Series rover steering wheels are notorious for breaking down after about 50 years. The coating on the outside wears off over time and the composite material leaves black sludge on your hands when the weather is damp. If the wheel is reasonably free from cracks or other defects this can be reset like new by sanding clean and coating with an appropriate bonding paint. Ideally a sturdy coat of serious enamel like one-shot would be best but in this case a somewhat temporary thin spray paint fix until more time can be put against the task.

The boss pries out to reveal the horn connection and the nut holding the wheel on. Note the small rubber wheel between the turn signal lever and the base of the steering wheel which rolls to cancel the signals.

Another item brought on quickly by the first rain was to remove the torn vinyl header to assess the source of the leaks along the front of the windshield. The coconut fiber insulation still works fine though and a strip of wood temporarily holds it in place along the back edge.

Removing the header also removed the rearview mirror but there was another in the onboard toolbox which was easily mounted directly to the roof-header bracket.

Upon inspection the spare tire was in danger of damage due to a bolt near its interior mounting so of course it was moved to the bonnet (hood) for safekeeping, as is appropriate for a rover anyways. Two bolts with hooks hold it on its mount there.
