Driving a series 3 in North Cornwall

Is there anyone in North Cornwall, I’m in the Bodmin Wadebridge area, who could spend an hour or so to drive my two series 3. Over the past 3 years I have completely rebuilt a 73 and a 74. My problem is that they both drive differently with different noises and not having driven either before renovation I’m not sure how they should drive! A big ask I know but help would be appreciated.

Forgot to say It would need to be someone with series 3 experience

maybe you could have a passenger make a video so we can hear the noises?

Demelza said:

Is there anyone in North Cornwall, I’m in the Bodmin Wadebridge area, who could spend an hour or so to drive my two series 3. Over the past 3 years I have completely rebuilt a 73 and a 74. My problem is that they both drive differently with different noises and not having driven either before renovation I’m not sure how they should drive! A big ask I know but help would be appreciated.

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I'd take your number and email off of the post ...

Not all on LZ are nice people, some noobs just come to read and skim ...

If anyone wants to meet up they can Private Message you ...

How similar are they? Petrol/diesel, hardtop/truck cab/canvas top. Type of tires fitted to each. And so on.

Dippypud said:

I'd take your number and email off of the post ...

Not all on LZ are nice people, some noobs just come to read and skim ...

If anyone wants to meet up they can Private Message you ...

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T

Thank you, done

tottot said:

How similar are they? Petrol/diesel, hardtop/truck cab/canvas top. Type of tires fitted to each. And so on.

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One hardtop, one soft top, both petrol and similar tyres. One 73 the other 83, got that wrong in first post

Hard top likely to have more vibration noise inside if no roof lining. Can be more wind noise with canvas depending on fit. Neither will be all that quiet inside at speed if standard as there is little sound deadening but both a whole lot better than a diesel one.
83 Will have 5 main bearing crank which some say is smoother than previous 3MB version. [doubt this myself] Gearbox, some are whiners, some moaners, some are quiet. Just the way with what is a basic 30's design.
They do not drive like modern cars or even old type sports cars, steering in good order on standard type tires is fine on the move, gear changes need to be given a tad of time between.

tottot said:

Hard top likely to have more vibration noise inside if no roof lining. Can be more wind noise with canvas depending on fit. Neither will be all that quiet inside at speed if standard as there is little sound deadening but both a whole lot better than a diesel one.
83 Will have 5 main bearing crank which some say is smoother than previous 3MB version. [doubt this myself] Gearbox, some are whiners, some moaners, some are quiet. Just the way with what is a basic 30's design.
They do not drive like modern cars or even old type sports cars, steering in good order on standard type tires is fine on the move, gear changes need to be given a tad of time between.

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We couldn't believe how much quieter my diesel S3 was when we swapped the hard top for canvas.

Thank you, I think I recognise bodywork noises, more interested in gearbox and axles.

Not sure this will work to be honest. I currently drive a Series 3 88" and have had two others previously and not one of them has had the same rattles, clunks, knocks and whines as another. Unless you have driven a completely restored, factory spec vehicle you are not going to have anything like an accurate baseline to compare to. The other thing to consider is that these vehicles were hand-built so even two identical vehicles built on the same production line on the same day are likely to sound and drive differently. The individuality of these vehicles is all part of their character and as long as you are happy with how they drive, don't worry too much, just enjoy driving them.

Thank you, funnily enough the 73 is much nicer to drive so perhaps I’ll just take your advice and enjoy a summer and winter drive.