Project Drive - Illustrated
 

Some interesting reading for those that didn’t already know:

“Drive” was a major project within MG Rover Group to significantly “improve their competitiveness” (i.e.) save them money at build by deleting or standardising various items of the car in line with the rest of the vehicle range.

It was first introduced from November 2000 on the Rover 25 & 45, but didn’t start to affect the Rover 75 & ZT until mid January 2001.

Below is a detailed list (in order of introduction) itemising what changes / deletions were carried out on our cars, the date of introduction is quoted as well as the first affected VIN number.

This information was taken from MG Rover’s Technical Workshop Manual, and where possible I have attempted to illustrate the affected change points.

1) 15th January 2001 / from VIN 205081 – 75 only
Leather handbrake grip replaced by plastic grip on Rover 75 Classic & Club models

2) 29th January 2001 / from VIN 206392 – 75 only
Bottom coolant hose heat sleeve deletion on 1.8 engine versions only

3) February 2001 / from VIN 205371 – 75 only
The Cigar lighter pop out unit was replaced with a Rover 45 type
(Original on left, replacement on right)

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...45f49787a2.jpg

4) 8th March 2001 / from VIN 206814 – 75 & ZT
The VIN plate on all models was changed to include model definition, and smoke rating (diesel only). The style was also changed to include the new company name

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0d8e739ccd.jpg

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0d8e7c59a1.jpg

5) 26th March 2001 / from VIN 208804 – 75 only
The D post badge was deleted from the D post finishers.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...30f643767f.jpg

5a) Sometime around 27th April 2001 / from approx VIN 209690 – 75 only
The leather headrests found in the Connoisseur/SE models lost the Rover Viking logo previously embossed into them.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d60e38f3ed.jpg

6) 4th May 2001 / from VIN 218882 – 75 only
The plastic front seat belt lower anchorage bolt head cap at base of BC post was deleted

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...310e389144.jpg

7) 7th May 2001 / from VIN 215291 – KV6 engine 75 only
The high pressure PAS fluid sensor & pipe assembly were deleted. The sensor was no longer required due to a recent re-design to reduce fluid system pressure. The system operates at a maximum 80 bar, the pressure was originally 100 bar.

8) 14th May 2001 / from VIN 215035 – 75 only
The leather style manual gear knobs on Classic & Club models were replaced with the plastic type knob similar to Rover 45 but with reduced gloss finish

9) Unknown Date & VIN – All Derivatives
The unlock button on the car’s key fob was changed from the Rover symbol to a blank generic type

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...e.jpg~original

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...b.jpg~original

10) 4th June 2001 / from VIN 218712 – 75 only
The boot badge was deleted and replaced with a modified chrome number plate plinth incorporating a small Viking badge

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4317/...3b88fbcc_z.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...d.jpg~original

11) 11th June 2001 / from VIN 219627 (approx) – 75 only
The forward catalyst exhaust system heat shield was deleted on 1.8 & KV6 engines

12) 21st June 2001 / from VIN 218712 – 75 only
The self adhesive engine derivative badges (torpedo badges) were deleted from the front door lower finishers

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...e.jpg~original

13) 1st July 2001 / from VIN 225237 – 75 only
Sun visor change in specification:
Classic model visors were changed to PVC material.
Club models had the illuminated mirror units, originally fitted as standard, deleted and replaced with non illuminated units – unless requested as an option at build.


14) 13th July 2001 / from VIN 214656 – 75 only
Vehicles which originally had 205/65 R15 size tyres specified, were subsequently fitted with 195/65 R15 ones.

15) 6th August 2001 / from VIN 223061 – 75 TOURER only
The spare wheel cover circular stowage area lid was deleted

16) 3rd September 2001 / from VIN 226529 – 75 & ZT
The original moulded type door reflectors (fitted to all doors) was replaced with new flexible self-adhesive type reflectors.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...d.jpg~original

17) 17th September 2001 / 75 and ZT
The tool kit jack was originally fitted with a handle grip, this was then deleted.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...d.jpg~original

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...w.jpg~original

18) 21st October 2001 / from VIN 233774 – 75 & ZT
The original 3 separate labels were replaced by 1 single label incorporating air conditioning, coolant and engine specification information

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...d.jpg~original

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...w.jpg~original

19) 5th November 2001 / from VIN 234500 – 75 Diesel Auto
The original transmission oil cooler was of the ‘air blast’ design (uses a radiator & cooling fan, wheel arch located). These components were replaced with a fluid type oil cooler.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e47dd96a6.jpg

20) 5th November 2001 / from VIN 235722 – 75 & ZT
The original engine oil cooler has been replaced with a re-designed fluid type cooler. This new cooler could not be fitted retrospectively to earlier engines.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e50f1601d.jpg

21) 14th November 2001 / from VIN 235915 – 75 & ZT
The rear lamp access panels were deleted and the moulded luggage compartment trim modified.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...d.jpg~original

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...w.jpg~original

22) 19th November 2001 / from VIN 235526 – 75 only
The rear parcel shelf sound insulation was deleted. To prevent noise transmission into the vehicle, dynamic absorbers were fitted to the rear dampers (as per the MG ZT)

23) 3rd December 2001 / from VIN 238547 – 75 only
The real wood dashboard fascia was replaced by a wood effect plastic fascia

The picture below is the real wood dash, notice it has the word 'AIRBAG' written in gold lettering onto the wood, and the air vents sit flush to the wood.
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e5a6224af.jpg

and this is the plastic version, it is identifiable by having an 'Airbag' recessed badge instead of the gold lettering, also there is a noticeable gap around each air vent.
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e5a68591d.jpg

24) 10th December 2001 / from VIN 240702 – 75 & ZT
On vehicles fitted with Symphony / High-Line ICE systems, an AM/FM ‘Diversity’ amplifier was located in the passenger side ‘D’ post. This unit was subsequently replaced with the Harmony Non ‘Diversity’ unit, and the rear screen glass spec was changed from part number CQB000220 (full coax) to CQB000350 (single coax). In addition, the IF diversity cable linking the amplifier in the ‘D’ post to the tuner was removed from the wiring harness. So from this point on, all cars only use one FM element from the rear screen instead of a choice of three.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e6388cca7.jpg

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e638ec001.jpg

24a) Unknown Date & VIN – 75
The original leather style vehicle document wallet underwent a subtle change from having 'Rover 75' embossed on the inside flap, to having a blank flap without it.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d8fb0d012f.jpg

In addition, some time later, the leather wallet was replaced by a thin translucent plastic pouch.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d8fb10f38f.jpg

25) 7th January 2002 / from VIN 241521 – Diesel only
On diesel derivatives only the following exhaust changes were made:

Forward exhaust section – The silencer immediately behind the converter has been deleted. The pipe section behind the deleted silencer was originally double skin, this was subsequently changed to single skin.

