Projects

[Lockee]

My LSE refurb is going too slow.

How is everyone else going or any exciting projects happening?

[Corgie Carrier]

My projects are also going too slow, mainly due to lack of money, but also problems with the DD stressing me out.

Maybe if you start a build thread in members rides section people will push you to finish it.

[Vern]

Mine should be back on the road this week lockee! Hurry up would ya😊.
Oh you need a more user friendly workshop😉

[dungarover]

Okay my 92 (late 91 actually) is currently has no driveline, I bought a 95 Disco donor to transplant the 3.9, auto and LT230 into the 92 Rangie (still waiting for it to get here, the towing mob hasn't picked it up yet).

The 2 door (1980 with the P76/LT95) ended up a full resto of the body inc. body mounts which were a bit past there used by date :mad: Still this is a long term project but working mostly 5 1/2 -6 days a week makes not much time to play with Rovers. Has been sitting on the stands for @ 7 months, looking really sad atm :(:(

Well with a few weeks off over Christmas I may get time to sort out the 92 Rangie then get stuck into the 2 door, would like that finished at least by this time next year (famous last words :D:D).

Trav

[Homestar]

I've just got to replace the inlet manifold and stick the front driveshaft in then it will be drivable again. From there it's only the passenger front seat and deck the back out for camping.

Got to pull my finger out, it's been like that for months now. :(

[DoubleChevron]

No time and even less money ...... Isn't that just what we call "normal life" :D I have a rangie with it's front end in bits .... probably with a locked up borg warner transfer case, and 4 other cars in varying states of decay that I drive. Probably just spending $1000 on each of them would absolutely transform there reliability and drivability (eg: windscreens, batteries,tires, suspension boots, tie rod ends etc...).

Hey I manage to put fuel in them sometimes to drive them though. What else could you ask for :D I'm driving one today that needs a bonnet ('cos I put it over the roof last year) .... It's all fun right though :cool:

I've spent every spare second for the last 6months nearly on an old caravan.... Hopefully I'll be able to spend some time on cars now.... My wife is making really strange suggestions like "cleaning yard, mowing grass, fixing stuff, gardens, etc" .... and all sorts of horific suggestions of what my limited spare time can be spend on.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Lockee]

No time and even less money ...... Isn't that just what we call "normal life" :D I have a rangie with it's front end in bits .... probably with a locked up borg warner transfer case, and 4 other cars in varying states of decay that I drive. Probably just spending $1000 on each of them would absolutely transform there reliability and drivability (eg: windscreens, batteries,tires, suspension boots, tie rod ends etc...).

Hey I manage to put fuel in them sometimes to drive them though. What else could you ask for :D I'm driving one today that needs a bonnet ('cos I put it over the roof last year) .... It's all fun right though :cool:

I've spent every spare second for the last 6months nearly on an old caravan.... Hopefully I'll be able to spend some time on cars now.... My wife is making really strange suggestions like "cleaning yard, mowing grass, fixing stuff, gardens, etc" .... and all sorts of horific suggestions of what my limited spare time can be spend on.

seeya,
Shane L.

So if I had a working Borg Warner or two....

And a couple of bonnets....

[connormotorsport]

I took on the dreaded home renovation by myself whilst trying to work my farm and play with cars too. Argh need atleast 3 of me to get anything finished haha

[DoubleChevron]

So if I had a working Borg Warner or two....

And a couple of bonnets....

:) I'm going to chase up an LT230 for it ..... I don't understand why anyone would refit something that's known to break with no warning :wasntme:

The bonnet is on an old 1963 Citroen .... I doubt you have one :BigThumb:

seeya
Shane L.

[Meccles]

Ok been interesting month. Bit the bullet booked car into Aussies Resto's Yandina Paint and Panel) all exterior panels there already. Got my Dakota Digital instrument cluster plus new light boxes and all body/chassis bolts/rubbers/inserts delivered. Then by stroke of luck, panel shop went to odd place to quote on another job. Guy wanted a 1972 Aston tidied up. But, he had 74 Rangey sitting in weeds that he had planned to rebuild. Sound familiar? He had to get rid of car and all bits he had collected within next 5 days. Some domestic issues. So, for grand total of $300 plus trailer rental plus car transport, I ended up with:
4 x tailgates. 3 pretty good we are trying to choose which one to use.
Full set of factory green tinted glass including 2 windscreens in great shape- also green factory tint
Boxes of parts light clusters etc
1 great dash pad.
1 x undamaged mint instrument binnacle cover - which as I am not using originals will be available.
1 genuine center console box good condition. I would use it but have just had Aussie style one of mine re trimmed so this is available.
Full set GRP headlining, mint. Not available:)
Plus, of course, a 74 RRC which while body looks shot seats ( vinyl covered) look pretty good. Am told that manual steering box in it is fully reco'd but that is hearsay. Plus lots of other bits.
So we are making progress. Now got too much stuff! Once mine is sorted rest will go.oh, and forgot to mention dropped off at Briitish Off-road 4 front Guards 2 doors 2 reR quarter panels 2 decker panels 4 seats 2 original 2 which in 1988 I had Allan "swampy" Marsh modify. So some reasonable stuff there also.

[Lockee]

Ok been interesting month. Bit the bullet booked car into Aussies Resto's Yandina Paint and Panel) all exterior panels there already. Got my Dakota Digital instrument cluster plus new light boxes and all body/chassis bolts/rubbers/inserts delivered. Then by stroke of luck, panel shop went to odd place to quote on another job. Guy wanted a 1972 Aston tidied up. But, he had 74 Rangey sitting in weeds that he had planned to rebuild. Sound familiar? He had to get rid of car and all bits he had collected within next 5 days. Some domestic issues. So, for grand total of $300 plus trailer rental plus car transport, I ended up with:
4 x tailgates. 3 pretty good we are trying to choose which one to use.
Full set of factory green tinted glass including 2 windscreens in great shape- also green factory tint
Boxes of parts light clusters etc
1 great dash pad.
1 x undamaged mint instrument binnacle cover - which as I am not using originals will be available.
1 genuine center console box good condition. I would use it but have just had Aussie style one of mine re trimmed so this is available.
Full set GRP headlining, mint. Not available:)
Plus, of course, a 74 RRC which while body looks shot seats ( vinyl covered) look pretty good. Am told that manual steering box in it is fully reco'd but that is hearsay. Plus lots of other bits.
So we are making progress. Now got too much stuff! Once mine is sorted rest will go.oh, and forgot to mention dropped off at Briitish Off-road 4 front Guards 2 doors 2 reR quarter panels 2 decker panels 4 seats 2 original 2 which in 1988 I had Allan "swampy" Marsh modify. So some reasonable stuff there also.

Marsh Seats were great, reminds me I have some retrimmed two door seats to move on

[Corgie Carrier]

Meccles, let Grey ghost know about the binnacle, I am pretty sure he wanted one for his 77 rangy, likewise Lockee let tom know about the seats, he was going to get his retrimmed, you might save him time and money.

I spent today at Les Richmond Autos and finally got the rear main seal to stop leaking (3rd time lucky as they say). So after 3 main seals and two clutch kits (about $3500) in 2 months I know why my bush truck is taking so long to get on the bloody road :(

[superquag]

"... I know why my bush truck is taking so long to get on the bloody road "

... So, why bother about the road, - leave it in the ...bush. :wasntme:

[grey_ghost]

Thanks for the heads up Corgie Carrier - I've sent a PM to Lockee / Meccles...

[Corgie Carrier]

"... I know why my bush truck is taking so long to get on the bloody road "

... So, why bother about the road, - leave it in the ...bush. :wasntme:

There's one in every crowd! :D

[Lockee]

So Now my electrical gremlins begin. Cant move drivers seat forward to unbolt. Contact cleaner in it prior to pulling apart the switches.

Worse alarm now going off. Next job is to disable it

[jsp]

I have a two door project that's driveable, but about half finished - 81 body, 94 disco drive train taken out of a 75 RR, and a heap of other bits......I put lots of time into it to get it moveable as I moved house a few months ago.

And then there's the wadham stringer sitting in the shed waiting for some TLC....

I see everyone else's projects on here and wish I had half the ability and talent........

[RRNick]

Hi All I have done a little work to my project.

Fitted 2 inch lift and a set of 33`s on the weekend.
What a difference on the Track in to and out of Snug Falls..

Also fitted the ARB Bullbar the following day :-)

What Marvelous Vehicle`s. :-):D:D:D

[Lockee]

So Now my electrical gremlins begin. Cant move drivers seat forward to unbolt. Contact cleaner in it prior to pulling apart the switches.

Worse alarm now going off. Next job is to disable it
Swapped out the alarm ecu that also does the central locking. Fixed.
Drivers electric window, fixed.
Now the seat.....

[Lockee]

Thanks to Vern for the shed and hoist got a lot done yesterday.
Body off
Donor serpentine 3.9 r380 lt230 in
Body lift out.
Body back on

[DoubleChevron]

Thanks to Vern for the shed and hoist got a lot done yesterday.
Body off
Donor serpentine 3.9 r380 lt230 in
Body lift out.
Body back on

How long does it take to get a body off ? I would have though, all the cables, wiring, steering, brakes etc.. would make it a large task. Do the seats bolt through into the chassis too ?

seeya,
Shane L.

[Lockee]

Steering column
Brake lines
Fuel fillers
Engine loom
Seatbelt mounts.
Towbar wiring

Not too bad. Was well worth it for result.

Easier putting in a known donor engine box and transfer in one go

[Lockee]

Rolled into shed at 7pm

Body was off by 9pm

[DoubleChevron]

Rolled into shed at 7pm

Body was off by 9pm

Amazing, I'm guessing the wiring harnesses all have quick disconnect plugs then. I never have dreamed of doing this. Even our cars built in the 30's -> 50's are monocoque design. I'm not used to separate chassis cars.

I guess it's very simple to fix rollever damaged bodies then .... 1/2 days work and you swap another body over onto the chassis :wasntme:

seeya,
Shane L.

[Lockee]

Front diff back together.
Early arb locker
Great Basin Rover Reverse cut 4.1 ratio
HiTuff axles
Early range cvs and outer axles
New vented slotted and dimpled rotors
waitng on new defender calipers

[Meccles]

Sounds great!

[Cap]

1977 2 door resto started strip down and stopped until winter starts. Needs complete strip down, sills and lower pillars need replacing and body panels also. dont even know where to start although i stripped interior to date.

[gavinwibrow]

I must have done something horrible in another life.

After reluctantly wrecking a cheaply purchased 93, I was left with the steel cage (and still have various bits if anyone west is interested). Apart from rust in the front passenger footwell, it was in remarkable condition.

I ended up taking the shell to the local steel recyclers for $0.

About 6 weeks later, circumstances determine I had better check the back of the LSE for rust - ouch! Having just destroyed an almost perfect back section 93 floor pan, guess what I ideally need. My LSE obviously did more salt water boat ramp time than thought.
And I also gave away the 93 rear door bottom some months ago, and now find my rear door has some rust dead centre bottom inside where not very accessible - grrrrr!
Oh well, at least the extended floor section in front of the rear seats is in near perfect condition, as is the ceiling.

[Lockee]

Been away in Canberra for the weekend so not much progress.
Have sourced a new aluminium upper tailgate
Defender Calipers
New rear ball joint.
Just waiting on my modified rear housing to get my Toyota rear centre in

[superquag]

I must have done something horrible in another life.

After reluctantly wrecking a cheaply purchased 93, I was left with the steel cage (and still have various bits if anyone west is interested). Apart from rust in the front passenger footwell, it was in remarkable condition.

I ended up taking the shell to the local steel recyclers for $0.

About 6 weeks later, circumstances determine I had better check the back of the LSE for rust - ouch! Having just destroyed an almost perfect back section 93 floor pan, guess what I ideally need. My LSE obviously did more salt water boat ramp time than thought.
And I also gave away the 93 rear door bottom some months ago, and now find my rear door has some rust dead centre bottom inside where not very accessible - grrrrr!
Oh well, at least the extended floor section in front of the rear seats is in near perfect condition, as is the ceiling.

I've still got some photos of the shell being ignominiously carted away... and there WAS touch of 'red' about the rear floor, if that's any consolation! [bigsad]

[Mercguy]

Stuck in a rut with my projects due to work commitments.

Need my own hoist. and time. more time.

[discojools]

Been away in Canberra for the weekend so not much progress.
Have sourced a new aluminium upper tailgate
Defender Calipers
New rear ball joint.
Just waiting on my modified rear housing to get my Toyota rear centre in

Where did you get the ally tailgate from?

[Meccles]

I was speaking to MR automotive last week and they mentioned they have them. One piece units, you have to fit your own glass. I have a kit purchased from UK some time ago, that is in pieces that you assemble. But now dollar is worthless UK kits are pricey.

[discojools]

I was speaking to MR automotive last week and they mentioned they have them. One piece units, you have to fit your own glass. I have a kit purchased from UK some time ago, that is in pieces that you assemble. But now dollar is worthless UK kits are pricey.

Yes spoke to them yesterday.. probably work out just little cheaper than UK

[Lockee]

Long overdue but getting back onto mine. How is everyone else going?

[Vern]

Yeah, charged the battery! That's it:(

[Homestar]

Put a long range tank in mine, 80 channel UHF and finished the interior. Just have to get a new stepper motor to get it to run right, then sort out the cooling system. Almost ready to start taking it further than the servo and back on its test runs now. :D

[dungarover]

Bought another 2 door off Neale (Corgi Carrier) on the forum for $750. Pretty much rust free but panel and paint are in a sorry state and it doesn't run either :(

I also have a 86 Rangie that needs a fuel pump gasket (already have a fuel pump), get that running and move it on. I bought it for the ARB step and bullbar as I wanted them for my 2 door, the Rangie will be posted it up for sale when I get it sorted out :)

Plenty to do not enough time :(:(

Trav

[Mercguy]

Was dissatisfied with my stock rrc centre console and have replaced it with a s/h department of the interior version from a forum member.
Was an absolute bastard to fit, took nearly 2 days to get it perfect, but now I'm extremely satisfied with the results.
Then turned my hand to the auxiliary battery setup which I wasn't happy with. Ripped out the battery box, recabled to the isolator and changed the accessory plugs in the back. Found some rust in the front floor and gave it a cleanup then killrust epoxy enamel because it's all I have at the moment- Brunswick Green looks half OK and will be hidden by floor mats anyway.
I just keep finding stuff that needs attention and never enough time to fix it all...
Window motors are next unless something else gets in the way

[Lockee]

So winched it into the shed.

Removed all the now surplus abs gear under the passenger seat to get a mates going again. Refitting whole non abs system from a discovery with new defender calipers.

Next job is to swap rear housing for the 30 spline conversion new ball joint whilst it is out

[Mercguy]

well I finally got something 'done'...

As I mentioned previously, I had fitted a replacement centre console to the rrc and a few other things.

Those 'few' other things ended up taking the best part of a fortnight to complete.

Here's a bit more detail.

Firstly, the centre console kept rubbing on the DIN mounting for the cd player so I had to remove the lower dash section. This also ended up becoming removal of all vents, the steering wheel, column surround, under-column section, carpet, and other ancillaries.
Stuff was trimmed, fabricated, glued, broken, re-glued, screwed and relocated to ensure no more squeaks rattles or creaks. Then I ended up removing the door trims, fitting some new speakers, running new speaker cables and as you'd know that comes with its' own kind of pain.
Then I recabled the main supply to the aux battery from the isolator with some new 000B&S cable, which is a PITA to route at the best of times, but with a holesaw, a step drill and a few salvaged wiring harness grommets from my old Mercedes, I managed to get that hunk of copper through to the back nice & neat.
I was never happy with the marine battery box, so I decided to drill holes in the rear floor area and used 2 battery anchors with some threaded rod and got the huge battery snugged down properly with absolutely zero movement.
I then went about refabricating and rewiring the aux battery accessories, so that everything had a switchpanel and circuit brakers as well as relays for isolation.
Added a few things and then rewired the rear tailgate light switch with an isolation switch to enable the interior lights to be switched off with the upper tailgate open.
Then the tailgate latch decided that was the right time to crap itself, so I spent another 3 hours removing, cleaning, fixing, refitting and adjusting the whole setup. it's smooth as a baby's now...

Fabricated a side-panel out of formply, as an interim measure until I work out how I'm going to setup the rear cargo area. The Engel is taking up quite a good amount of space, and I'm OK with that, but can think of a few more future alterations involving a custom made fridge slide and a couple of drawers beside the fridge. For now though, the rear is dine until I decide when and where I'll fit the 240v inverter sockets - they are not required at this point.

Then back to the front and I finaly fitted the redarc dual battery gauge, which wasn't too difficult, but does require tapping into the under dash wiring harness, which I did neatly, unlike previous butchers.
cleaned out the HVAC, cleaned the vent cowl and vents, sprayed the centre section with matt black for a contrast and it's made the dash look quite decent.
Used some single-sided closed cell foam tape on the dash sections to quiet things down a bit, and overall pleased with the result.

Then drove the thing down to Jervis NP for the day (yesterday) to check that everything was working properly. Fridge is good, accessories are working, stereo is finally audible and centre console doesn't squeak.

Floors have been given the once-over and I'll keep an eye on them to see how the killrust holds up, but it should be OK for quite some time.

Can think of plenty more things to work on, but right now, I can enjoy the car for a while until I get stuck into the world of transfer case and engine swaps....

[Meccles]

I'm chasing springs but seems harder than expected. Got chassis ready for bushes etc springs in it have sagged. But, spoke to Andrew at LRA and given my requirements- a lighter 2 door, near stock height, no bull bar, no heavy towing, want that supple ride....he couldn't help. Best advice I could get was build it with old springs, then once completed put it on weigh bridge and go from there. Pity would be so easy to do now but am not prepared to buy new Dobsons on a "maybe" Andrew also said "s...mate been 30 years since I've supplied for something like that" not sure if that proves I am truly insane, or just progressive and this will catch on:)

[incisor]

Funny you should mention this..

Been trying to get my 88 rrc back near std heights with front and rear bars. Andrew was a big help.

I don't envy you trying to find an off the shelf solution...

[Mercguy]

Did rear brakes, wheel bearings yesterday.

discovered the extent of the RHS hub seal leak, wasn't horriffic, but wasn't good either - the inside pad was oilsoaked.

Anyway, I decided to replace all the bearings, convert to oiled and rebuilt callipers, new rotors etc. Was a solid day's work, everything went well, albeit a tad slowly.

Took it for a drive, to bed in the pads, brakes are great, no noises etc.

To my amazement, this morning the LHS hub seal appears to have leaked one drop of fresh gear oil onto the dustshield. Now, the seals used were double lipped, and installed correctly, and the stub had no grooves in the seal mating face. It's ironic that the RHS is not leaking, so I'm going to either have to pull the LHS off again, replace the seal, or the stub axle and the seal. although there should be no need to, as everythign was checked and assembly was careful.

I know it's only 1 drop, and the car has been sitting overnight with a slight lean to the left, but there should not be any leak from a brand new seal. A little disappointed considering how much care was taken to ensure everything was spot-on.

[Meccles]

Yeah it is PIA you try and do it right but still... See photos below fitted engine/gearbox to chassis on weekend. Brand new genuine mounts. Today, I see one has split, so had to remove it. Now engine is sitting on block of wood while Andrew gets faulty one and sends a replacement. What to say he has never heard of genuine one failing like that, but hey that seems to be the LR way.. There is always a "first"[emoji51]109545
109546
109547

[Mercguy]

Well, You wouldn't read about it..... the drop of oil is no longer a drop.

self-healing, or maybe just a bit of the lube getting past the seal while it bedded in.
Nonetheless, I'm going to keep an eye on it.

I also have engine mounts on the agenda - but not this week....

More work!

This time ignition system.

For no other reason other than annoyance with the vehicle performance and a sporadic random decision to overhaul something for the sake of it, I took on the task of doing the BIM024 remote module transformer coil and upper distributor shaft retainer mod.

Nothing wrong with the dizzy or the module, I just wanted to get it away from the dizzy before it went south on me.

Like I said, Initially I was just going to do the coil and module, but after looking inside when re-gapping the reluctor coil, I decided to completely overhaul the dizzy.
It was a dog's beakfast inside, obviously had suffered from excessive oiling at some stage. I started by removing the excessive endfloat in the lower shaft section, then did the obligatory 4mm mushroom head socket screw 'retainer' instead of the nylon grommet.
A couple of mods to the counterweights, retainer and springs (think recurving) set the static and full advance timing and she's a beaut. Good for another 333,000km.
Having done a couple of GM units and being used to the star type reluctor, I was genuinely pleased to be able to adjust the gap to a nice and close 0.1mm and it's made a difference. I wouldn't have gapped it so close without overhauling the shaft first though.

So, now that it's been done and tested for 24 hours, I'm actually surprised to say it performs quite nicely. It's also disposed of a random high rpm surge which has been plaguing me for nearly 12 months. There is definitely a better spark, possibly a result of the new coil and bim024. Coil is HEC716 and appears to be quite adequate.

Also took some time to alter some other engine bay wiring, which was deemed inadequate. And then I pulled the alternator and gave that a once over and anew belt for good measure. Cleaned the MAF sensor, and the air filter housing while it was out of the way also.

Seems every time I look in the engine bay, I find a myriad of things that could do with a 'change'

Speaking of changes, the engine note has altered a little, especially on part throttle at lower rpm's. It sounds better, but that may simply be anecdotal as a result of fixing things.

I'm hoping there will be a minor improvement to the fuel economy - as soon as I stop 'testing' the throttle response ;)

[Meccles]

If you are doing mounts Andrew at LRA was great swapped out faulty mount straight away. He reckons only genuine are any good

[Mercguy]

I've had them sitting in the 'parts bin' for quite some time - along with front end suspension & steering upgrades - plan is to get it all done in one big hit. But it will have to wait until I can muster up some time so I can take a few days off work.

[Baggy]

Hi Mike,

Your 2 dr is coming along nicely and all your hard work, paitents and $$$ is paying off....but like you said in earlier posts you've come too far to stop or take shortcuts in the quality stakes at this stage in the project.

Having a affinity with a vehicle that took you and your family everywhere and was sold .... only to come accross her years later to now rebuild (better than new) is something that non Landie owners would'nt understand.

While most of us just dream of being able to do what you are doing it shows what can be done to make an awsome vehicle better by giving it a much needed boost in the power stakes and replacing those parts
that did'nt work well even when they were new.

Understand purest may not be happy .....but like all our RRC we do tweek them to suit ourselves but we can all appreciate your hard effort.

Can't wait to see her finished ......keep the post coming.

Cheers

Baggy

[Lockee]

7 months off my project due to work and family about to get back into it.

Have a Rhino pioneer platform to go on.

Bought a 93 disco for parts so now dilemma rebuilt ZF or keep the R380.

Disco also had reversed rims with a good set of 33 all terrains so 2nd set sorted.

Have the Detroit locker in TOYOTA centre ready to fit into the LSE

Need to fit the fender calipers to the front