Sat For Years With A Seized Engine, Can I Rebuild It And Drive It Back To Where It Was Made?

Summary

The video follows a mechanic restoring a 1962 Rover 100. He faces numerous challenges getting the old car running, including fixing the ignition, timing, brakes and more. Despite setbacks like electronic parts failing, he perseveres and succeeds in bringing the vintage car back to life. After extensive work he takes it for a successful test drive at night. He plans further restoration so he can drive the special car to the original factory.

Takeaways

• 😀 Purchased a 1962 Rover 100 without seeing it first
• 🚗 Took on an ambitious restoration project to get the non-running car driving again
• 🔧 Faced many mechanical issues including a seized engine and brake problems
• ⚙️ Had to fully rebuild the ignition system and replace major components
• 👷‍♂️ Previous owners had modified the car in ways that caused complications
• 🔧 Diagnosing and solving all the problems was very time consuming
• 🚗 Got the engine running after freeing it up and rebuilding ignition
• 🛠 Fixed brake issues by replacing parts and master cylinder
• 😀 Finally test drove the car successfully around the yard
• 🚶‍♂️ Planned further work and a road trip to the Rover factory in next video

Q & A

What was the initial goal for the start of 2024 mentioned in the script?

The initial goal was to get something easy, familiar, reliable, and that didn't need much work.

What car did the person end up buying completely unseen?

The person ended up buying a Rover 100 completely unseen.

Why is the Rover's Bonnet badge significant to the buyer?

The Bonnet badge is significant because it resembles a Viking, and the buyer identifies as a Viking, appreciating Viking-related items.

What is unique about the car's exterior materials that contribute to its condition?

Parts of the car, such as the doors, bonnet, and boot lid, are made from an alloy of aluminium and magnesium, which helps them resist rust better.

What issue did the buyer notice about the car's paint?

The buyer noticed brush strokes in the paint, suggesting it might have been brush painted, and there were multiple colors of paint, indicating uncertainty about the car's original color.

What was the car's age and its significance to the buyer?

The car was from 1962, making it 62 years old in 2024, which the buyer found cool, especially since they like 60s cars.

What challenges were mentioned about restoring the car?

Challenges included dealing with a car that had been sitting unused, with parts like the tires not on the rim, missing trim, and needing to assess the engine's condition without prior testing.

What personal items did the buyer receive with the car?

The buyer received two keys, one resembling a house key, an owner's manual or repair manual, and a V5 log book.

What was the state of the car's engine as discovered by the buyer?

The engine was there but needed checking, with concerns about it being seized or frozen, and an electric fuel pump was noted without proper fittings.

How did the buyer plan to proceed with the car after assessing its initial state?

The buyer planned to check if the engine turns over, free it if necessary, and start ordering parts to work towards getting the car running, driving, and stopping.