LagondaNet

[Lagondanet]

As we know the car was substantially modified during production. Tim the AMOC Registrar wishes to compile a list of such changes. Please feel free to contribute here & I will make up a master list. Use dates & chassis numbers where appropriate. I will kick off:


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130983 Frankfurt Motor Show. BBS wheels, US safety bumpers and spoilers, revised seats, opening rear windows, re-positioned switches.

October 1984 NEC Motor Show. CRT dashboard.

January 1986 New York Show. Fuel injection.

1987 Vacuum Fluorescent instrumentation.

March 1987 Geneva Show. New rounded design. 16 inch alloy wheels.

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[Tim_C]

Thanks Roger, I didn't think of posting here. I'm vey keen that the Wedge gets it's proper place in am history. I may get some resistance but I intend for the wedge to be in chronological order in the v8 register rather than being stuck at the back as an after thought.
_________________
Registrar of Cars, AMHT

[Vincent]

You may note that earliest cars don't get gutters around the doors ( 13024 isn't fitted with while 13034 gets gutters...). I don't have identitified the first car with gutters yet...(13025 ? 13027 gets gutters)
_________________
Welcome to Paradise ! (FRONT 242)
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[jonc]

Tim,

What level of detail are you after? Is this primarily the details of 2A/2B/2C/3/4 etc. or are you looking for interim things?

Obvious cosmetic changes only?

For example, the boot lock moved from center to left during 2A and the side mirror(s) moved from the A pillar to the door.

The gear lever changed from curved (so the lever was on the driver's side) to straight (and therefore central) starting at 13135 - is this significant enough?

In the case of the gear lever, since the intention was electronic push-button selection and a flat center console with concealed radio, perhaps this makes it more relevant? When the electronic selection was dropped, the gear lever ended on up on the side (looking like the afterthought it was), before proper production restyled the center console, putting it there.

Jonathan

[Lagondanet]

I suggest we list all modifications just as an exercise in itself and then Tim can choose those he requires for the Register.

[jonc]

(This list has been revised over a long period of time, rather than reporting each modification - see future posts for the discussions which go with it.)

