Just Bought Series III with Holden 186

[AAFitArm]

G'day guys and gals.

Just bought my first Land Rover, an old Series III that has a Holden 186 in it. Will be picking it up next weekend.

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221016598433'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

Needs a fair bit of work, but I have nothing better to do with my time so I figured this will be a good filler and I'm bound to learn some things along the way. First thing I plan to do is check it over and make a list of things to do, then an order to do it.

Any input/information appreciated.

Rowan.

[Mick_Marsh]

Nice buy there.
You're right, it needs work.
That'll keep you enjoyably occupied for some time. Looking forward to the restoration thread.

[Series3 GT]

She's rough but she's got potential

[AAFitArm]

I've been making a list of things to do, mostly getting up to scratch to drive.

While surfing the net, I came across some info WRT the holden 186 engine in this vehicle, stating that it doesn't like going quickly with the 4 speed gearbox. What would be a good 5 speed gearbox to mate to this engine? Would the R380 work?

[JDNSW]

I've been making a list of things to do, mostly getting up to scratch to drive.

While surfing the net, I came across some info WRT the holden 186 engine in this vehicle, stating that it doesn't like going quickly with the 4 speed gearbox. What would be a good 5 speed gearbox to mate to this engine? Would the R380 work?

Your information regarding the engine not liking the gearing is correct. Whether it is a problem depends on what you plan to do with the vehicle. A good read of the various threads here on this subject will leave you much better informed (I suggest you go to the Series section and read the lot!). The alternatives would seem to be :

1. Some Holden engines will operate satisfactorily with the existing gearing - either get one of these or modify your engine to this spec.

2. Fit an overdrive. Simplest, easiest, most useful, but the most common ovedrive (Fairey) is a bit fragile and has some issues. Other (much better) overdrives exist but are either rare or quite expensive or both.

3. Modify transfer case high range gearing. Fairly expensive, but may be justified if the transfer case needs overhauling anyway.

4. Fit high ratio diffs. Relatively expensive and difficult since this will have a salisbury rear diff. Means your low range is higher too, which may not be what you want.

5. Fit a different (five speed) gearbox. Not a routine change. There are no bolt on five speed boxes to match the existing transfer case. Fitting a later Landrover box and transfer case has the problem that they are all constant four wheel drive, meaning expensive and non-routine modifications to either the front axle or the transfer case.

Hope this helps

John

[Slunnie]

The other option which I would like to pursuit one day (but its not even registering on my priority list) is fitting the LT77 5 speed gearbox to a holden motor with a Holden/Series gearbox adaptor and then using the Ashcroft LT77/Series transfer case adaptor to retain the series transfer case. This combo is only 100mm longer than standard.

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=83

[Mick_Marsh]

Interesting!

two doors one side
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=46812&stc=1&d=1336881739

and one door the other.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=46813&stc=1&d=1336881763

What about putting it on a RRC chassis.
3.5V8 with LT95.

Maybe it would be best to see exactly what you have got before you decide what to do with it.

[AAFitArm]

Yeah I'm going to wait and have a better look. Will let the forum know when I have some more solid data.

[AAFitArm]

Well finally picked up my new toy. Looks... interesting to say the least. Wooden panels on the firewall, a mess in the back, rust all through the doors, dead battery. It does start however! All the glass is in good nick, everything moves that is supposed to move, some minor panel damage (bends/crumples, with one tear around the water tap panel).

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/542439_3762310688850_1009074574_33390775_984847889 _n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/534202_3762324049184_1009074574_33390793_143635541 4_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/538915_3762289288315_436288576_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/292131_3762291048359_1188910255_n.jpg

[Series3 GT]

[QUOTE=Mick_Marsh;1682072]
What about putting it on a RRC chassis.
3.5V8 with LT95.

Well thats what I'm doing and it's certainly a good option but requires some engineering. You do get the power of the V8, coil springs, Disc Brakes, Power Steering and possibly Air Cond.

[mick88]

It would be interesting to know it's history and why it is a three door vehicle. Being red maybe it was either of a PMG or a Fire Service vehicle.
Also a lot of the ambulance services from different states used three door panel vans/wagons!

Cheers, Mick

[AAFitArm]

It would be. It has CFA volunteer stickers on the front and rear windscreens, but no idea as to whether the CFA owned it or not.