Bluebell R100 Project
MetroGaz
Posted 21/8/2014 8:21 PM (#713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi

Got this off fleabay:











Car's done 85,000 miles and I drove it 200 when I picked it up and it ran well and no obvious big problems. Had some service history and past MOTC's and had been in pretty much daily use.

It's an Ascot SE in Hawaiian Blue and a 1.1 multipoint. Quite nippy and surprising good for the mileage it's done.

So I need to name her, yes it's a she to me (names welcome)before next steps of checking it over.

More to come soon.
Cake_Destroyer
Posted 22/8/2014 12:11 AM (#714009 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: My Rover 100 Project
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something cute like Bluebell
DotMatrix
Posted 22/8/2014 7:05 AM (#714011 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: My Rover 100 Project


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congrats with the car it looks in very good nick. what are your plans for it?
MetroGaz
Posted 22/8/2014 11:15 AM (#714020 - in reply to #714009)
Subject: RE: My Rover 100 Project
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Cake_Destroyer - 22/8/2014 12:11 AM


something cute like Bluebell


That's a good idea, I like that name as it has other memories for me also so will keep this in mind. Cheers.
MetroGaz
Posted 22/8/2014 11:18 AM (#714021 - in reply to #714011)
Subject: RE: My Rover 100 Project
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DotMatrix - 22/8/2014 7:05 AM

congrats with the car it looks in very good nick. what are your plans for it?


Currently considering taking it through a stepped approach towards being a VCC sleeper. First job is to see if it is good as it looks in all the usual hidden places and to see if Mr Rot has made some visits.
MetroGaz
Posted 26/8/2014 9:47 AM (#714120 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: My Rover 100 Project
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Update

Mr Rot has been sneaky. First glance looks like she has only some minor rust/rot found but on closer inspection and poking we found Mr Rot's been very busy trying to reduce this R100 to cornflakes.

Some pictures to come of the initial discovery......

So you'd think it looks in good clean order then?

On inspection...



Was not expoecting to see Mr Rot here!



View from outside n/s wheel arch.



General boot observations - not too bad you think?



Still nothing too bad?



Some previous owner welding job - Mr Rot attacking it with vigour!



O/S showing early signs of rotty?



Floorpan not looking too bad?



Drivers front footwell - very good considering?



Nearside footwell even better?


Well after viewing the inside shots, do you all think she's ok and I can give a sigh of relief? - or do you think Mr Rot has been a little forgiving or a rather sneaky sod here?

The story unfolds....

Edited by MetroGaz 26/8/2014 6:34 PM
MetroGaz
Posted 29/8/2014 8:58 PM (#714166 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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On lifting of the front black rubber soundproofing we found that Mr Rot had been creating some windows in the floor so we could see the road and then metal was weak around jacking points etc so looks like some bigger plating is needed on both sides. Rot really is present in all the usual places you get it on these Rovers.

Some external shots coming of what we found areas behind front panel, rear bumber panel and side covers etc.

Internal first look



Became this..











MG


Edited by MetroGaz 29/8/2014 9:09 PM
MetroGaz
Posted 29/8/2014 9:21 PM (#714167 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Further investigation.

Externally.











Oops the fillers fallen out!














So eventually we have done all the Rot hunting and identified all potential areas wanting repair - if this car is to be saved.

So a liitle disappointed with the amount found given first observations, but it just shows what a liitle digging can find and first impression is not allways the best one. Better to find all rust and rot early, rather than decide to spend cash on the car only to find it is as leaky as a sieve!

MG
111Sli
Posted 29/8/2014 11:45 PM (#714169 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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Fillered arches haven't helped
MetroGaz
Posted 30/8/2014 3:38 PM (#714173 - in reply to #714169)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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111Sli - 29/8/2014 11:45 PM

Fillered arches haven't helped



Yes, correct the arches are still full of filler from whatever the previous owner had done and I will stick with them for now and hope they last a little while. Therafter I will no doubt have to fit new arches in if I keep her long term.
MetroGaz
Posted 30/8/2014 3:43 PM (#714174 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Phase II commences - Enter MP Member 'MetroBruce' and his trusty anglegrinder!



