Discovery Channel - Shadow 2 Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Australian RR Forums » Silver Shadow Series » Discovery Channel - Shadow 2 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Michael Carr
Experienced User
Username: carsie

Post Number: 16
Registered: 7-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 - 04:19 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Well here we go again, ripping another, rather respectable, car apart in the name of entertainment and then no doubt thrashing the backside off it to the sound of tortured tyres and accompanied by plume of smoke and "wooopies". Maybe I'm wrong,I hope so; I haven't got the Discovery Channel, perhaps someone else could let me know the outcome...

Over to you..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb7iW7dxP2c

Discovery Shadow 2
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 330
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 - 07:10 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I have Discovery, searched and found the program listing, and set it to record tomorrow morning. I'll try to find time to watch it and report back.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1446
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 - 09:02 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Just great!

There was another Shadow butchered on Junkyard Empire.

However it did look pretty good when it was finished.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 331
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 - 09:46 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick,

The value of these car is essentially nil. Thus, the more that are destroyed the fewer available and the greater their value (if the market ever wakes up to their desirability). Meanwhile, we get to enjoy them while they're really, really cheap ;>)
--
John, with another take on the destruction
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1447
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 - 09:52 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Fully agree with you John.

I hate seeing them butchered as well.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Michael Carr
Experienced User
Username: carsie

Post Number: 17
Registered: 7-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 12:12 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I'm not totally precious about cars but I don't like vandalism and this is my perception of what will happen.

It would be great if the car was re-engineered and produced something rather special. Recently an XJ8 was rebuilt using a LS1 (or similar) and a manual gearbox, the car was finished in bronze metallic with lots carbon fibre detailing - absolutely stunning and I applaud. Lets hope this goes the same way.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Omar M. Shams
Grand Master
Username: omar

Post Number: 1174
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 05:39 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I have cut up a Shadow for parts on two occasions. Also a Bentley Turbo R. They are just cars and they serve a purpose to keep other cars on the road. My type of butchering is acceptable as mine become donor parts for other cars
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 336
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 06:19 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

OK, I watched the episode and enjoyed it considerably. The hosts have chemistry, and the premise is solid. As for the RR project, because I am car-queer and thus, have a keen appreciation for all things automotive, I ended up cheering what they did instead of being offended. But to grok where I'm coming from, somewhere on this forum I've seen photos of unusual RRs where all they basically did was unbolt a truck body and drop a Silver Shadow or Cloud onto a rolling frame - and I liked that as well. Anyway, for the purpose of the producers, which is to make 2-1/2 tons of car drift, what they did worked for me. No, I'm not a drift fanatic as it's practiced today but I appreciate road racing and know how sometimes the fastest way around a corner involves drifting, or as it's also know, power sliding.

Also coloring my perspective was the summer of 1981 (when we lived in a cabin in the woods of Alabama whilst I completed university). That cabin had some great qualities, not least of which was free rent (thanks Uncle Jack, may you RIP) plus a very well maintained 7 mile stretch of former logging road in one direction and 4 miles (also well maintained) in the other. The latter was more heavily trafficked because it was shorter and thus, because there were several places of the longer road where you could clearly see whether there was any traffic for both the entire curve and at least a half mile leading up to it, power sliding around the bends and curves (like a rally driver) in my sweet handling V-8 powered Datsun 240Z was great fun, believe me. Anyway, I suspect drifting a Rolls-Royce would be fun as well. Ultimately, as an owner of an antique RR, which I have grown to love, I nevertheless have to acknowledge these cars are under-appreciated (in financial terms). Consequently, I enjoyed the television program 'and' what they did to that particular car. Helps that Tootsie is such a nice car I don't have to contemplate this fairly major project. Also, helps that I watched it transact for $5000 . . . and this for a fairly decent looking, running, and driving Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with decent paint and tires. And the seller almost snatched the proffered $5000 (against a $6500 asking price_. Need I say more about how they're valued in the market. The seller's reaction put me i mind of boat ownership where the two happiest days are the day you buy it and the day you sell it! Anyway, those kinds of valuations are certainly not all that unusual as perusing Craigslist will prove to any doubter.