13011 on - revised center console with integral gear lever, to drivers side. Windscreen now has sun strip at top. 'Moon disc' wheel trims replaced by vented trims, chrome wheel nuts and centre cap. 22mm wheel nut socket replaces 3/4" in tool kit. [Parts Catalogue shows moon discs, although period photographs appear mostly show later type (vented) trims, but center finisher with concealed wheel nuts] Revised parcel shelf with concealed speakers and holes punched in leather replacing black mesh grilles. Rear edge of rear wings revised to fixed-width from taper.
13026 (approx.) on - roof panel swage lines deleted (were only a feature of non-vinyl roof cars) [24 has swage lines, 27, 28 don't]
13030 on - 580 replaces 540 engine, vacuum control with throttle microswitch, vacuum solenoids on bracket next to distribtor, air intake trunking changed from grey to black, revised carbs, revised cruise control module and bellows, four pin brake light switch replaces two pin, revised windscreen wiper motor, revised chassis plate - (V.I.N. plate, engine V580, 2459 KG).
??? - vacuum control microswitch moved from airbox mounting to manifold
??? - revised airbox top
??? - Remote coolant header tank on LH inner wing deleted.
??? - revised washer bottle - pump now external
13036 on - revised power steering pump (metric fasteners)
??? (Jun 1980) on - revised heater programmer bracket and pressure pot
??? (mid 1980) on - FIAMM town horns replace Lucas, now use single mounting bracket.
??? (between 13035 and 13040) on - change to leather/wood gear lever knob (from chrome/wood)
13038 on (certain cars) - 18 row 3/4" oil coolers replace 11 row, metal pipes replace hoses from T
??? (Aug 1980) on - heater inlet duct now in two sections, revised blanking plate (other side), revised heater thermostat control (on front of central heater unit)
13047 on - revised rear door glass frame [possibly from grooved face to plain]
13058 on - heater valve revised to 2 port from 4 port, relocated to bulkhead
13059 on - lock-up torque converter now fitted
13064 (approx) on - display floodlight dimmer now fitted, below LH binnacle
??? (1980) on - revised door touch switches - discrete switches replace PCB-printed switches
13069 (approx) on - side mirrors relocated from A pillar to door
13072 on - revised indicator stalk
13079 (approx) on - revised fuel cut-off inertia switch, fuel valve fitted
13102 on - Sankyo replaces AC Delco aircon compressor (Euro/hot country cars)
??? (1981) on - twin electric engine cooling fans replace single hydraulic
??? (1981) on - revised seat belts
??? (1981) on - revised (uprated) door speakers now Pioneer TS-1655 20W nominal 3-way
??? (mid 1981) on - revised crankshaft - push-fit big end plugs replace circlip-held plugs.
??? on - air box damping material deleted
??? on - six blade cooling fans replace four blade
??? (13107 to 13122) on - additional center vent on dash top
13121 on - 18 row 1/2" oil coolers replace 11 row, metal pipes replace hoses from T
13133 on - revised fuel filler necks
13135 on - central mounted gear lever - straight lever replaces curved, revised center console slot position.
??? (13135 to 13138) on - change from 12 way to 3x 4 way engine bay fuse boxes
13142 on - revised wiper motor and mechanism
13144 on - revised door/boot lock mechanism
??? (early 1982) on - 1/8in NPT replaces 5/8in UNF water temperature sender.
13150 (approx.) on - anti-tamper tab fitted to odometer.
13156 on - revised boot hinges
13157 on - front ashtray changed from 'large' to 'small'
??? (1982) on - revised seat belts
??? (Mar 1982) on - revised heater demist ducting
13171 on - revised heater control vacuum switches (now all rectangular)
13178 on - door mirrors changed from chrome to black base, handbrake lever stop bracket fitted
13180 on - 100A alternator replaces 75A
??? (mid 1982) on - revised trim board, fuel tank.
13186 on - revised indicator/wiper stalks (combined unit), revised cowl and mounting bracket
13195 on - revised air filter assemblies (angled top outlet)
13198 on - Constant Energy (CE) ignition system replaces Opus II
??? (Sept 1982) on - Tenvox (Fujitsu Ten) four channel stereo and amplifier replaces Pioneer two channel - separate front/rear fader knob deleted
??? (1982) on - (LHD cars) accelerator pedal changed from square to round bottom
13210 on - headlamps revised, H4 bulbs replace H1, revised frames and adjusting screws, revised headlamp wiring loom
13218 on - boot lock moved from center to left side of number plate, relocated fuel filter, revised fuel pipes, revised fuel filler flaps (change from bulbous to flat rear), revised fuel flap catch.
??? (1980) (13228 to 13237) on - 2x vacuum reservoirs fitted for aircon and cruise control [parts cat says 1980, photos say 13228-237]
13237 (approx) on - front and rear windscreens changed from Autolast to Triplex Sundym
??? (12250 to 13265) on - side window glass changed from Soliver to Triplex
13257 on - wash/wipe timer fitted, next to wiper motor
??? (1983) on - stick-on mirror now fitted to passenger sun visor
??? (mid 1983) on - revised (wider) spare wheel cover clips.
13269 (motor show car) and 13284 on:
130983 Frankfurt Motor Show. US safety bumpers and revised under-valances - front incorporates spoiler, GKN 'Pepperpot' alloy wheels replace steel wheels and trims, revised seats (ribbed replaces gathered faces, revised headrest shape and headrest cushions, revised door pockets with gathered leather), revised seat/window switches (rocker switches replace touch switches, moved from doors to center console), revised internal door opener handles (metal levers replace leather trimmed, now incorporate lock/unlock), revised door wood trim to accommodate door openers, opening rear windows (rear rocker switches located on rear of center console), aerial moved to roof (not all regions) and fuel tank trim board revised, door mirrors now heated, revised stereo speakers (Pioneer TS-168). US cars have flat door mirrors, ROW convex. 'Aston Martin' dropped from badges, additional Lagonda badges to fuel flaps, boot lid. Change from auto-lock to lock/unlock with key. Door lock strikers changed to 'extended reach', revised door lock actuators. Touch switch binnacle legends revised, dashboard legends revised, heater/wiper/dimmer knobs changed to black. Revised low vacuum warning control module, heater blower delay module added, revised starter circuit with B relay replacing C type, revised exhaust manifolds and intermediate pipes. USA/Swiss cars have emission control additions including cats and revised rear silencers with single tail pipes. Revised brake pedal rubber with Lagonda logo, (RHD cars) accelerator pedal changed from square to round bottom. Revised headlamp wiring loom (- revised headlamp lift motor?) Battery cutoff now disconnects positive to leave clock etc powered. Wiper arms now 'square tube', retained with dome nuts. Revised front suspension brake reactor strut, anti-roll bar link, shock absorber bracket. Revised spare wheel retainer and boot floor bracket. Revised interior coat hooks. Revised VIN plate showing 2522 KG.