The story develops....
metrobruce
Posted 30/8/2014 7:48 PM (#714178 - in reply to #714174)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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MetroGaz - 30/8/2014 3:43 PM

Phase II commences - Enter MP Member 'MetroBruce' and his trusty anglegrinder!



The story develops....


hahahahahahaha this is my best side
MetroGaz
Posted 4/9/2014 6:02 PM (#714269 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi all

Time for a quick update on Phase II works. Welding is something I want to learn but have not done as yet and therefore my only real option to save this car was to call on the services of a proper bodyshop welder and pay for some work to be done professionally. I see many stories about welders just plating over rotten areas and then seeing it stil go rotten again, so I wanted the proper process to be done, i.e get all the rotten areas cut out and back to good clean metal.

So enter 'Metrobruce' and his angle grinding skills to hunt out and remove anything he did not like the look of after telling him I want to save this car and possibly improve on it and buy it a few good years of further life.

Metrobruce has to make a living so has to charge reasonable hourly rates for such work which I fully understand, so if any of you need any welding doing (if you can't do it yourself!) then please consider speaking to Metrobruce - he is based in the Barnsley area of South Yorkshire. I had no concerns about his location as I was willing to dirive my car to the right man to do the job!

So a few pictures of his work will follow.

MG
MetroGaz
Posted 4/9/2014 6:08 PM (#714270 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Phase II works by Metrobruce.



Four visible new windows fitted in floor



Mr Rot laid on floor - dead.















Make's one want to weep at seeing all these cut out rotten bits!

The story unfolds.....

MG
MetroGaz
Posted 7/9/2014 9:46 PM (#714346 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Phase III Update - repair panel work

The 'Metrobruce' attack!


Rotten metal cut out and new plates welded in and primed.

Front Nearside


Front Offside


Rear Nearside


Rear Offside


Overview of Nearside


Rear Offside hatch floor area


Offside Rear corner


Rear Nearside hatch floor and Arch mod


Nearside external arch shot - repair visible but all now undersealed



Super job by 'Metrobruce' and thanks due to him - highly reccomended for any welding tasks.

Edited by MetroGaz 7/9/2014 9:58 PM
MetroGaz
Posted 7/9/2014 9:59 PM (#714347 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Got 'MetroBruce' to weld in some Ralph front top shocker mounts while he was there.



MG

Edited by MetroGaz 10/9/2014 7:03 PM
Cake_Destroyer
Posted 8/9/2014 1:18 AM (#714356 - in reply to #714347)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
formerly p319 hok

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Hats off to Metrobruce some top work there !

Eagerly awaiting phase IV !
metrobruce
Posted 8/9/2014 7:57 AM (#714359 - in reply to #714356)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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Cake_Destroyer - 8/9/2014 1:18 AM


Hats off to Metrobruce some top work there !

Eagerly awaiting phase IV !

thankyou
MetroGaz
Posted 10/9/2014 6:54 PM (#714407 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Some more pictures...

Back in dry garage now and up on axel stands.



Now fully undersealed;
A few light rust patches on tailgate and around sunroof dealt with;
Inside welding further tiger sealed and brush painted.


Rear arches and suspension.



All cleaned and greased;
Brakes and handbrake all overhauled;

Just need to fit rear Arb when I get all parts;
Later will be individualising cans;
Droop Stops to fit.

Rear offside.



MetroBruce's immaculate quarter panel repair (was a rotten hole here).

Nearside Cill



MetroBruce panel repair and full length angle iron linking front to back jacking points to create a good amount of extra strength to area.

Nearside rear



MetroBruce's excellent repairs to what were rotten areas on earlier shots.

Rear Panel



MetroBruce repaired and sealed.

Offside Cill



MetroBruce repaired and sealed.


Underside shot



A good degree of underseal underway.

Inside



First paint of whole Tiger sealed and plated areas.

Final phase will be to coat floor in non visible areas (ie where carpets cover) with Bitumen water proof paint.

