Broken clutch release arm

I don't actually want to do the clutch and since the mechanicals are starting to fail in general, I'd rather invest in something newer.

Rimmer Bros who are a Rover specialist don't actually stock the arm that's broken!
 
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All sorted.

I've sourced a 2003 Bora 1.9 TDI, very clean, with 102k on the clock.

Sadly for 45TD, after 12 years service, its time for it to go to the breakers yards
 
Sadly all good things must come to an end, Law of Physics as someone puts it. Personally not a fan of VWs except the Beetle.
 
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Sorry John, i altered my post because I didn't want people thinking what the heck am I talking about, yes I have to take it to a regular garage who knows what he has to do, if I took it else where they fail it on emissions. I don't drive this car more than 10 miles each year, its being slowly restored as a classic. Currently undergoing some welding to its chassis.

(Although visual smoke testing is for pre 1975 cars I think, mine was first registered in 1987, so it does have to go through emissions testing but because it does not have a catalyst, it has a special category many garages do not cater for so they choose nearest category and I think what they choose is a category with a cat, and it fails on high co2 contents, but the garage I take it to has figured out exactly the right category it should be in, and last year its CO was 0.26% well under max permitted level of 3.5%, and HC (hydrocarbon) 851 well under max 1200ppm.

this year it is likely to pass again I hope as I have only driven it around 20 odd miles. But may be given some advisory on some rust patch near battery tray, that it may fail on. Will probably need welding at some stage.
 
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Still available from Brazil, I think - or they were until very recently. Along with the T2 Camper van which possibly had the worst build quality of all time ( inc. BL :eek:)
John :)
 
I'm sure I saw a newish classic VW camper van with a 1.4 engine and 4 spd box. Woman who owned it paid a lot of money for it.
 
That's the one.....Polo engine in the back, 4 speed transaxle - hit or miss gear selection!
No PAS, air bags and nothing between you and the car in front if you have a head on.
The build quality is truly dreadful - they maybe ok in eternal sunshine but our weather gives it one hell of a hard time.
All yours for circa £32k :eek:
John :)
 
Can I just say for the benefit of anyone else who comes across this post, the MG-Rover community is still very much alive, and whilst, unfortunately, some cars are reaching the end of their useful life, the parts are helping keep others on the road. Anyone who needs help, advice or parts, please look on Facebook, as there are a number of groups for owners/enthusiasts, a good MG-Rover owners forum here, http://www.mg-rover.org/ and if anyone has the dreaded head gasket issues, I can highly recommend http://www.mg-rovermobilemechanics.com/, who apart from fixing my beloved 45 diesel, have also become good friends.

Lastly, there is also the 'Pride of Longbridge' event in April, a tribute to all that went on in the factory at Longbridge, with the addition of some other British Leyland vehicles from the other factories. http://www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk/home/4583676741
 
Any Austin Ambassadors at the Pride of Longbridge event ? I would quite like to go .
 
Most likely at least one or two there, last one was 2015, as last year was rained off, but IIRC over 4000 cars turned up in 2015. Some stunning vehicles usually, even the likes of the Maestro and Montego are getting rare now, and good examples of the original Mini are becoming collectors items, it appears they now may be being stolen to order!


Pride of Longbridge 2017, I think will be Saturday 15th April, (hopefully weather will be kinder than last year), Cofton Park, Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2BQ, 10 a.m. start. Free entry, although non BL/Austin/Rover/etc cars are asked to park on the road outside. Brilliant day out for anyone who likes cars.
 
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Nice to see the ADO 16's there Hugh. Are you a BL enthusiast, or just classics generally ?
 
Rover enthusiast Nige, have 2 45's myself, both L series diesels. One I've had since 2005, had 77k on the clock, now sits at nearly 185k, and still enjoy driving it. Bought a newer version for a 'weekend' car, 54 reg, but not as fun as it's older sibling. Both have the added benefit of simplicity so can do a lot of repairs myself, and for bigger jobs I have the Roving Rover mechanics from Derby if I need them!

My Mum hails from West Heath in Birmingham, which is a couple of miles from Longbridge. Spent a lot of time up there in the 70's as a kid, almost every family had a member who either worked for 'BL' or one of the suppliers. (Remember my Granny talking to the neighbour about being 'On stroike' quite a bit too!)

Used to go to the Lickey Hills country park a lot for a day out when staying in West Heath, had to go past the 'Orstin' or BL works (Longbridge) to get there. Learned to drive in the schools Peugeot 205 and Mum's Maestro, so always had a soft spot for British cars.
 
I'd have been happy to keep my 45TD for ever more, it was just right for me and cozy to drive.

Sadly though repairs were getting more and more frequent.

To go back on the road -

New clutch required.
A PAS leak from the pump to fix.
Leaking oil cooler pipe joint (somewhere).
Air ingress in the fuel line.
Patches of under-body work to plate.
Timing belt in about 10k miles time.

Haven't actually yet contacted the breakers to take it away.

The Bora TDI I've replace it with drives well enough though!
 
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