13288 on - boot lock striker plate deleted
??? on - heater valve changed to 3 port
??? on - revised vacuum reservoirs - now spherical
13294 on - revised door wiring protectors
13295 on - revised dash top center vent grid
13296 on - revised indicator and hazard flasher unit - single 3-pin Hella electronic replaces 2x Lucas 2-pin thermal, now mounted on dash under-panel.
13306 on - revised heater blower assembly
13325 on - boot lid corner-finishers deleted where aerial not rear mounted (not all regions - cars without no. plate illumination holes in boot)
??? (Jan 1984) on - revised boot gas struts
13327 on - revised air pump bracket and fixings (change to metric)
13333 (approx) on - revised door frames due to change in window lift motors.
??? (feb 1984) on - revised wiper motor and linkage
13336 on - all cars now have revised rear silencers with single tail pipes.
13338 (plus 331/336) on - revised radiator grille and badge (higher mounted, curved badge).
??? on - revised bonnet gas struts (8mm replaces 10mm pivot)
13367 on - revised gearbox mounting strut and undertray
13372 (approx) on - fuel pressure regulator fitted
??? (mid 1984) on - revised front screen drain/scuttle panel - now 3-part, unified main chassis assembly replaces separate LHD/RHD chassis.
13380 (motor show car) and 13385 on:
October 1984 NEC Motor Show Launch. CRT dashboard with computer monitoring 30 functions, choice of English, French, German or Arabic. Front disks now grooved, rear lamp monitors fitted. 'Centra' wheels with machined front face and black painted 'windows' shod with the same Avon Turbosteel tyres. Binnacles now backlit and 'high sensitivity' switches replace touch switches, switch buzzers deleted. Revised under-bonnet fuse box support bracket, revised center console fuse values and label. Revised steering wheel with tilt adjustment, revised steering column, indicator and wiper stalks, revised ignition lock. Washer bottle sensor changed to float switch. Revised heater demist ducting. Security spanner for wheel centers added to tool kit.
??? (1985) on - revised front wheel hubs, wheel spacer added
??? (1985) on - Revised V.I.N. plate, NTA 003002, 2522 KG
13438 on - door mirror switch revised, loom connections revised from 6x lucar connectors to single 6-way harness plug (male connectors).
??? (approx 13398?) on - revised power steering rack (one piece track rods)
13427/36 on - Centra wheels revised to painted instead of machined front and without black painted windows, revised wheel center and security bolt, revised security spanner in tool kit.
??? (June 1985) on - revised handbook
??? (Sept 1985) on - revised interior grab handles
??? (Dec 1985) on - Revised VIN plate - NTA 00302, 2522 KG
13438 on - revised door mirrors.
13443 on - revised interior fuse box with porcelain fuses
January 1986 New York Show. Fuel injection:
revised battery, revised washer bottle level float switch, revised wiper motor and mechanism, revised fuel tank (pick-up at base)
??? (1986) on - door mirror switch revised, loom connections revised to 6-way harness plug (female connectors).
??? (1986) on - high-level brake light fitted to rear windscreen.
??? (1986) on - revised door and boot key locks (VF cars)
??? (1986) on - revised spare tyre hose - rubber with 90 degree end
??? (mid 1986) on - revised battery tray, deleted battery tray bracket, and revised battery
13464 on - V585 EFI engine replaces V580, revised cruise control fitted.
??? (April 1986) on - indicator side repeaters fitted to front wings.
??? (mid 1986) on - revised handbrake lever (cable mounting)
??? (mid 1986) on - revised cooling fan bracket with resistor and relay brackets
??? (July 1986) on - revised steering rack mounting brackets and fixings
13505 on - 1987 Paris Motor Show. Revised dashboard with Vacuum Fluorescent instrumentation, revised speedo sender unit, revised rear lamp monitor units, revised central locking control with dedicated control unit. Unified headlamp wiring looms ( - not sure what changed?). Revised under-bonnet fuse boxes and tops. Revised center console with relocated window/seat switches and revised window switches, twin ashtrays and cigarette lighters replacing single, raised glove box lid. Revised center console fuse box label.
13540 on - March 1987 Geneva Show. New rounded design with fixed triple headlights replacing pop-ups. Headlamp washers mounted in front bumper. Rear lights now in rear panel so internal boot lights now deleted, fuel fillers relocated to boot corners from C pillars, boot-mounted electric aerial replaces roof aerial, 16 inch Wolfrace alloy wheels with custom Lagonda centre cap replace 15s, revised indicator side repeaters. Security alarm fitted as standard. Revised boot trimming with battery now relocated to left side under bonnet, vertically mounted space-safer spare wheel, jack located behind trimmed panel on left, tool kit relocated to right. Single 'full flow' oil cooler. Wheel nuts revised to 21mm, socket revised to 21mm in tool kit. Tool kit now contains selection of fuses, H3 headlamp bulbs.
??? (mid 1987) on - rear view mirror now stick-on, revised windscreen, revised sun visor retaining clips
??? (Nov 1987) on - revised oil filter shield
??? (1988) - revised boot switch relocated within glove box, now engraved 'Boot'.
??? (Jan 1988) on - revised oil filter adaptor assembly
13548 on - revised outer door frame seals - stick on seals replace seals slid into groove.
13552 on - revised high-level brake light, now fixed to rear parcel shelf, revised bonnet release actuator brackets.
13557 on - revised security alarm, relocated mounting from bumper support tube to chassis tube bracket.
13558 (approx, June 1988) on - Dash center top vent deleted.
13560 (approx) - Revised throttle linkage and cruise control throttle actuator (plastic body).
13565 on - revised bonnet lock strikers.
??? (Aug 1988) on - revised front door courtesy light switches.
13573 on - revised electric aerial top mounting.
13575 on - revised sun visor retaining clips (ring type).
13576 on - revised (smaller) untrasonic sensors.
13578 on - revised coolant water header tank.
??? on - revised radiator cowl, large single fan replaces dual.