Front



Some general tidying up and getting ready to re-fit front.
Front arches all underseled and everything greased and checked, ready for re-assembly and putting back down on wheels.

MG




Edited by MetroGaz 10/9/2014 7:12 PM
MetroGaz
Posted 30/9/2014 8:35 PM (#714713 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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End of Sept, yes another month flys by and few minor tasks done on Bluebell.



'Tub' now bitumen coated.




Sunroof drains re-routed out of cills




CD/MP3 player to fill the gap - thanks to 'itsonlyme'.




GTI Clock pod fitted - Not fully checked on road for accuracy or full working as yet. Thanks to matty.h




ZR160 Rear view Mirror slotted on - all the better for seeing you disappear into the distance! - Thanks to local Scrapyard



Car about to be put back on road for test and then dry storage until next phase of some kind of engine transplant occurs
MetroGaz
Posted 30/9/2014 10:19 PM (#714714 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Rear Arb (when I get new bushes and droplinks) and rear Droop stops and better Steering wheel to fit.

Any ideas on best place to get bushes, droplinks and Droop Stops (Ralph has none) appreciated.

MG
Cake_Destroyer
Posted 30/9/2014 11:29 PM (#714715 - in reply to #714714)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
formerly p319 hok

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Location: Under a car somewhere
Rear droop stops i have - will drop ypu a text
DotMatrix
Posted 30/9/2014 11:31 PM (#714716 - in reply to #714714)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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MetroGaz - 30/9/2014 11:19 PM

Rear Arb (when I get new bushes and droplinks) and rear Droop stops and better Steering wheel to fit.

Any ideas on best place to get bushes, droplinks and Droop Stops (Ralph has none) appreciated.

MG


if you wish a larger drop stop how about this one (cut it down to desired length) :
http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Suspension/Front/Hydro/21A1520.aspx

or this one for a std one:
http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Suspension/Rear/Hydro/21A1517.aspx
MetroGaz
Posted 1/10/2014 3:29 PM (#714724 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Thanks to Cake Destroyer and DotMatrix for the replies, appreciated.

MG
DotMatrix
Posted 1/10/2014 7:26 PM (#714725 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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about drop-stop's: ralph have previously had some of these. I use powerflex bushes and always been happy with them, if you find them on ebay they tend to be as cheap as you can get them anywhere.
MetroGaz
Posted 10/10/2014 9:20 PM (#714899 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Well decided to do a little odd job today on her.

Took old rear (non existant) bump stop off and fitted new Ralph Droop Stop and Spacer.

Picture one - old one off.



Picture Two - The old and the new.



Picture Three - fitted and working.



MG
111Sli
Posted 10/10/2014 9:29 PM (#714901 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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What did you think of the difference it made? Best cheap mod/ maintenance I ever done to my Metros.
MetroGaz
Posted 10/10/2014 9:40 PM (#714905 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi 111Sli

Not sure as yet as she is still up on stands while I sort rear Arb and a few minor points at rear - Twin fogs in bumper etc.

But pretty sure it will make a great improvment and even up in the air the wheel looks better held. Most folk I spoke to said it makes a great improvement, but I will report my own findings next week.

Thanks to Cake Destroyer for the Droop Stops as Ralph had none in at the moment.

MG
DotMatrix
Posted 10/10/2014 10:02 PM (#714906 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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hurry up and spray that subframe inside and out with some rust proofing before it rusts away
MetroGaz
Posted 11/10/2014 8:27 PM (#714922 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi DM

I knew someone would spot and suggest this, so thanks for your keen eye and keep up the comments as I welcome suggestions, good or bad.

I will soon have another sub frame sandblasted and powder coated to swop into it and while its out I can underseal some other areas and get the hydro pipes taken off and individualised.

Whilst existing one looks bad it is actually in quite good condition for a 90,000 miler and is staying in there while I get front done - more on this in due course

Thanks MG
MetroGaz
Posted 14/10/2014 3:48 PM (#714965 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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HI All

Well I know some of you like to see the nitty gritty dirty hands on jobs done so here I have just fitted a rear arb. All straightforward but a few notes below.

