Isuzu C240 powered Series 3 [Archive] - Page 3 - Australian Land Rover Owners

gromit

29th December 2019, 08:33 PM

Took Wallit to the Trash & Treasure market this morning then on to visit the the Father-in Law in hospital. Unfortunately he's in palliative care and doesn't have long left, it only seems like yesterday he was my co-driver when we took the Series I to Cooma (2008) . Doesn't time fly !

I noticed some new noises from the rear which sounded like it was something in the rear tub.
Moved the wheel brace around and the noise continued. When I got home I found that the spare wheel had worked loose and was rattling on the fixing bolt. Wingnut tightened and hopefully the problem has gone, just numerous other rattles to track down now.

Still starts, runs & stops OK and keeps it's cool in the heat. A bit sluggish uphill when cold but once warmed up it keeps up with the flow
I've been offered another roof so need to make time to check it out then paint the bonnet.

Colin

gromit

26th January 2020, 08:27 AM

Usual trip to the Trash & Treasure today.
Noticed that the window channels have lost colour and are starting to rust. Wallit is stored outside so the modern stuff isn't that weather resistant !

Then saw a wet patch in the drivers footwell.....clutch master cylinder leaking !

There is always something to do on a Land Rover.

Picked up one of these at the market. needs a repair and I have to find a round belt (ideally leather).

http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/advert/aw83a.jpg

Colin

Don 130

26th January 2020, 07:52 PM

gromit

27th January 2020, 05:54 PM

Depending on the length you require, it shouldn't be too hard. you could always get two and put another join in.

singer treadle sewing machine leather belt - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=singer+treadle+sewing+machine+leather+belt&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)

Don.

Thanks Don,
Ordered a belt soon after I got home from the market but I did read that the standard sewing machine leather belt might not be the correct size.

Also found info on blades and they are also on order from Ebay.

Colin

gromit

8th April 2020, 02:57 PM

Too this week off work and decided to sort out the leaking clutch master cylinder.

The master cylinder was a pattern one, I'd taken it apart, cleaned it and re-assembled using red rubber grease.
I found a secondhand Girling one with a good piston & bore and re-sealed it.

Removed the pedal box, stripped it down and fixed up the paint (I think I'd painted this before I'd found a brake fluid resistant paint). Made a new seal from insertion rubber and re-fitted everything.

Topped up the gearbox & transfer case oil while I was underneath bleeding the clutch.

Must take it for a run to get provisions, can't just go for a joyride at the moment...

Colin

whitehillbilly64

9th April 2020, 06:38 AM

Pop an empty fuel can in.
you are getting fuel for you mower, for daily exercise, arnt you ?

gromit

6th June 2020, 12:53 PM

I've been looking for a replacement roof for Wallit for quite some time.

I got a roof some years back with some minor damage (and I had to peel old marine carpet out of the inside). The idea was to temporarily replace mine so I could repair the one currently fitted.
Further investigation showed mine to have lots of loose and some broken rivets so really it was a gutter off job, lots of rivets and possibly the need for a special squeezer.

Most I've been offered have been too far gone or too expensive but today I collected a SWB Tropical roof !!

It needs a clean up and re-paint plus there are a few small holes I'd really like to get welded up (need someone who can TIG aluminium) but overall not bad condition.
The outer skin is mostly held on with steel rivets into the roof ribs, the outside edge uses bolts & plastic spacers. It needs to be removed so I'll turn up some plastic or aluminium spacers & fit new bolts in the process. Knowing the rate I work at it will be a while before it's finished !!

I now need to 'move on' the roof with some damage and also some side panels

Colin

gromit

9th June 2020, 03:38 PM

Had a good look at the roof over the weekend.
A fair bit of mastic in the gutters, when removed I found that it needs pulling apart & re-riveting. Roof panel can move on the gutter section in a few spots and some rivets are loose......bugger.

Back on the hunt for a low cost squeezer, found a few companies in the US.
Rivets from Semi Tubular Rivets (https://www.bits4landys.co.uk/rivets/semi-tubular.htm)

Looks like an interesting job, applying sealant then fitting & squeezing 139 semi-tubular rivets before the sealant goes off !

This roof is rapidly heading for the 'back-burner'.

Colin

JDNSW

10th June 2020, 06:28 AM

Can I suggest that to overcome the sealer going off, you need a few clamps, with just enough rivets to keep the holes lined up, and put the rest of the rivets in at your liesure.

gromit

10th June 2020, 03:43 PM

Can I suggest that to overcome the sealer going off, you need a few clamps, with just enough rivets to keep the holes lined up, and put the rest of the rivets in at your liesure.

Thanks John, that's what I was thinking but not a lot of strength in the lip of the roof. The lip has pulled up and left the rivet tail in a recess so the first job would be to 'panel beat' the lip level & square.
I think a helper getting rivets into position and the use of a proper squeezer for speed while installing rivets in a pattern to spread the clamping (like tightening a cylinder head down). Possibly worth nipping the rivets then a final squeeze once all installed. If I ever get round to it it's probably ideal for a YouTube video !

I think the standard roof panel was painted then riveted into position but was the roof panel painted then the tropical top fitted ? Or was it fitted then sprayed with a bit of overspray up between ??

I may have to remove the tropical roof anyway to straighten a few areas so I'll probably paint the main roof first.

