Hi from a new Montego VP owner seeking advice!

[rfreedman]

Hello everyone,

My name is Robert, and I've just won a Montego 2.0 EFI VP automatic on eBay to replace my Citroen AX, which I was getting sick of due to its lack of a working radio and anaemic performance! I've been an Austin-Rover fan for years (learnt to drive on the family Metro). I inspected the car before I bid, and it is in good condition, and I should be collecting it shortly.

The car's mechanicals and bodywork are in very good condition for the year (1987 'E'). However, I want to keep it in good condition, especially given that I don't have a garage. I do not have unlimited funds, and have been considering what to do first - get it rustproofed, have a thorough service done or take it to a professional valet firm so that they can get it looking as good as new and apply paintwork-protecting fluids.

Any advice gratefully received! I hope to be joining the club soon and to attend some of the events in the coming year! I will also post photos as soon as I've given it a basic clean and taken it to a suitably scenic location!

[fatboy.01]

hello and welcome

[MG MAL]

I want to keep it in good condition, especially given that I don't have a garage.

Wax oil Wax oil Wax Oil!!!

Keep the archs clean and free of crap.

Also keep the fuel filler pipe free of mud and crap.

Check and reseal all seam sealent that you can get to.

Make sure the back lights are sealed tightly to the body, if in doubt use clear sillicone sealer on the mating surfaces between lamp unit and body.

wash and wax! regular to ensure paint protection with a good quality product.

Just check out post's by G51NAv to see what can be done.!

Mal.

[The Express Valeter]

Hello everyone,

My name is Robert, and I've just won a Montego 2.0 EFI VP automatic on eBay to replace my Citroen AX, which I was getting sick of due to its lack of a working radio and anaemic performance! I've been an Austin-Rover fan for years (learnt to drive on the family Metro). I inspected the car before I bid, and it is in good condition, and I should be collecting it shortly.

The car's mechanicals and bodywork are in very good condition for the year (1987 'E'). However, I want to keep it in good condition, especially given that I don't have a garage. I do not have unlimited funds, and have been considering what to do first - get it rustproofed, have a thorough service done or take it to a professional valet firm so that they can get it looking as good as new and apply paintwork-protecting fluids.

Any advice gratefully received! I hope to be joining the club soon and to attend some of the events in the coming year! I will also post photos as soon as I've given it a basic clean and taken it to a suitably scenic location!


That's the car I missed by 15 minutes last night (see thread on it). Glad to see it has gone to someone who will hopefully be an enthusiast!

I am also a proffesional valeter & do apply paint protection & interior fabric packages www.exv-mobile.co.uk

[Stephen G]

Hi And Welcome.

I missed it too. Check my Post!. Il Swap You a Countryman For it.

[SimonR]

Hi and welcome to the site.

Obviously the best thing you can do is join the Maestro and Montego Owners' Club!

Also if it's in need of it, give it an oil/filter change and make sure that the coolant is new.

If it's not rusty then get a can of waxoyl and make sure that you protect as much of it as possible. You should also consider removing the door cards and waxoyling the bottoms of the doors on the inside.

Lets see some pictures when you've picked it up!

[rfreedman]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes. I think from your responses that rust should probably be the priority. I'm not especially experienced in maintenance and being a busy man I guess the best option is to use a professional. Can anyone recommend someone good-value? I'll probably book it in for a basic service as well because there's a good garage on the business park where I work, and I think I get an employee discount.

I'm picking it up at the end of the week, so as soon as I have the receipt clutched in my hands I will join the club!

Express Valeter - when I've got some more dosh I'll try to bring the old girl down your way! Won't be swapping it for a Countryman Stephen, although the space would be useful as I tend to move locations quite a bit!

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.

[C191JOE]

welcome

Most Maestros (and Montys?) spray a certain amount of oil under the car, so corrosion in the immediate vicinity to the rear of the engine is not usually a problem. I'd go with the above comments -try to keep it in a dry airy place like a garage.
Buy at least 5 litres of Waxoyl and brush/spray it in every conceivable orifice/panel/potential rust trap you can find. Remove and replace as much trim as you can to achieve this goal. There probably won't be much Waxoyl left in the tin if you've done a thorough job.

[B18 GPC]

:laugh: At The Above..

Ive no oil leaks il have you know ;)

Welcome to the forums mate

[rfreedman]

Well, I'm now the official owner of the magnificent beast, having picked it up yesterday! Had to replace a number plate light bulb, and will have to buy a new bulb for the heater panel. She drives beautifully, although there are a few rattles, which are to be expected. Compared to my Citroen it feels like a limo and a Ferrari rolled into one! After doing the usual checks took it for a long drive and there were no unpleasant surprises.

I've had a good quote for rust proofing from a reputable local place, so I'll take it there in the new year. I'll also get it valeted, because although the interior is in good condition, it could do with some of that 'new car smell,' and the leather could benefit from feeding.

The bodywork is not in as good condition as the photos suggest - one wheel arch has clearly had work done to it, and was not resprayed brilliantly! In a way it doesn't bother me, because if she was pristine I might be scared to drive her. Also, the boot lid doesn't have the Austin or VP badges - perhaps they fell off, or the lid had to be replaced. The car was registered in November 1987, so perhaps it was just one of the running changes that car companies introduce. Anyone know where I can get some badges? I guess eBay is the obvious answer! The front of the car has the Mark I grille and green/blue Austin badge, and the VP alloys look like they will come up nicely after cleaning.

When the weather clears up I promise photos!