Once again a Rover man

[Geoffrey]

In 1963 my first car was a Rover 12, to be followed by a P3 60 when a Bentley smashed into the 12 killing it. I have very fond memories of these reliable, stylish, comfortable cars. Later on I drove a 95 and in my middle years an SD1 as a company car. About 6 weeks ago I bought a 1947 12. The car is running but has a few mechanical issues and looks cosmetically tired. I am enjoying getting to know it with more seasoned mechanical eyes than the teenager back in 1963.

I am mainly a motorcycle man but most of them have had to be ejected from the garage under covers to make room for the Rover, which is sitting there with its wings off waiting for the radiator to be recored.

Geoff

[GOY189]

Welcome back!
Best to make sure that the Radiator firm fit a new core the exact height of the old core, not higher. Otherwise the rad cap will ride too high and cause endless frustration when the front end is reassembled. On the production line, the wings and rad shell were loosely assembled off the car and lifted on as a unit. Once aligned (by shaking according to the report in Motor), bolts were tightened up.

Hope this helps
Mike

[Geoffrey]

Thanks for your advice Mike. Unfortunately a bit late. I will however ring the guy tomorrow. But as it has been with him now 3 weeks I suspect he may have done it by now. I suppose rather naively perhaps, I assumed that they would make sure the external dimensions of the repaired radiator would be the same as before because clearly it has to fit within its original frame work.

Geoff

[falkor]

In 1963 my first car was a Rover 12, to be followed by a P3 60 when a Bentley smashed into the 12 killing it. I have very fond memories of these reliable, stylish, comfortable cars. Later on I drove a 95 and in my middle years an SD1 as a company car.

Geoff

what happened with the Bentley Geoff? any other details? drunk driver? my father in law had a SD1 as a company car, on our wedding night he let us borrow it for a drive out to a romantic dinner, it was great but here I am back again as a Rover man, my first P6 was back in 1977 but here I am again now arriving at work

arriving at work

life is good

[Geoffrey]

Hi,

The Bentley which was I think a WO one had taken a wrong turn and thought he was on the main road and hit me broadside turning my Rover over. He was very contrite and offered me an Austin 7 out of his stable. I was young and stupid and turned it down thinking I don't want a crappy 7 I want a lovely Rover again.

Got very little on the insurance.

Never had a P6. On my bucket list!
Geoff

[falkor]

what did happen to your company car Geoff, the SD1?

did you never fancy going back to an SD1? mind you I think they're rarer than P6s nowadays

[Geoffrey]

I liked the SD1 but I don't think I would get one again. They were good cars but I feel they lacked something that makes Rovers special for me. I felt somehow the quality and ethos was not there.

I am really enjoying my a rather tired looking 12. Once I get the rear refurbished shocks back to fit it will really drive as it should. I like it because it has no rust problems, everything pretty well works as it should and I enjoy driving it. I use it regularly, 2 or 3 times a week, mainly for shortish runs. It has never been resprayed, although I have 'improved ' it a bit by spraying the wings black. The upholstery is original as is the chrome so it does look its age a bit.

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