I was offered a SWB Tropical roof some time back at an astronomical price with the claim that they are very rare. Is that the case in Australia ? You certainly don't see too many.
I know they were fitted to Station Wagons so there wouldn't be too many and I think they were also a retro-fit to a standard roof.

Colin

67hardtop

10th June 2020, 03:58 PM

gromit

10th June 2020, 07:46 PM

Hi Colin, are you going for an "original" look? If not then why not use sealed pop rivets? You can buy butyl mastic "windscreen sealer" from Bunnings that is soft cure so it doesn't actually go off. It's almost the same as what was originally used. It stays soft but exposed areas forms a skin after a few days, but the actual joint will stay soft, and so stays sealed. It's what I was going to use on the yellow s3 109 that I had, that was leaking between the joints. I never got to it coz I needed money and sold it. I had another roof that I was going to seal and swap over when I was going to do it. Just a suggestion mate. Cheers Rod

Hi Rod,
I want it to look correct hence I'll be going for the original semi-tubular rivets and that means a rivet squeezer, although I could 'make something' that would do the job.
A proper rivet squeezer isn't 'that' expensive if purchased from the US.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQ7HnrV0SwDFaybmQCeamFPGyemumR zPFBXM3YBRm4Cq2o-fRK-&usqp=CAU

I have a box of assorted genuine rivets (from Regent Motors) and need to check if there are any for the roof. A temporary repair to Wallit's existing roof by replacing some loose & missing rivets might help. I'm sure I can make some tooling fitted into a G-clamp that would work.

Butyl mastic might be OK but I was hoping to use something that would carry some of the load as well as the rivets. Remember it's an Isuzu and at tickover it shakes your teeth out.

As I mentioned earlier it's rapidly heading towards the 'back burner' as I'm trying to get a military Land Rover back on the road and then the Dormobile.

Colin

Don 130

11th June 2020, 09:00 AM

You could use Clecos or skinpins to hold the job in clamps while taking your time.

https://www.ebay.com.au/i/132207269177?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&itemid=132207269177&targetid=893453254062&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1000304&poi=&campaignid=10101785219&mkgroupid=102311927260&rlsatarget=pla-893453254062&abcId=1145981&merchantid=9928142&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2M6Ij7n46QIV2Q0rCh38oAN-EAQYBSABEgJqDvD_BwE

Don.

gromit

11th June 2020, 09:51 AM

S3ute

22nd June 2020, 02:09 PM

Decided to finish the steering relay tonight.
It came off a spares car and was in poor condition but a couple of gaskets, a couple of new seals, skimming the shaft, drilling out a broken bolt and re-assembling and it'll do as a spare.

Mounted in the vice partly assembled.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/1268.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Spare%20parts/DSCN2433_zps43c4c76f.jpg.html)

Spring compressed and locked in place.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/1269.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Spare%20parts/DSCN2432_zps99091b6f.jpg.html)

Split Tufnol bush held with a hose clamp so the spring compressor tool can be removed.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/1270.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Spare%20parts/DSCN2434_zps76b7721f.jpg.html)

Endcap on with a smear of Permatex non-setting gasket cement.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/1271.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Spare%20parts/DSCN2435_zps982b5355.jpg.html)

I used cap heads which are very non-original......and will also foul the steering arm. The correct shallow, undersized head bolts are on the way from the UK.
The brass thrust washers at either end were re-used after cleaning but the steel washers that sit between the spring and the tufnol bushes had to be replaced because they were badly rusted.

I filled it with oil before the endcap was bolted on.

Colin

Colin,

Hello from Brisbane.

I realise that your post is now old, but it’s also timely - I’m presently going through the same manoeuvre.

I can see that the post was a victim of the great Photobucket hijack that wrecked many of my own threads at the time. However, I was wondering whether you might still have the original photos somewhere?

If so, I’d be keen to sight them.

Cheers,

Neil

JDNSW

22nd June 2020, 02:43 PM

Colin,

You asked a while back about how common were tropical roofs. As far as I recall, they were only fitted (as standard) to station wagons (rare) and to selected government orders, for example, the BMR, Department of Supply, GPO, which were less rare, but still not common. I made one and fitted it to my swb Series 1 in 1962.

Most series Landrovers not bought by governments (including army) were bought by either farmers or companies. Farmers during the Series 1 era almost always bought the cheapest going - i.e. swb soft top, or sometimes lwb utes, moving more to these and especially traybacks by the time Series 2/2a replaced Series 1. Almost none of these had tropical roofs. Companies bought mainly utes, usually lwb, and hardtops either swb or lwb. I don't recall seeing any of these with with a tropical roof.

On a similar "optional equipment" question, very few if any Series Landrovers in Australia were sold with heaters (except stationwagons) except for government contracts in very cold areas (e.e. SMHEA vehicles) until demisters became required equipment in the early 1970s. Some were fitted with aftermarket heaters, usually a lot cheaper than the factory ones, and similar if not identical. The first two Series I got were S/H SMHEA vehicles already fitted with heaters, and I fitted heaters to the two S2as that I have bought (except the parts ones!).

gromit

22nd June 2020, 04:15 PM

Colin,

Hello from Brisbane.

I realise that your post is now old, but it’s also timely - I’m presently going through the same manoeuvre.

I can see that the post was a victim of the great Photobucket hijack that wrecked many of my own threads at the time. However, I was wondering whether you might still have the original photos somewhere?

