger side, at least while you're sitting in it.

Did you set the preload on the swivels? That could cause the wonky feeling over bumps.


Colin

[64osby]

Drove Blimey to the Gilmore Car Museum on Sunday, about 50 miles each way. Had an awesome time with over 400 British vehicles in attendance. I will make a separate post on that soon.

I discovered a few things.

A had a fuel leak on the main tank. It does help if one were to tighten up the feed line union. Corrected that tonight.

The rear output of the transmission is leaking a bit too much. Will have to dig into it. I was looking at seals / numbers. I have a PLE168. I see listing for both that and a FRC1780 on RN. Is there any difference between the two?

When driving over 50mph if the drivers side hits a bump steering is controlled. If the passenger side hits a bump the steering gets loose and the control is wonky. This doesn't seem to happen at 45mph. The shocks are new and the play on the bearings seems equal when the sides are on a jack. I can see no loose fittings in the steering system. It has not been aligned, but drives straight.

The other item I have noticed is the dimension from the ground to the bumper is 1" higher on the passenger side. I have loosened the bolts/ nuts for the springs and it doesn't make any difference. Both front springs have 9 leafs. I have full fuel tanks on both sides.

I'm debating switching the springs side to side to see if it makes a difference.

Any advice from those with more wisdom than I have?

[64osby]

Blimey looks great.

Colin

Thanks Colin!

[64osby]

Just a few minor tests to make sure you are worthy of Rover ownership.

There is always something to work on, I'll be happy if all the "tests" are minor.

[cnfowler]

Blimey looks great.


Colin

[series guy]

Just a few minor tests to make sure you are worthy of Rover ownership.

[64osby]

Had to fix the hub seal on the front passenger side. What a mess. Lost the brake cylinder in the process. Put everything back together and it drives great, but the brakes are not as good.

Figured out the passenger front rim is bent to xxxx. Had a death wobble twice when going over 50. Flipped in the spare and everything is much better.

I feel it is a Rover doing Rover things, leaking gear oil, slow to start, weak brakes, blow seals. Fun times, glad to be on the road.

[64osby]

Drove down to a local car show for todays 4th celebration. Displayed Blimey but did not enter for voting. Had a great time talking with people that had never seen a Rover of this vintage before. I let many young kids sit in it.

There was about 200 vehicles, most were muscle cars, Vets, Camaros.... I had the only UK vehicle. There was a nice Land Cruiser '80, and a nice '73 Bronco.

[64osby]

I've driven about 100 miles. Have a few more slow leaks that will have to be addressed over time.

Was able to get the brakes much better. I bled the crap out of them. The big key for me was setting the pedal height to 6 1/4". Once that happened they seem to be good on the first pump. Time will tell.

I did a small adjustment to the screw on the steering box. Made a huge difference in taking most of the play out of the system.

Found a really nice set of 5 Michelin Defender LTX LT215/85/16, They are used but have 10/32nds or more tread. Can't complain for $300. I've been running 235/85/16's. Will be interesting to see if there is a noticeable difference with going to a more narrow tire.

Not planning on mounting these until the fall. Use up the tires that I have.


Hope everyone has a Great Independence Day Holiday!

[64osby]

Figured out that the battery wasn't being charged. Did a few adjustments to the regulator and we are back in business. Took another test drive, had her up to 60 on the speedometer didn't check the GPS. Very pleased with the ride and steering. Brakes are still weak.

Drove about 15 miles, along the way I had to pause.