Rolls Royce silver shadow 1972, help. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

deportes · #1 02-17-2010, 11:14 PM

I was layed off rom work and I am thinking about buying a inexpensive 72 pre smog silver shadow and offering it as a bridal car. I may be able to make money on weekends. What's the deal with the hydropneumatic rear suspension and brakes with the RR. Can they be removed and modified to a normal vac assisted brake and shocks? I know MB also had some cars with the Citroen system as well and they are somewhat different from the norm. I love MB and have 2 but a Silver shadow for a brides car is extra nice.
Any ideas on how or even if it is possible to remove the hydropneumatic system and go conventional. Need to check insurance costs as well. The wife says she'll help drive some weekends/ weddings.

Thanks.

Chas H · #2 02-17-2010, 11:39 PM

The brakes front and rear and the rear suspension are powered by 2 pumps driven by the engine's camshaft. There is a second brake circuit at the rear that operates from a conventional master cylinder. These systems are quite reliable if maintained, and quite expensive to repair if not maintained. I can't imagine trying to convert any of this to a conventional brake and spring system. If the hydraulics are not in order it could be a sign the car has been neglected.
The engine requires regular changes of coolant. You can check for perished seals of the wet cylinder liners by inspecting the sides of the engine block for weepage from the vent holes for the seals. Any signs of weepage is cause to walk away from the car.
I worked on many the older Rolls and Bentleys back in the day and I strongly caution you about buying one.

deportes · #3 02-18-2010, 12:14 AM

Thanks Chas H. It just seemed like at 4K or offer if the interior is in good condition it could make a possible little business. I need to look at it very carefully. Their are problems with the suspension and brake system that is the reason for the low advertised price. Very scary though! English cars!!!

Ivanerrol · #4 02-18-2010, 05:01 AM

As a former owner of hire cars for chauffeuring and wedding work.

There were a couple of early seventies vintage Rolls in the co op fleet (Not mine I ran W116's and W126's)

Here's my personal opinion : Unless you have very deep pockets - Steer Clear.

mak · #5 02-18-2010, 06:32 AM

the service charges for the hydraulic fluid change are over &2000 in the UK where they are easily available for around &6000 in super running condition.
As compared to a W109 with air suspension this could easily be a technical nightmare.
mak

strelnik · #6 02-18-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deportes

Thanks Chas H. It just seemed like at 4K or offer if the interior is in good condition it could make a possible little business. I need to look at it very carefully. Their are problems with the suspension and brake system that is the reason for the low advertised price. Very scary though! English cars!!!

It is unusual for that year's spheres to be deflated, if they are. Typically the LHS spheres (I have about 25 at home, the Citroens all use them, if made before 69) ;last 30-40 years no problem, possibly with a gassing up which is about 20 bucks, normally.

If the system also uses hydraulic pressure and the pump for braking, check the accumulator sphere

strelnik · #7 02-18-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mak

the service charges for the hydraulic fluid change are over &2000 in the UK where they are easily available for around &6000 in super running condition.
As compared to a W109 with air suspension this could easily be a technical nightmare.
mak

That's truly wayyyyyy over priced.

That system doesn't require that much maintenance even if neglected. If you live in a humid area, there's more chance of corrosion, which is why the UK cars need more maintenance. But in the US if you're away from New England or Wash. state, the amount of corrosion is minimal and can be taken care of by flushing the system with a mix of HD DOT3 and about 20% methyl alcohol. Run it about ten minutes, let it all drain out and check the result. If there's a lot of junk, do it again.

After you replace the fluid, wait about a week and drain it all one more time.

I've been doing this on Citroens and the 1967 Bentleys that have the same basic system. Only difference is the size of the spheres and the volume of fluid.

Since all these fluids are hydroscopic and collect water, even the RR fluid, DOT 3 or DOT4 will fill the bill.

Check and change all filters, naturally.

POS · #8 02-18-2010, 08:25 AM

"I got laid off from work so I'm thinking of buying a Rolls". I do believe you have some seriously flawed logic going on here; Rolls, especially cheap ones, are going to cost you a pile of money; find another idea.

SwampYankee · #9 02-18-2010, 08:33 AM

I would expect that one thing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes is a cheap Rolls Royce.

Txjake · #10 02-18-2010, 08:36 AM

Don't do it.....

pj67coll · #11 02-18-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

"I got laid off from work so I'm thinking of buying a Rolls". I do believe you have some seriously flawed logic going on here; Rolls, especially cheap ones, are going to cost you a pile of money; find another idea.

I agree. I had to do a double take when I read his opening scentence as well.

- Peter.

Hatterasguy · #12 02-18-2010, 09:33 AM

I'd only consider buying a $4k Rolls if you have another $20k-$30k to put into it.

Carleton Hughes · #13 02-18-2010, 10:08 AM

Psychological subluxation is not uncommon when an Auto-Erotic is confronted with the outward, but flawed symbols of status and success like a Silver Shadow which fills a deep subconscious emotional void in an ego unable to cope with loss of individual status and value due to socio-economic hardship.

Of course this is a post-modern construct derived from Haynes DSMV manual...

In plain terms listen to one who's been there and run.

Chas H · #14 02-18-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

That's truly wayyyyyy over priced.

That system doesn't require that much maintenance even if neglected. If you live in a humid area, there's more chance of corrosion, which is why the UK cars need more maintenance. But in the US if you're away from New England or Wash. state, the amount of corrosion is minimal and can be taken care of by flushing the system with a mix of HD DOT3 and about 20% methyl alcohol. Run it about ten minutes, let it all drain out and check the result. If there's a lot of junk, do it again.

After you replace the fluid, wait about a week and drain it all one more time.

I've been doing this on Citroens and the 1967 Bentleys that have the same basic system. Only difference is the size of the spheres and the volume of fluid.

Since all these fluids are hydroscopic and collect water, even the RR fluid, DOT 3 or DOT4 will fill the bill.

Check and change all filters, naturally.

Flushing the hydraulics system without first removing the lid from the fluid reservoir and cleaning out all the swarf is a waste of time.

SwampYankee · #15 02-18-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

Psychological subluxation is not uncommon when an Auto-Erotic is confronted with the outward, but flawed symbols of status and success like a Silver Shadow which fills a deep subconscious emotional void in an ego unable to cope with loss of individual status and value due to socio-economic hardship.

Of course this is a post-modern construct derived from Haynes DSMV manual...

Dammit, took the words right out of my mouth.