Will shortly be waving goodbye to my ZT-T

[Rickshaw]

I found these two sites gave me a good feel for things :-
https://carfromjapan.com/article/car...at-from-a-car/

and
https://www.liveabout.com/wet-sand-c...r-paint-281367

I found it a satisfying project - but just had one wing . Will soon be replacing a bonnet - will not be disposing of it but removing the lacquer and applying a fresh layer.

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by BigAde

...I need something a little more modern and dependable.

Reluctantly, after nearly 12 years of ownership, I think I'm coming around to the same conclusion


I've spent thousands on her, getting most of the suspension, brakes etc replaced, the endless new clutches etc, but a few weeks ago she broke a spring and I had to pay for a tow truck - today, as I braked for a road junction, there was a bang and the car locked solid, in the middle of a busy dual carriageway.


I put it in reverse, eased the clutch out - the rear of the car rose up in the air, then eventually there was another loud clunk and we moved backwards freely. I assume a rear brake shoe has broken up or something, which it shouldn't have as the rear brakes were all replaced about 15000 miles ago.


So now I'm going to have to book her in for yet more work. I suppose, for a car with over 200,000 miles driven, this sort of thing is to be expected - but the point is that I no longer feel I can trust my car to take me from A to B.


Maybe it's nearly time - I dunno

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by hogweed

Reluctantly, after nearly 12 years of ownership, I think I'm coming around to the same conclusion


I've spent thousands on her, getting most of the suspension, brakes etc replaced, the endless new clutches etc, but a few weeks ago she broke a spring and I had to pay for a tow truck - today, as I braked for a road junction, there was a bang and the car locked solid, in the middle of a busy dual carriageway.


I put it in reverse, eased the clutch out - the rear of the car rose up in the air, then eventually there was another loud clunk and we moved backwards freely. I assume a rear brake shoe has broken up or something, which it shouldn't have as the rear brakes were all replaced about 15000 miles ago.


So now I'm going to have to book her in for yet more work. I suppose, for a car with over 200,000 miles driven, this sort of thing is to be expected - but the point is that I no longer feel I can trust my car to take me from A to B.


Maybe it's nearly time - I dunno

Yeah, this is where I'm coming from. My worst nightmare would be a breakdown on a 'smart motorway' (such an oxymoron!) with my family in the back. I think the days of 75/ZTs being suitable as daily drivers and for long trips are nearing an end and they are becoming largely a classic car, coming out mostly at weekends. Some diehards will stay on as daily drivers I'm sure and I wish them well, but for the many of us owners using them as our main car I think this is the end of an era. Nothing lasts forever, my only regret is listening to so-called 'car experts' and not buying one sooner.

[AndyN01]

I totally understand the sentiments about the cars getting older and perhaps needing to change for something.....more modern and dependable.

Just be aware that this isn't without its own pitfalls and can be unbelievably heavy on the wallet for what, on the face of it, is something pretty straightforward.

Good luck, whichever way you chose to go, and if you change her, do your homework before actually buying her replacement.

[bikerdude666]

Thats the stage I got to. In the last year of ownership I spent £1500-2000 on a new clutch, new alternator, and complete new rear suspension, subframe etc. To get it to where I wanted, that still left £1000 on paintwork, complete front suspension overhaul, priced at around £800 for parts, imminently needed a new exhaust, seat repair and various other things. I'd very easily have been £4000 in to a 205,000+ mile car. Couple that along with the hankering for something more fun, and an evening spent on auto trader, and it was goodbye ZT, hello Jag.

So far I'm very happy with my decision, £0 tax, much the same insurance as the ZT, and a steady 65mpg on a run. Admittedly servicing costs are much higher, just paid £150 for the filters and oil to fit myself. Timing chain replacement £1600+ same for a clutch...

[hogweed]

My situation’s maybe a little more complicated… over the last 4 years or so, I’ve had most of that work done, my paintwork is pretty OK, and no rust as far as I can tell. So I kind of thought I’d have 2 or 3 years’ trouble-free motoring, in a car I’m quite fond of… but, on the other hand, after years of work, I’ve given up on the powerfolds; the boot leaks like a sieve, despite my many efforts with Capt Tolley; the rear o/s door doesn't open; the steering rack has started to leak slightly; rear n/s seat belt doesn't retract; and now the broken spring and brake problem.


You just start to think am I chucking good money after bad…? What next?


I’ve had the car nearly 12 years, which is by far the longest I’ve owned any vehicle, and I still like it.


But… I dunno, if it doesn't cost too much to get the brake fixed, maybe I’ll just carry on for now, till the car makes the decision for me


Work I’ve had done in the last 4 years alone:

Clutch, back box, broken rear spring, bonnet dampers, airbag light
All brakes, thermostat, n/s front hub, broken rear spring (other side)
Misc inc airbag, handbrake adjustment
Top mounts
Alternator
All exhaust except back box
Front suspension lower arms etc
O/S hub, undertray fixing
Slave cylinder again
Diesel cooler, n/s drop link for MOT
Rear upper arms; o/s droplink; airbag light
Two front shockers, front left arm/ball joint, back bush
Front o/s ABS sensor
New powerfold (o/s), motor (n/s)
WIndscreen
Rear n/s wheel bearing (ABS problem), airbag light, used n/s seat valance & switches fitted
Front o/s spring and brake pipe

[hogweed]

Well… having had a look at what I could get out there for anything resembling a reasonable price, the Rover has a reprieve for now. Again.


Seems like a mounting pin has dislodged in the rear brake or something – mechanic can fix it OK. Of course, he’s found a bad leak in the rear o/s shocker, so they’ll have to be replaced too. I’ve told him to go ahead, so I’m still a Rover driver. For now

[BigAde]

Apologies for lack of photos, got somewhat held up by power cuts and weather!
Not the best photos for showing the extent of the lacquer peel - it is worse than these pictures show.

Before I put a classified ad up I will get some more photos once the rain stops which should show condition a lot clearer.
Suffice to say a complete respray is needed on at least the front end of the car.

[hogweed]

Good old red paint, eh... always rely on it to suffer sun damage


Shame, lovely motor.

[BigAde]

Just to add, got it listed as a classified now.
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...05#post2921405