Thread: please specify

There is really no specific difference except that the serial number acquired an "a" suffix (but it remained series 2a as the suffix changed up till the Series 3 was introduced). The actual break was the introduction of the 2.25 diesel to replace the 2.0, but there was no specific change to petrol models.

Rover maintained a policy of continuous improvement from the introduction of the Series 2 (for that matter from the start of Series 1), and there were numerous changes throughout production of Series 2/2a. Probably the most noticeable changes were the rehash of the electrical system in 1967, when it changed to negative earth (this also saw the change in the light and other switches, and a solenoid for the starter) and when the headlights changed from the radiator support panel to the mudguards, which was about 1969, but came at different times in different markets.

Other changes were not as noticeable, and included such things as changes to Unified threads from BS, handbrake redesigned for easier use with seatbelts, different swivel top bearings, steering arms moved to the bottom, changes in gear ratios, introduction of the six as an option, plus numerous other minor changes. Most parts are interchangeable, so it is quite possible to bring a 1958 model up to be identical specification to a 1971 model, or anything in between, plus most Series 3 parts will fit a 2/2a, so it is usual to find any 2a is a bit of a mixture. It is probably correct to say that the first Series 2 was closer to the last Series 1 than the last 2a, which in turn was closer to the first Series 3.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

The actual break was the introduction of the 2.25 diesel to replace the 2.0, but there was no specific change to petrol models.

John

Not forgetting that the very early S2's had left over 2 litre S1 petrol engines in them.

The only real difference I've found between the two is the vents under the windscreen. Series 2s were operated by a wheel and the hinges were attached to the lids by screws and nuts, while 2as worked off levers and had spotwelded hinges. Oh, almost forgot, the rear axle check straps are bolted flat onto the chassis longitudinals on s2s, while 2as are mounted perpendicular to this. Otherwise, it's chassis numbers... start with 1 for a s2, 2 for a 2a.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4, 74 3 109" pet4, 68 2B FC pet6.

Originally Posted by dandlandyman

The only real difference I've found between the two is the vents under the windscreen. Series 2s were operated by a wheel and the hinges were attached to the lids by screws and nuts, while 2as worked off levers and had spotwelded hinges. Oh, almost forgot, the rear axle check straps are bolted flat onto the chassis longitudinals on s2s, while 2as are mounted perpendicular to this. Otherwise, it's chassis numbers... start with 1 for a s2, 2 for a 2a.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4, 74 3 109" pet4, 68 2B FC pet6.

Not sure about the check straps, but the vent hinges and regulators definitely did not change exactly with the change from 2 to 2a - both types (both hinges and regulators) are listed in the 2a parts book as alternatives. Other similar changes include the change to the exhaust pipe to manifold connection (changed before 2a?), also the thermostat housing.

John

my 2a has the straps bolted flat to the chassis. These weren't changed for a few years after the introduction of the a.

My vents are held on by rivet pins, these could have been changed at any time though.

What about the number of studs holding the water pump on? I thought that this was changed on both the petrol and diesel at the time of the introduction of the 2.25L diesel.

Aaron.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

What about the number of studs holding the water pump on? I thought that this was changed on both the petrol and diesel at the time of the introduction of the 2.25L diesel.

Aaron.

Could be - my parts book is 2a only and I don't have a Series 2 engine to hand to compare. It is the sort of change though that could easily have happened at that time - new pump for the 2.25 diesel that was also put on the petrol engine - but as usual, it is unlikely that the change to the petrol engine was at exactly the same time - they are likely to have changed a bit before after.

John

If they still have the front aprons fitted, the S2 one was usually flat whereas the 2A was curved.