Hi again! This letter has much excellent advice. I would like to add, make sure
you use RR363 brake fluid which is available from Albers Rolls-Royce along with
all other RR dealers. There is no other brake fluid like it. It contains a
lubricant that is necessary for the hydraulic control rods that do not use
seals. They are machined to tolerances you don't even want to think about. We
were told at brake school not to use paper towels, or rags, etc. to clean any
brake parts. Just fluids and compressed air. The tolerances on some of the
control valves will cause the microscopic lint to create problems. The Shadow
carries about 2 gallons of brake fluid when running. It uses the same fluid for
the hydraulic suspension. The two main hoses are braided steel and carry 2500
lbs pressure at all times. They are placed just above the front exhaust pipe. If
they should become old and brittle, get hot, and burst, you have just dumped
about a gallon of brake fluid, usually in the form of a fine mist, all over a
very hot exhaust pipe. The result can be very unpleasant. As there are at least
two completely independent brake systems, you should have no problem stopping.
It's the mad dash into the trunk to get your "large" fire extinguisher that
generates the story should you survive. The answer is to examine your hydraulic
hoses at regular intervals, and to remember they decay from the inside out. You
don't want one of them collapsing inwardly. It causes some very interesting
symptoms when hitting a bump. Recommended procedure is to replace all the hoses
every 5? years, whether you use the car or not. (I think there are about 20+ on
my '67)
Sounds like a lot of work. Believe me the joy of driving a Shadow is well
worth the "different" approach to servicing. Ric.
Brent Covey wrote:
> 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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