Simon's Vitesse Coupe

[SJG]

Why is the corrosion problem so bad on the Coupe version.
I thought they were 80% built by hand and up to a better standerd than the lower spec models. Did they not put any corrosion resistance at all into those lower sills?

Kate

I think the fact that they were 80% hand built was a big part of the problem Kate!

[Richard Moss]

I suspect that coupes are less likely to get scrapped than the "more common" fastbacks and saloons so we probably see more "tired" versions.

[Charles827si]

I suspect that coupes are less likely to get scrapped than the "more common" fastbacks and saloons so we probably see more "tired" versions.

Yes, but I (as I'm sure others) have also seen many 10 year old perfectly fine and reasonable looking high end premium cars for scrap. I suppose it all depends on the owner, - how far they want to go to repair the car. Or if they just want rid as conveniently as possible whatever the return price because they can easily afford a brand new BMW or whatever. For most people a car is image - and its what image, the said person wants to portray, that is true of them. I think for us like minded 800 enthusiasts, we would like to be seen driving these cars which are getting onto nearly 30 years old!

Other people want a new car every 6 months, once a year, or once every three to five years. My dad until recently had a company Passat estate on an 05 reg in green with a rusty tailgate. (and he is in quite a senior position in an engineering printing firm) He was so ashamed to be known for driving this clunker that ridiculously (I think) he would park it out of sight!

For me it's always been interesting to see an older car of more than 10 years on the road, because there are so many new modern cars on the road - and where's the curiosity there?

Sorry I've gone off on one now

[Very Tall Brad]

I visit a few scrapyards and see a number of fairly new cars in there, seemingly undamaged. Fords, Peugeots and Renaults, most commonly. An exhaust for a Peugeot 607 or Vel Satis is NOT in the KwikFit catalogue. A dealer price is well over £1200. Hence, cars get scrapped.

[SJG]

Well, I hoped to report a new 12 month mot today, but alas it is not to be. But it will be sorted over the next few days.

It needs a lower steering ball joint and a trackrod end ball joint. I have these in stock and will change both sides while I am at it.

These were on my "to do" list over the winter, so it will just be moved forward.

[TDHFastback]

Sorry to hear that Simon.
Just keep those warm summers drives around our fine countryside in your head and it will all seem worthwhile once winter has gone.

Kate

[SJG]

Thanks Kate, I have changed both items on the near side this evening. Hopefully get the other side done over the weekend.

[tonewheeldude]

Why is the corrosion problem so bad on the Coupe version.
I thought they were 80% built by hand and up to a better standerd than the lower spec models. Did they not put any corrosion resistance at all into those lower sills?

Kate

I think the fact that they were 80% hand built was a big part of the problem Kate!

And that is why the British car industry is a roaring success! What Rover needed was a partnership to inject British passion for ideas, design and aesthetics with Japanese abilty to see a project through to the final product with excellent build quality and reliabilty.

...hang on a minute!

[SJG]

Here is a link to one of my photobucket albums, it shows the story of the sill replacement

http://s529.photobucket.com/user/simonh ... eplacement

[Nuts4my827]

That is seriously impressive and major reconstruction there. I thought my car was bad, but the box section sill on mine is 100 solid, apart from a very small section at the back I repaired. I would have cried if mine was like that. Would have thought it beyond repair.

Major investment, and many thanks for weeing it through to the end for everyone's benefit.

[SJG]

I have been painting, following the fitment of the sills

[TDHFastback]

That looks like a nice neat job there Simon. Was it difficult to get the correct colour match?

Kate

[SJG]

I will find out later when I remove the paper! But yes it is one of the hardest colours to match. I got the paint mixed at a specialist in Darlaston.

[DT2door]

At POL last year I spoke to a former Rover worker, now at JLR about the 80% hand built statement and his version was nothing like the Rover TV commercial marketing would have you believe. It was welding related. Not sure that improves things for years to come or not.
Ian

[SJG]

The painting of the sills and door insides continues, although it has been a little cold - not for me but for the paint.