Rear exhaust section – The long pipe section forward of the rear silencer was also changed from double skin to single skin. The rear silencer was then modified and the internal ‘interleaf’ construction was deleted, externally the rear exhaust section appears the same.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e749812f5.jpg

26) 4th March 2002 / from VIN 249425 – 75 & ZT
The driver's grab handle was deleted from all derivatives and replaced with 2 blanking plugs.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d60e3f17bf.jpg


27) 4th March 2002 / from VIN 250641 – 75 Diesel saloon with 16” & 17” wheels
The ‘Butile’ sound absorbent material was deleted from the rear parcel shelf. On vehicles with 16” & 17” wheels a ‘Dynamic Absorber’ was then required to reduce transmitted road noise to an acceptable level. This Dynamic Absorber was fitted to the base of the rear suspension dampers. In addition, all ZT models had the Dynamic Absorber fitted.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e82782024.jpg


28) 18th March 2002 / from VIN 251971 – All KV6 engine vehicles
The power steering pump acoustic cover was deleted (part number QVX100082)

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e8e58b5e4.jpg

29) 8th April 2002 / from VIN 253427 – 75 Classic/SE & Club/SE
The trim piping on the fabric versions of the headrests were deleted.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d60e33d0dc.jpg

30) 6th May 2002 / from VIN 255987 – 75 & ZT
All vehicles were fitted with re-shaped (shallower) door mirrors as per the Rover 25/45 style.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e9c7f3541.jpg

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0e9c85680a.jpg


31) 23rd May 2002 / from VIN 252351 – ZT only
Originally, the rear brake discs were vented on all ZT derivatives. From the change point indicated, for the ZT entry model (160Ps) only, they were subsequently re-specified to solid rear brake discs.

32) June 2002 – Rover 75 saloon 1.8 petrol & 2.0 diesel only
The rear anti-roll bar assembly ‘A’ in the picture was deleted from the above vehicles.

To enable the same high standards of ride quality to be maintained following this deletion, the following design changes were made to provide greater roll control:

The standard saloon rear subframe bushes were replaced with a new bush that was common to both saloon & tourer. The new subframe had stiffer mounting bushes ‘B’ in the picture, and the standard rear road springs ‘C’ were replaced with uprated springs.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f5f5658fe.jpg

33) 5th August 2002 / from VIN 264921 – 75 & ZT Tourer only
The tailgate latch plastic finisher was deleted.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0ead7644f0.jpg

34) 2nd September 2002 / from VIN 267855 – 75 & ZT Diesel only
The fuel burning heater was deleted as standard fit on all diesels after this date. It was subsequently offered as a line fit or aftermarket option only.

However to simplify fitment, the original cooling hoses and fuel lines were retained and built with bypass hoses and end caps to enable easy conversion if required.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0ec4fa6312.jpg

35) 2nd September 2002 / from VIN 266128 – ZT only
The body colour side finishers and lower body colour number plate finisher, was replaced by chrome finishers as per Rover 75. The body colour finishers could still be requested as a line fit option when placing the vehicle order.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0ed1b68940.jpg

36) 2nd September 2002 / from VIN 268228 – 75 & ZT
From the above VIN, the right hand (high tone) horn, part number YEB101130 was deleted

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0edac69762.jpg

37) 23rd September 2002 / from VIN 269854 – 27 1.8 petrol only
The engine undertray and fixings were deleted on 1.8 petrol models only.

38) 7th October 2002 / from VIN 270369 – All Models
From the above change point, the spare wheel was replaced with the ITR – Instant Tyre Repair kit.

The kit consisted:
Aerosol
Eye protection spectacles
Wheel nut cover removal tool (if applicable)
Locking wheel nut removal tool (if applicable)
Towing eye
Housing for above shaped to fit redundant spare wheel recess.
No Jack was included.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0ee3cc470c.jpg

39) 7th October 2002 / from VIN 270482 – 75 Club models only
Up to the change point quoted, all club models featured ATC as standard. From the change point, only Club SE models would be fitted with ATC.

Club models would then on be fitted with manual air conditioning similar to that fitted to Classic SE models, but would include ‘dual’ zone temperature control dials.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0eef2dbf92.jpg

39a) October 2002 / from VIN 271838– All Derivatives
The bonnet release 'claw' mechanism was replaced with the conventional MG Rover 'stick your hand in' release catch.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d62cf8e333.jpg

40) 30th October 2002 / from VIN 274483 – 75 & ZT with KV6 engine
From the above VIN’s, the original ‘Bremi’ remote coils have been progressively replaced with ‘Champion’ plug top coils (one coil per cylinder)

Condition before change point:
6 Bremi ignition coils used. 3 bremi direct coils used on the right-hand (rear) bank of cylinders.

3 further Bremi coils attached to the inlet manifold supply the left-hand (front) bank of cylinders remotely via conventional H.T leads.

Condition after change point:
6 ‘Champion’ plug top ignition coils are used. These coils are arranged directly on top of the spark plugs and therefore do not need H.T leads.

These new coils function in exactly the same way as the previous coils using approximately the same peak primary current but with a shorter dwell time.

As with the previous Bremi coils fitted to the rear bank of pre change point engines, no connection can be made to the H.T outlet or spark plug connector for diagnostic purposes.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f04de1ea3.jpg

41) 6th November 2002 / from VIN 274575 – ZT only
The alloy wheel centre caps fitted, were changed to plastic ones.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f61521b3b.jpg

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...1&d=1386598846

Plastic on the left, alloy on the right


42) 11th November 2002 / from VIN 275024 – 75 & ZT
The drivers side plenum drain tube (ECX100081) was replaced with a sealing grommet, the passenger side drain tube remained unaltered.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f18ae1f6e.jpg

43) 14th November 2002 / from VIN 271850 – 75 & ZT Tourer
The tailgate remote switch situated on the lower A post on all tourers was deleted, and replaced with a blanking plug.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...30f63c1ada.jpg

44) 4th December 2002 / from VIN 277641 – All models
The tourer toolkit stowage for the spare wheel / ITR, was replaced with the saloon semi-circular version situated in the spare wheel well.

