Hi Rob!
You'll find this is usually a relatively quiet list, but there are lots of
people out here;-)
Aside from the hydraulic suspension and brake parts which are quite unusual,
your father's Shadow is much like a GM car in most areas. Using good common
sense and preventive maintenance is the best thing you can do.
Speaking as someone who used to service them, I'd suggest you make a point
of changing all fluids, especially the brakes and suspension high pressure
hydraulics. This is an all day job for a weekend. You'll need the shop
manual, and its a messy job sometimes. Also, the hydraulics operate at
pressures in the region of 2000 psi, so be extraordinarily careful.
Hydraulic system overhauls are quite costly, however the parts will last
nearly indefinitely with frequent flushing and bleeding, say annually or
thereabouts.
Most deterioration of the Shadows I've seen is from lack of use. Cars driven
day to day for normal transportation wear very little, and are not any more
costly to run than say, a Corvair or an Oldsmobile.
I generally would suggest the following for some things to start-
NEVER buy parts at the dealer except as a last resort- the prices are
extraordinarily high. Having visited many dealership service facilities, I
can't say most do work of any special quality either. I'd suggest perhaps
Tony Handler in LA for normal day to day needs. He is also a source for the
service manuals, which I encourage you to read cover to cover before bed in
the next several weeks;-)
Tony is not universally popular, but he's a good source of parts and his
prices and shipping are generally very reasonable. I've always enjoyed good
service from him in any event.
Many parts of the R.R. can be serviced inexpensively through your local AC
Delco jobber warehouse/auto electric type places. Air conditioning, tune up
and electrical parts can be replaced or rebuilt if you match the parts up
through the GM catalogues in many cases. Your automatic transmission is a GM
Turbo HydraMatic, like many large GM cars used for 25 years. The A/C is an
adaptation of a GM system largely. The starter motor is rebuildable in any
metro area for ~$200 or less, using standard parts. Things like this are not
too costly to service.
What is expensive to service in the suspension and brakes hydraulic systems.
Depending upon the treatment the car received up til now, it may require
substantial service in this area, generally prepare for about a $2,500-4,000
bill to straighten the typical damage out. With luck this wont be needed, or
has already been done.
The engines are very reliable. I suggest a 5W-30 engine oil with an API
Service Rating of SH or better (SJ now?) like new cars use. This is due to
the extraordinarily large sump on a R.R. engine. They never warm up! Using
5W-30 has a tremendous positive effect on overall engine cleanliness and
helps keep the pumps operational a lot longer. Synthetic oils such as Mobil
1 are fine also, but a needless expense for most peoples driving style. Oil
change intervals at 4 months regardless of mileage is about right.
Rebuilding a R.R. V8 engine should never be needed.
Regarding clubs and organisations, most are excellent, and the people are
great. If you manage to acquire a referral to a very conscientious mechanic
you'll have made a lifetimes worth of dues worth it! Old time R.R. guys are
getting a little harder to find lately, as theres no real money in it, and
many cities its just too great an effort to keep a shop open doing R.R.
exclusively. Most of the good guys seem to be locating in more rural areas
lately. There always is one, if you manage to find him, treat him right-
having a mechanic who has a long-term relationship with your particular car
is a great help.
Hopefully others will also jump in here Rob, but for now, that's the places
I'd start. Welcome to the Family, and hope you enjoy the new car. If nothing
else, you're apt to make many lasting friendships with the nice people who
drive Rolls Royce.
Good Luck, and of course write when theres any questions!
Kind Regards
Brent Covey
Vancouver
----- Original Message -----
From: Rob C Swift <RobSwift@PetCentre.com>
To: <rolls-bentley@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, 18 October, 1999 2:31 PM
Subject: '79 Silver Shadow
>Hello All,
>
> My father just purchased a 1979 Silver Shadow II. As the "car hobbyist"
>of the family, it looks like I am going to be performing the maintenance
>and overseeing the mechanical repairs of the car. As a triumph owner, I am
>familiar with most of the (triumph) British parts suppliers around the
>country, and have used the lists for help along the way. If someone would
>be kind enough to give me a head start on a few topics, I would be most
>appreciative!
>
>- Parts suppliers for Rolls Royce
>- Internet sites for "tips and tricks"
>- Typical weakness/strengths of this particular model, so I can give this
>car a good checkover. Dad bought it as a spur of the moment type deal. I
>have not had a close inspection of the car yet.
>- Local interest groups (Wash. D.C. area) for Rolls Royce
>
>Anything else you feel may be helpful is welcome also!
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>Rob Swift
>Manassas, Virginia
>'75 TR6
>
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