Moreover, one very nice thing to learn is this; a 7L Hemi 'just' fits and makes the car go like stink! If I ever found a really nice Silver Shadow that was being given away because the engine/tranny was shot, e.g. facing a larger repair bill than the car is worth, what with my experience swapping engines into cars for which they were not designed, this could be valuable knowledge . . . but only if I were interested in a project because it's not a trivial undertaking by any but the most experienced. Frankly, being toally unconcerned about preservation might be quite liberating (especially because these car are, perhaps not worthless, certainly offered for little more than chump change). Think about it, instead of just another Camaro or Challenger project (for which there are lots of 4-link suspension kits, rack and pinion front suspension kits, plus brake kits, etc.) that could be readily adapted. After all, if it works for heavy old Detroit iron, it certainly opens the door wide to adding modern brakes, modern engines, etc. to fat old British car like an old Roller. Finally, my vote for the best guy on the forum to undertake such a build is Kelly Opfar because he's an über experienced hot rodder of the first water. anyway, it would be an insanely great project (especially because just the motor or suspension components would cost more than the car itself is worth), e.g. totally uneconomic . . . but really quite a lot of fun!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Noel Reddington
Grand Master
Username: bob_uk

Post Number: 1385
Registered: 5-2015
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 06:31 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Mr Chapman of OZ does a kit to fit a GM LS engine to the Shadow.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kelly Opfar
Prolific User
Username: kelly_opfar

Post Number: 167
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 06:42 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

That's a great idea John. I'll get started on that just as soon as I clean up the 5000 other projects I've currently got cooking, not the least of which is a certain Shadow taking up 4 slots in my garage.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

ross kowalski
Grand Master
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 381
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 07:34 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

To the defense of the fellows on the show, (full disclosure: I have not watched this) they were probably just following
orders ... of the producers.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

ross kowalski
Grand Master
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 384
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 11:50 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Also,

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.



FYI if you remove the AC compressor, you replace the belt with a 50 or better a 51 inch belt.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 337
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 08:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Robert Noel, who is Chapman in Oz, and do you have a link or any further info? Just curious.

Kelly, somehow I knew you had plenty of time, money, and space so volunteering you was easy ;>)

Geoff, why would you remove the AC compressor long enough to fit another belt? Don't you have to draw the line somewhere? For me, lack of cold air in a Rolls-Royce means I take something else, instead. This, even if it's my truck - and it doesn't have an AC system at all. Sometimes it's about optics and driving a Roller with the window down is one of those instances. After all, pulling up next to another sweaty bastard at the traffic light (but who is driving a Corolla sans functional AC) pretty much takes egalitarianism a tad too far. Like that 1980s television commercial for deodorant . . . never let them see you sweat.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1458
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 09:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Funny you say that John.

I very rarely have the window up when driving the Roller.

It's the ultimate cruise mobile, so elbow out the window, is a must.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

David Gore
Moderator
Username: david_gore

Post Number: 2534
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 09:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

Chapman is Robert Chapman of R.A. Chapman Automotive in Melbourne Victoria.

His website is on the link below:

http://www.chapmanauto.com.au/index.php/rolls-royce-bentley-specialist-spare-parts-repair/

This appears to be a new website that does not have the detail contained in his previous website.
It may be a "work in progress" so I suggest you email Robert with details of what you are interested in.

*
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 340
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 10:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

You, sir, quite obviously, have no experience with sweltering Florida. Believe me, an elbow hanging out during the winter (or early spring) is perfectly OK with me (I don't mention 'fall' because it lasts maybe a week and is a lot more like our winter days - in fact, I've worn shorts on Christmas day all but one day of the 12 years since moving here in 2004). Anyway, even driving with the window down at night is OK (sometimes, but not always because come June, July, and August it's still miserably hot - at least during the hours when I'm still out and about). However, when there's a steady bead of sweat trailing down my sideburn, or dripping off the tip of my nose, then quite frankly I'm not taking Tootsie if her AC isn't blowing cold because I'd be miserable and look ridiculous. Especially when I have a truck where sweating is perfectly normal but I can open both doors whilst driving, or better still, take my Harley.

Speaking of cold air and Tootsie, I have scored three NOS cans of R12. One was free, one cost $20 and the other was $25. Some are presently available in Tampa but the guy wants $40. Anyway, at present Tootsie's AC is not blowing cold but the fortunate fact I can see bubbles flowing in the dryer window leads me to conclude it hasn't all leaked out and thus, merely recharging will likely be enough to get cold air blowing once again. Hopefully one can will do the trick. Anyway, I found this photo of a cool pooch on the internet and this photo pretty much sums up my thoughts vice driving Tootsie without AC.

Cool-pooch
- Wanna bet against this cool pooch emitting a heavy sigh of relief when it settled into the middle of this pile of ice?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 341
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 10:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

David, 'all' small business websites are a work in progress, even when you hire a guy to maintain it. I realized this after about two months of a guy tasked with nothing but that job so when he found a higher paying job soon thereafter I never replace him. Thus, I update it myself doing a bit at a time on a fairly consistent basis. Unfortunately, about the time it's looking pretty good, perhaps three years have gone by and a new iteration is due, anyway. Never ends. Finally, thanks for the link.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey

Post Number: 1692
Registered: 5-2012
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 11:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi John

Just to correct you on an earlier post in this thread, you have confused me with Ross. My A/C compressor is very much alive and well on my car. I've lived in NV and FL and in both states an A/C is very much a necessity. Even here in OK summer temps are often 90 - 100 so an A/C is a must here as well. I think not so important in Massachusetts where Ross lives. Their average summer highs are in the low 80s. That's window down, elbow out the window weather for me.

