ROVER 'SD1'

Insight into production

1976 - 1986

After a completely new plant was built especially for the production of the series SD1, an insight into the production is particularly interesting. Although the latest technologies are used, especially in the paint shop, the quality of production leaves a lot to be desired. This is also triggered by the endless strikes that temporarily paralyse the entire British Leyland Works.

The aerial photo shows the size of the factory built especially for the production of the "SD1" series. In the elongated hall the complete production is located, in the three-storey building on the left side is the paint shop. At the time of the start of production it is the most modern paint shop in the automotive sector.

The figures below show the production flow in the production hall and the paint shop with the necessary explanations.

Production run in the new production hall for the SD1 at the Solihull plant
Delivery (by third-party companies or from other plant areas)

Headlights Horns Other electrical equipment Dirt traps	Heating systems Rubber seals Fuel tanks Fuel lines	Instrument panel Fittings Carpets Exterior fittings	Hand brakes Front screens Windows Roof lining	Front axles Exhaust pipes Drive shafts Suspension Electrical equipment	Steering wheels Air cleaner Hoses Cooler Batteries	Engine parts Accessories	Gear unit assembly

Production		Delivery
	Main assembly line
A (left)	Changeover to / from the paint shop
	Engine assembly line
	Axle assembly line
	"Wedding" - Body on chassis
	Furnishing line	Tyres	Wheels	Seating equipment	Rear axles
14	Roller test for engines			(made at the factory)	Seating equipment
	Final completion, final inspection				(delivered ready)
15	Fine tuning sections
16	Final inspection

The whole pride: The modern paint shop

The passage through what was then the most modern automotive paint shop is very interesting. The individual steps can be followed very closely and provide a good insight into the entire process from degreasing the bare sheet metal to the final application of paint.

The whole pride: The modern paint shop - The 13-stage painting process comprises:
1	Seven-step degreasing and preparation	6	Binding layer (spray)	11	Paint drying chamber
2	Phosphate coating	7	Binding layer (baking chamber)	12	Paint inspection and finishing
3	Primer coat (electro-dip process)	8	Binding layer Post-processing	13	Final drying chamber for thermoplastic paint
4	Drying chamber	9	Drying chamber
5	Underbody protection	10	Paint spray system	A (right)	Changeover to / from the paint shop