If so, I’d be keen to sight them.

Cheers,

Neil

Neil,
I have them on another computer, I'll dig them out...

Colin,

You asked a while back about how common were tropical roofs. As far as I recall, they were only fitted (as standard) to station wagons (rare) and to selected government orders, for example, the BMR, Department of Supply, GPO, which were less rare, but still not common. I made one and fitted it to my swb Series 1 in 1962.

Most series Landrovers not bought by governments (including army) were bought by either farmers or companies. Farmers during the Series 1 era almost always bought the cheapest going - i.e. swb soft top, or sometimes lwb utes, moving more to these and especially traybacks by the time Series 2/2a replaced Series 1. Almost none of these had tropical roofs. Companies bought mainly utes, usually lwb, and hardtops either swb or lwb. I don't recall seeing any of these with with a tropical roof.

On a similar "optional equipment" question, very few if any Series Landrovers in Australia were sold with heaters (except stationwagons) except for government contracts in very cold areas (e.e. SMHEA vehicles) until demisters became required equipment in the early 1970s. Some were fitted with aftermarket heaters, usually a lot cheaper than the factory ones, and similar if not identical. The first two Series I got were S/H SMHEA vehicles already fitted with heaters, and I fitted heaters to the two S2as that I have bought (except the parts ones!).

John,
I did find the Tropical skin listed somewhere as an accessory so could it have been fitted to a standard roof ?
SWB Station Wagons aren't common as you mention, hence a 'supplier' offering me a SWB Tropical roof a while back for $1,300 !!

The LWB Tropical roof is more common, I have one behind the shed from a wagon I parted out a couple of years ago.

Looks like an 'interesting' job to separate it so first I'll plan to strip the roof off the gutter then straighten the edge, seal and re-rivet then maybe look at taking off the top skin. At the moment it's well down the 'to do' list.......

Colin

JDNSW

22nd June 2020, 07:03 PM

Neil,
I have them on another computer, I'll dig them out...

John,
I did find the Tropical skin listed somewhere as an accessory so could it have been fitted to a standard roof ?
SWB Station Wagons aren't common as you mention, hence a 'supplier' offering me a SWB Tropical roof a while back for $1,300 !!

The LWB Tropical roof is more common, I have one behind the shed from a wagon I parted out a couple of years ago.

Looks like an 'interesting' job to separate it so first I'll plan to strip the roof off the gutter then straighten the edge, seal and re-rivet then maybe look at taking off the top skin. At the moment it's well down the 'to do' list.......

Colin

Yes, they were listed as an accessory, and were dealer fitted as I noted for some government contracts. I have never heard of one being fitted other than by the factory or a dealer to a new vehicle.

The one I made was simply a sheet of alloy significantly thicker than the factory ones, cut to size, and with triangles cut to allow for the bend (leaving a tab to overlap at the outer edge. It was held by a number of either self tappers or pop rivets, (I can't remember which) onto the ribs, and with three door stop rubbers along each edge throughbolted. Edges were not turned down like the factory ones. I brush painted it white.

Worked quite well and did not vibrate.

gromit

12th July 2020, 10:54 AM

Wallit has been idle for a few weeks due to the lockdown, it was getting used most Sundays going to the local Trash & Treasure market.

The young bloke wanted to look at a Disco 300Tdi today so we ended up on a 120km round trip.
The usual problem with windows steaming up early on but once on the move Wallit ran well and did the trip effortlessly. Kept up with the traffic (what there was of it) and I could eventually get used to the cabin noise but do need to think about changing the rear diff at some point !

Now to post some Disco questions elsewhere on the forum......

Colin

gromit

15th July 2020, 07:46 PM

Wallit coming in handy......

I had to collect a bale of hay and some chook food so Wallit was used.
I keep the hay in a large plastic bag (from an industrial roll of bubble wrap), next time I collect a bale I'll take the bag with me and save the cleaning up when I get home !

Colin

gromit

31st August 2020, 06:32 AM

Because Wallit stands outside I open the doors on sunny days and let the inside dry. Not too many leaks but enough that occasionally I pull out the mats and dry them in the sun !
Decided to go through a few checks on Saturday. Pulled one of the front wheels and found the brake drum oily, removed drum and found that the hub seal had been leaking but luckily nothing on the brake shoes.
Removed the hub and the seal looked OK but replaced it as it clearly isn't sealing. All back together then checked the swivel hub oil level.

Used up most of my spare time replacing the seal so moved on to chores like cutting grass etc. then late in the day checked the other side front brake and no oil on the brake drum but the hub seal had been leaking ! Had to leave it for another day.

Not sure where I got the seals from but I think it was either Paddocks or Four Wheel Drives. Luckily I'd sourced some last week from a bearing supplier locally, the lip seems much softer on the ones just purchased.

Spotted a few other things that need fixing, no wonder the others never get finished.

Colin

whitehillbilly64

1st September 2020, 06:43 AM

gromit

1st September 2020, 09:47 AM

Hi Colin.
I give Gilbert a clean once a week. Surprising how dusty he gets very inside, with soft tops rolled up.
30 secs with Ryobi cordless blower and all done.
Also because I kept him very basic inside, hose out no problems.

whitehillbilly

My problem is that it's out in all weather......
The window channels are weathered & rusting so I'll have to replace soon.
Bird droppings have damaged the few panels I painted.
It leaks as mentioned, mind you there are enough gaps to let the water that gets in flow straight back out !

