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Nice camera to start with and nice pics.
Have a look here (if you haven't already). http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/index.php It's a very friendly site with tons of info and help for Nikon shooters.
You'll need to sign up to see anything worthwhile.
Jeebus, that's not going to be fun. Obviously drilling/tapping is going to present more problems. You don't want bits of metal falling into the cylinders.
While your trying to think of a way I'd start soaking that in WD40 whenever you have 5 minutes spare. If you do find a way of getting hold...
Don't sound good matey:(
No way to really know without an inspection of the shells. Whack a new sump on and fill with fresh oil, you may get lucky. Doesn't sound good that you heard rattling.
Good luck with it, report back what you find.
It's all very well saying keep the 197, but if you don't have the £320 a month then you don't have it.
I would be tempted to go the Twingo route, nearly half what your paying now per month plus a little saving on insurance. Even if the dealer bends you over for a few quid for going over on the...
Totally recommend this site if you want to get more into photography. It's the place to go for all things Canon + third party lenses made for Canon.
Be careful, photography can consume you and end up taking more of your money than cars ;)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/