1934 Rover 12 front bumper

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digcot65
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1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by digcot65 » Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:05 pm

Hello when I dismantled the car to start restoring it ,I noticed on the front bumper there were blocks of lead in the rounded ends .They must be for a reason ,anyone any idea.They are quite heavy and looking at where they were I cant think the reason for fitting them.Len

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luli
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by luli » Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:41 pm

Last edited by luli on Sat Feb 06, 2021 9:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Rover 10 1946 RHD
Rover 10 1947 LHD
Rover 12 1947 tourer LHD
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TonyG
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by TonyG » Sat Feb 06, 2021 8:28 am

Len,

The lead weights are a key element of the ‘ harmonic stabiliser’, integral within the construction of the front bumper. The transverse leaf spring, together with the end weights is designed to provide chassis stability thereby improving handling and steering response. I believe the end weights varied from car to car, although I don’t know what process Rover deployed in deciding the weight size required.

P1 cars like yours and my Tourer suffered considerable chassis movement/twisting, which was reduced in P2s by the additional crossmember beneath the bell housing. P3s had independent suspension so the harmonic stabiliser bumper was no longer required.

Bottom line is that you need the bumper and weights. I used short lengths of rad hose in with the weights to hold them tight once the bumper end bolts were clamped up through the spring.

Hope that helps.

Tony.
Tony Gilbert

P1 12 Tourer
P2 12 6 Light Saloon
Discovery 3
Discovery Sport

digcot65
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by digcot65 » Sat Feb 06, 2021 9:08 am

Thanks for the very useful information.I noticed when I dismantled the bumper,for rechroming the weights were a nightmare to get out and I nearly threw them away,having no idea why they were there Len

digcot65
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by digcot65 » Sat Feb 06, 2021 9:37 am

Re the chassis flexing,is it possible to weld a cross section in,to improve the rigidity of the chassis,or not practical.Len

TonyG
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by TonyG » Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:38 pm

Len,

I wouldn’t like to say whether or not it’s possible to add a cross member as it’s not something I’ve done or considered. I suppose it might be possible to retrofit a cross member from a later (p2) car, if you could get one. The chassis aren’t of welded construction though so that wouldn’t be a good idea. The whole thing is riveted, to allow a degree of movement I suppose.

All that said, I’ve never felt the chassis flexing was a problem with my car and I doubt it would be with yours either. It’s pretty solid to drive and the steering seems fine. Not that I’m inclined to take it much above 60, although it would go a fair bit quicker if required. But no need to rush the old girl!

Once I get my P2 on the road maybe I can tell the difference.

Tony.
Tony Gilbert

P1 12 Tourer
P2 12 6 Light Saloon
Discovery 3
Discovery Sport

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luli
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by luli » Sat Feb 06, 2021 5:33 pm

The 1947 tourer chassis is strengthen by welded sections. https://lulis.org/2017/11/18/%d7%99%d7% ... %9b%d7%94/
Rover 10 1946 RHD
Rover 10 1947 LHD
Rover 12 1947 tourer LHD
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TonyG
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Re: 1934 Rover 12 front bumper

Post by TonyG » Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:29 pm

Hi Luli,

I guess the extra strengthening for the Tourer was introduced by AP to compensate for the loss of strength provided by the Saloon body, normally fitted. I’m unfamiliar with the post War cars but it’s clear from your pictures that the chassis was different by 1947 in that the tubular cross members are now replaced by open section square ones. The rest appears similar but maybe the construction was made lighter to save precious steel and, therefore, more inclined to flex. Hence the need for additional bracing when used with the open topped body. Modern cabriolet versions of Saloon cars are usually strengthened underneath for the same reason, often making them heavier than the Saloon variant, as is the case with my Saab. Scuttle shake is often a problem with soft tops so maybe the boxing in of the main cross member by AP was done to resolve this?

Len, you can see from Luli’s pictures the similarity of his chassis to your P1 and the curved open section cross member that is fixed under the bell housing, that I was referring to.

Tony.
Tony Gilbert

P1 12 Tourer
P2 12 6 Light Saloon
Discovery 3
Discovery Sport

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