Colin

gromit

3rd September 2020, 03:41 PM

Hopefully I'll get time to replace the seal on the other front wheel by the weekend.

Spotted something else needing attention. The mud shield under the passenger side wing (mudguard) has rusted through.
I repaired the one on the drivers side but didn't touch the passenger side.

I'll have to hunt around and see if I have one that's in better condition or buy one when I'm next ordering from the UK (just $20 plus freight !).

bemm52

4th September 2020, 07:44 PM

gromit

4th September 2020, 09:17 PM

They are not hard to fabricate if you have some steel sheet lying around, from memory there is only one edge to be folded use the old one as a template
I made a pair out of aluminium sheet, packed the bottom fixings out with bits of old white cutting board for drainage.

Cheers Paul

Hi Paul,
Found one I'd had media blasted some time back.
Currently painting it ready to install.

I have a couple of galvanised ones ready for the Dormobile, very thick steel and only $20 from the UK

I've spaced them off the bulkhead in the past, stops water & dirt getting trapped but still lets the leaves get stuck there !

Colin

gromit

4th October 2020, 08:31 PM

Stripped the other front hub and replaced the seal.
Messy job as oil now mixed with the grease in both the hub & freewheel unit.
Straightforward job just a but ticked off that the seal I used didn't 'seal' !

Splash panel painted, will fit when I get time although with the clocks changing I get more time to work outside of an evening now.

Repaired one of the vents on the dashboard, The screws pull through the plastic so repaired with epoxy resin and will re-fit one evening soon.

I'll have to take a drive to the shops one evening (less than 5Km) to give it a bit of a run.

Colin

gromit

9th January 2021, 07:08 AM

Finally got round to fitting a replacement mud shield in between working on the house painting window frames and finishing a shed to keep Land Rovers under cover.

The Acme threaded screws (as used on the floorboards) at the top had seized so had to attack them with an angle grinder. I have the same type screws with a hex head I was given by a man who used to work at Regent Motors so I fitted them instead.
I turned up some spacers from plastic rod to sit under the bolts at the lower edge, also had to fit longer bolts.
At some point I'll repair the mud shield that I removed, only a couple of patches required. Although with the cost from the UK I wonder if it's worthwhile......

Wallit gets used most weekends but I do need to carry out some more running repairs, also about time for an oil change.

Colin

whitehillbilly64

14th January 2021, 05:57 AM

gromit

14th January 2021, 04:09 PM

Great work.
Nice to see new posts on the forum, which I look at every morning.
Social media platforms see to be taking over more and more, But keeping the forums going is a must for all the valuable information stored on them.
Try and find that info on FB.
I am lucky that Gilbert lives under cover, As does my 80inch project Rossco. Once done I plan to build up a S2 swb with a 2 1/4 Diesel motor.
The S2 being a more 'bush basher' type vehicle, which can be used a bit more seriously 4x4ing without the worry of bending or breaking something.
Which is a worry with Gilbert, which is my daily driver.

whitehillbilly

I have 5 under cover and just Wallit outside, oh and my daily driver & the wifes car also sit outside....

I'm not on Facebook but one of my boys often tells me if something comes up. Problem is the information is there and then gone as there seems no way to 'file' it whereas a forum like this is much more useful.
I'm on LinkedIn which is more for business but is becoming like Facebook for Engineers. Constant approaches by recruitment companies but useful if you're in Sales as you can find contact names within companies.

Colin

67hardtop

15th January 2021, 10:10 PM

Any new birdies yet Colin? [emoji16][emoji16]

gromit

16th January 2021, 05:03 PM

Any new birdies yet Colin? [emoji16][emoji16]

Nearly.....

Seems the eggs didn't hatch this year so they've abandoned the nest. One of the parents did seem very young.
Too high up to investigate but I wonder if they'll re-use the nest if there are eggs left in it.

Colin

67hardtop

16th January 2021, 08:25 PM

Awww. Bugger. Maybe next year then[emoji106][emoji106]

whitehillbilly64

17th January 2021, 06:02 AM

What is using the nest Colin ?

whitehillbilly.

gromit

17th January 2021, 07:48 PM

What is using the nest Colin ?

whitehillbilly.

It's a Tawny Frogmouth nest, two broods per year normally but this time they've abandoned the nest after sitting on eggs for months.

Colin

whitehillbilly64

17th January 2021, 08:28 PM

We had 6 in Tawny's care recently.
Two released a couple of weeks ago. Two older ones will be released, this week. Two younger ones in a couple of weeks.
Had 12 in care this year, all younger ones, probably fledgling's.
Joys of living with a wildlife carer.

whitehillbilly

whitehillbilly64

17th January 2021, 08:46 PM

In age order. Just happen to land that way.

whitehillbilly

gromit

17th January 2021, 09:17 PM

In age order. Just happen to land that way.

whitehillbilly

We rescued one a few years back that was blown out of the nest, well I say nest, it's really just a few sticks.
Another one I had to get an extension ladder and put it back up in a tree. It was close to the other sibling and the parents looked after it and it survived.