Geoff
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

ross kowalski
Grand Master
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 388
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Thursday, 20 April, 2017 - 11:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick,

You guys really get the heat down there but having the window open means you can answer " what year is that" and " it must be crazy driving on the right" without undue wear on the window motors. You probably don't get the " right " question as much.

I could leave the windows up and just tape a paper with "1970" and "YES" on a it to the glass, but it just seems rude to me.

What I really want is tip in corner windows and floor vents. RR and all makers did away with these when ac came into fashion.

On the 65 Falcon, open the floor vents and the tip in windows and it's like being on a bike. Better in fact than my bikes because of the sidecars.

Now in modern cars you have to open the backs, open the fronts 80% then crack the sunroof to keep weird and astonishingly massive buffeting down.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

ross kowalski
Grand Master
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 389
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Friday, 21 April, 2017 - 03:38 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Robert,

I think the LS motors are really not in the character of a RR, but swap in the motor from a Sentinal 4 or maybe an 8.

You could remove the transmissions entirely, not have to worry about air conditioning and if your stoker is a gun navigator, you don't even have to have to worry about where to mount the Tomtom.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 345
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Friday, 21 April, 2017 - 07:29 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Geoff, that makes a LOT more sense.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 354
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 26 April, 2017 - 11:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

David, I wrote RA Chapman; "Heard you offer(ed) a kit for installing an LS engine into a Rolls. Curious about the details."

Their brief response; "Sorry you have heard incorrectly. Neal Chapman"

. . . means these guys aren't the ones you were thinking of. Anyway, I followed up asking if they knew how the rumor started but realistically, I don't expect much more in the way of information. Since I'm now even more curious, have you any further thoughts on the issue? Don't fret if you can't drag something out of memory because this is idle curiosity on my part instead of any kind of intent.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

David Gore
Moderator
Username: david_gore

Post Number: 2539
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, 27 April, 2017 - 07:52 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

Neal Chapman is the son if my memory is correct - it appears Robert is no longer active in the business and the family is changing the focus away from R-R/B vehicles.

The website still has section headings relating to their past. Mark Hebstreight, are you able to provide more information?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kelly Opfar
Prolific User
Username: kelly_opfar

Post Number: 171
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, 27 April, 2017 - 03:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

There is a company in Ohio that specializes in dropping Chevy engines into Rolls:
http://www.hotrodparts.com/rollsbentleyparts/
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2284
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Friday, 28 April, 2017 - 12:41 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Kelly,

Yep. That's Berea Automotive Engineering (or at least that's what they once called themselves) and they've been doing this work for decades now. They used to claim that it's entirely reversible but I didn't bother digging through the webpages to see if that's changed or not.

I'm the "drum him out of the ownership of a car from Crewe!!" person who says I'd far rather see this than having a car dragged off to the wrecking yard (or elsewhere) to rot. Just on this forum we've seen way more than our share of that. To my mind once you're past the coachbuilt era where what the car company supplied was only the chassis what defines the car is really not its power plant (at least not for the vast majority of cars, anyway).

Brian
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2285
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Friday, 28 April, 2017 - 12:53 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Also, my 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon has an LS engine in it and I would very happily have the same in a Rolls-Royce.

As it's tuned for the Buick it is a very refined piece of machinery that's capable of brisk, yet appropriately controlled, acceleration of that much car and has great gas mileage when compared against the Rolls-Royce engine. It would fit right in as far as behavioral requirements go.

Brian
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 356
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Friday, 28 April, 2017 - 01:16 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Heard back from Robert Chapman . . .

Hi John,

Robert Chapman here,

I think the confusion emanates from the fact that some years ago we fitted a GM Gen3 engine to a Shadow 2.

This project included conversion of the brakes and self leveling systems. Many of the original R-R parts were reused including the SU carburetors,choke housing, air filter and throttle linkages.

It was not the normal American "style" of conversion.

I believe there may still be pictures of the engine bay on the RR forum under the thread 'Chev conversion' or similar. Needless to say it cause some considerable interest.

Please respectfully advise David Gore that 'rumors of my retirement are greatly exaggerated' I am still running the business and we are most definitely not moving away from R-R /B work, in fact we have never been busier in the service department and continue to supply parts and components throughout Australia .

The confusion may stem from the fact that a couple of years ago we became an authorized Bosch workshop , this relates to fuel injection and engine management service and repairs and also gives us greater access to technical information and the Bosch parts used in many R-R/B models.

But we have never supplied any type of engine conversion kits.

Regards

Robert

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Please quote Chassis Numbers for all vehicles mentioned.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action: