BRG Maestro 1.6SL

[Simon]

I'm getting this lovely 7,000 genuine mile Maestro back on the road . So far I've been busy doing this:

Installed electric roof. I like electric sunroofs, so if the technology is there why not go for it...?
Headlining now sag-free, the old one was drooping, like they all do. Usual problem...
Installed PAS. The previous owner was thinking of doing this, and it was an optional extra anyway.
Rev-counter instrument pack installed using innards from the original speedo to preserve recorded mileage. Not SL spec, I know (found on Metro and Montego SL's though) - but I don't like the idea of not having a rev counter, and the extra back-lighting looks better and is more effective.
Cleaned engine bay and fittings.
Engine (the original one) re-fitted complete with proper new Unipart full 3 piece clutch and new cable and a NOS RH engine mounting too.
Should be ready to start soon (engine bay wiring to sort out today - knock sensor terminal "just fell off"...Need to solder on a new terminal kit!)

Just keeping you informed...

Pictures to follow.

[daveyboy]

Excellent! Cant wait to see the pics Keep up the good work

[Austin-Rover]

Well done Simon, it sounds like you've been really busy with it.

I've always been keen on up-speccing with genuine Austin Rover parts where available. Sometimes, they just finish the car off, not to mention personalise it to your own taste.

[Captain Slow]

Put that Mayfair rear seat back in - then you have the headrests too!

I really cannot wait to see this Simon.

[Simon]

Houston, we have lift-off!

YYYYYYYESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

The SL started first turn of the key, well spluttered a bit then ran like a dog and wouldn't idle at all. Then I remembered to connect the fuel ECU in the glovebox lid! and it started and ran nicely.

So Linda and I took it out for a spin up the avenue. Wow, even without a steering rack sealing plate (mine turned to crumbs when I removed it and I will be mending the resulting holes neatly with GRP at the weekend) it is so refined and sweet sounding, riding so much better with its frumpy 165x13 balloon tyres (which are to stay) and turning effortlessly with its power assisted steering.

A nice touch is the included R960 radio/CD changer although one of the rear speakers sounds a little rattly, however my VDO MP3 radio will be going into the SL soon. The radio wires have been "attacked" unfortunately, but there is plenty of length in them to solder the pins on for the ISO connector mouldings for a safe secure job.

[D87SMW]

Good man, glad to hear it's going well.

[Simon]

Some pictures to show progress so far. Note the newly-fitted PAS rack fitted in the second picture, and the shine coming off my baldy head in the third:

[Simon]

...and a few more:

[D87SMW]

Someone give this guy a medal.

[daveyboy]

Someone give this guy a medal.

Indeed! Excellent work

[Jeff Turbo]

Very clean engine bay, seen that engine crane before somewhere

[Guest]

Looks just like mine Jeff.

[Jeff Turbo]

Looks just like mine Jeff.

Erm...no

[Guest]

I did'nt say it was mine did i?...........................

[Simon]

...seen that engine crane before somewhere

...so have I!!! I wonder whether this time I'll be able to "handle" it lol