In addition, the tourer under floor storage tray was deleted.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f20e86a58.jpg

45) 13th January 2003 / from VIN 279607 – 75 & ZT
The body coloured door mirror caps originally fitted to the base spec ZT & Rover 75 Classic, were replaced by black caps.

46) 15th January 2003 / from VIN 279844 – 75 & ZT
From the above change point, a new airbag DCU was fitted. The supplier changed from Temic to Autoliv, and the connector housing and pin out configuration changed.


The new connector was located to the right side of the centre tunnel with wiring harness secured to the left, also the earth point was relocated to the DCU mounting.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f2d178045.jpg

47) 15th January 2003 / from VIN 279844 – 75 & ZT
From this date the main wiring harness on all models was redesigned to incorporate the body harness.

In addition, the original passenger compartment fuse box was replaced with a hard wired modular type fuse box.
The fuse box changes included:
Deletion of separate fuse box component from harness.
Deletion of satellite fuse holders dependant on options.
Deletion of fuse box harness connectors (to back & front of fuse box)
New fuse design, changed from standard blade type to mini type.
New spare fuse holder and fuse remover.
New microtype relays replace the previous larger F4 type.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f37bcb305.jpg

Deletion of internal diode for reverse polarity warning – the diode was thus incorporated into the harness (situated within the bulk-head protector)
Deletion of the cigar lighter relay, feed now had to come directly from the battery via fuse 3 (15 amp) in the passenger compartment fuse box.

A new accessory link lead kit, part number VUB003120, was made available to connect various accessories to the new fuse box. The kit consisted of 2 link leads which connected to fuse box terminals & an additional lead with an earth eyelet. This allowed mini fuses to be added to the spare fuse positions in the passenger compartment fuse box.

All 3 link leads had the same type of terminal as used on current accessories therefore the current procedure of de-pinning the three way & re-pinning into single housings was carried over.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...s.jpg~original

The side impact sensor style was changed at this time also, the connector colour was altered to blue with the sensor being changed to orange. In addition, the location of these sensors was changed, they were relocated to the inner sill with one facing forward, and the other facing rearward.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0f43c33a0e.jpg

A new throttle position sensor was fitted to a re-designed pedal box. The harness connector was visually different.

Finally, from this change point, any redundant connectors resulting from previous component deletions were removed i.e right hand horn connector, A post tailgate release connector etc.


That is as far as I can go with regard to Project Drive, I’m sure there were other modifications beyond January 2003, such as the deletion of the Velour door rubber, and substitution with an all rubber version, but sadly I have no further details - perhaps others can help?.

A very informative and illuminating post :bowdown:

Must have taken you some time to compile this and is, for me, very much appreciated.:D

I wonder what the cost differential was for the more minor deletions? :shrug:

Seem almost pointless.........:confused:

I've saved this file as several ".pdf" files, for posterity... ;) if anybody wants them......... Just ask ;) That is with Reebs' permission :confused: Now granted :D

Due to my/recipients upload/download restrictions on files, the only sure fire way to do this is to PM me for my address and send me a Memory stick/card so that I can download all of the files in one go.... and please supply a padded SAE...;)

Many thanks for another great informative post Reebs :D:D:D

Must have taken quite a lot of compiling.

Just a couple of points though, my early Tourer built 5th June 2001 has the lower seatbelt plastic covers and the headrests have no embossed logo. ;)

Russ

Permission GRANTED :D:D:D

Thanks Russ, I don't have an exact date for the deletion of the Leather headrest logo, so that helps place it better, if others can report their build date or last VIN digits I can narrow it down further, then re-order it in the post.

Re: the seat belt finishers, it's possible, I suppose, that you car had already gone through the seat belt fitting assembly line prior to the 4th May change point, but wasn't complete and ready for delivery until the 5th June 2001, I wonder if your VIN number is higher than 218882 - the change point one for the finishers?

Also the missing piping on the centres of the seats on later cars must be part of project drive, or as it should be called deprive!:getmecoat:

Maybe depraved!!:p:

Nice one Reebs, a good eye opener.
Well I guess it gives us all something to retrofit as most of the alterations seem to be for the worst IMHO. Still, I guess it saved Rover a few quid.:shrug:

Brilliant post. Should help a lot of owners understand why something might be missing from their particular model.

Good work that man!

excellent list, good work

Project Drive
 

A very interesting and informative post. Thank you. JRT.

Very enlightening and informative Post.
Many Thanks.

Some bits do seemed to have "reappeared" later.

Well put together and informative post.
Thanks for what must have been quite an effort.

Andy

Great post Reebs..

A bit of additional info.

I factory ordered a Connoisseur SE on the 29.9.2001 and it was delivered to the dealer on the 28.10.2001.

vin no 232210

It was fitted with the plastic wood dashboard.
No drivers grab handle.
No FBH.
Boot badge on plinth.
No rear badge on D post.
Stick on refelectors on doors.
No Rover badge on key fob.
Covers fitted to seat belt bolts.
Fitted with rear lamp access panels.

Dave T

Excellent work Reebs - especially the addition of photos.

My Connie SE was built in September 2001 and, like Russ, mine does not have embossed head rests.

Paul

this is a fantastic post, have read once and will study later, a lot of it seems like penny pinching but probably added up to thousands saved, a pity though

Hi could I have the PDF please!
That must have taken some time to put together well done:bowdown:

A terrific post that surely deserves "sticky" status - makes a great companion to the "many colours" thread. Well done Reebs.

On the downside, it's a constant reminder of how many features are missing from my '75. I'm slowly getting them all (or most) put back though. :D

One last point - wasn't the carpets quality reduced at some point of the production run?

Cliff

The carpets in my Dad's ZT-T are a bit pony and trap compared to the ones in my 75

Definately an interesting read, good job.

Totally agree though, Cliff.. The Bracknell meet last weekend really opened my eyes to quite how much I was missing! I don't really think there were definitive changeover dates though, as mine's a mid 2002 Connie, and while it has some of the deletions (none embossed headrests, and rubbish boot trim) it still has the original mirrors, and the extra piping on the seats! Who knows?! :shrug:

Thanks REEBS good work - now I know exactly what I am missing!:mad:

Very nice work indeed Reebs - I didn't know about a few of those deletions (I'll need to go and take a look at R70 now!! :D)

The dates of changeover are direct quotes from the Project Drive Bulletins issued from MG Rover to the dealerships, as contained in RAVE.

