What would YOU do?

[tdskip]

I bought a Rover SD1 today for her 5 speed gearbox for $1,000. She is a SoCal car with 135,000 mile on her.

The good;

1) The Rover 5 speed works well.

2) The Rover fuel injection is complete and the system seems to work well

3) The Rover Engine revs like butter

4) She is complete, with only minor surface rust

5) Good oil pressure

6) No smoke on start up or revs

7) There is surface rust on several panels, but no cancer and her floor pans etc are very solid.

The bad;

1)Interior electric windows etc... are not working

2 The engine appears to have moisture in the rockers & sump, not milky but some condensation.

3) Seats and trim are toast

So would you

A) Pull the 5 speed and then part her out?

B) Pull the 5 speed and engine and then part her out?

C) eBay the whole car since someone out there in eBay-land is dying for a solid Rover SD1 to restore?

What do you think?

So I'm thinking of pulling her transmission as planned, but should I pull the engine as well and then part

 

[tdskip]

https://new.photos.yahoo.com/tdskip/photo/294928804216600153/1

 

[Brosky]

Try that image again, partner.

 

[tdskip]

Trying again;

https://new.photos.yahoo.com/tdskip/album/576460762388315844/photo/294928804216622407/1

 

[Brosky]

It doesn't look all that bad. But that's from here, not from where you see it. All I got was the one picture of the LF side view. Is there more?

 

[tdskip]

Here is the link for the right side. There is some rust on the rear boot lid bottom, but nothing that looks serious.

https://new.photos.yahoo.com/tdskip/album/576460762388315844/photo/294928804216622407/1

[image]https://new.photos.yahoo.com/tdskip/album/576460762388315844/photo/294928804216622407/1[/image]

 

[tdskip]

Argh - one more time

 

[tdskip]

[image]https://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dc25b3127cce810a5466943100000016108AcOWTdi3ato[/image]

 

[Gblake2613]

sorry not on topic, where is the 5 spd going?

 

[tdskip]

Oh, sorry Greg. The 5 speed is going into the TR8.

 

[John_Mc]

Here's Top Gear's tribute to the Rover SD1 and its V8.
Rover SD1 on Top Gear

and remember...

"A sporting looking car has always been a bird catcher."

 

[tdskip]

Great link John - thanks!

 

[YankeeTR]

Man, I REALLY hate parting out ANYTHING...

But the engine should be worth $500. And that cherry sheet metal certainly has a value. You should have a free trans and mucho $$$ leftover...if you part it out.

 

[tdskip]

I did get some good news this AM. I changed the oil and there wasn't any water in the pan, so it looks like it was 'just' condensation in the rockers.

I'm having a hard time getting my head around seeing her as parts as well....

I get too darn attached and tend to focus on potential (rather than reality)....

 

[YankeeTR]

I did get some good news this AM. I changed the oil and there wasn't any water in the pan, so it looks like it was 'just' condensation in the rockers.

I'm having a hard time getting my head around seeing her as parts as well....

I get too darn attached and tend to focus on potential (rather than reality)....

I'd fix up the ratty interior and drive it....

 

[SCguy]

Parting it is the smart move. Then you've got your transmission and it's paid for itself. Don't lose sight of your original goal.

 

[NickMorgan]

You ask what I would do. I would keep the Rover for a year or so and use it. Then make up my mind. You are not really asking the right person, though. I would keep any old car!!

 

[tdskip]

Another picture.

 

[urchin]

My question is why part the car out at all? It's in great shape for a 3500 and it was a wonderful car.

There are junked Rovers with interior kits around, and even parts availabe in England.

If you were in New England instead of Southern California, I'd buy it right now.

Jeff