A very tight fit of offside rear polybush and bracket - just shows how badly some panel akignment and bracket fixings are - towing eye bracket was existing.



Nearside arb braket from Ralph and a straight forward fit.



Offside - 'C' links and Droplinks are Ralph's supply.



Nearside



Nothing else really planned short term other than a bit more body tidying up and undersealing/waxolying etc.

MG


DotMatrix
Posted 14/10/2014 11:41 PM (#714974 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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looks really good. you will be very happy with that rear arb
MetroGaz
Posted 16/10/2014 10:12 PM (#715021 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi

One for DotMatrix

Not a great shot but hope you can make out a mainly undersealed subframe, just to ensure it lasts a while until I make next plans.



Hopefully back on the road tomorrow - if weather is dry!

MG
MetroGaz
Posted 17/10/2014 4:58 PM (#715029 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi

Was it worth it? My journey into Tro land.

As bought on Ebay:



£700 later:



Spot the bloody difference - It looks no better now on ouside but underneath its a different car!

Needs a next sleeper stage....and some MPI wheels

MG

Edited by MetroGaz 17/10/2014 5:01 PM
Cake_Destroyer
Posted 17/10/2014 9:56 PM (#715033 - in reply to #715029)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
formerly p319 hok

Posts: 1965
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Location: Under a car somewhere

Actually looks alot more loved now though !
MetroGaz
Posted 18/10/2014 1:50 PM (#715041 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi

Maybe I get mirrors and petrol cap and cill covers painted to match?

What about removing the grey rub strips and side stripes?

Thoughts?

MG
Dave 20VTRO
Posted 18/10/2014 10:11 PM (#715053 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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That towing eye bracket looks like that it has been pulled back, (like its been used for towing),
undue the 2 nuts inside the car and move it back to where it should be.
MetroGaz
Posted 18/10/2014 10:31 PM (#715054 - in reply to #715053)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Dave 20VTRO - 18/10/2014 10:11 PM

That towing eye bracket looks like that it has been pulled back, (like its been used for towing),
undue the 2 nuts inside the car and move it back to where it should be.



Yes - good advice and will do this on Monday. Thanks.

MG
MetroGaz
Posted 22/10/2014 10:45 PM (#715146 - in reply to #715054)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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MetroGaz - 18/10/2014 10:31 PM

Dave 20VTRO - 18/10/2014 10:11 PM

That towing eye bracket looks like that it has been pulled back, (like its been used for towing),
undue the 2 nuts inside the car and move it back to where it should be.



Yes - good advice and will do this on Monday. Thanks.

DONE and it did move back a few mm.



MG


Edited by MetroGaz 22/10/2014 10:46 PM
Cake_Destroyer
Posted 23/10/2014 12:22 AM (#715149 - in reply to #715041)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
formerly p319 hok

Posts: 1965
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Location: Under a car somewhere
Sill covers,cap and mirrors definately

Sidestrips, i lile them without, hace a.look through the journals and see if you can find pics - think it cleans up the looks of the side of the car
MetroGaz
Posted 8/9/2016 11:13 AM (#722693 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: Bluebell R100 Project
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Location: York, tis Cold Up North!
Hopefully some news soon.

But as a reminder this was Bluebell in Decemeber 2014 after much work to remove rot and rust and to sort all suspension. brakes, internals etc and then with a bit of painting to some parts. Wheels are away for powdercoating etc.



MG
DotMatrix
Posted 10/9/2016 10:47 PM (#722700 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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so you still have the car and it is running as it should?
MetroGaz
Posted 26/9/2016 4:58 PM (#722753 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project
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Hi M

It was running great as a 1.1 mpi motor and very reliable, but things are a changing as you will see on here soon, I hope.

MG
Metromartin
Posted 19/10/2016 1:51 PM (#722793 - in reply to #713998)
Subject: RE: Bluebell R100 Project


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Top work, how are you finding the polybushes? I fitted the same to mine and it transformed the car!