Looking at your car, as the door mirrors didn't change until 6th May 2002, it's quite conceivable that yours had had the old ones fitted May time, but again was not complete and off the production line 'til a little later. Have a look at your VIN number and see whether it falls before 255987 that might give a clearer indication of the situation.

As for the second layer of piping on the seats, I looked very hard to find info on this, but nothing is listed, what's more interesting, is that although some cars were affected, later cars were not (i.e) the piping went, but came back again? - this makes me think it's not a project drive cut back, but more a design mistake, or change of supplier issue :shrug:

Piping thread here for those interested :smilie_re: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=33646

Firstly, very interesting that it only took a month from order to delivery, I had always wondered how long it would take.

regarding your list:
It was fitted with the plastic wood dashboard. :shrug: Not changed til VIN number 238547 according to the EPC
No drivers grab handle. :shrug: Not deleted til 4th March 02
No FBH. :shrug: Not deleted til 2nd Sept 02
Boot badge on plinth.:) O.K that fits
No rear badge on D post.:) O.K that fits
Stick on refelectors on doors.:) O.K that fits
No Rover badge on key fob.:) Good - gives me a steer on when that was
Covers fitted to seat belt bolts. :shrug:already deleted by 4th May 01
Fitted with rear lamp access panels. :)O.K that fits, not changed til 14th Nov 01

Do you still have the last part of the VIN number of the Vehicle? - check it against the change points.

Great works Mr Reebs,

We already had a list over here http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...6&postcount=19 but your is so much better with added detail information and easer to understand with the pictures.

Hi Reebs.

When I wanted to order the the car from JCT 600, a Connoisseur SE diesel auto in BRG, they checked all the MG Rover dealers in Britain but non was available, only Copperleaf Red and Royal Blue.
So it had to be a factory order, and yes it took four weeks.

The vin. no 232210

Dave T

Reebs, very informative :bowdown:

For info, whilst retrofitting a CD changer and heated washer jets I found that the connectors described for this purpose were not there.

Additionally cable VUL100310 was not fitted to the harmony head unit, instead there being a harness coming straight off the main loom located toward the bulkhead.

Do you have evidence or suspect these were removed at change point 47 in your list?.


a) For the heated jets, this required me to splice into the heated mirror wires (wire from fusebox was also deleted).

b) For the CD changer, this required plugging the main harness directly into a replacement link cable VUL100310 (as opposed to a deleted connector originally situated to the rear of the console, adjacent the ashtray).

Ray (vin 308424)

Excellent post.

I have a question. When talking about the real wood dash, which picture is the real wood, top or bottom? If mine is real wood, then I'm surprised. I don't think it looks or feels like the real deal.

Cheers
Bluey

Real wood is the top picture.

I can remember when my 02 75 had nice velvety trim to the door seals, my zt has just plastic

read that with great interest,the dates helped me a lot.well done!

pab

Excellent job Reebs :bowdown:

Really useful, especially with the pics.

Everything seems to fit ok with my car except the Viking logo's on the headrests... my car doesn't have them :confused:. It was registered 27/4/01 (#209999). Hope this helps.

I would love a copy of the PDF if possible too please :)

Justin.

Vin number on mine is 217005 (pre-volume production Tourer) Built on 5th June 2001. (verified by all the QC and fitting labels)

It was sent through for remedial re-fit of heater box assembly (Fitting sticker on heater box dated 6th but dashboard fitted and QC'd on the 5th plus Vin number in marker on dash components) finally completed 6th June.
Delivered for Tourer launch end July 2001 to Dixon Rover York. First Reg 31st August.

So where this fits in I'm not sure. :shrug:

Russ

Reebs - quite remarkable. Well done. Whilst it shows the desperate state they were in, I still question whether the strategy was right. Turning what was acknowledged to be a high quality vehicle into a rather more ordinary one, albeit with a lower price tag to match. I seem to recall the entire industry was under-pressure at the time to match the lower prices of continental imports. (New Labour's Rip Off Britain charges). If nothing else it would cause me to recommend a new purchaser to try for an early model when a good specimen comes available.

I do recall reading that some of the pre-war MGs never made a profit because they were over-engineered to a ridiculous degree and some deletions from the original 75 spec do not cause me a problem. But removing sound-proofing from the rear parcel shelf...?!

Regarding the removal of the second layer of piping from leather seats, it had certainly gone on my 2002 Tourer but was later reinstated - I thought with the launch of the facelifts? Can't believed it saved anything really and as you say, was probably the result of a change of supplier.

Thanks Justin, with your info I've been able to relocate the date of the headrests to approx April 01. What about your key fob, does it have the Rover badge on the button, it would be good to try and place a date for that change point?

A small "also". About the time of the move to Longbridge the leather bound service book holder, complete with embossed "Rover 75" and a Rover badge on the cover was replaced with a cheap see-thru' plastic one.

I guess the black plastic emergency ignition key was deleted about the same time.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...52072934b7.jpg

wow, i never realised that they changed so many things! i'll have a good look over my car tomorrow, and give you the last digits of my vin.

Cheers!

Hi Reebs,

Yes i do have the Viking logo on my key fob and the seat belt lower anchorage bolt head caps , so it looks like your spot on with those.

Just to add to Bartonrover's post about the leather service book holder, my car came with one and it looks like it had the badge one front (as this had fell off by the time i got it!) but i don't have the embossed 'Rover 75' on the inside.... which looks really cool :mad:

A very interesting and informative post Reebs. Job well done and definitely deserves to be a Sticky :lol:

I read with interest
"The tailgate remote switch situated on the lower A post on all tourers was deleted, and replaced with a blanking plug."
Does this mean that if a switch can be found I could open the tailgate from the drivers seat?

Afraid not as far as I am aware as no plug or wiring there for it and as the Key now works this by Pressing and Holding I would expect a code or a Control box required to match.

Robert, excellent spot about the service book holder, forgot that one.

Interestingly, the leather folder that came with my Pre-mainsteam production T reg Conn SE also didn't have the '75' emblum either, and they didn't get much earlier than that car.

Can you email me/P.M a larger photo of it, for inclusion in my post.

Also, has anyone got a photo of the later clear plastic document wallet, so I can add that too.

