Project 'Bob' (formerly Bobette)

[450Dan]

My First Australian Landrover, Series 2A LWB. Originally my friends back home wanted to call it Bob but i kept referring to it as an 'old girl' so they decided upon Bobette which in their minds is clearly the female version of Bob, this name has stuck.

I got her November 2013 and although not in completely terrible shape there is a lot of work to be done. I am a couple of months into it by now and for the benefit of my friends in the UK who are following the project with great interest i have taken about 200 photos so far, though in order to catch this thread up a bit i shall only put a couple of the shots on to show where she started and where i am at now.

First thing i figured to do was give her a bit of a clean and remove the assorted parts and rubbish from inside, get some of the lichen off the bodywork and attack the rusty spots with a wire brush. after molesting the chassis for a few hours with a cheap wire brush i not only discovered that cheap wire brushes fall apart rather easily but that there were a few 'minor' rust holes, and the ends of both dumb irons were knackered, also part of the passenger side front spring hanger were looking a bit like swiss cheese. Also on the passenger side the outrigger for the rear spring had a rust hole in the side of it big enough to put my hand in, the rear crossmember was cheese, and the chassis outrigger that the bulkhead bolts to at the driver side footwell had been repaired with a piece of tin and rivet gun. upon removing this i discovered that underneath the tin there is nothing. Good job Dad taught me to weld on the farm.

Started with the easiest part and jounced out the fuel tank and the bullbar, then the front dumb irons were ground back to good metal, plates were cut and they were welded into place. at this point i rejoiced that after 4 years of not having picked up a welder i am still able to do it, though my sister has informed me that she can do better... the love. at first i had intended to repair the rear crossmember but on closer inspection underneath i realised that i would have to take most of the thing off in order to get back to good metal, and that a previous owner had attempted to repair the thing with some sort of putty.

luckily the assortment of parts had included a crossmember off a SWB so it was off with the roof and tub, then off with the rear x-member, a strangely satisfying job. it was at this point the neighbour decided to come over and complain that my grinder was turning their television off whenever i used it and if i could refrain from using it during the day :eek: so, quickly welded the new x-member on and decided to work on electrics till they weren't in the house in order that my grinding doesn't interrupt their daytime TV schedule...

the electrics were a birds nest, many hours of wondering why anyone would rewire everything the same colour and prodding around with a multimeter i had most of the wires labelled or shoved somewhere out of the way in the hope that if i can't see them they will go away. i can now happily say that i think everything is working. though i cannot test the fuel gauge as its not connected to anything and the tank is at the back door of the house awaiting another coat of paint. the temperature gauge is also untestable due to the engine not starting. everything else works fine. having no idea what the contents of the dash were however i have most likely made a total hash-up of the positioning of the various switches i grabbed from the auto shop, and the Essex-boy in me couldn't resist the push start button, it will most likely either all blow up in my face or catch fire on me, either that or it will work brilliantly.

welded plates over all the previously mentioned chassis holes apart from the one by the front driver door which is on hold till the weather is less warm and the garden less flammable.

took a break for a few weeks over christmas then decided that it would be a good idea to paint up the chassis so far because i was fed up with not doing anything to the old girl. nice shiny new coat of black 'rust proof' paint motivated me to give the engine a go, it turns over well enough and there's sparks at the plugs so i figured it was either the fuel pump or the carb that wasnt doing its job. after removing both and cleaning up the fuel pump it could be ruled out as the problem because it actually pumps really well, or at least it does in the kitchen sink, so attention turned to the carb. after many hours of trying to take it apart but to no avail i gave up and blamed everything on it. methinks a new one is in order but that can wait for now.

so thats the work so far, my wife thinks i am insane but humours me, my 18 month old son thinks its great fun stealing my tools in an attempt to help, everyone at work wishes i would stop talking about it because 'its just a car' :(

the list of things i know need doing:
Brakes
were jammed on when i got her and i couldn't move the pedal so in an effort to get her off the road and into the driveway i gently rammed her with my Terios, brakes are no longer jammed on and the pedal moves freely but there was a suspicious puddle of fluid on the road and now the brakes barely work.

Springs
not an expert but they seem a bit saggy, i do have another set which came with Her, but in order to fit them i would have to get the old ones off first which looks fairly daunting

Shocks
yea, they don't look good at all.

Bushes
have a full set of brand new suspension bushes that a friend brought over with him from england on holiday, he also gave me an indicator stalk.

Clutch
to say the pedal is loose would be an understatement, i don't think it has any fluid, i hope to god that is the only reason it doesn't work but i get the feeling it might not be.

Engine
previous owner said it had been reconditioned about 10 years ago but that it has sat around doing nothing since then. we started it briefly but only by pouring petrol down the carb, which caused a small fire. :o

Doors
no seals, windows don't entirely open, rust along bottom of driver side, probably the same under the door tops, seals on these are knackered

Electrics
although everything appears to work the lamps are all missing their lenses and the headlights are really really really dull

Steering
Practically every joint appears to be missing rubber covers or rusty, or both. the castle nuts on the rods are all seized in place so i get the feeling i am going to need to just get a whole new steering system and cut the old ones out. Fun

i am bound to find lots more as i go, but i think this list is enough to keep me going a while! anyways, here are some pictures of her before work started.

[JayBoRover]

Looking forward to more photo's:cool:. Looks like you have a good project there to keep you amused for a while.

[garrywlh]

My First Australian Landrover, Series 2A LWB. Originally my friends back home wanted to call it Bob but i kept referring to it as an 'old girl' so they decided upon Bobette which in their minds is clearly the female version of Bob, this name has stuck.


'Bob' in Black Adder was a girl. :D

Looking forward to following your (and her) progress.

Garry

[Johnno1969]

'Bob' in Black Adder was a girl. :D

Looking forward to following your (and her) progress.

Garry

Every morning you could see your Landy and say "Hello.........Bob....."

I wouldn't pass up an opportunity like that.

[Ozdunc]

Bob.











Bob.












Bob.













Bob.







Dan, it all sounds like business as usual, from your list of things to do.:D

Changing the bushes is a complete PITA but highly recommended. You'll need the full toolbox of swear words though.

Look forwards to seeing the changes.
Welcome aboard:)










Bob.

[reachjatt]

Thats one dirty girl :D with huge potential ..looks pretty straight

[450Dan]

Thanks, perhaps i shall lean towards Bob then as it seems the popular choice lol. as i say those few pictures are the beginning of the story, she's had a lot more done and i have a couple of updated shots, didn't get much time on her today as i was working till 8pm but i just about managed to rip off the rubber around the mudguards, it was beginning to annoy me looking at it as its quite misshapen and not one of them was cut to match the others, made her look very strange in my opinion.

Bushes i had never had much of a problem with before but my Dad's method involved an oxi torch and some breathing apparatus, neither of which i have to hand and i am assuming that there's a big difference between burning out rubber bushes in the middle of a wet English winter and a hot dry Aussie summer... methinks i might cause a bushfire if i use that technique. going to give drill and hammer a shot with swearbox on standby!

so a few shots taken about 10 mins ago of her current state and please don't laugh too hard at my interior, it might look a mess but its an organised one lol also any purists should probably look away from the dash, one day i shall get proper switches but it can wait till she's mechanically sound ;)

[Johnno1969]

Of course you'll have to change the name of this thread.....

When it comes to changing Bob's bushes, there are a lot of little tricks to make it a bit easier on both you and the old girl.

Looking forward to seeing the project take shape!

Cheers,

John

[450Dan]

Dont suppose you could divulge some of those little tricks? i have the afternoon off work tomorrow and was thinking i might attack the rear suspension bushes, also have a replacement set of springs to put on but that looks fairly straightforward... so long as i can find a big enough stack of bricks to go under the chassis

also, how does one go about changing the title of a thread?

[Johnno1969]

Hey Dan,

No worries. People have used all sorts of ways or removing and installing bushes, and I'm sure that you'll get a few suggestions here.

What I did with my vehicle recently was to drill out a series of small holes right through the rubber all around the circumference of the bush, then knock out the middle (which was pretty easy by that time). Then I broke the outer casing of the bush by carefully hacksawing until it could be split or collapsed at one point, then driven out of the chassis or hanger.

Time consuming, I guess - but pretty simple with no need of making special tools and pretty-much guaranteed to work. Just be careful not to damage anything else with the hacksaw.

On installing the new ones, the chassis or hanger is cleaned and painted, then a film of grease applied to the surface ready to accept the bush. Then throw the new bush in the freezer and go and have a cup of tea. When you've had a nice cuppa, grab the bush, trot out to the Landy and tap it lightly (that's all it should take) into place using an ordinary hammer (and a socket to take the impact to the outer steel casing and not have it absorbed by the rubber).

Cheers,

John

[Johnno1969]

... so long as i can find a big enough stack of bricks to go under the chassis



P.S. I wouldn't support a chassis' weight with bricks, which, however well-made, can easily crumble. Best to use proper vehicle stands or steel or hardwood made 100% stable.

[Johnno1969]

also, how does one go about changing the title of a thread?

I'm not sure. Maybe you can do it via the magic "edit" button...

Or you could get some professional assistance:

Moderators!!! Man down!!!!!!

[450Dan]

Success! The magic edit button worked after a fashion.

I shall have to find some stands, the only steel I have is very thin, any idea how much a set would cost, also having a look in my box of bushes they are different from those on Bob by the looks of things... I may have been sent the wrong ones :o but they look about the right size. These ones appear to not have a metal outer and the rubber is in two halves.

[garrywlh]

Bob - General Melchett's driver (played by Gabrielle Glaister)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Capt. Black Adder to Bob: "Let me put it another way, Bob. You are a girl. And you're a girl with as much talent for disguise as a giraffe in dark glasses trying to get into a polar bears-only golf club."

[mick88]

They are poly bushes that you have.
Best not to use them, instead use the original Land Rover metal/rubber bushes. In time the poly bushes will get grit in around them and the suspension movement will cause them to wear the bush housings in the chassis.


Cheers, Mick.

[Johnno1969]

Success! The magic edit button worked after a fashion.



Well done!

[Johnno1969]

They are poly bushes that you have.
Best not to use them, instead use the original Land Rover metal/rubber bushes. In time the poly bushes will get grit in around them and the suspension movement will cause them to wear the bush housings in the chassis.


Cheers, Mick.

I'd tend towards using original bushes too, though removing and installing them is much more difficult than poly bushes.

Mind you, I am sure that others would swear by poly bushes.

[Johnno1969]

Bob - General Melchett's driver (played by Gabrielle Glaister)
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=72489&d=1391806626

Capt. Black Adder to Bob: "Let me put it another way, Bob. You are a girl. And you're a girl with as much talent for disguise as a giraffe in dark glasses trying to get into a polar bears-only golf club."

Thanks Garry. I'd forgotten how lovely Private Bob was.

Actually, I hadn't.

[450Dan]

I may use the poly's for now as they are here in front of me, can replace them with originals at a later stage especially as these look nice and easy to fit and I could do with a definite win.

Also, Bob first appeared in Blackadder the second, though technically she was Kate, which is short for Bob!

[Johnno1969]

Also, Bob first appeared in Blackadder the second, though technically she was Kate, which is short for Bob!

Well, that settles it.

[450Dan]

Sadly my plans for bush removal today were thwarted by my mother-in-law deciding to visit, undeterred i decided to give it a shot at one of them at least only to be thwarted again, this time by the bolts not wanting to budge.

a good soaking in oil will hopefully allow some progress tomorrow, or perhaps monday as i have a whole day off then and they will have had over a day soaking... little buggers. might also try and get the springs off too as i have another set to put on. speaking of which are the u-bolts that hold the axles on fairly universal, because these ones look mostly shot and i am not sure as to the availability of Landy parts in my area. well actually i'm pretty sure that there is nowhere here that does them :( i tried to get a replacement battery in AutoBarn in November and the teenager behind the counter looked at me as if i had grown another head, then asked if i meant a land cruiser... i despair

[Johnno1969]

Be prepared that removing some of those spring and shackle bolts may turn out to be a very long and frustrating job, depending upon how rusted-in they are.

Aftermarket suppliers tend to throw one-size-fits-all u-bolts at the buyer, and by and large they will fit - but in actual fact there will be several distinctly different u-bolts available to deal with peculiarities in axle housing shape and differing spring pack thicknesses. Might be worthwhile to check online (UK suppliers are good for this) for the part numbers.

[chazza]

I shall have to find some stands, the only steel I have is very thin, any idea how much a set would cost,...

Liftech make very good stands I can't remember the price but less than a $100 per pair.

I agree with Johnno - if you value your life do not under any circumstances use bricks. . If you can't afford axle stands use large blocks of timber if you can find any, but axle stands are the only sensible option.

Paddock in the UK, have U-bolts and bushes at a sensible price. Cut your old U-bolts off to save time and use a flap wheel on a drill, to clean the inside of the holes in the chassis before putting the bushes in. I used anti-seize on the bushes so I can get them out again with a puller when I need to.

Don't forget to allow the weight of the car to sit on the wheels when the job is nearly finished, before tightening the nuts and bolts,

Cheers Charlie

[Ozdunc]

Some of my bolts, esp the front hangers, would not budge for love nor money, but they saw the error of their ways when the mighty reciprocating blade came to visit.
I replaced all the bolts as a matter of course when I replaced the bushings. Its a relatively minor expense for such a crucial part

[450Dan]

Well its been a few days and sadly not much to report on the bush front, the bolts have decided that they do not wish to give up their nuts even after a long soak in oil. I borrowed a set of stands from a friend, but after getting them home realised that even at full extension they are way short of being any use whatsoever, must have been designed for a toy car or something... and they are apparently a standard size. so looks as though that will have to wait for now, will have a net search see if there's an inexpensive 4x4 set somewhere.

to add another problem to my list of things to do i went to move my nicely repainted fuel tank only to discover that at some point in the past couple of days my delightful little boy has posted several clothes pegs inside, and a hairbrush. none of which want to come out by shaking it upside down and the hole in the top is far too small for me to get my hand in there, and god knows how he managed to get the hairbrush in there it looks far too big to even go through the damn hole. -sigh-

Today i had a minor success however, and have managed to find a bolt to go into the random hole at the bottom of the carb, and all appear to be working as the diagrams say they should so i can most likely get the engine started soon :D well, as soon as i can connect the fuel tank up. seems as soon as i sort out one problem another arises to slow proceedings once more, might see if i can start her by sticking the fuel pipe in a jerrycan, anyone know if the pump is likely to need priming, and if so how one would go about it as the whole fuel system is drained

[Ozdunc]

I not sure with the Holden engines (is the fuel pump mechanical or electric?), but on the mechanical pump on the 2.25 there's lever to prime the pump which sucks the petrol up from the tank, and then you just turn it over a few times til it fires.

I'd put some petrol in the tank and if theres no visible lever on the pump, assume its self priming and give it a few cranks. It'll either work or it won't.

[450Dan]

It's a mechanical pump, I don't see a lever so going to assume to just give it a few cranks see what happens. Going to have to stick some oil in as I don't think it has any, and can check for leaks at the same time... Wish me luck!

[harry]

I know this sounds dangerous, but tip a small amount of fuel down the carby, then crank the engine, it will probably start and run for a short time, look at the fuel pump to see if it has picked up fuel and if not tip in some more and repeat the process, it will save the battery.
one warning, if it backfires through the carby, flames will shoot out of the carby.
you can choke the engine during this starting process with a hand over the top of the carby.

[450Dan]

Well, the good news is that i went to fill it with oil and didn't need to as it appears to be full already, though I will change it eventually at least it means there is no major leakage.
The bad is that she still won't start and run, had her going for about 15 seconds, best 15 seconds I have had in the past year! From what I can tell the pump is not strong enough to get fuel from the tank, I managed to rig it to a funnel and get it primed but then it still couldn't get it from the pump to the carb. I might see about getting a replacement and bypassing this one altogether, might also treat myself to a carb refurb too, not convinced this one is any good.

[450Dan]

I know this sounds dangerous, but tip a small amount of fuel down the carby, then crank the engine, it will probably start and run for a short time, look at the fuel pump to see if it has picked up fuel and if not tip in some more and repeat the process, it will save the battery.
one warning, if it backfires through the carby, flames will shoot out of the carby.
you can choke the engine during this starting process with a hand over the top of the carby.

Thanks, I got her going the brief seconds by this method, sadly the battery ran out of electricity so I have had to break for the evening whilst it recharges. If I had thought a bit more when parking her in the drive I would have made it so I could pull the terios alongside and use some jumper cables... Alas I was not thinking ahead lol

[Johnno1969]

From what I can tell the pump is not strong enough to get fuel from the tank

Perhaps there's a hairbrush blocking your fuel line...

[450Dan]

Or a toy car, wondered where that went... Sure enough it's in the tank. I have a plan involving a length of wire but it will require more patience than I had available today, listening to the engine start albeit briefly has been a good way to recharge that patience... Next day off work is Wednesday so I shall go tank fishing then methinks, perhaps I can get the little guy to join in and help get them out lol

[450Dan]

A successful days fishing, 8 pegs, toy car, hairbrush and half a chicken nugget. From this I have learnt to keep the tank in the shed lol.

With a cooler day I figured it was safe enough to work on the last bit of chassis repair situated on the driver side outrigger so out with the grinder and off with the rust! The PO had welded a bracket to here for the fuel tank which could not be more in my way if it tried but got it back to decent metal and tack welded a plate in place, sadly by now I was running out of daylight and getting rained on pretty badly... Felt like back home lol

Only one more bit of rust to tackle on this outrigger and the chassis will be finished allowing me to reinstall the peg-free fuel tank and make a serious attempt at getting her started. Here's hoping for a clear day Sunday!

[450Dan]

Didn't get her started today but did manage to get the fuel tank back in, pain in the bum though it was. I would love to know what sadist made those filler pipes so damn hard to put back on, took forever, a whole lot of hot water and a good deal of foul language to get them back on.

Just one question, what is the larger of the two holes for, the smaller one is for the fuel pipe to the engine but the larger one didn't have anything covering the hole. It seems a bit big for the fuel gauge alone but that's the only thing I can see missing

[chazza]

Just one question, what is the larger of the two holes for, the smaller one is for the fuel pipe to the engine but the larger one didn't have anything covering the hole. It seems a bit big for the fuel gauge alone but that's the only thing I can see missing

You are correct - it is for the fuel sender,

Cheers Charlie

[450Dan]

After a few hours of toil I can now happily say that Bob is alive. About 5 failed starts before the pump managed to get fuel from a can to the carb and she sputtered to life. Much cheering and excitement followed. Sadly as usual there is a downside, the carb appears to be leaking lots of fuel out of the bottom of the float area... Oh well at least now I know it definitely needs a recondition. This minor downside did not dampen my spirits (only the exhaust manifold with fuel) so I went on to fit the Tex Magna indicator stalk to replace the botch job which was hanging from the steering column. I can now indicate which direction I plan on going and start the car.

I have also discovered that for some reason the brakes appear to work properly only when the engine is running... Did not think a car this age would have power assisted brakes :confused: is this normal?

[Johnno1969]

It is not that usual to have power assistance on Series brakes, but not unknown either.

How's Bob coming along?

John

[450Dan]

Well, waiting on a clutch master cylinder from the uk at the moment so decided to work on the bushes with the car on the shiny new stands my lovely wife bought me as a very early birthday present. As it stands I have half of one of the old ones out, snapped 5 drill bits and a hacksaw blade and have decided that I do not like bushes lol. Soaking one overnight in a bucket of oil in the hope it might loosen the outer metal sleeve, the inners come out fairly easy so far. All good fun! Might have the rear suspension done by the end of the long weekend so fingers crossed, would be good for her to sit level.

[450Dan]

Much success today with old bush removal, managed to get all the rear suspension bushes out entirely. Dropped off the driver side spring from the axle and began to put a newer less flat one back on, this however has not gone quite as smoothly, and as of right now I have had to down tools and retire until morning and the return of daylight, Luckily I have Tuesday off.

The problem I have is that whilst the new spring fits nicely on its hangers, I can not get it to line up to where it is supposed to be on the axle. I have measured the new and old springs and they are both the same size, the only thing I can assume is that because the old ones were flat as a pancake and I only have one off, the axle is further back. Going to try taking the other one off too, see if that helps, or bolting the spring to the axle before the chassis, but then I'm a bit worried that it might be too difficult getting it on the front hanger which was an utter pain on its own. I fear I might need to grow an extra arm lol.

[450Dan]

Slow progress today but I have both springs connected to the axle, and new bushes either end of the springs which are both firmly bolted to the front hangers. The rear hangers however are not so cooperative as the shocks do not appear to have enough travel in them to allow me to drop the springs low enough, also though the u bolts are holding they are not really long enough for the new springs which appear to have a few extra leaves, not a major issue though.

Next attempt will require removing the shocks to see if I can drop everything low enough then, shocks themselves look a little worn and the bolts look more than a little seized. Also some idiot slapped paint all over the threads whilst painting the chassis :wasntme:

[Johnno1969]

Most likely the shocks are cream crackered anyway and you'll be ditching them.

Good progress. Keep going!

[450Dan]

Well the amount of rust and grot on them I'm thinking they are about as much use as a chocolate teapot but I can't afford replacements right now, they are going on the ever growing wish list of parts lol

[450Dan]

Both rear springs now fully connected, from initial measurements they are about 6 inches difference in ride height before any possible sag, and the old ones I can bend by hand with little effort so either I got very strong or they were totally dead

Shocks are half off, the top bolts came undone easily enough but the bottom ones are rusted solid and caused me to snap a spanner in two and nearly break my hand, so are going to fall victim to the grinder over the weekend. Anyone know if they are a generic part or land rover specific?

[ezyrama]

This is in the top section of the 2a forum under generic parts (credits to Diane) Hope it helps. Enjoying the build.
Cheers Ian

Shock Absorbers 88" 1954 onwards. (Not extended suspension/military models)
Front - Current Monroe 16-0198+ (Original Monroe 15-1444+) or AC-Delco LGS062
Rear - Original Monroe 15-1445+ or AC-Delco LGS066

Shock Absorbers 107" 1954 onwards
Front - Current Monroe 16-0198+ or AC-Delco LGS062

Shock Absorbers 109" 1958 onwards. (Not extended suspension/military models)
Front - Monroe 16-0198+ or AC-Delco LGS062
Rear - Monroe 16-0199+ or AC-Delco LGS091

[ezyrama]

'Bob' in Black Adder was a girl. :D

Looking forward to following your (and her) progress.

Garry

Bob, It's short for KATE! (DOH! Got beaten to it) That was a fantastic show.

[450Dan]

I was told by Bursons that Monroe don't make series 2 shocks any more, though they may have been lying somewhat, I shall have to see if I can find a supplier nearby other than bursons.

Progress made today: I now have a working clutch.
I also took off one of the wings so I can hopefully scrape off the decades of dirt that have built up underneath, can barely distinguish the back of the headlights!

[Phil B]

or you could use "start ya bastard" starter spray (Supercheap) to get it going- alot safer !!

[450Dan]

Another day off; another progress report!

Not much progress really but have the driver wing cleaned off entirely, sanded back to bare metal through what looked like 5 layers of various paint, turns out that this wing at least, before being white was green beforehand, then blue, then another green and originally some sandy yellow. It is now primer grey, as is a chunk of the bulkhead, which also had the same layers of paint so I figure this wing is an original.

Now I have to decide on a colour, my wife wants purple, I would like something a bit more traditional, either green or blue.

[Johnno1969]

Hold your ground. Go traditional.

[450Dan]

Minor progress, yesterday before work I removed the doors and door tops, and the windscreen is now sitting in the shed awaiting attack with some paint stripper. I have concluded from a bit of investigation around the vehicle that it's a bit of a patchwork.

The wings were originally a creamy colour, found another layer on the bulkhead under what I thought was the base colour of cream and this one is beige, the seat box and driver door were white, as was the bonnet, the rear tub was blue and the passenger door green. I dread to think what it looked like before a PO slapped the white over the top!

Next on the agenda is to get hold of a lot of paint stripper and a wire brush for the grinder, doing it by hand is incredibly tiring and my palm sander is not man enough for the task, good for finishing off though. Was originally hoping to be mobile by Easter but as I decide to overhaul more bits I get the feeling that was a little ambitious, maybe for my birthday in July lol

[Johnno1969]

I know that I'm certainly sick of using a grinder with a wire brush wheel - but it is effective.

Maybe it'd be worth inventing some sort of drive-through super-sandblaster.

Now I think of it, there is one called a khamsin. Much less work - just park your Landy in Egypt and wait.....

[450Dan]

I was all for that idea, but when I pitched it to the missus she pointed out that it was lacking in the cost-effective department! Might give things a break for a week or so, have dad down for a visit then and I'm sure he would relish the opportunity to demonstrate the correct procedure for removing paint.

Though knowing my family's approach to such problems it might end up in some kind of fire or industrial injury... Oh well, it's all fun and games once someone's lost an eye :angel:

[450Dan]

Spurred on by seeing others progress I decided that I could find a spare hour to at least get something done on Bob. Decided a nice easy job would be cleaning up an old bent and dented bumper that had been thrown in free of charge when I got her (I think they just wanted it out of their garden) first I figured to straighten it a bit, not too hard with hammer and a bit of heat right?

Wrong... Fair enough, the hammer is only small so probably not man enough for the job, so how about putting the thing in the vice and seeing if I can bend it back manually, bit of heat and a lot of effort it would surely budge.

Wrong. I now need to buy a new vice.

I do not know what they made this bumper out of, and would hate to see the collision which caused the bend in the first place.

Anyone got any tips for bending adamantium?

[Johnno1969]

Nope. But I am interested to see what tips you do get. I have a bent bumper as well and I want to straighten it.

[Cobber]

I know that I'm certainly sick of using a grinder with a wire brush wheel - but it is effective.I second that! I've become an expert in this department :D


Now I think of it, there is one called a khamsin.....nah, you're thinking of an old Maserati ;):p

[Cobber]

As for bending the bumper ... erm, I'm not sure. I was always under the assumption that they are indestructible :D I was lucky with mine as it's straight -albeit with a little (but deepish) scratch on one side - but if I had to straighten it out I'd be more inclined to source another one and save the time and effort and disappointment of not being able to sort it :)

[450Dan]

Ok, attached should be a picture of the bumper in the state I got it, but as. I am not so great with the iPad...

Anyways, I have had it suggested by a friend that I could try jamming the bent end between the steel gate posts and then gently persuade it with a rope to my car. At this point I am assuming that this will snap the gate post or tear the car in two, but might as well try it.


Fingers crossed

[450Dan]

Add rope to the list of casualties claimed by the bumper. I have decided that the bend doesn't look too severe from the right angle and the dents just add character ;) this wat I do not actually have to feel as though it's a defeat!

Quick trip to bunnings and I now have a wire brush wheel for my grinder. And boy does it make the thing vibrate like crazy, still does a wonderful job on rust and paint. Also came back with some new shiny bolts and a tin of cold-galv paint, something I have never used before so figured to experiment.

Here is the cleaned and painted article.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/497.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/imagejpg1.jpg.html)

I also had enough to renew the grille

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/498.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/imagejpg2.jpg.html)

And finally the bumper bolted on, I now feel happier for having finished something, though granted I shall probably replace it eventually.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/499.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/imagejpg3.jpg.html)

[Landy Smurf]

We found ramming the right side wood and smacking it with a sledgehammer the best fix for bent bumpers.
Looks good though and your right it adds character

[Johnno1969]

Anyways, I have had it suggested by a friend that I could try jamming the bent end between the steel gate posts and then gently persuade it with a rope to my car. At this point I am assuming that this will snap the gate post or tear the car in two, but might as well try it.

Warning!! Warning, Will Robinson!!!

[450Dan]

Bit of sorting out done today, had a few buckets of bits lying around from when I bought her and as we are looking to move house soonish I thought it would be a good time to work out what is of use and what isn't.

Managed to establish that 90% of it was utterly useless old parts that have rusted into oblivion! the old u bolts were in there! and considering the ones on the car need replacing due to age you can imagine what these ones looked like. There are a few bits however that I am unsure of their origin or purpose and any help identifying what they are would be greatly appreciated.

First up:
This looks to be a cover of some sort but I do not see a hole it would fit. I do vaguely recognise it or something similar.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/333.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EEB5C4A7-44D3-4B10-A33E-46EE5CA4B20C.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/334.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EA18B5A6-CA98-4D3D-BC1C-D2F74DF64A9B.jpg.html)

Second:
Yea, not sure on this one, I found it laying in the driver footwell but it looks vaguely important

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/335.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BFD79D54-2899-435D-9899-DFC034BA2DE4.jpg.html)

Third:
This was lying on the seats when I got her

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/336.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/8E7E1A2C-FA1C-41C3-A11B-C6C1AECFCBFB.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/337.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E1ECEE7C-2A37-466D-9A29-A536C453E364.jpg.html)

And finally:
These were in a decaying box of parts, as they were the only whole parts in there I assumed they might be important to something

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/338.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BD5D3E8D-2131-43E8-91EC-2FD1D6854DC8.jpg.html)


Oh, and one other thing if anyone knows what this bit on the tailgate might be it would be awesome as I am tempted to remove it but if it has a legitimate reason for being there It can stay

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/339.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E191FCCB-2901-435A-A458-BEA71854D4B9.jpg.html)

~Dan

[Johnno1969]

I have no idea what this is.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/334.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EA18B5A6-CA98-4D3D-BC1C-D2F74DF64A9B.jpg.html)

Looks like a spare wheel retaining bracket.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/335.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BFD79D54-2899-435D-9899-DFC034BA2DE4.jpg.html)

Cover for the wiper motor. Fits on the far left of the dash in late IIAs.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/337.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E1ECEE7C-2A37-466D-9A29-A536C453E364.jpg.html)

Distributor coil mounting. Bonnet pin.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/338.jpg


Not sure.... Looks like a spare wheel bracket of sorts....


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/339.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E191FCCB-2901-435A-A458-BEA71854D4B9.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

Ty, looks like I have an abundance of spare wheel holders... Which to use, which to use.

Started to clean up the windscreen with the turbocharged wire brush of doom and it appears that under a rather bad looking layer of silver paint the galvanisation is rather well intact so it may be viable to keep it as-is, one less thing to paint!

[Landy Smurf]

the part on the tailgate could be where the number plate holder attaches too.

[Johnno1969]

Yep. more likely. It's an interesting looking arrangement and looks a little flimsy do be holding a wheel.

[450Dan]

you mean it might not be safe to hang a wheel off those 4 rather small screws? yea... i probably should have thought that myself last night too, but it was late and i was tired. number plate holder does make some sense as they had a rather crudely attached-via-duct-tape light just above that. one of the first things to come off that was, the tape fell off on the way home. i think that bracket will suffer a similar fate on my next day off... which happens to be tomorrow, and i have a promise from the wife that i can have the whole entire day to myself.... wohoo!!!!:D

[Johnno1969]

The basic bracket appears to have been intrinsic to the tailgates when they were made (check out various other cars undergoing refurbishment here... you see the brackets often). I would hesitate to cut it off, as one day you'll probably wish that you hadn't.

John

[450Dan]

Damn, I really wanted to put another wheel holder there... Soi can have one on the bonnet, one in the tub and one on the tailgate! Then maybe shove one on the side military style and I would never have to worry about not having a spare!!!!!

Oh well. Also looks as though my day of Landrover has been ruined by the real estate wanting to meet. Damn all this house moving, I as looking forward to some more bush removal and shock absorber persuasion.

[harry]

some suggestions in the text below the pictures.





Bit of sorting out done today, had a few buckets of bits lying around from when I bought her and as we are looking to move house soonish I thought it would be a good time to work out what is of use and what isn't.

Managed to establish that 90% of it was utterly useless old parts that have rusted into oblivion! the old u bolts were in there! and considering the ones on the car need replacing due to age you can imagine what these ones looked like. There are a few bits however that I am unsure of their origin or purpose and any help identifying what they are would be greatly appreciated.

First up:
This looks to be a cover of some sort but I do not see a hole it would fit. I do vaguely recognise it or something similar.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/333.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EEB5C4A7-44D3-4B10-A33E-46EE5CA4B20C.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/334.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EA18B5A6-CA98-4D3D-BC1C-D2F74DF64A9B.jpg.html)
looks like the cover for the fuel pump on a disco 1
Second:
Yea, not sure on this one, I found it laying in the driver footwell but it looks vaguely important

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/335.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BFD79D54-2899-435D-9899-DFC034BA2DE4.jpg.html)
looks like the spare wheel holder for a series 2 behind the driver on the front wall of the cargo bay
Third:
This was lying on the seats when I got her

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/336.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/8E7E1A2C-FA1C-41C3-A11B-C6C1AECFCBFB.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/337.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E1ECEE7C-2A37-466D-9A29-A536C453E364.jpg.html)
this covers the wiper motor on the left of the dash in front of the passenger
And finally:
These were in a decaying box of parts, as they were the only whole parts in there I assumed they might be important to something

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/338.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BD5D3E8D-2131-43E8-91EC-2FD1D6854DC8.jpg.html)
one holds the coil, the other is the bonnet catch attached to the bonnet

Oh, and one other thing if anyone knows what this bit on the tailgate might be it would be awesome as I am tempted to remove it but if it has a legitimate reason for being there It can stay

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/339.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E191FCCB-2901-435A-A458-BEA71854D4B9.jpg.html)
I don't know.
~Dan

[schuy1]

the bracket on the tailgate is/was the numberplate mounting. on the swb tailgate the N/P bracket was hinged so that when/if you had to lower the tailgate to carry a longish load the bracket swung down so the plate was visible! The N/P light was attached above it also. in the bush it was an early causality to sticks and such like when in the lowered position!
Cheers Scott

[450Dan]

Seems like mounting the number plate to the bodywork would be a less damaging option in the bush... Say, a square one on the left hand side of the tub. :p

[Landy Smurf]

the defenders were on the body, I cant remember where the number plate was on the one piece rear doors on series

[67hardtop]

the part on the tailgate could be where the number plate holder attaches too.
That's exactly what it is, number plate light and plate holder bracket although some of it is missing....:wasntme:

Cheers Rod

[JDNSW]

Last two posts are spot on.

John

[450Dan]

Only minor progress to update with, had a few hours over the weekend spare so it was out with the grinder and off with some paint. First up was finishing off the windscreen, someone had painted it a mixture of white black and silver, not to mention the tar-like substance they had used as a seal at the top and bottom. All came off with the mighty wire brush wheel
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/122.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/CD58F83E-7823-4CC7-9F53-4DF0DDE5BBF6.jpg.html)

Also started on the passenger side door, which took forever. I think I now have RSI from the vibrations, the paint was so thick in places I thought I might find a coin hidden in there, no wonder the door looked so battered, it's actually not that bad surface wise now. Unfortunately if was quite dark when I finished cleaning up so no picture as of yet. Maybe tomorrow

[S3ute]

The basic bracket appears to have been intrinsic to the tailgates when they were made

Hello from Brisbane.

Others have already suggested it is what it basically is - the remnant of the rear number plate and number plate light carrier.

The part is basically unique to Australian models and was designed to take the larger/longer Australian plates cf. square plates on UK and many other market models.

The unit on your truck would originally have been comprised of two parts hinged together - one of which is still there - so that when the gate is dropped the plate would still be visible.

Cheers,

[450Dan]

Thanks, I think I might manufacture the rest of the bracket when everything else is done, depends on how fed up I get by project end lol

[Johnno1969]

Good to learn all this. It never really made much sense that it could have had anything to do with a spare wheel mounting as it was so flimsy, but I'd picked up that suggestion too somewhere along the way.

I kind of got around the long Australian number plate thing by mounting it on the rear quarter and just bending the last bit in around the tailgate opening.

[450Dan]

Ok, finally got the picture of the door loaded up. Spent Thursday working on the final piece of welding with the help of my dad, poor bugger comes over on holiday and ends up working on the Landy lol. Also managed to refit the shock absorbers, and after some extensive testing they appear to be working and we can not see any leaks... They will do for now at least, I shall clean them up a little and see what they come up like.

With winter coming and the rain being a bit more frequent I decided to refit the roof and windscreen, the windscreen is cleaned up nicely and we fitted some new seals at the bottom edge. Cleaned up between the roof and the tub before refitting the roof with nice shiny new bolts. Also refitted the driver side wing so the engine doesn't get too wet, with everything cleaned and oiled it will be easier to take off when needed, feels a bit like backtracking but without a shed or carport to keep the water off its a bit of a necessity.

I think over winter I shall see about cleaning up the interior and applying some paint around in there to brighten it up a bit, also want to remove the fuse box and clean up the mess of wiring, having seen some other projects on here I look at my mess of wires and feel ashamed lol

Anyways, pictures attached of work done!

Clean door...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1248.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/4C167807-0A9C-4D89-BA18-2D130679D052.jpg.html)

Welding in progress
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1249.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/9C436E9D-11DF-4B46-BD51-42E96C49ECB7.jpg.html)

Aaaand bob with her lid on, moved around the driveway again so it's easier to connect jump leads, other than the crappy paint job it's coming together slowly.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1250.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E01F0017-5356-454C-8E97-09639F10A973.jpg.html)

[Lionelgee]

Hello 450Dan,

Here are some photographs of the missing part of your tail gate number plate holder - well the bracket anyway. The one in the photographs is a Series 3 example not sure if the Series 2 or the 2A were different?

The order of the photographs are: Front, Back, side with pivot point extended.

I hope the photographs are of some help so you can see what you are hunting for. I got mine off eBay and they are pretty scarce.



Kind Regards
Lionel

[russellrovers]

Hello 450Dan,

Here are some photographs of the missing part of your tail gate number plate holder - well the bracket anyway. The one in the photographs is a Series 3 example not sure if the Series 2 or the 2A were different?

The order of the photographs are: Front, Back, side with pivot point extended.

I hope the photographs are of some help so you can see what you are hunting for. I got mine off eBay and they are pretty scarce.



Kind Regards
Lionel hi they are a standard part 1-2-2a 3

[450Dan]

Thanks Lionel,
it doesn't look that hard a bracket to replicate actually having now seen one, wouldn't be perfectly original but I have some leftover steel plate from the chassis repairs that I could fabricate one from. Though I do doubt that I will ever drive with the tailgate down.

Just an enquiry but does anyone know where I can get auto paint mixed up around Melbourne Western suburbs area? I have asked in autobarn and supercheap around here but they will only sell me spray tins... And I would need a lot of those to do a whole Landy.

[450Dan]

So, decided to get something done on Bob today no matter how small. Decided to clean up the headlight bowls as they looked quite serviceable with a clean up, sadly however the gods of rust and decay had their way with them long ago it seems and I fear they are beyond saving. The bulbs on the other hand look rather new and shiny so small win there.

Decided to reassemble some of the interior and have decided that I shall keep it white in there, mostly to save me some painting and partly because I had some white paint to touch up with and am impatient :angel:
Also put the passenger door back on loosely so I can get it off when I need to, but it can at least reduce the amount of rain getting into the cab. After that I figured on sticking the spare wheel holder in the back (thanks for the ID on that guys). Though I like the idea of having it on the bonnet the spare in the back seems more practical, though the exercise I would get from lifting the bonnet would have been good I guess...
Also did some testing of where I can stick the bench seat and still have space in the back for baby seats and prams and spare wheels... And everything Angie (wife) wants me to put in. Like an air conditioner... And heating... And a stereo. Some people!

As a side note, are those old benches actually legal still, I know I will have to fit belts but it looks kinda... Flimsy

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1028.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/78FB529A-E321-4002-8DC2-9B912E66F9C0.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1029.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/B6CB47E9-C9FD-4902-8354-3AD17093EAEE.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1030.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/91049A84-A3CE-439D-A5AA-EAFE677EC1A5.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/1031.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/2D19C247-D901-4219-BB08-73B65B237010.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

After a failed attempt at painting with a brush, this weekend I fought my irrational fear of the compressor and spray gun and gave a shot at brightening up the interior a little. Sadly the paint tin I had was not enough to do the entire cab but I managed to get just over half of it done.

I suspect that I need to tweak the spray gun a little as this is my first time using it and I may be putting the paint on a bit thick, best get some practice in on the bits that will be hidden before I try doing the outside.

One 'scary' spray gun:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/774.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/721E1FED-06A0-4947-A304-8678AA3ED400.jpg.html)

And one brighter passenger side
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/775.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/5FD6530D-6C54-4FAF-9EB7-44EDCF556279.jpg.html)

Next week, weather permitting I shall tackle the rest of he cab

[450Dan]

Did a little cleaning today of the lichen on the roof, now free of the stuff thankfully, and a little more playing around in the cab. She came supplied with a set of seats and bases, but I am a little unsure of what is what exactly...

The middle seat appears to be correct to a degree, the back fits nicely on the brackets but the base appears to not have any way of fixing to, well, anything and I am not sure the legality of seats held in place by hope and faith xD

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/645.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/7BD45AE7-B2FF-46D2-88C8-0566F83B42EE.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/646.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/FAB3EB55-2E0D-41BB-B8AC-ED62A6AFA97E_1.jpg.html)
Is this not the right seat? Or am I missing a frame somewhere, as the driver side had a frame and seat adjustment but no other seat appears to have this. Also, the driver and passenger seats are different too and I am pretty sure are wrong for this vehicle
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/647.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/13336253-0553-4DC7-B747-C58DDE65CD2D.jpg.html)

If this is in fact the case, would it be worth looking for some original seats, or is my wife likely to hate me for eternity due to comfort issues lol

[Cobber]

The seat bases are supposed to be able to come out (unsecured) so you can access the storage box / PTO hole / fuel tank. That seat back in the last picture is not original, although plenty of people put later seats in for better comfort/support/safety :cool:

[450Dan]

They wobble a hell of a lot though, maybe I can make some sort of frame so they fit better.

[JDNSW]

Seat bases are (should be) secured by a short leather strap between the front of the seat and the peg on the front of the seat box next to the attachment for the hatches fastener. In addition there should be two wooden battens screwed to the back of the seat cushion that stop it moving sideways as they are a close fit to the rails the seat cushions sit on.

The drivers seat appears to have the optional adjustable frame under it, but this has been butchered to fit the orphan seat you have. The adjustable seat frame has the same back as the standard seat, but a slightly different cushion that sits inside a perimeter frame but is still lift out.

I suggest you get a parts book to see the details. This is, I am pretty certain on the "Rave CD" available from "Shop" at the top of this page (and helps to support this site).

John

[450Dan]

Having been quoted nearly 300$ To have my stromberg carb reconditioned the other week, my friend (who recently bought my old car off me) and I decided that we should trawl the scrapyards and wreckers for parts for our respective vehicles. Sadly it turns out that there are very few old Holden motors out there but we did stumble across one rusting away in a corner amongst various shrubs and weeds. Took a gamble on the carb fitting Bob's manifold, which sadly did not pay off, as it turned out that it was the wrong size.

It was however identical to mine in every other respect, so yesterday both carbs were in pieces on the driveway and I have (hopefully) successfully made one good working one! I did run out of time to test it however, so the judgement on my carb repair skills shall have to wait till Saturday afternoon, wife/weather permitting.

Whilst at the wreckers we also stumbled across a speedometer which looked the right size in an old dodge pick-up truck, this gamble mostly paid off as it indeed fits, however the cable I have has a clip in connector and this one had a screw... Hopefully my solution of ramming it in proves effective, if not then I have not lost out on much. Progress, hopefully

[450Dan]

Well, test day arrived and with the kids at a friends and the wife entertaining guests I decided this afternoon was the perfect time to start a loud, rattling smoking land rover. Turns out I forgot to tighten the fuel in pipe so after much spilt petrol and more swearing test 2 could begin, started first time without the need to pour fuel down the carb to help her along though I had adjusted the mix playing around the other day and also managed to wedge the throttle full open with a stray bolt jamming the arm... Loud and rattley became deafening roar pretty quickly.

One success in the bag I just now turn to the problems I never knew I had till she ran, namely: cooling

The radiator has a hole, though it's a tiny one the water rushed out pretty quick and the temperature gauge hit the roof, the cab heated to unbearable levels in seconds and steam from the engine bay made the guests think it was suddenly foggy outside. After I turned her off and things cooled down i got a nice photo of the water gushing from the rad... Which is a horrible dirty brown colour, methinks I should flush the system before I try another start.

[debruiser]

That is great! When you find something that is 'broken' then you have made progress; well that's what I tell myself so that I can justify spending more money. :) I remember when I first got my holden going.... very noisy, very smokey, very much poring fuel down the carb (didn't know that the fuel pump was very broken). It's a good feeling when it fires up though!

If you need a new speedo (a land rover one :p) let me know I have a spare laying around out of a 109.

[450Dan]

Luckily my fuel pump was one of the few working thing on the Landy lol, speedo wise I shall probably take you up on that as it appears that although things looked ok from the front, the cable actually falls off as soon as I put the dash back in due to the dodge one being significantly longer.

[debruiser]

Luckily my fuel pump was one of the few working thing on the Landy lol, speedo wise I shall probably take you up on that as it appears that although things looked ok from the front, the cable actually falls off as soon as I put the dash back in due to the dodge one being significantly longer.

Yea no worries, I'll dig it out tomorrow and let you know how it looks/send some pics.

[450Dan]

Awesome! Don't suppose it's hiding under a spare unwanted rad? Lol

[debruiser]

matter of fact.... I'll get photos of that too.

[450Dan]

So, amidst the chaos of explaining to the wife where her mop bucket went and hastily cleaning the oil out of it, I managed to achieve a couple of small tasks on the Landy after de-gunking the engine. Firstly was the repair of one of the two damaged radiators, whilst not an amazing job it no longer leaks, ain't pretty but it works, sadly no picture of that as in my excitement of not getting an early shower when I started her up I forgot that cameras existed.

Job 2 was the bonnet clamp thingy, it had been snapped off at some stage and just needed welding back on, a simple job made slightly more awkward by the "assistance" of my young assistant, who decided that ring spanners make excellent hammers, and that the bonnet really needed a few more dents to give it that authentic look.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/1013.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/FF1BF5BD-A827-456D-9C62-61D3B31DC44F.jpg.html)

And after!
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/1014.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/B6552857-12E4-4710-89EF-D89875755B53.jpg.html)

This project has been a lot of fun for him as far as I can tell, he gets to run around the driveway waving tools and to pretend he's driving her. I can not wait till we can leave the house without me saying "no lad, that one doesn't work yet" as he always runs to the Landy instead of the wife's car...... Ooooone day....
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/1015.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/F0F8F60C-329F-4F32-AB23-0DC02D978BCB.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

Hour or so free yesterday so made an attempt at diagnosing the issue with the brakes, or at least I managed to start with the passenger front. Looks fairly clean in there, but the pedal does not appear to be even remotely connected to the brakes, likely needs bleeding but the bleed nipple appears to be in the most awkward place they could find, right jammed behind the steering arm thing... Why are these things never easy?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/114.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EE9D1C6F-97AD-4CFE-9910-36DE9CAAF467.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/115.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BBB582F1-7F47-4525-8A1F-028B352A2AAD.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

Progress report, after a while of Telstra doing inappropriate things with my net there is not actually a great deal of progress, nothing too visible anyways.

Took a grinder wire brush and sander to the front end in preparation for undercoating, as I made the mistake of starting a little bit on the bulkhead and realised that if I do not coat it then it was time wasted due to rusting... Taking all the paint off is no easy task and I am dreading the back end, as is my tiny overwhelmed palm sander, poor thing was only intended for a little woodwork.

After a bit of duct tape and cling wrap it was time to undercoat! Which I may have made a mess of.., only time will tell but for a first time really doing a paint job I think it went ok...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/07/705.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/4788CA68-997C-4FB4-B27A-159947AD7BDB.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/07/706.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/F9427FF8-75BD-444E-82EB-BB3CAB73B52C.jpg.html)

Let's just ignore the grey on the tires... Can't be perfect first time.

[debruiser]

It's only paint! You can always just start again; sand, prep, paint. I like the idea of cling wrap! I wish I had of seen this yesterday when I was trying to paint some rims w/tyres still on. Would have been easier than inward masking them :(

[Cobber]

I wish I had thought of cling wrap too! :D

[Lionelgee]

Hello 450Dan,

I was fitting the dual brake booster onto a pedal box that I had painted silver last year. When the booster was fitted to the pedal box it looked really manky.

I hit the brake booster with a wire brush then cleaned it up.

I went inside to the kitchen, grabbed the cling wrap and went back to the clothes line and I covered the silver pedal box up. I also wrapped up the reservoir tank.

Next was a nice coat of White Knight rust treated black paint. Next day I did another coat and it looks sweet. No over-spray at all thanks for the tip! :D

Kind Regards
Lionel

[450Dan]

Well i do occasionally have some good ideas! and it appears to work pretty well though i am not sure how long it will last out in the weather, i may have to redo it before the next coat goes on, but its a damn site cheaper than the masking paper they were trying to peddle at the paint shop

[450Dan]

So, bob no longer starts due to a mild electrical mishap. The birds nest of wires behind the dash decided to argue with one another, the debate got heated and sparks flew.

Having decided to move the battery a while back I figure I may as well redo the whole electrical system and tidy up the wiring which is all over the place. Much more work for myself but it will be worth it to have working electrics. I am also going to put in a more modern fuse box, move the ignition system that someone had fitted under the dash to the engine bay out of the way.

Along with all this I discovered that where the speedo is fitted in the dash it is invisible behind my hand when driving, and there is not a lot of space behind it for wires etc. therefore I have begun to make a new dash. Having cut the front to size and cut out holes for the instruments all that is left is to do a final bit of shaping and make a frame to go behind so it sits a bit further forward.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/1434.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/CA888F12-C45F-4231-BD17-B38548CBE026.jpg.html)

Oh and I should probably drill holes for the switches.....

[450Dan]

The last couple of days have been full of land rover based work, sadly it does not look a lot as most of it is fiddly bits and running to and from shops for parts. The custom dash is nearly complete, with just a little wiring to finish it off, I now also have everything I could possibly need for re-wiring bob. Well, with the exception of headlights... But those aren't important right?

Next step will be to make a battery cradle for the engine bay so I can block off the under seat box and my wife can have some comfy seats. It's funny how the workload can triple after such a simple conversation as asking what someone thinks of a seat. Oh well, have a nice set lined up from a BMW :cool:

Back to the dash:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/1301.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/47CED998-F71D-46AE-866C-1F9E915E04A0.jpg.html)

As one can probably tell the battle over the landys colour ended in the defeat of tradition in favour of not sleeping on the sofa, I kind of like it though and it will be interesting to say the least

[Johnno1969]

As one can probably tell the battle over the landys colour ended in the defeat of tradition in favour of not sleeping on the sofa, I kind of like it though and it will be interesting to say the least

Geez, mate - I reckon I would have copped a few nights on the couch over that.....

[450Dan]

I dunno Johnno, that's the interior color, the outside is a really dark blue/purple shade and i actually kinda like it, at least i will be noticeable :D and the plus side is no one will want to nick it!

the end result will be worth it, it could be turd brown with personal insults printed along the sides and i will still be driving it with a smile on my face when its finished lol

[Johnno1969]

I dunno Johnno, that's the interior color, the outside is a really dark blue/purple shade and i actually kinda like it, at least i will be noticeable :D and the plus side is no one will want to nick it!

the end result will be worth it, it could be turd brown with personal insults printed along the sides and i will still be driving it with a smile on my face when its finished lol

Hehehehe. Good points.

Now you mention it, that would be novel: covering your vehicle with imaginative and flattering personal insults.

[450Dan]

We also agreed that if she picks the colour of this one I can pick the next... Which means I can get another when this is finished :cool:

[450Dan]

Two days ago I progressed on the Landy, coincidentally I also hurt my back and have been since taking some strong painkiller with a long name and lying around whimpering for attention from the missus... I digress

Built a nice battery holder for the engine bay, looks good to me and is a lot more secure than the one under the seat which was missing the clamp bit.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/821.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/54A97F9C-1D5D-484A-B8EF-50956AE45D7E.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/822.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/FA967FDD-2E8E-4C7C-BE60-EF625C141BC1.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/823.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/DE69325D-E68E-479F-B29B-D80AD16FC4E9.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/824.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/273C7439-6AAB-401B-86ED-E803D89208B5.jpg.html)


Just need to put in the new fuse box, rip out all the wires and redo everything and we're golden!!

....just as soon as I am feeling better. Though I do have sympathy from one of our household, it could be down to my half eaten dinner on the bedside table

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/825.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/126FF73B-1DC4-4887-BD57-027B5B01C2F8.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

More slow progress as days off seem to fly past or be full of unavoidable household chores.

Started the day by mercilessly ripping out the wiring loom, which was probably logical and sensible to someone at some point in time but along the way has been massacred by repair or upgrade jobs by the looks of things. The alternator appeared to be wired to the headlight circuit, and from what I can tell the oil pressure sensor was wired to the chassis... And nothing else. Not sure how this was supposed to warn anyone of anything but it will get fixed now.

Removed the fancy ignition thing from under the dash (yea... Check me out with my in depth knowledge of technical names) because it looked a complete mess, this has now been mounted under the bonnet where the fuses used to go as there doesn't appear to be much room elsewhere and this seemed as good a place as any.

The fuses will now live in a nice box under the dash which looks a lot tidier than ignition thingy and allows ease of access if something blows.

That's all for now, hopefully tomorrow will afford more free time, the other issue that keeps cropping up is the need for additional hands and the friend that has offered to help never has the same days off. Though his car repair expertise is about as existent as mine.

[450Dan]

Oops, forgot pictures

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/507.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/EB639B8D-5CBA-4A60-A64E-3A0946E75774.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/508.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/265E4B71-543B-4EF7-92B7-0E28C1DD2B36.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/509.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/0162B162-FC89-4C4A-B082-0A3166529564.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

Fun day yesterday, first coat of paint on one wing, it has now had subsequent coats but the only picture I have so far is of the first so enjoy and I will get more tomorrow!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/306.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/721A581A-950D-4460-879F-7762EC774342.jpg.html)


I am reliably told that if you squint real hard it's almost identical to bronze green :p

I actually have to admit that I am really liking the finished colour though it may look a little out of place on the Landy. Oh well I won't ever lose her in a car park

[SII Josh]

great work going on, will keep an eye on this thread for more pics :)

cheers

[sisyphus]

As I'm about to turn 60 :( I remember the cool cars of the early 70's with this colour. The Charger the Torana XU1 and the HO so be proud you'll be in great company :) . It's great :D

[450Dan]

i was recommended this colour by a workmate who is into classic cars, when i said i was looking for a nice metallic purple his first reaction was "Ford GT... Wild Violet" and then feverishly went searching for the paint code. i have to give him credit for his suggestion, its very nice.

[Johnno1969]

As I'm about to turn 60 :( I remember the cool cars of the early 70's with this colour. The Charger the Torana XU1 and the HO so be proud you'll be in great company :) . It's great :D

Maybe when you drive past people will cry out "Heeeeeey Land Rover!!!!"

[S3ute]

As I'm about to turn 60 :( I remember the cool cars of the early 70's with this colour. The Charger the Torana XU1 and the HO so be proud you'll be in great company :) . It's great :D

Hello from Brisbane.

What about the colour of the clothing........................

Cheers

[Johnno1969]

What about the colour of the clothing........................



In some cultures, Burnt Orange and Mission Brown are considered sacred...

[450Dan]

So after a mild clear coat failure and a lot of sanding back and swearing, I finally managed to get the driver side wing painted, clear coated and slapped 2 coats on the bulkhead and radiator panel. Feeling happy that I am getting somewhere visually at least and once the paint is done I can install the lights and finish the electrics... One job at a time though!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/173.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/54F72534-6C80-4058-ADCD-4D57C85EBEFC.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/174.jpg (http://s.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/1F1D3EC3-285E-4150-AA89-8F33867AD5DB.jpg.html)

[debruiser]

wow, I thought I picked a wild colour! :) But I think you have taken the cake :D Very nice job you are doing though. I can't believe your clearcoating a land rover!!! :cool:

[450Dan]

Well it might as well be shiny for 5 minutes!!!!

I was advised to by a guy in the paint shop, who was probably trying to get more money from me but he made a solid argument for it all

[SII Josh]

Hi Dan

May I ask how hard it was to clear coat an d did you mix any of the purple with the clear coat before spraying an all clear coat?

Was thinking of clear coating my landy but not sure of how hard it is to spray
Cheers

[450Dan]

I didn't mix, just cleared on top of the purple, when I did the second attempt it was pretty easy but I am no expert so am still expecting I have done something horribly wrong. First attempt I sprayed the clear at about 4pm and the temperature dropped a lot that night, causing some major blushing in the clear and it had to be sanded back and colour reapplied.

I think so long as it's a nice day if you get it clear coated early in the day with enough sunlight hours for it to dry properly and don't spray too thickly it's not too hard to use. It does look really shiny when dried.

Oh, just adding that I used clear from a spray can because I dreaded mixing it myself for the gun, made a total mess of an undercoat the other day that haunts me :o

[debruiser]

is the clearcoat 2 pac? I'm using 2pac on my car - it's just industrial grade gloss paint, although it's a pain having to guess how much to mix it's not really that scary. I'm planning on 4x4ing my car a lot though, so not too concerned with it looking a million dollars.... was very tempted to just go the ratrod look :D My paint shop suggested the 2pac paint because it was super tough and wouldn't scratch or chip easily.

[450Dan]

I honestly can say I have no idea what 2pac is other than a dead rapper who one of my workmates idolises.... I think it's acrylic. But don't quote me on that

[SII Josh]

cheers Dan,

will keep an eye on the weather. And will give it a go, liking the look of your drivers side panel

[450Dan]

Nice weather and a morning off today brought with it a chance to prime/undercoat the tub and i also took the opportunity to paint the galv around the edges of the tub and the front grille, though it appears that the product i picked up this time was different from what i did the bumper with and instead of being a matte effect is a bright shiny silver. not too much of an issue i guess, will see how it looks against the purple before i judge but my initial thoughts were along the lines of 'oh my god what the hell did i just spray that with'

[450Dan]

This morning my day off began on a good note with the arrival of a TNT truck with some nice shiny goodies from the folks in blighty! A few things to check off on my parts list.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1147.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/4054F34F-0E3D-48E3-AB3B-84FA3EC22517.jpg.html)

Headlamp bowls
Halogen headlights (because I can't quite afford led)
Led Side/tail/indicators
New shocks all round
Brake master cylinder
Choke cable
Sundry nuts/bolts.

Sadly the rest of my day off involved a trip to visit family instead of the Landy repair spree I had hoped for, but I should have a few days off together coming up in the next few weeks so fingers crossed I can get cracking then. In the meantime I managed to fit one of these

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1148.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/F62B525C-B2CC-44F9-BA53-C4341DE64940.jpg.html)

And it's respective headlamp kit into the wing, need to buy new drill bits to fit the other lamps though as mine broke when I attempted the first hole.
Minor progress but at least I now have some parts to clutter up the lounge, if I get enough in there SWMBO will be more keen on me working on the Landy to get the bits out of the way.................right? ;)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1149.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/15ED9F35-73A7-4C99-993E-47272BE7E16E.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

Nice warm day today allowed me to finish painting the bulkhead and front panel, also managed to entirely finish the other wing. A little time left in the day meant I could attach the lights in both wings, dig out the badge for the grille and take a shot of the front end. I also managed to put a rough coat on the tub but ran out of paint and time.

The headlight surrounds were started to be painted but only one turned out ok, the second got the tail end of a can and seemed to go very strange but I shoved it on the car for the photo, it can come off next weekend for repainting.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1007.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/875F1150-52A5-42DA-9E33-9DEFBBA667EC.jpg.html)

[debruiser]

I was a little sceptical about your colour choice, but that looks bloody awesome! :D I love it.

I see you got the Wipac LED lights too! they are nice as. I havn't got mine wired up properly yet so havn't experienced how they look working.

[debruiser]

Just showed the MRS, she liked the colour in the first place but now she loves it and is saying "I told you so". Lol. Although she says that the bumper and grill should be black. I disagree, I think the grill is perfect that colour.

[450Dan]

See... The purple grows on you lol.

The wipac LEDs do look a million times better than the ones I took off and were worth shelling out the extra money on, though like you I have yet to see them working yet as I am still at the stage with the wiring that goes a little bit like this:

"Hmmm, wiring.... Yea I'll get to that later"

I have scolded myself several times already for putting it off and with any luck I will listen come next weekend as it would be nice to get that job crossed off the list. Though I do need to get some more paint on the tub.... :angel:

[450Dan]

Just showed the MRS, she liked the colour in the first place but now she loves it and is saying "I told you so". Lol. Although she says that the bumper and grill should be black. I disagree, I think the grill is perfect that colour.

I have considered black, but had already silvered the grill, the bumper might not stay on there as I have a less bent one that came with the old girl I shall have to see how I feel when I get to that stage, maybe paint the other black and see how they compare lol

[debruiser]

I've put in a new main wiring harness, would have to have spent a solid week on it now :( But I did make my own chassis harness. I've also added a bunch of stuff (radio, cb, electric brake controller, boost, exhaust temp, water temp, tacho, oil pressure, spot lights, interior lights, rear camp/work light, trailer wiring) still got a bunch of stuff to go, thermo fan, demister fan, windscreen washers, cigarette lighter. I'm just crossing my fingers it's all worth it.

Personally I'd get all the painting done first reasons:
1 - it's all nice and clean when your wiring so no more getting dirty.
2 - dirt doesn't fall in your face when your under the car
3 - you wont paint over the wires when you go to paint
4 - lights arn't in the way to paint
5 - you wont get dirty :p

[450Dan]

Hmm, I may take the advice on that one, not getting dirty is something I can get behind as I cannot count the number of pairs of jeans and t shirts I have ruined grovelling around the Landy over the past months.

Wiring wise I have considered putting in a lot of the things you have, and have been keeping an eye on your build to see if I can gauge how easy/hard a lot of it might be in order to decide if I can actually do it myself. Right now I am definitely going to put in spots and interior lighting of some description, also a sound system of some sort, have a friend who is big on electronics who is going to build me something small and unobtrusive to save space in the cab. I also have to work out how to fit some kind of air conditioning, because coming from England I am still not used to hot summer days :p although I am told that the holden engine I have actually came in a car with air conditioning so I might be able to get hold of parts to convert easy enough... I shall have to investigate.

[debruiser]

I know what you mean by ruining clothes on land rovers. All my yard clothes look like I'm a mechanic or fitter or something. I'm under strict instructions never to go into the shed in good clothes. When you read 'good clothes' read 'anything but my already ruined yard clothes'. :D

Wiring isn't rocket science, it's pretty easy as long as you take your time. My biggest concern is keeping everything neat and fitting all the wiring into the space LR allocated; this is yet to be tested though. This sound system sounds interesting; I got a mechless unit it's heaps shorter than a CD unit and means that it fits in a lot easier. Plus the CD would get full of crud and not work anyway; USB is far easier.

[450Dan]

USB is the direction i was going as well, there's naff all on the radio half the time and cd's tend to get broken/scratched/filled with crud as you stated, he reckons he can build a unit that i can plug any usb device into that takes up next to no room... i look forward to seeing what he can come up with but its a long way to go before she's driveable so i am not too worried right now about the radio side of things, figure so long as i put a slot for it in the fusebox all will be good when the time comes to wire it up.

[450Dan]

The past week has seen a fair bit of progress but sadly not all of it visible on pictures. Have wired in the indicators and side lights and the LEDs are damn bright, starting to wonder if I need bother with headlights lol. Still on the electrical front I managed to wire up practically everything on the dashboard though am having issues finding replacement bulbs for the instrument lights as they appear to be smaller than anything I can find in the shops, a minor inconvenience though, I can usually tell if high beams are on by the switch position and I have no real clue where the oil pressure light should connect to anyways, figure it can wait until everything else I know of is wired up and then anything remaining must be the oil pressure switch thingy! (Scientific method eh?)

Anyways, the sidelights on:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/207.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E77D8161-D169-4624-88DF-F84249ED7078.jpg.html)

The Landy moved and I finished the last coat of paint on the tub:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/208.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/21F96ED4-AB70-4370-86F9-849C3243BF40.jpg.html)

Rear lights fitted passenger side:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/209.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E7F07FC4-A9CB-4CA0-9E6B-AFDE8E7F2A9C.jpg.html)

Passenger door awaiting final clear coat:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/210.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/C7466C42-D588-4B26-960E-B6C92F7D8023.jpg.html)


And that is all for now!

[450Dan]

Busy day today, though most of it was waiting for paint to dry between coats. Fitted the passenger door first off after spraying it last night late and shoving it back in the spare room which now stinks of paint and I am informed is going to be used tomorrow by my sister in law... Oh well, I am sure she has had worse :angel:

Fitted a garage door handle to the back door so I now have one locking door on the Landy! Have also taken to chaining it to the gate post due to the fact it can drive now and I live in a den of thieves.

Bonnet got removed and painted and is overnighting in the spare room to add to the paint scent.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/105.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/303BF2F1-8395-4CA4-8DC1-98EBCBA50D5D.jpg.html)


Door fitted:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/106.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/AD555534-5F9A-41EE-ADEC-7B197D361D40.jpg.html)

New lock:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/107.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/894800F6-BDD4-43D9-A084-9C08C7A41DC3.jpg.html)

[debruiser]

I love the "chain it to a post" security method! :D You just have to put a photo of that up!

[450Dan]

See I have come up with a better solution now, the 'park the wife's mini in front of it' security solution, that way they will have to move/ram it in order to get the Landy out, thus drawing attention to themselves!

Not sure the wife is entirely impressed by the thought of her car being used as a roadblock though.

[450Dan]

More progress made Monday, tested the alternator to find it was putting out a measly 3 volts and the dash bulbs had gotten squished in my toolbox so took a trip to the local small electronics store who not only had bulbs but a friend at a garage specialising in auto electrics. Trip up the road later and I had a shiny new alternator and a quote for an air conditioning system, the latter is unlikely to happen in the next few months though so stuck on the back burner for now.

Fitted the alternator and refitted the now painted bonnet, still need to fit the latches and something to stop the damn thing from sliding off sideways as I now have to repaint a section of the passenger wing. Whilst out I also had picked up a set of spark plugs as she didn't seem to be starting particularly well, the black crap covering the old plugs was probably chief reason for this and she seems to start a bit better, however to my untrained ear something doesn't sound entirely right with the engine at idle. Might have to take a video to get a second opinion, best description I can give is that it sounds intermittent at idle rather than a consistent chugging noise...

Anyways to the pictures!
old alternator:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1573.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/6AF9DCD1-1527-4C1D-A341-8ACF3CB483A5.jpg.html)

And shiny new one:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1574.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/ECA3E12E-2C4A-4F68-A723-6C5AB7DBFCFD.jpg.html)

New one fitted:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1575.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/875E5FD8-E0D9-45AC-8573-2C1B9F42D53F.jpg.html)

And finally the business end of one of the old plugs, I probably could have got away with just cleaning them but laziness got the better of me:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1576.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/BFA6CF81-9F27-4743-9674-CBE929CE692B.jpg.html)

[debruiser]

For the amount you're spending on the getting the rig up to speed, don't you think a new set of plugs is worth while! It was one of the first things I did with my 186.

Plus it's just good fun bolting new parts into the engine bay! That nice shiny new alternator.... I've been having some fun with that at the moment on my 200tdi, but have run out of some key parts :(

I am loving those LED parkers! I'm just jealous that you got yours going first :p That purple is really growing on me... maybe I should start painting again! No I don't think I'm that keen, but it is looking really good.

[450Dan]

The missing picture from the other day of the bonnet on. Sadly it had rained since fitting and taking the pic which has left the whole thing looking rather grubby, oh and the cat has taken to dancing on the front end it would seem from all the paw prints.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1552.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/E450D2E3-F562-4FA4-A6D6-65A2731ADCCC.jpg.html)

Still, getting there slowly

[450Dan]

And yet more progress, but a few questions.

Still, progress first, removed and cleaned up all the brake discs and brakes, driver front was jammed on, driver rear full of oil, absolutely smothered in it to be precise.. Passenger sides all appear to be fine. Fitted the new shocks, the old rear were so rusted that I had to cut them off at the axle end. To make things more interesting there was not enough space to fit the grinder in there so I had to use a hacksaw to get them off which was rather time consuming to say the least. Worth it though.

Whilst she was up on blocks I popped to pick up some replacement u bolts for the rear axle and fitted them, also got lock nuts for them as they had normal ones fitted from the shop, pretty sure the suspension is finished now.

Finished wiring he front lights, now have high and low beams working, fitted new bulbs in the dashboard, though the passenger side is noticeably dimmer and I am not entirely sure why, maybe just the resistance from the wiring, going to try swapping the bulbs tomorrow see if that has anything to do with things.

Finally, fitted a new rubber strip along the front panel for the bonnet to sit on.


U bolts new/old:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1466.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/4F05AB06-AF0D-45EA-99FC-0E064AC5F861_1.jpg.html)

New fitted:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1467.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/44158091-E45D-42DD-8D83-F430411EA6AE_1.jpg.html)

Old shock hacked off:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1468.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/3C6B6BE4-77DC-43C6-8A99-4777D61331D6_1.jpg.html)

New fitted:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1469.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/000C35D5-83BD-45F2-BB71-1313B3CF7DE2_1.jpg.html)

Bonnet pre strip:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1470.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/7E68173D-9AD9-4034-A7A5-C5EC545D4860_1.jpg.html)

Bonnet after strip:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1471.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/0A0DDC7D-4416-44A4-9DE5-DE2760207BC6_1.jpg.html)

[450Dan]

And now the issues

There was quite a bit of oil in the brake drum and I have no idea where it could have come from, my first thought was that perhaps it had come from the drive shaft maybe but I am not sure where to look in that regard. Also the driver shoes had what looked like wire brush bristles all over them, was wondering if anyone might know if there is a cause for this other than maybe someone shaving a brush in there.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1462.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/5717F001-F253-4C2D-A7E9-EF97DF15E1BB_1.jpg.html)

Also, headlights, one dimmer than the other... Possible causes?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/1463.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/55DBF826-CB20-4874-B355-5E8C88330D00_1.jpg.html)

Back to brakes, I put fluid in the reservoir and did some pumping but diddly squat happened, tried loosening a bleed nipple but nada, eventually just removed it entirely but it still feels as though the pedal is connected to air. It's a new brake master and everything appears to be in working order that end but it's not drawing any fluid from the reservoir.

Finally for tonight, the accelerator pedal is virtually unusable for me, possibly due to my extremely long legs, because I can't get my foot at any angle in order to touch the pedal and the floor at the same time, I am thinking it has something to do with the shape of the pedal itself, I forgot to take a picture but it kinda looks like a bent flat bar crudely bolted to the shaft thing, is this in any way normal or is it someone's drunken solution to a missing pedal?

Any answers would be highly appreciated as I am probably a bit out of my depth with this build lol.

[JDNSW]

Perhaps some help.

Brakes.

The 'bristles' are probably made up of oil and brake dust.

Oil is from a leaking hub seal. See workshop manual, but not a large or difficult job, except that you almost certainly have four to do. The surface on the stub axle that the seals run on should be checked, may need replacing.

New master cylinder not pumping - has to be adjustment of the pushrod. This needs to allow the piston to come right back, otherwise the fluid will not get into the cylinder. When initially bleeding the brakes, remember that you can bleed from any join in the plumbing.

Accelerator. The acceleratoir pedal is formed from a piece of steel strip clamping onto the shaft. The position of this is adjustable by loosening the clamp bolt. (or the clamp bolt on the lever arm on the other end of the shaft) The accelerator stop is also adjustable.

John

[chazza]

For the headlight problem:
1. Find the black earth wire from the dull lamp and locate where it is connected to the body or chassis and remove the connector. Clean the contact until it is bright; coat with vaseline and reinstall. This includes removing paint; all rust; etc. Whilst you are about it, clean every earth connection on the car, as many electrical problems are caused by poor earths.

2. Check that the high beam wiring is connected the right way around on the dull lamp.

3. Check the globe - as you have already suggested.

If you are still unimpressed with the lighting, install relays and heavier gauge cable, including the earth wire, between the relays and the globes. Correct coloured PVC wire is available from Autosparks; have a look at their table of how big the original wire was and order the next size up. The closer the relays are to the lamps the better.

I have done this conversion to my Alpine, which has essentially the same crappo wiring that Rovers have, and the improvement is so good I never used the better globes I bought as well :D

Cheers Charlie

[450Dan]

Thanks guys for the help guys, So one problem solved at least, the dim headlight was down to a faulty bulb though I did clean up the earth terminals too. The wiring is all new though done by me so likely not expert lol.

Are the hub seals easy enough to get hold of? Or is it going to be another order from the uk part

As far as the accelerator goes I might end up manufacturing something because there does not appear to be any way of adjusting it to fit my freakish feet :p

[Phil B]

The hub seals John wrote about are available in Oz as are the hub seal

[Phil B]

Sorry, signal lost
The other part is called a stub axle distance piece and is also available.
It is shrink fitted (heat it up to remove and replace)
Check it to make sure the old one is not grooved or else it will leak
Phil

[chazza]

Parts available here and a number of other places Land Rover Parts - REAR HUB - (ROVER TYPE DIFFERENTIAL) (http://www.roverparts.com.au/rear_hub____rover_type_differential_?b=1)

Google the part nos that you need and you can see who is cheapest etc.

Cheers C

[450Dan]

Thanks all, will get onto that when I next get paid, spent quite a bit over the past week on her, but will not hurt to go looking for the bits to give me an idea price wise, likely going to work on the electrics more in the coming week and that darned accelerator pedal before I hurt myself on it. Have all the parts I need for those already. It does not seem far off getting her back on the road now though I know there are still a few major things to do like the brakes. Can't wait to go for a drive!

[450Dan]

So, it has been a day or two since my last post as sadly life gets in the way of Landy restoration sometimes. Have helped a friend move house, he is now living with the wife and I, which required a major rearranging of furniture, a massive spring clean of the garage (boxes of wife's crud she can't bear to get rid of) and several projects of a diy nature. Add to that having to work double shifts at work and I have been neglecting bob somewhat.

Today however was day 3 of not having work and with the household DIY sorted on days 1 and 2 I could afford to spend an afternoon swearing and cursing at a project of my own choosing. Started with an attempt to replace the front spring bolts as one is stuck in and the thread gone. It is the only bush that needed changing still and after slamming into it with a sledge for the best part of an hour it is still the only bush that needs doing.

Not to be completely defeated I moved on to the ignition wiring, as not having a key to start it would probably be ok if I had working door locks. A few hours of soldering both the car and various parts of my clothing I had one success under my belt, and had changed to shorts before I ruined my 'outy' jeans any further.
Next I felt inclined to tackle the bonnet stay as it was far too tight and about half a can of wd40 later I had yet another success!

Buoyed by the two successes and completely forgetting the one failure it was decided to enlist the help of aforementioned friend to pump the brakes while I ensured they did not spew too much fluid around. This too was at least partially successful. The pedal is now rock solid, moves an inch at most... So kinda good I guess, however, when I took her for a roll down the driveway the stopping abilities are... Laughable. Brakes come on sure, and they appear to work mostly but I would not want to risk any speed above 5kph as she rolled a good 4 feet under braking down a fairly short driveway.

Any clue on why they could be so bad? The pads look good, there's little rust, the cylinders all work and I cleared off the oil leakage (although need to still do the seals) bled the system and the pedal is super hard. Kinda lost for ideas

[Phil B]

Sounds like you MC needs adjusting. The brake pedal should not be that high.
Are the wheels free (do they turn easily) when the foot brake is released?
If the brakes do not release you will need to increase the free play on the push rod under the cover of the brake pedal tower.
If this free play is ok check the brake shoe springs to ensure they are attached correctly. The rubber hoses could be a culprit of non releasing brakes as well. They are know to delaminate and block internally, acting like a non return valve. You wont be able to tell without taking them off.
If all of this is ok then look at the chamfer on the leading edge of the shoes. They needs to be ground (can be done in situ) to 45deg to make the shoes "grab" properly.
Hours of fun....
Phil.

[450Dan]

It is about now that I feel stupid and realise how tired I was yesterday.

So I went out today to look over phil's suggestions, only what do I find on the rubber hoses but the damn clamps from when I was bleeding the system :wasntme:

With these removed the pedal travels almost all the way before becoming too hard to push, have not yet had a chance to test on the roll however because a visitor has arrived and parked in the way

[Phil B]

You must have been really tired!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D
Glad you solved the problem though.
Sounds like all you need to do now is tighten the adjusters until the shoes just start binding and then test it.
Phil.

[Mathernet]

Might be able to help you with that bushing.. I have a couple of tricks and tools that might make it easier.

[450Dan]

That would be awesome! Because honestly I am at the point where I have no idea what I am doing. To be honest I have been there for a while, but I seemed to manage so far.

Today was spent doing a little tidying up and cleaning out, though I did manage to finish the last bush on the front spring hanger, damn bolt would not budge so I figured time to crack open a new toy. A few seconds of reciprocating saw later and the bolt was no more! New bolt and bush in, and it's suspension bushes all done.

I found time to finish most of the electrics, all that's left now is a number plate light, the horn and the brake lights don't seem to work, so probably a new switch needed.

On the axle subject I suspect that I probably need new wheel bearings as there is a fair bit of wibble on the swivel thingy on both sides. This is the part where I am out of my depth somewhat, as I can only find a YouTube video for stripping down a defender axle thingy, and it says series are a bit different. I figure it would also help to have the replacement parts lying in wait and workshop manuals and I do not tend to mix too well it would seem.

Pictures are a little scarce right now due to laziness whilst working. Will put some up when decent progress has been made

[debruiser]

You have a couple options as far as parts manuals and that go... in the shop tab above there are cds for sale with manuals and parts books within. OR google is your friend.

I'm assuming your talking about the front stub with swivel

Land Rover Parts - SWIVEL PIN & BALL HOUSING & STUB AXLE - SERIES 1 & early 2 (http://www.roverparts.com.au/swivel_pin___ball_housing___stub_axle___series_1__ _early_2)

http://www.landroverweb.com/Pdf-files/Manuals/Land_Rover_Series_III_Part_5.pdf - preview I dont know how to make work... sorry. but just download it trust me it's worth it

OR you could just buy paper books... you know those funny things with pages that noone seems to have anymore.... :p

[450Dan]

Yea, I am not that great with the actual names but that's the thing I am going to be dismantling, the big bally thing between the wheels and the diff ;) because rolling down the drive there is something other than brakes making a horrible grinding from all four wheels and I am going to assume it's due to lack of oil, or dead bearings, or grit, or all of the above. Thankfully the sound does not appear to be from the diff as having spent many an afternoon with dad when younger re-purposing old ford escort diffs into bird feeders I have a deep seeded hatred of taking them apart.

I briefly thought the handbrake might be on, but the handle appears to be connected to... Well I don't know, and everything seems to spin ok when on stands, a job for another day though as I am determined to take apart these front 'stub axles' over the weekend.

As far as manuals go, I have a td5 defender manual, an early discovery manual and a p38 Range Rover manual book lying around in my book pile here. Sadly my mum cannot find my series Land Rover manual books to post to me because she thinks they are in the mountain of Landrover magazines she took to the recycling. :censored::mad::censored: this is a crime and I therefore have to stop talking to her :twisted:

[debruiser]

oo the big shiny ball - swivel ball. there is supposed to be oil in that :) I normally just use whatever oil I'm using in the diff.

Personally I would take all 4 stub axles apart and clean and regrease the bearings. all of the series LR's I've pulled apart have had all kinds of gross goopy stuff in there.

[450Dan]

yea, going to muddle the front first though, see what's what then go buy some seals. Should really get me some grease too.

[debruiser]

Did that pdf work for you? tell you want you needed to know?

Nice new seals would go well :D

[450Dan]

It opened fine, but after looking at it for a while I got fairly confused, and have decided that phrases such as 'service tool no 60000' mean 'hammer' :p it should help but I don't work so well from instructions, I tend to have to see the actual parts so a combination of the pdf and some brute force and ignorance.. Possibly a toolbox full of colourful language and I should have it apart in no time!

Watch this space....

[debruiser]

Good job. And my answer to any 'Land rover tool no:' is hammer :)

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[450Dan]

So today was expensive to say the least. Had a day off work so decided to dismantle the front axle. After nearly breaking my fingers taking the brake shoes off, I thought to take off the free wheeling hubs by removing the big boots that look like they hold it onto the hub and 'persuading' it with service tool 'H' this did not go so well, as it turns out I needed to take the end of the free wheeling thing off and undo the castle nut. Consequently the free wheel hub on the passenger side is now a rather greasy paperweight with the insides a greasy pile of crumbs.

New seals were already on order and now some new hub end things to replace the free wheelers which I have never really been a fan of, I am lazy and do not want to get out of the car to engage 4x4. Looks like I will be waiting till Saturday to do the work on her after all.

[Johnno1969]

I got rid of the free-wheeling hubs on my IIA seventeen years ago. The fuel economy didn't suffer and I am completely happy with the original solid drive members.

[450Dan]

not much progress to report, a big thanks to Mathernet for lending me the hub spanner the other day, with it i managed to finish one yesterday whilst the missus was at work and the kids were out with their auntie (party time!!!) its filled up with oil though i suspect there's going to be a fairly major leak still as the bit which holds the oil seal at the back of the swivel housing onto the ball is short one bolt, the missing one is sheared off in the housing and i have no way of getting it out, fingers crossed its not going to cause me too many issues, cant afford a new housing and i am sure that bolt isn't completely important ;)

hopefully more progress can be made over the weekend, if not then perhaps in a couple of weeks time as i have been forced to hand in my notice at work so will have some spare time on my hands. The franchise owner was surprised that i am quitting and a little upset, sadly not upset enough to actually sort out my wages, strangely enough after nearly 2 months of not being paid because 'there is no money' i have decided that working for free isn't what i had planned to do in life :mad: does mean more landy time and money wise it wont change much on account i haven't been paid anyways.

I should probably not rant too much though, maddening though it is i cant really do anything about it and at least i will be able to spend more time on things i enjoy, like the car and family, probably not in that order though lol.

[Mathernet]

Dan
There are ways and means of extracting broken bolts but most of them will need good access. At least enough to set about it with a drill. Might be a challenge if still on the car but it ever gets removed it would be easier.

Sorry to hear about the job and the wages. That sucks.

[debruiser]

I'll 2nd Mathernet's comments. I hate hearing people getting a raw deal at work... happens all too often.

Any progress is good progress with the car though. :D I think you'll be surprised how much work you can get done on it now; speaking from experience of course. :(

[450Dan]

After a break due to illness I have managed to strip and rebuild the other side of the axle, this side only took an hour from start to finish as opposed to the 2 days I spent on the previous side. It looks as though a previous owner had done this one already as the bearings and seals all looked barely used, and it did not appear to be drowning in grease, which helped a huge amount because I didn't have to spend forever cleaning it all out.

Also gave the brakes a once over without the pads on so I could persuade the cylinders to move a bit easier using some wd40 and a hammer, they now move freely and it appears to have improved the stopping distance greatly. work will likely cease over the festive period as I need parts now to get her to roadworthy standard, though there is one thing I can probably still do that won't cost much, it does however need some advice.

The windscreen wiper motor.
It works, sort of... I am not sure how to wire it up, the wiring diagram I have says it's supposed to have 4 wires coming from it, but I only have three, a red/green, a brown/green and a green.
if I connect power to the red/green wire the motor turns, the other two wires don't seem to do anything, if power goes to either of them they just get hot and the wire melts... I first thought one might be an earth but it works without either of them being connected, figured maybe they were speed controls perhaps, but again there is nothing I can seem to do with them that doesn't cause overheating, melting and smoke. Anyone got any ideas?

[Phil B]

450Dan,

The wiper motor wires are:
Green (live for park) from the wiper motor to pole 4 on the switch
Red/light green from the motor to pole 2 on the switch
Brown/light green from the motor to pole 3 on the switch

The light green wires are not earths, they control the speed of the motor

I can't upload the PDF of the wiring diagram for some reason :confused: but if it helps pm me an email address and I'll send it to you.

Hope this helps

Phil

[450Dan]

Well it has been months since I last posted, and I wish I could say they have been filled with Landrover repairs... But sadly I cannot.

In fact until 2 days ago I had barely touched the old girl since before Christmas, being busy with my new job as house-husband since the missus has been working herself and earning more money than I ever did. And, well actually getting paid it too. Whilst it has been good fun spending time with the kids and performing general household duties, every time I go outside I keep saying to myself "I really need to get the old girl finished" and finally I could take her sad lonely face no longer.

Having re-read my own thread I remembered what I was up to last I left off, the windscreen wiper motor. I got more wiring diagrams and whipped out the tester screwdriver and electrical fittings, determined to work out how to connect a non-standard switch so that I have two speeds. This did not go to plan however, as only one of the wires will accept power through it without blowing fuses or melting the wires, admitting a minor defeat, I have tied off the other two wires and now have a wiper with one speed... It will do I guess as I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of them anyways, now all I need for them is new blades.

With one success in the bag I moved onto the windscreen washer, which was a simple case of connecting up the wires I the right way and fitting a new switch to the dash. A little electrical wizardry and a slight directional adjustment and I now not only have working wipers but a working washer too!!

With all that excitement I figured why not move on to the non working brake lights, thankfully another easy fix as the switch was not screwed in far enough for the pedal to contact it when depressed.

After all that excitement I have crossed off another 3 things from the long to-do list, and decided that I should set aside a bit more time to the project again,cat least to do the inexpensive things. The next job on the liste is to take the alternator off and March back to the shop I bought it from and demand to know why it doesn't produce any electricity, even when I assault it with rude language and sighing. Let's hope I kept the receipt!

[LandieLad]

My IIA has a holden red motor, same as yours. It seems to be a pretty common conversion here in Aus.

[450Dan]

Again, it has been a while since posting. Sadly life seems to get in the way of Landy time all too often since leaving work, nevertheless there has been some degree of progress whenever I have a spare couple of hours.

Most notably the alternator is now working properly, after removing it and taking it back to the shop it was test and 4 days later I recieved a phone call saying that there was nothing wrong with it! So I took it back home and wired her back up exactly as I had done before and hey presto it now works. Absolutely nothing changed from its previous installing yet then it did not work, and now it does, guy in the shop suggested that perhaps I had been testing it wrong. no matter, I shall admit it was probably my fault and carry on happily knowing that at least it now works.

The other job, which was done today was to clear out the accumulate crap which has been tossed in the back of her over the past year, and to clean off the inside of the roof and tray ready for sanding/painting. A few hours of toil with a scrubbing brush and vacuum whilst simultaneously trying to stop the kids arguing over who is going to play with the steering wheel and she is now fit for a royal visit inside. Well maybe not so much, but the wife said it looked nice, which is as good as it gets right now lol.

Incidentally, the steering wheel which I had been working on has also been finished, not exactly Land Rover original, but I think it looks awesome.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/493.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/gunfielddan/media/9147182F-F9E0-4C35-8FC2-899A49C4FDA5.jpg.html)

[Cobber]

Slowly but surely! Always great to see progress being made :BigThumb:

[450Dan]

Again it has been an awful long time since I last posted so I figure an update is in order. Progress has been slow to non existent since my last update, I have removed the handbrake assembly, cleaned some parts and decided that it needs new brake shoes, for both the handbrake and the standard brakes. Also added to the growing list of bits is various steering rods, gearbox oil, rear axle seals and a new brain. Preferably one that doesn't attach a battery box somewhere it makes working on the steering impossible. :censored:

There is some good news though, with SWMBO deciding that we need a comfortable family car sooner rather than later (because fitting 3 adults and 2 toddlers into a mini doesn't work) funds were made accessible to me to find something that fits the bill. The emphasis was on comfortable so that sadly ruled out going on a shopping spree for parts...

So next week I take delivery of a Disco 2, sadly it puts bob back a few months before I can afford to get more parts, but it does mean that I no longer have to try and cram more seats in the back of her or worry about the roof too much, because I fully intend to have it off now. Which by my calculations has reduced my workload on her by a decent amount and turns her into my plaything rather than a family daily drive! Downside, less to spend on her now, upside I get a nice disco and free reign to do what I please.

Think it works in my favour..

[crackers]

Hmm, a Disco eh? You'll be spending all your restoration time keeping the brute working :)

Seriously, it sounds like a good option and much as I love Minis and would love one now, if you need the rear seats for people, you're probably going to find yourself growling about the boot space.

[450Dan]

Not sure how well I will do at keeping the disco working on account that the engine is stupidly complicated looking. Let's hope it keeps itself working! Failing that I have a manual for the td5 model, and can improvise. And swear!