[jonc]

By the way, I am still working on the list above. The bulk of the information is coming from the parts catalogue, and is likely to be incomplete or inaccurate. Where the catalogue is vague, I am referencing photos from the Lagonda Gallery.

My knowledge relates to the S2 cars and so I am concentrating on them, although it seems the changes slow down in the latter years..

I will post again when I am done with the list. It is likely to be in a few days..

[jonc]

Right, that is pretty much it from me. Plenty of fine tuning to do - chassis numbers to track down for many revisions - plus there are likely missing changes from CRT onwards, since this era is less familiar to me. Particularly a comprehensive list of changes for the major revisions: EFI, CRT, VF and S4.

Other discussion points:

1. I think the blue aircon button was fitted from around 13060.
2. Was the CRT computer system always multi-lingual, and did it always have speech warnings? (I think I read somewhere it was a later addition)
3. According to the 1985 owners manual, from mid 1981 onwards the car always had rear aircon. However, I have a 1982 price list which still shows it as an option. Was it a 'mandatory' option?
4. Roger - what do you mean by 're-positioned windows' for the S2B?

I should be able to tie down some chassis numbers in a week or so when I can get some more information on this.

I will continue to modify the above list as and when, so no need to copy it all out in subsequent replies.

[Lagondanet]

Thank you very much Jonathan for your most comprehensive and prompt response.

I meant switches (not windows). Shows how much attention I was paying.

[Vincent]

[Tim_C]

This is excellent, which presents another problem that potentially no other model will have this detail.

I'm on my way home from Japan this morning so I will pick this all up over the weekend. You would be amazed how difficult it is to get wifi in Japan.
_________________
Registrar of Cars, AMHT

[Vrije]

Tim,
I also ran the list on my own lags.
007has roof gutters (only one of us at the meetings has 'ridges'at the sides of the roof ???)
057 uk spec has bleu aircon switch 059 uk spec dont
wiper motor on 007 is same as 57&59 might have to do being lhd?
Fuel filler necks differ from 057(steel innerpipe in solid rubber outer)-
059 stainless bends connected with rubber hose)
007 has triple 4 fusebox 57&59 have 12-s
(indeed 13198 still has central bootlock)
Will keep looking for more oddyties.

Harry

[jonc]

Thanks Harry - these are just the sort of observations which will help.

We have to be careful to separate series revisions from revisions which have been 'back-ported' (in computer software terminology). When a car goes back to the factory, things could be upgraded - either because of necessity (superseded parts) or customer preference - or they could be used replacements from another car.

I recently looked at 13382 which had door mirrors with a chrome base and were most likely replacements. However, it did have a boot aerial instead of roof one. This is most likely because it has a rear TV/video and so there was an electric aerial on both sides of the boot.

Jonathan

[Lagonda87]

Hello Jonathan!

Great work!

What about the different wheel types ?

- Original
- Pepperpot
- Flat (with shiny finish and black painted holes)
- Flat (with matte finish - including the holes)
- Series 4

Does anyone know when those changes were introduced ?

/Soren

[jonc]

Thanks Soren,

the pepperpots were called 'Centra' in the handbook, and the later ones 'BBS'. I have made a note of the wheel change - it looks like it happened at the same time as a change of mounting for the spare so I have grouped them together.

Also, the tyre part numbers changed each time the wheels changed - steel to Centra (pepperpot), Centra to machined BBS, machined BBS to plain BBS. The owners handbook just shows Avon Turbospeed and then Pirelli P7 for the BBS. Can anyone explain this?

Also, if anyone has a digital copy of the S4 handbook, this would be useful to me. Or if anyone can give a name to the S4 alloys and confirm the tyre make/model.

thanks,

Jonathan