Thanks guys in advance.

I suppose it might depend on the age of your particular car, in item 47 in the list it states that cars built from 15th Jan 03 onwards had any redundant connectors removed including A post tailgate release.

If your car's VIN is lower than 279844 then I guess you might be in with a chance.

The easy way to see is just to remove the A post trim piece and take a look behind.

It is held by two clips to it's right which you just pull at to release, and a removable plastic screw at the back, which must be taken out - (circled in the picture below). Please ignore the arrows - they are from another post.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...1f3876c6db.jpg


Part number for switch is: YXL100100PUY 'Switch-trunk release push'

How can one obtain the car assembly date? :o

Photo of Plastic Case and Manual on its way.

Here is a Few Shots of the ZT and R75 in Plastic cases,
There were Six editions in the Plastic Range for the 75 and ZT. (Hardly any differences)

Select what you want, let me know when done and I'll delete the rest.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...m/DSCF2429.jpg


http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...m/DSCF2428.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...m/DSCF2426.jpg

Thanks very much John, just what I was looking for.

I think this one tells the story best

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...m/DSCF2428.jpg

I've got it on my system now, just waiting for Barton Rover's bigger early version.

As always, many thanks.

Brilliant post. Really pleased I got a pre-deprive model. Some of the newer stuff looks tacky. Wood effect plastic? Oh my.

My T Reg car Identification No. 001482... doesn't have the 75 logo on the folder

Hi.
My 75 was registered on 26th November 2001, and I have always considered the dash to be 'look-alike plastic' walnut. However, my VIN is before the date of the change, and looks like the top picture, so which is which of the two pictures ?

I have to say my dash looks good and if it's plastic, what the hell !!

Other question is are the walnut auto gear levers and steering wheels real wood or not ?

It feels like driving a little Bentley, and I suspect if VW had bought British Leyland they might still be in charge, and our cars still in production.

Excellent post Reebs

Having sold a couple of hundred 75's in Last 5 years, I noticed the changes "in the flesh" so to speak.

It would be interesting to hear from a Longbridge accountant exactly what the total saving of Project Drive actually was? I believe it did MGR more harm than good i.e Potential Rover buyers started buying Jag Merc etc.

The differences that stood out for me was the real dash turning into the fake one. It looked so much cheaper, if you look at it closely the Vents are a much finer fit on the Wood version whereas there are Gaps all round the vent frames on the plastic dash.

Now the throttle box I did notice & is IMO actually an improvement on the later cars!! It has less travel & a noticeable lighter action (weaker spring)

Steering also feels lighter on Later cars (not sure why)
Real thick carpets turned into thin nylon felt type feel.

Don't know weather this was mentioned in the list but the bonnet release divider block case & block were cheaper softer plastic after 2003, hence why 95% of bonnet cables "pop out" on the later ones.

Overall for me I witnessed the massacre of a quality car into "still quite a nice car" & a great shame it had to happen.
Many of the changes were obvious just on first impressions in the showroom, rather than the hidden changes.
ie Soon as you opened the drivers door
Red reflectors, door frame surrounds, carpets head rests, seat trim & dash.........in your face quality reductions.
Perhaps they thought no one would notice:shrug:

The same sad thing happened to the Triumph Stag & Dolomite range. ie Savings hence quality reductions between the MK1 & MK11

I think there's some evidence export cars were immune from most cuts for a while longer. My mid 2001 has all the original features (even leather bound manual) save the d pillar badges which I've since restored. Japanese cars had the highest spec,(perforated leather, cooled seats, illuminated door lights, embossed headrests iirc ) so perhaps all export cars benefitted.

However facelift cars seem the same as UK spec with features progressively returned until final demise.

My 2001 Tourer has neither that lovely '75' embossed wallet or the plastic one, its a red leather-look one with small Rover Badge. Will get a pic...

Many owners would source Wallets from the Rover range to swap for some of the Plastic and other nasty ones around.
I did.

This is the Real Wood Dash, notice it has the word 'AIRBAG' written in gold lettering onto the wood, and as Jules rightly points out, the air vents sit flush to the wood dash.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...0e5a6224af.jpg

The plastic dash is identifiable by the 'Airbag' recessed badge instead of the gold lettering, also there is a noticeable gap around each air vent.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...0e5a68591d.jpg

I will go back into the thread, and add these points, as I think a few members are unclear as to which is which...sorry for the confusion. :o

I really wish you had not pointed out the plastic defect!! :(

Now I'm on the look out for a a proper wood job ;)

Don't care that much, really, it still looks good :D

Yes this sounds like a Wallet from the R600 800 Range although when I tried one, 75 Manual doesn't quite fit into it:shrug:

Added a couple of items to post
 

I've added a couple additions to the original post, and copied them here too, need info of when they were introduced though, if you can help:

24a) Unknown Date & VIN – 75
The original leather style vehicle document wallet underwent a subtle change from having 'Rover 75' embossed on the inside flap, to having a blank flap without it.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d8fb0d012f.jpg

In addition, some time later, the leather wallet was replaced by a thin translucent plastic pouch.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d8fb10f38f.jpg

And also:

37a) Unknown Date & VIN – All Derivatives
The bonnet release 'claw' mechanism was replaced with the conventional MG Rover 'stick your hand in' release catch.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d62cf8e333.jpg

Reebs, i still have the bonnet release 'claw' mechanism on mine (209999)

Awsome post Reebs, any chance of the .pdf ?

Cheers.

I've got it on pdf :D PM me your e-mail address and I'll send it to you ;)

As for the others that requested you have PM's :o:o

All now contacted from this thread, pdf sent :D albeit a bit late in the case of a couple :o This is what happens when you "unsubscribe" a thread :o:o

So if anyone else needs it... PM me please ;)

Thanks Mate just got mine

No Problem :D Sorry it took so long for me to get a_round to_it !! :o;)

My e-mail address is in my user profile. Thanks in advance :lol:

en route :D

Thanks Andrew, well received :lol:

Great post, I add my thanks too! If any of you are looking for a classier replacement for a plastic service book holder I can recommend the bespoke classic glovebox folio available from Classicfolios dot com (look in the Shop section). You can choose the colour of leather you like and get a metal plate engraved with the marque logo and reg no. My ZT260 came with a particularly naff red vinyl holder; I now have a nice black leather one (and matching CD case and A4 folio for the paperwork at home) to match my interior. Very good service and I recommend them wholeheartedly.
Julian.

wow I bet that took quite a time to produce but very interesting reading. The moulding on the bottom of tail gate was different on my 04 plate 190 ZTT. Was this just a face lift change or part of the cuts.. I still have a ZTT and the clear plastic document cover. However I purchased an MG Document wallet off ebay the guy had more to sell and may still be available. I would also like a copy of your pdf please.:bowdown: many thanks and best wishes woolleysox

See Flag Mugs Organiser by dragrag the link has a number of items including the service wallet

Jules you asked about the steering being lighter on later models, I have the bulletin in my toolbox for project drive and the release of facelift models, the later models had a quicker steering rack fitted.

regarding lighters.

My car has the one on the right and it is a 2000 registered car.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...0d8e6ba393.jpg

The car was owned by a non smoker since new so I have no reason to believe it was replaced.

Yeah Steven your right.

I took the lighter on the left from a 2000 reg Classic at a breakers (again unused) thinking it to be the original one listed in RAVE, but have now checked three other members early cars, and it isn't.


I just haven't got round to photographing an actual original one yet, to replace it in the post.

The real one looks very similar to the one on the right, except it has a shallower black cap top. Also the base of that top section has a small lip to it, if I remember correctly.

You could post up a picture of yours if you like, and I could confirm which one it is.

Thanks for a really informative piece. Can I add a few nuggets to the story?

I own Vin No ..209690 registered in November 2001 on a '51, but built much earlier in the year. It is Conn SE spec and has seatbelt fixing bolt cover buttons, but the seat headrests are plain non embossed. Hope this of assistance in this ever infuriating search for the truth on 'Drive!

The key has the Rover logo and the Owners Book is in the thin plastic wallet, though whether the original, who knows?

According to my old EPC, last vin was 247377 for headrests with logos.

Rover 75 bonnet catch was changed to ZT style at 3D 271838

HTH

Yes David, that's an odd one, as at least two members with VIN numbers around 209690 and slightly higher have reported the absence of the logos.

I've updated the info on the bonnet release too, thanks for that, I really should have studied the EPC more closely. :bowdown:

Thanks also to EnEnGee for the VIN update regarding the headrests, I've amended point 3a.

Having seen some very early Rovers go through SMC, I suspect that the line fitted what ever was to hand, especially if there were delays in components to the assembly line.

Well I feel the need to add my appreciation and praise for the details in the original post. It is a tad depressing to see how the Leyland boys who bought Rover from BMW reverted to their old cost cutting nature and suspect this proves they learnt nothing from the years with BMW! To quote John Ruskin “There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man's lawful prey.”

One minor point, the post states that the plastic dash came in with vin 238547. My car vin is three thousand before the change and still has the plastic dash on a 2.5 Connie SE Tourer that we have owned from new.

Last weekend I corrected this oversight and must say that the real wood is SOOOO much nicer!

Paul
Not sure if I've posted the following couple of observations:

Around 03 Reg
Bonnet Release
The release cables no longer have metal collets fitted to white ends.
Divider block was a shiney finished plastic, replaced by a weaker mottled effect.
The nipple block was a much tighter "snap" fit than later type.

Air conditioning condensor
Had a Black gloss coating on them & were very corrosion resistant.
Later types were bare aluminium.

Pics to follow

Regards
Jules

Steven, I've finally gotten round to updating the photo of the earlier Cig lighter.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...45f49787a2.jpg

Does yours look more like the one on the left know? (notice the different pattern of the smoke symbol on the top, and the wider rim at the bottom of the black grip).

This new photo was taken from a Pre-launch 75 so I'm pretty sure it's the correct one finally.

That's better the first pic looked like a Ghastly after market lighter!

CDT Club First Registered 17-09-2001 VIN 224606

It was fitted with Real Walnut Wood Dashboard.
Drivers grab handle.
FBH.
Square reflectors on all doors.
No Rover badge on key fob.
Covers on Seat belt bolts.
Fitted with rear lamp access panels.
The original leather style vehicle document wallet having 'Rover 75' embossed on the inside flap it.

Suppose it depends when they came off the assembly line.

Hi Reebs,

Fantastic guide..

One more thing I dont think was covered was the loss of rear tunnel ashtray for cubbybox..not sure if this is ZT/-T only?

Very informative,just spent the afternoon with Lates and Pete refitting the high tone horn that was the victim of Drive...........:getmecoat:

Project Drive - Illustrated
 

Superb post, very well researched, well done Reebs, take my hat off to you.

Is the switch from twin horns to single hooter mentioned in the list? I searched recently and couldn't spot it.

TC

Most certainly is No 36 on the list,2nd September 2002.......:mad:

What a great post - had me out in the dark checking a couple of things. Well done for putting so much time into it.

Project drive and pre project drive. this thread is a good read, but i have spec on my car that was project drive and some to the bits are pre project drive, like its got bullets but didnt have drivers grab handle, the boot relase has the car on but the sunvisors didnt have lights, the bonnet latch is the claw type, so looks like mine was at the start of the penny pinching :)

The deletions/ alterations were introduced piece meal and not all at the same time. There have also been various anomalies where a particular car has for example got the real wood dash whereas others made earlier in the VIN series had the wood lookalike.

So now I know why my horn sounds so pathetic:(

Great read; glad it was bumped back up. :)

Centre Arm Rest Material
 

My Sister's Y Reg Tourer Connie & Our 51 Plate Tourer Connie both have real leather Centre Arm rests

They are Vinyl after around 2002
I can't see this mentioned anywhere.
Where's Reebs?!:rolleyes:

I have a Picture of both types

Aaaaahhhhhh nnnnnnooooo !! something else to source and replace thought i was about done , plastic covers for seatbelt bolts , done . 2.0CDT torpedos , got them . Real wood dash , got it . Chrome bullets , got them . Only really drivers grab handle and thought the fag lighter was going to far and now this will it never end !! :D

I didn't know about that one Jules, it's not mentioned in RAVE.

Can you post up / PM me the pics then, along with the last numbers of the VIN on those cars with and without?

The armrest in my 52 plate Conn SE certainly feels like leather to me, but it's personal line deep sea green, so maybe that stayed leather all the way.

my ZT has leather interior but there is so much vinyl that it's a bit of a joke really it's pretty much only where you put your back and backside that's leather centre armrest is definitely vinyl. On special colours it will probably be all leather as it wouldn't be cost effective to knock up the 'leather match' vinyl in small quantities

Centre Arm Rest Leather or Vinyl ?
 

Here you go chaps:

It is not obvious to tell the difference.
But it will be in people's mind one they know !!
I reckon the leather disappeared around 2002 Reg:shrug:


Leather is from my Sister's Y Reg Connie (chassis number to follow)
Vinyl in our Facelift ZT
Vinyl in my 54 Reg Monogram V8
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CloltyGrcac/S-...4/P1050882.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CloltyGrcac/S-...4/P1050883.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CloltyGrcac/S-...4/P1050884.JPG

More of a leatherette than vinyl surely?

But true - earlier ones have lovely leather arm rests. Mine sadly is a 2002 one with a leatherette arm rests. Going to need to get myself a lovely leather one now!

Thanks for that Jules, it isn't immediately obvious on first glance is it, but I guess the feel of it would give the game away.

When I'm back home on Sunday, I'm going to compare the leather arm rests in my 2002 75 & 2004 ZT.

Dash it ! better start looking then before everybody else , ebay here i come .:)

i noticed a while ago that the early arm rest was leather,but they tend to wear a bit on the seems..the vinyl is a bit more hard wearing.

another thing that was deleted was the strap to pull down the rear centre arm rest.

and that the rear armrest is vinyl!!

actually mine is leather,and when separated from the inner lid removing the screws it is initialed by the trimmer;)

i presume you must have monogram leather ? mine is the normal black leather and is defintely vinyl as is most of the back seat aside from the panels you sit on

no......just single piped project drive ash grey(black)leather.

heated memory,SE spec.

must be a ZT thing then obviously they still trimmed the Rovers properly but reckoned that ZT owners could slum it!!

Yes agree the Vinyl/Leatherette does stand up to wear & tear for longer, before looking worn & shiny!
I lean on mine while driving most of the time.
I think you will be hard pushed to find tidy looking leather rests in the scrappers.

i salvaged a leather arm rest,not in bad condition and once fitted i decided against it..looked shabby.

the vinyl version are a good comparison to leather really.

very informative this and it looks like my Tourer is a mix of both pre and post project drive

How interesting!

I recently discovered that my 20th of December 2002 registered Connie. was actually built on the 8th of January 2001. This fact had depressed me a little until I read about project drive, as it seems I've missed out on all the deletions I'd have had had the build been nearer to the registration date :D

Paul

Most excellent news Paul :o

Just had a look on my W plate club, and the armrest is the vinyl one:( Has this been replaced or did the club and classic always have vinyl?

Just read this for the first time - so sorry to resurrect an old thread!

I have a post-facelift ZT so to a certain effect this car is less affected in that most of the changes seem to affect some nice touches that were removed from early Rover 75s after the move to Longbridge.

In the eyes of MG Rover enthusiasts, these changes have become intrinsically linked with the eventually demise of MG Rover. However I would suggest that almost all mass-produced cars go through this process at some stage. What happens is that huge amounts of money are invested in a car during its development. When it is launched and placed under the scrutiny of journalists, a new model has to be the best in class and as such it will usually be slightly more expensive than the competition.

As that model moves into middle-age, it will be discounted or the price will be held rather than increased with inflation. So to maintain profitability, small items are deleted. The manufacturer may even survey owners to ask them 'how useful do you find x or y' - if they say 'Never used it' or 'does my car have this?' a manufacturer will be tempted to delete that item.

As to the savings made - if a car manufacturer can save £20 per car (I am sure significantly more was shaved from each Rover 75) and they make 500,000 cars a year that is a saving of £10 million which could mean the difference between a loss and a move towards profitability. It was make it easier to raise the funds to finance a new model (new car development has to be a top priority for any manufacturer) or for a parent company to sell a car manufacturer (we know the Pheonix Four were looking to do this). British Aerospace did the same with Austin Rover in the run up to the sale of Rover Group to BMW.

Other changes were done by necessity. For example, I have always seen the removal of the Rover logo from the button on the key as something that had to be done when the MG ZT was launched so they could use the same key. A new key design could have been commissioned for the MG but that would have been an additional cost. So I see that change as a way of avoiding additional cost rather than a cost-cutting exercise.

I also think that most owners and potential buyers would have never noticed deletions as this is the preserve of the enthusiast. So for these reasons, it could be argued that MG Rover bosses were actually doing the right and proper thing here, even though it is a nuisance for enthusiasts who cherish their cars and keep them for an above-average period of time. It would have been irresponsible for MG Rover not to have tried absolutely everything in their power to keep the company in business.

The new MG UK company has made some issue of reversing the deletions to the TF that were introduced by Project Drive. They are able to do this because they have drastically cut costs in another way - the cars are now built in China.

After all, building cars that cost more to make than you can sell them for is not a viable way to run a business.

Whil I agree with what you've said, I totally disagree with the key comment - a key might just a lump of plastic, but it's the first thing you hold before you get in the car for the first time.

A button with "MG" or "Rover" etched on it would of cost pennies extra, and a Rover-shaped but blank unlocking button on an MG just screams "raided parts bin".

They key doesn't have to be made out of solid gold (although heavier keys "feel" more quality...), but it's a surprisingly large thing.

the mini shared the same key as our cars,the deleted emblem on the unlocking button could be due to that..it's a theory i have heard,regarding the quality of the key,hold it against a ford key of the same era,the rover key looks and feels quality.

Are you sure?

MG Rover would have to had gone back to Valeo and said - "we need you to redesign the key so that it has an octagon shaped button embossed with the MG logo"

Valeo would have sucked air through their corporate teeth and said: "we will have to redesign the pressings of both the fob shell and the button and it will cost £x,000s"

They would not have said: "That will only cost a few pennies"

With the benefit of hindsight (if they knew in 1998 that they would be launching an MG version of the Rover 75 in 2001) they could have got the two designs commissioned at the same time (just like they did with the MINI and Rover 75 versions) or just gone for a round button with an open padlock image.

However, I do agree with you as it pains me to unlock my MG ZT with a blank but obviously Rover-inspired Viking ship-shaped button!

Even if Valeo had said it would cost a bazillion dollars, a human kidney and a small dodo, theres nothing stopping you opening it up and replacing the button with a pattern part.

It's the little things that make the massive difference - my Proton had the worlds shittest key and it pretty much set the tone for the whole car!

Early big MINIs have a MINI logo on the button and look like a Rover 75 key:

http://shop.accessory4you.com/05-cha...ey244-1A-1.jpg

At some stage in 2005 they started to look like this:

http://motoringfile.com/pictures/2005_key.jpg

The badge / logo is no longer the button and the buttons are either side of the chrome logo. The key also operates the boot which would be great for my ZT as there is no keyhole in the bootlid - didn't this used to be on the early Rover 75?

As an aside, there must be a glut of MG Rover fobs around (or they are cheaper from X-Part than BMW dealers) as 'our' fobs are being sold by online vendors as a replacement for the MINI: http://www.hklock.com/hkproduct_view.asp?pid=1768

That is true - but you'd then have an MG logo embossed on the Viking-ship shaped button and it would look a bit like the new MG7's grille with the MG logo on a premium Rover 75 grille:

http://www.chinacartimes.com/wp-content/mg7.jpg

The keyhole in bootlid was fitted until the facelift version was introduced in 2004.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l4...Picture024.jpg

Dave T

Press and hold the unlock button to open the boot on facelift cars, pre-facelift cars with memory seats, it moved the seat to the position programmed to that key.

Thanks for that tip - I'll try that tomorrow. I have been unlocking the car, opening the driver's door and then pressing the little boot release button. Press and hold on the remote sounds much easier ;)

Another project drive deletion?
 

Didn't know about that one ;) Anyone else got similar on theirs?

Me too :D thanks for the tip.

Marcus

Going back to an earlier post regarding handbook wallets - I hated the nasty clear plastc cover for my handbook so I thought that I would see if I could find something better. I found a nice black leather/vinyl wallet for the MGTF on ebay. It has the MG Octogon embossed in the corner and metal corner protectors. The ZT handbook fits perfectly, and the wallet has an air of quality to match the car.

Any chance of a picture :cool2:

I can't provide a picture at the moment for technical reason (lost the cable to connect my camera to the computer ! ) - however if you search ebay for item 290512870010 it will take you to it - actually its originally for the MGF not the TF as I originally posted.

Hhhmm, looks like Mrs Reebs will have found something to get for me after all this Xmas :icon_razz:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...t.jpg~original

Thanks for putting the picture up - truth be told I am a technophobe ! It is a nice item, and I am sure that Mrs Reebs will be delighted to get it for you .....

What a long thread but a great one! It looks like there were lots of changes that would seem petty to a buyer, but collectively they would amout to a small fortune/saving for MGR.

I was wondering . . .

How much were MGR hoping to save with Project Drive and did it meet its objective, or are we all now driving cars with unnecessarily parts removed or changed because the project failed to meet its targets?

Thats rather nice. Shame we couldnt get some of them made up with the club logos where the MG are. Would be wonderful to have a club document holder!

Romour had it that they were going to put back all/most of the downgrades back to how it was before they started (with what money, who knows). However, events somewhat overtok matters...!

Or you can just get an early Rover 75 holder, and put a MG badge over the Rover one... It's what I did and came to less than a tenner!

Ive just bought 3 of them F folders for £8 each from e bay - he acepted my offer straught out - god dam annoying - should have gone for £7 each lol

Thing that makes me chuckle is that we all go round scrap yards trying to put the relevant bits onto post project drive cars

I think some of the cost cuts were reversed on the facelift cars but not to the level where they matched the 2000 cars.

He accepted my offer of £6.25! I bought 2

the first thing i noticed on facelift cars was the reintroduction of double piping on leather seats..

half the fun in owning a project drive car is putting the desirable early items back on the car.

our 05 reg has a drivers grab handel

£6.25 - that makes me sick - thats 5.25 i ould have saved :(

I have a nice set of bullets on my ZT, happy now to have them but some scroat kicked one of the later mirrors off so a pair I bought for £30 however they cost me £94 to get them sprayed...Annoying at the time but at a cost a happy a smile is had :Holly1: ( she still thinks they cost £30) :laugh:...I am sure she has posted a similar thing on a Handbag forum " My good lady bought a Radley (spelling) handbag for about £200 so I think I am in credit for a few more bits for The Boss...Well in fact I did manage to get a pair roof rails for £20 (now fitted) and I have the tool storage jobbie also that goes in the wheel well, tools, wedges etc.


Cheers
Tony

Hi Tony,
are the (black bits to which the mirrors fit) painted black or are they black plastic finish? Your second picture makes it appear painted.

Kearton

It was raining when I took the first two pictures, maybe the reason why it looks painted, but no... The new or should I say old bullet mirrors are made of ally(the door fixing part) and the bit that you refere to is made of plastic that I had before, I believe the 25 and 45 are the same style unit...Good old project drive.

Cheers
Tony

Wow that some list alot of work went into that. makes intresting reading

Didnt find that in the topic.

Today I've recieved Finisher-front sill-floor cover for my 2002 ZTT. Orignal PN EAN100980LNF (NLA) and the raplacement is EAN000650LNF.

Here is the difference. Old and new. New looks very cheap...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2656877/MG/EAN000650LNF.jpg

very interesting
never knew exact details of Project Drive
from the point of view of a car enthusiast, it devastates me

very sensible though. 99% of average users would never have noticed any of these changes, and at the end of the day, that's what mattered for business. some of the changes are quite intelligent too

it's making me want an early one all the more though......

Anyone found the larger trim get kicked off easier than the smaller type though.
In fact never had to replace the clips on the narrow type:shrug:

Yes, seems that you are right! But I will leave the old type for the rear because kids step on them when they enter the car. Otherwise they will put the dirty shoes on a velvet rubber.

I thought it is the other way round!
The smaller trim is the older design and the more bulky trim is the later type.
To me the later type is worse for being kicked off!!

Afternoon Paul!

Have you got these deletions/changes
Sorry if they are duplicated.

Bonnet cable divider block changes

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_C...2/P1050181.JPG


Rubber wedge.
This deletion is the main cause of bonnet release failure!
Hence the reason for my tape wrap MOD.
There's still sceptics amongst you who wonder how the tape works.........but it does !!
It keeps the single cable in the slot towards the engine.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_C...2/P1050890.JPG


Bonnet earth bonding strap.
This was deleted very early on I believe

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_C...2/P1040698.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_C...2/P1040699.JPG

Me too, about half the people that get in the passenger side end kicking it off. Tried all types of glue and both types of clips nothing seems to work. I've just given up and left the damned thing off. :mad: