Subtle mods for the HL?

[Ed]

I've been very busy lately selling cars and bits and pieces. Can you believe that I, who owned 9 Montegos at once in October 2005, now have only one! Anyway, now that D648 PVW is my only Montego, I have been thinking about perhaps a few very discreet and tasteful mods such as central locking, remote fuel filler flap release, alarm/immobiliser etc. The only non-standard mod so far is an interior light delay relay. Does anyone have any other ideas that I could use? I'm a sucker for originality so I don't want to change the appearance of the car but a few subtle creature comforts wouldn't go amiss!

[Austin-Rover]

Well Ed, Do those mods and I will sell you my HLS badge. :laugh:

There are things to be said for both modifying and keeping it standard. I like to change things to how I would like them. So far that is limited to a nice stereo, silver wing mirror covers and a pair of nice Union Jack badges. I am of the view that electric windows and central locking is more to go wrong anyway! I often though that HL spec suits me just fine. Its just down to changing the little details to suit me.

I have already done a few mods to my 1.3 and have a few more planned for once it is back on the road. Perhaps there are more mods because there was less to being with? :laugh: It already has a good set of driving lamps, a front spoiler and tachometer. I got my hands on a good set of blue HL seats that will go in one day...and there is the Econometer too if I ever get the damn thing working!

I would say go for it if you think you will like it, and it will keep you busy!

[Ed]

I'm not fussed about electric windows really although my car does have the wiring fitted already behind the dash. Central locking would be handy and as it can often be incorporated with alarm/immobiliser and does not effect the appearance of the interior.

Remote fuel filler release would be great! Have been thinking about a stainless exhaust system too.

[Simon]

I'd always do remote fuel flap release, elec windows, elec sunroof as a standard reflex action. (Thinks: your car might not have a sunroof...) These extras are hardly noticeable but very useful. Both were fitted to later HL's anyway. My E reg Montego HL had remote fuel filler flap release as well as boot lid release, but had wind up windows. Other than that, PAS is very nice to have too and is easy enough to fit. Elec mirrors are a good plan too, if yours is without, again my HL had them, some didn't.

[e692wtt]

I'm enjoying driving Fleagle, an unmolested (apart from MG 4 pack Instruments) 1.6L - unlike Monty who has electric windows and mirrors and remote fuel flap release fitted (and quite a few other bits and pieces) as well as the now-obligatory (for me) 4 pack Instruments. I'm enjoying going 'back to basics' - less to worry about, as others have said.

Having said that, I have vowed to keep Fleagle standard - and while I'm not missing the electric windows and never used monty's fuel flap release as I have a locking filler cap, I am missing the leccy mirrors somewhat...

All easy mods to do, I even have a spare wiring harness and 'two switch control box' for front electric windows to suit a Mk I as well as an electric mirror harness and control... I am talking myself into giving in here :laugh: .

[B18 GPC]

Remote Start

[e692wtt]

That's easily sorted round here - just don't leave your Disklok on... you don't even have to be awake :laugh:

[Guest]

I know this isn't applicable to all cars, but if you have a remote start system fitted - who or what pulls out the choke for you? And if you are lucky enough to have the autochoke system, who is going to sit there and feather the throttle to try and get it to run on all 4 cylinders from cold? These cars of the 80's dont start themselves, you know.....! :laugh:

[Miracle maestro]

Please don't touch the HL ed.

That car deserves grade one listing.

[Ed]

Please don't touch the HL ed.

That car deserves grade one listing.

Hehe, don't worry, I have decided to fit a standard remote fuel filler cap release and discreet alarm/immobiliser and central locking system only. No other changes are planned. The car will not look altered in any way.

[Guest]

how about the radio from a rover 25? the radio sits in the normal place and the radio display is the clock!!! it looks cool.....got the radio just looking for a clock and the cable

[G51 NAV]

Subtle mod that no one will ever tell from the ouside = T16 twin-cam Turbo under the lid

[Ed]

Subtle mod that no one will ever tell from the ouside = T16 twin-cam Turbo under the lid

:laugh: An interesting idea. If the car was less mint and original, I'd seriously consider a upgraded power unit. I do fancy getting another standard(ish) Monty to do this to.

[Ed]

how about the radio from a rover 25? the radio sits in the normal place and the radio display is the clock!!! it looks cool.....got the radio just looking for a clock and the cable

Sounds interesting. The standard radio/cassette is a little naff.

[G51 NAV]

Sounds interesting. The standard radio/cassette is a little naff.

Period-looking ICE is all the rage in classic car circles, and with MMMs we're lucky for them to be modern enough to have a cassette player as standard on most models and period optional accessories on the rest. If the cassette player still works, do what I do and use a cassette adaptor with either a CD or MP3 player. Keeps that "absolutely original" look