1970's shadow 2
Discussion
Hi,
there are plenty of Shadows around that fit your budget but shop carefully as many have been poorly maintained.
- check for corrosion in the sills and rear wheelarches, as well as the front footwells
- check the hydraulic system : let the engine run for a few minutes, cut the ignition and start pumping the brake pedal. You have 2 brake warning lights on the dashboard. Count the number of times you can pump the brake before one of the lights goes on. You should be able to pump it at least 40 times. Less than that and you've got some hydraulic work to do (brakes and/or suspension)
- check the ride height : self-levelling suspension at the rear. Make sure it works and that the suspension hasn't sagged.
- make sure the brake fluid is clean. There are looking glasses at the side of the reservoir. If dirty, the system has been neglected.
- vibration through the steering wheel and seats could indicate a problem with the driveshafts, wheels or UJ's. This is a common problem on a Shadow.
- slow or inoperative electric windows are commmon too, but there is an easy fix.
- condition of the interior : make sure the leather is in good condition. Woodwork is less important as it is not that expensive to repair.
As with all cars, it pays to check for the obvious things like head gasket failure, accident damage, service history, etc...
Don't buy a car that has been standing for a long time, as Shadows tend to suffer heavily from this.
Good luck.
there are plenty of Shadows around that fit your budget but shop carefully as many have been poorly maintained.
- check for corrosion in the sills and rear wheelarches, as well as the front footwells
- check the hydraulic system : let the engine run for a few minutes, cut the ignition and start pumping the brake pedal. You have 2 brake warning lights on the dashboard. Count the number of times you can pump the brake before one of the lights goes on. You should be able to pump it at least 40 times. Less than that and you've got some hydraulic work to do (brakes and/or suspension)
- check the ride height : self-levelling suspension at the rear. Make sure it works and that the suspension hasn't sagged.
- make sure the brake fluid is clean. There are looking glasses at the side of the reservoir. If dirty, the system has been neglected.
- vibration through the steering wheel and seats could indicate a problem with the driveshafts, wheels or UJ's. This is a common problem on a Shadow.
- slow or inoperative electric windows are commmon too, but there is an easy fix.
- condition of the interior : make sure the leather is in good condition. Woodwork is less important as it is not that expensive to repair.
As with all cars, it pays to check for the obvious things like head gasket failure, accident damage, service history, etc...
Don't buy a car that has been standing for a long time, as Shadows tend to suffer heavily from this.
Good luck.
Brilliant cars if you buy a good one.The problem is that they were so well engineered that they can still drive well even when maintenance has been neglected and underneath they are in a poor state.Corroded brake pipes,worn pumps and accumulators,rust,electrical problems etc)Dont ever think you can buy a rough one cheap and turn it into a nice car-it will bankrupt you!Buy the best you can afford and get it inspected by someone who knows their stuff.
I had one for a good few years and still miss it now.The Arnage I have now is a wonderful car but a Shadow has more character.
I had one for a good few years and still miss it now.The Arnage I have now is a wonderful car but a Shadow has more character.
You should first read the buyers guides from Classic and Sportscar and other classic car magazines. It would also be advisable to contact someone from http://www.rrbsa.co.uk/ perhaps your local specialist. They will probably know someone selling one, or at the very least, be able to undertake a professional inspection for you. There are other good dealers around who are't in this association, like Phantom Motorcars and Frank Dale.
I have had mine for 7 years now and it is brilliant. I use Nigel Sandell to service etc and he is wonderful too. As honest as the day is long etc.
Take your time, perhaps join the RREC first, and you won't be disappointed.
Regards
Andy
I have had mine for 7 years now and it is brilliant. I use Nigel Sandell to service etc and he is wonderful too. As honest as the day is long etc.
Take your time, perhaps join the RREC first, and you won't be disappointed.
Regards
Andy
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