I've posted a few pictures over the years but thanks to Photobucket most are gone.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1939/44984045954_bbfb23a2e9_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bx5ZDd)DSCF7832 (https://flic.kr/p/2bx5ZDd) by Colin Radley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152321353@N07/), on Flickr

Colin

whitehillbilly64

18th January 2021, 06:39 AM

Was informed last night that two in the Rehab cage are Marble Frogmouths.
Lot darker and a different call. Only had one in care before.
Not sure if you have seen them down your way Colin ?

whitehillbilly

67hardtop

19th January 2021, 11:38 AM

In age order. Just happen to land that way.

whitehillbillyPic stolen and added to my album[emoji106]

gromit

19th January 2021, 12:00 PM

whitehillbilly64

19th January 2021, 08:23 PM

Marbled Frogmouth - profile | NSW Environment, Energy and Science (https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10640)

gromit

16th February 2021, 04:04 PM

I'm on a couple of days forced holiday thanks to the VIC lockdown.

Managed to do an oil & filter change on Wallit. Left it till the hottest part of the day so bonnet too hot to hold, tools had to be left in the shade.
The Isuzu uses an upside down cartridge filter thankfully with a drain plug so fairly easy to change the element.
One of my boys is in the motor trade so I'll get him to order another filter at trade price.

Possibly have another Land Rover to collect once lockdown is over, also a few other parts like leaf springs & axles. Maybe I'll score a quieter diff for Wallit.

Putting together a parts order, need to get another set of window channels.
One day I'll get round to painting the spare bonnet, the existing one sheds rust whenever it's closed.

Colin

gromit

4th July 2021, 07:46 AM

Went to the local Trash & Treasure market in Wallit today, waste of time as not too many sellers because of the weather.

On the way there in the dark I reached for the heater switch and must have touched the light switch and lost the lights ! Wriggled the switch and they came back on again.
Headlights are on relays so not too much power through the light switch, the contacts must need a clean or I'll look for a replacement switch. Something to sort out in the future....

Had to use the glowplugs for about 10seconds to get the Isuzu started first thing, with the temperature & wind chill I had to use the glowplugs again to get it started when I left the market.

Colin

gromit

31st July 2021, 10:46 AM

Noticed that the indicators on one side didn't appear to be flashing when I used Wallit last so had a look today.

Thought it would just be a globe gone but today the indicators back & front came on but wouldn't flash !
Removed the dashboard and managed to reach in and remove the flasher can from the bulkhead. Then hunted high & low for a replacement (sure I have one somewhere) but couldn't find one.

So I took the original apart, cleaned the contacts with emery paper and sprayed with switch cleaner.
The main part was loose in the housing, probably the vibration from the Isuzu, so 'staked' the housing firmly back in place.

All good now so re-assembled dash and will add a flasher can to my next overseas order. If I have a spare this one won't play up again......

Colin

1950landy

31st July 2021, 12:05 PM

It's were you put it so it would not get lost. go look for something else you are sure to find the flasher unit.[biggrin]

gromit

15th September 2021, 10:03 AM

Well the indicators still work OK after my 'fix'.
I've looked for the small rectangular version of the flasher can with no luck. Just handy as it fits into the clip behind the dashboard.

If I can't find one I'll upgrade to a 2-pin electronic version but I wonder how it will stand up to the vibration from the Isuzu. Also have to come up with a mounting for it.

Wallit is getting used most weekends on the supermarket run (within 5KM of course). I've also used it to get to work in Dandenong but I'm now working from home.
As I've run out of undercover storage Wallit sits outside so when the sun comes out I open the doors to dry the inside.

Must start a list of jobs that need finishing again, then actually get round to doing them !

Paint replacement bonnet.
Fit new engine mount rubbers.
Replace 'sills'. I have some spares that need painting.
Fix a few leaks.....

Colin

mick88

15th September 2021, 11:46 AM

Colin,
maybe a flasher can mount from a Japanese motorcycle, as they are usually in a rubber holder.

Cheers, Mick

gromit

15th September 2021, 04:44 PM

Colin,
maybe a flasher can mount from a Japanese motorcycle, as they are usually in a rubber holder.

Cheers, Mick

Thanks Mick,
I may have found an original one.

I mounted a round body one in my Series I with a rubber lined bracket, no idea where the bracket came from though.....

Colin

gromit

30th January 2022, 09:41 AM

I was given a front axle recently which I've stripped for parts.
Wallit has Power Lock freewheel hubs fitted, they work OK (not sure there is any real benefit) but because of their size the paint gets scraped every time you remove or replace a wheel.
The free axle came with AVM locking hubs which I've overhauled and will fit instead of the Power Lock hubs.

The axle had been reconditioned at some point in it's life, swivels re-chromed, clean grease in the wheel bearings, new looking leather swivel seals (I haven't seen leather ones before) and leather hub seals.
Problem is that it's been stored partly uncovered so one swivel is too rusty to use and there was some rust in the wheel bearings. The diff looks OK so this might end up in Wallit at some point.

Brake backplates, axle casing & hubs are surplus to requirements plus at some point I'll sell the Power Lock hubs.

Due to the storm on Friday the mats have been removed and the doors left open to dry out the footwells.
I still have to clean up the garden and get some gravel for the driveway to carry out repairs !

Colin

gromit

4th July 2022, 09:55 PM

Took Wallit for a drive on Sunday to collect some Land Rover parts.
It was quite cold so I used the glowplugs for about 10seconds but there was still a lot of white smoke on startup.
Seemed to be a bit down on power, losing speed on the hills in the Dandenongs. Time to check the fuel filter and the sedimenter, previous owner had the injection system overhauled but that was quite some time ago.

There's another Isuzu on the driveway keeping Wallit company now, slightly more modern. To be honest I prefer driving Wallit.....

Colin

gromit

10th July 2022, 04:17 PM

Removed the Power Lock freewheel hubs today and fitted the AVM's.
Very messy, I'd greased the internals before fitting, with oil migrating across there was a viscous mess to deal with.

Should be a bit easier removing the front wheels now, I'd cut a piece of plastic to sit over the Power Locks when removing a wheel otherwise you just scraped off the paint (maybe they weren't painted originally). The AVM's have a smaller OD plus no tools are needed to select 2WD or 4WD.

Need to sell the Power Locks as I have no use for them, they work OK just the OD creates problems.

Drained the sedimenter and changed the fuel filter, nothing obvious so need to look elsewhere for the power loss, maybe I'm imagining it ?

Colin

gromit

28th August 2022, 09:23 PM

Took Wallit for a decent drive to collect some parts today.
Seemed to run a bit better on a new tank of diesel. No sign of diesel snot when I changed the filter but certainly ran better.
The howling diff reminded me I need to find another one, maybe I'll drop the oil at some point and see how urgently it needs to be done.

Filled the back up with parts I have to sell for a mate, I will 'cherry pick' a few interesting items of course.
I'll put a list in Markets but my young bloke will also put them on Facebook.

gromit

22nd September 2022, 05:51 PM

Time for a service/checkup.
Wheels off & checked the brakes, had been pulling to one side on first braking of the day.
Nothing obvious but re-adjusted them as they went back together.

Checked all the oils & changed the brake/clutch fluid.
Didn't check the steering box or relay, no leaks but I guess that's no excuse, I'll do them another day.

If the rain isn't too bad over the next couple of days I'll change the coolant.

The Isuzu motor has a big breather pipe on the RHS, it tends to 'breathe' a bit of oil. The spring that side is well lubricated but the other side front was showing signs of rust so I ran some light oil over the sides. I'm aware this will attract dirt but hopefully some will soak between the leaves.

Emptied all the spare parts I'd collected out of the back and need to hitch up the trailer to get another load.
Diff centres, a Toro overdrive, HD Series front half-shafts, a single cab back & roof are amongst the parts I know of.

Colin

JDNSW

23rd September 2022, 05:32 AM

Time for a service/checkup.
Wheels off & checked the brakes, had been pulling to one side on first braking of the day.
Nothing obvious but re-adjusted them as they went back together.

..........
Colin

I have had this with the 2a from time to time, and it is associated with cool damp weather (probably common in your neck of the woods), and I attribute it to condensation and consequent light rust on the drums - uneven of course! Also only happens when the vehicle is not in daily use.

gromit

23rd September 2022, 06:57 AM

I have had this with the 2a from time to time, and it is associated with cool damp weather (probably common in your neck of the woods), and I attribute it to condensation and consequent light rust on the drums - uneven of course! Also only happens when the vehicle is not in daily use.

Thanks John,
Makes sense, especially as it's stored outside, doesn't get driven for weeks at a time plus it's been wet in Melbourne for some time.

Colin

gromit

29th October 2022, 10:46 AM

I had to collect some secondhand pool fencing this morning.'
The Council want to inspect pool fencing every few years, ours had passed when installed and when we purchased the house but now doesn't comply !
It's an above ground pool set partly in-ground. Decision was whether to bother fixing or just pump it out & cut out the lining, the kids want me to keep it a few more years !

First I had to re-assemble a Dyson vacuum cleaner I'd taken apart. Bagless yes but there is a big filter inside plus the amount of dirt that builds up around the cyclones was surprising. Stripped & washed yesterday needed to re-assemble before I forgot where gaskets etc. went !

My daily driver is with the RACV waiting for them to decide if it's a write off or not (it's taken one month so far !), the rental car doesn't have a tow bar, my old daily driver is now SWMBO's and she was heading out so Wallit was the choice.

A quick check after hooking up the trailer showed the indicators one side not working properly, managed to fix that by bending a contact in one of the bulb holders.

Collected the fencing, then had to unblock drains, water was flowing round the garage rather than down the stormwater drain.
A Karcher with a long HP drain cleaning hose sorted that, came up with some roots attached so there is a split in the pipe somewhere. Dropped some copper sulphate crystals down which will kill the roots for a while.

Then pulled all the mats out of Wallit to dry in the sun (we are getting odd patches of sunlight at the moment).

Well that's half a day gone, need to get something done on the Dormobile now.....

Colin

gromit

6th November 2022, 07:53 AM

I had to put Wallit to work yesterday.

My daily driver has been written off, SWMBO was heading out and I needed toppings to repair the driveway.
Dragging a trailer with half a cubic metre of wet Lilydale toppings took the edge of the 0 - 60kph time but 'slow & steady wins the race'.

Driveway repaired, next cut the grass.

Colin

gromit

22nd December 2022, 09:34 AM

Took Wallit to work today. Light traffic so no problems with tradies in utes.

Just started to rain when I left home, got a bit more serious by the time I got to work. I'm sure they said 27C with showers and maybe storms later ??
I need to get a job as a weather person, you can be 100% wrong most of the time and still remain employed.

Hopefully the rain eases off by the time I head home. Tyre compound has gone off and it's easy to drift in the wet.

Colin

gromit

11th June 2023, 04:33 PM

I had a big branch come down earlier in the week, missed the hot house, fence & the house.
Spent yesterday chopping it up and used Wallit today to cart all the branches down beside the driveway ready to get them mulched.

I had a problem some months ago where I turned the key and nothing happened. Got out, thought about it, got back in and it started OK.
I suspected the starter solenoid then I remembered that I'd had to repair the ignition switch early on so maybe time to get a new switch.

Colin

gromit

18th June 2023, 04:10 PM

Poured with rain last night and Wallit is parked outside.
Took the mats out to dry in the sun today then changed the front sidelight lenses. The plastic had discoloured and they were a brownish sort of colour so fitted some new ones which will probably discolour in time....

Then took Wallit for a drive to collect a bandsaw.
I was given a very old one some time back but the tyres were badly perished and were the moulded on type, plus it had a 3-phase motor.
Option 1. Get new tyres moulded on at over $400 and find a single phase motor.
Option 2. Machine off the old tyres (they are rock hard) and fit a rubber band tyre then find a single phase motor.
Option 3. Collect a newer bandsaw FOC.

So I took option 3 ! This one works and came with a couple of spare blades.

Now I need to move on the old one which is probably worthless without the tyres.

Colin

gromit

3rd February 2024, 08:04 PM

Finally got round to painting and fitting the original bonnet.

I'd fitted an old one temporarily over 4 years ago ! Every time I closed the bonnet there was a shower of rust particles from the ribs where they were rusted. The original was in the shed and had been undercoated years ago.
Dug out some acrylic paint that came with Wallit (must be about 12 years old now). Hung the bonnet under a tree (I know, not ideal) and resprayed it, then a few days later riveted the spare wheel mount back on.

Fitted it this afternoon, closed it down and found the latch wouldn't allow me to open it again !!
Ended up removing the grille and loosening the latch mechanism. Adjusted everything and tightened the latch then refitted the grille.

Fitted a new rear view mirror that just arrived in a consignment from Paddocks.

Getting a bit dark to take pictures.

Colin

gromit

4th February 2024, 10:19 AM

Took a drive to the Highball Cars & Coffee event at Robert Bosch.
Huge range of vehicles....Porsche's, Ferrari's, a Lamborghini 4WD, a Hummer, lots & lots of Japanese vehicles, a few Land Rovers.

A Pinzgauer parked next to me.

Another SWB Series III in Spanish Olive turned up and I saw a Moke in the same colour. I think the colour was available across the whole Leyland range at the time, Rovers, p76's, Mini's etc.

Colin

gromit

9th February 2024, 06:53 PM

I have a couple of 'spare' bonnets around so I decided to paint one.
I might put it on Wallit occasionally or it can hang on the shed wall.

While I was doing it SWMBO commented "very creative....., what is it".
"A spare bonnet I replied".
She said......"why do you need a spare bonnet ????"

Colin

gromit

28th September 2024, 07:51 PM

I never got round to clear coating the Union Jack bonnet.
I'm hoping to fit it for the Highball Cars & Coffee event next month so I need to get it done sometime soon !

Wallit stands outside because I've run out of shed space.
I ended up taking the carpets & rubber mats up so the water getting in dries up quickly.
The carpets were fitted by the previous owner and also cover the transmission tunnel, I kept them because they keep the noise level down inside making it possible to hold a conversation with the passenger.

I scored a spare roof a while back and some white two-pack paint. The plan is to use the spare roof while I paint the one that's currently fitted.

Colin

gromit

12th October 2024, 05:21 PM

Gave Wallit a clean, ready to head to the Cars & Coffee event tomorrow.
While the bonnet was up I noticed the brake fluid level was down !

All 4 wheels off and drums removed, no sign of leaks but I did find a big Redback spider with a lot of eggs.
Also no indication of a leak at the servo ?? Topped up the reservoir and kept my fingers crossed.

Topped up the swivel hubs while the front wheels were off.
Checked the oil and water.

I'll head out for a run tonight and re-check the brake fluid.

Colin

gromit

9th January 2025, 09:11 PM

Hitched up the trailer and used Wallit to collect branches around the property today, all stacked beside the driveway ready to be chipped.

Considering it sits outside in all weathers it starts OK and doesn't need too much maintenance.
I remove the floor covering & mats if it's going to rain and put them in the back, any water that gets in evaporates fairly quickly.
The window runners are decomposing and moss is growing in them, reminds me of when I purchased it. I have new runners just need to find time to strip the doortops & fit them, I must have a look down the back and see if I have a couple of old doortops that could be temporarily fitted.

Colin

gromit

18th January 2025, 06:42 PM

I took Wallit for a drive in the Dandenongs this morning.
Before leaving I checked oil, brake fluid & water then decided to check tyre pressures.
The compound of the tyres has gone off (I need to replace them at some point) so if the pressure is down it doesn't show. All were within a few psi but I then thought.....when did I last check the spare ? I had to unclamp it and drop it down as it's the wrong way round to get to the valve. Good thing I checked as there was no pressure at all ! Probably last checked 6 or more years ago.

The intention was to collect a Trewhalla Stump Puller (Monkey Grubber). When I arrived and went to load it into the back I found I couldn't lift it ! I need to head back with the trailer and my engine hoist.
It's shown on page 10 of the catalogue in the link below.
https://www.htpaa.org.au/images/pdfs/Trewhella_Grubbers_and_Jacks_etc_catalogue-1927.pdf

Do I need it ? Probably not but it's a fantastic piece of history.

I did collect a leg vice and deliver it to a friend then back home, first decent trip in Wallit for ages.

The trip reminded me that I have a collection of diff centres and Wallit's rear is whining, I must get round to changing it one day although.....I've acquired some molybdenum disulfide powder (long story) so maybe I should add a teaspoon full and see if it has any effect.

Colin

RANDLOVER

18th January 2025, 07:35 PM

You can get an extended valve tube for the spare, I have one about 2ft long under my D3.

gromit

20th May 2025, 05:58 PM

Wallit has been standing idle for a few weeks so I decided to check fluid levels etc at the weekend.

Brake fluid level down again, looked a bit harder this time and found it's the master cylinder leaking !
I have an overhaul kit in-stock so I'll remove the pedal box and re-paint the servo while it's out.

There's also a lot of oil on the outside of the air filter, probably due to the vibration of the Isuzu but the seal between the two halves of the filter body could be part of the problem.

Something to keep me out of trouble one weekend soon.

Colin

JDNSW

21st May 2025, 12:40 PM

gromit

21st May 2025, 05:16 PM

Could also be the high airflow of a diesel (unthrottled at all power settings), but I don't know whether the airflow is higher with the Isuzu than the Rover diesel, and I don't remember this being an issue when I owned a diesel engined Series. Can you get the gasket between the two halves of the aircleaner?

I ordered a cork gasket some years ago.
Someone suggested an O-ring & listed the number......just have to find it !

Found it !
261414 is the cork seal part number, $10 from paddocks Gasket - Air Filter Top Half to Bottom Half (single) - Paddock Spares (https://www.paddockspares.com/261414-seal-ring.html)
Whitehillbilly fitted an O-ring BS260.

Colin

gromit

25th May 2025, 06:02 PM

Removed the brake master cylinder & servo yesterday.

The studs that hold the master cylinder had cracks around them that were welded when it was reconditioned, the raised welds caused a small gap between the master cylinder & servo.
Water had got down and rust had damaged one of the seals.

Servo stripped, de-rusted and repainted.
Seal kit put through the master cylinder.

Re-installed and brakes bled, road test next weekend.

Next I'll get an O-ring for the air cleaner and see if that stops oil escaping.

Colin

gromit

1st June 2025, 02:32 PM

I took Wallit to collect some more Land Rover spares this morning
Brakes are OK but down on performance.....I have a feeling that the servo isn't working.
Originally I had glued the seal in the servo but I didn't this time around, hmmm some more investigation needed. As they are LWB brakes the performance was good enough.

I was told I was collecting a few parts but I ended up filling up the back of the shorty and the passenger footwell.
Lots of NOS parts, slave cylinders, shock absorbers, prop shafts, spring bushes etc. plus 3off 8-bolt water pumps that need reconditioning.
Now to sort through and work out what to keep and what to sell.

Anyone need axle straps ? I have a roll of material..............

Colin

JDNSW

2nd June 2025, 06:10 AM

Sounds like you have had a win!

And yes, I could use some axle straps for my ex army 2a!

gromit

22nd June 2025, 10:11 AM

I fitted a new ignition switch in Wallit yesterday

I took the switch apart many years ago and cleaned the contacts because it didn't work.
A few times in recent years I've turned the key and nothing happens, been meaning to swap it out for ages.
I made a tool to undo the chrome bezel.

The switch didn't fit the bracket, turned out the flat on the thread that stops it rotating wasn't big enough. I had to remove it and file the flat a bit bigger.

I've stripped & cleaned the old switch (again), it might come in handy at some point.

I installed LED globes in the instrument panel at the same time.
I went out late last night and turned the lights on and I could actually read the speedo !

Colin

gromit

10th August 2025, 03:59 PM

Removed the master cylinder from the servo yesterday, just enough free play in the pipes so I didn't have to disconnect anything.

I'd run the engine and found the seal was held in with vacuum but I cleaned everything and glued the seal back in anyway.
Where the booster was repaired there were a couple of welds that sat proud around the studs, this meant there was a tiny gap between master cyl & booster so I made up a rubber gasket and refitted.

Took Wallit for a drive today to collect a compressor I'd been gifted.
Had to hit the glowplugs for about 15seconds as it was cold this morning, a cloud of white smoke and rough running for a few seconds.

As usual, ran well and brakes seem a bit better.
Every time I drive it I remember that I should consider replacing the rear diff as it's noisy under power, not too bad when you back off. I should probably drop the oil one day and see what it looks like.

I've got plenty of spare diffs, it's just finding the time & inclination to do the job !

Colin

gromit

26th September 2025, 05:22 PM

A couple of weekends ago I was out for a drive and noticed the windscreen was dirty.
Tried the windscreen washer and it had little effect, checked when I got home and the jets were firing water at the vents rather than the windscreen !
I'd never checked since I'd fitted a replacement bonnet, the nozzles couldn't be adjusted to reach the screen.

Ali Express to the rescue.....about $4 for two jets. Fitted one today and adjusted, now sprays water on the screens.....

Colin