77 Update

[Meccles]

Ok got some more pics. Not much original steel left at moment!:o

[loanrangie]

Wow, she was a long way gone to require that much new metal.

[Meccles]

It was in very similar state to most I have seen. But having new panels, is easier than trying to repair sections of old

[Meccles]

Some more pics put new clutch on original Borg and beck sill in LR box mated to gearbox back from shop thanks Bearman for help. Chassis and body bits off to sand boasters hopefully this week. Intent is to get chassis done first then fit engine/gearbox then they will fit up body, mm having issue with attachments today

[Meccles]

Maybe these will work

[Lotsawork]

Well done, another example that will live on for some time to come.

Are you keeping it original?

[Pickles2]

Meccles, loanrangie has already said it but,...WOW, is all I can say. You must have great skill to rebuild from that stage?
I note the Edelbrock air cleaner,..what will the motor specs be, and do you have an original interior?
More pics please, of this very interesting restoration.
Great work, Pickles.

[Meccles]

Ok well some background for all. I owned this car from 1986 to 1998. Rebuilt it first time in 1988. We put thousands of good reliable comfortable miles in, kids grew up in that car. It turned up just down road from me in 2012. I drove it home. But after another 14 years on beach, well, a lot was pretty tired. After night on red wine and convincing by kid ( all grown up now) I decided to re do it. However, project, like all, has grown. Now at stage where we can't really take short cuts that will effect longevity. But, even in 1986 there were things I changed as I wasn't happy with standard LR offering. So, I figure Lotsawork car will be more valuable as it will be original. Mine, intent is for it to look stock and original, but will have some modern touches to make driving it nice.so, list is:

Engine- my original 3.5, bored 20 thou 9.75:1 Pistons, ARP rod bolts, crower 50230 cam, cloyes true roller cam drive with Teflon button, heads ported and flowed Teflon valve stem seals, but single spring only ( though strong). Inlet manifold Edelbrock Performer with Edebrock 500 Cfm carb. Petronix Flame Thrower distributor, MSD plug leads. Offenhauser rocker covers. Plus some plug lead tidy ups, ARP S/S manifold bolts. Headers are ceramic coated. If it makes 1 Hp per cubic inch I will be happy.

Gearbox, my original LT95 rebuilt but also has short shift gear change. Clutch new, braided clutch hose.

Chassis, new OEM rubber bushes everywhere except pan hard rod which gets urethane. Plus has my "old" 1994 front sway bar. Plus my 1995 Brown Davies 130 litre fuel tank. Which is still in great shape.

Body will be all original no mods though Color will be Fuji white.

Brakes: I have re built all calipers with S/S Pistons also fronts have John Davis spacer to fit vented discs. Rotors I have DBA Gold series slotted and drilled, plus braided brake lines

Interior : I fitted a nice Momo in 86, the wheel has died but hub is still good so got another Momo. Front seats I used Allan "swampy" Marsh seats in88, these were pretty knack erred so picked up some mint 2012 Mercedes AMG coupe seats, these have been modified to remove computers, all adjustments are now done with toggle switches. All trim is original though now recovered in new material. Got a good headlining covered in same material as new Range Rovers.
Instrument Panel I have gone with Dakota Digital VHX 1018 ( I think that is number) using GPS speedo drive. All sender units come from them also. Binnacle is getting built now copying original shape.

Wiring: well as most wires were getting brittle have gone for a Painless Performance loom, the 26 circuit off road unit with their protective braid.

HVAC : car had under dash A/c unit however smiths heater units were bit of issue. Mine and all rest I could find all rods etc had rusted away. So went with Vintage Air and got really nice modern combined heater/a/c evaporator which fits nicely in same space. Controls duplicate original smiths ones. Got all hose ends etc from Nostalgic Air in U/S.

So, a lot in place, a lot still to do. Why? When I pick up about 50% of my spanners ( Sidchrome) these were my Granfathers he left them to me when he died. And when I swing on many bolts/bits etc I remember doing same thing all those years ago. So yeah I get some pleasure out of that.

[DoubleChevron]

Bloody hell.... I'd have searched the country for the best 2 door body I could find and strapped it to my car trailer and dragged in home ~~ 200hours labour saved in the blink of an eye :p . It's going to be way, way, way cheaper and easier than rebuilding a rotten one :wasntme:

Having said that, man I'm impressed (and horrified) at how you have had to pull that apart :D

seeya
ShaneL

[Meccles]

Maybe, though I have not come across any old two door that is without cancer. And, add to that my time (which has value) trying to find said perfect body shell. Add to that I brought the replacement panels years ago when dollar was worth something. So real cost has been fitting them up which didn't take as Long as you would think.

[jsp]

wow, wish I had half your talent and patience! even half of half would be great!

I have a few two doors - one I have built from scratch that runs but is only half finished and a 73 I just picked up that's a bit rough. Hands down to you for effort. I look at mine and just get scared thinking about picking up all the little bits like rusted window trims, cracked seals etc.

Very interested in some detail around your AC/heating setup, as I also have an 86 rangie ambulance I am looking to put AC into to use as my camper.

[Meccles]

There are a couple of companies in US that specialise in aftermarket HVAC systems. The two biggest are Vintage Air and Classic Air. Just Google them and you will see them come up. I downloaded the Vintage Air catalogues it is very thorough. I brought the evaporator from Summit Racing in US it was cheaper than using the Australian agents for Vintage air. Rest of items like Compressor, condenser etc I got locally as weight makes freight a bit pricey. It is all typical good US stuff well thought out. Stepper motors for all flaps etc

[Meccles]

Bit of update chassis and most bits off at sandblasted. Fitted seat belt mounts on B pillar as per engineering where they are I can still fold rear seathttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/498.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/499.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/500.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/501.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/502.jpg

[Meccles]

Here's where retractor will mount it clears front seat ok and allows rear to fold108222

[Meccles]

Chassis back from sand blasters got etch primed then epoxy coat looks good
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[Meccles]

Ok fitted engine/transmission suspension and Brown Davis fuel tank. The tank was in mint condition inside though outside had a bit of corrosion. Bit more to do then back to get body fitted up. It is nice working on it only grease is from what I apply[emoji3]109506
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[Meccles]

Fitted extractors today the ARP bolts for these are awesome to use 3/8 UNF S/S but with only 3/8" hex head. Makes fitting them up so easy in tight spots
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[Meccles]

Big day Friday Color going on panels:D the body has been fitted up to chassis panel gaps ( huge) checked then taken off for trip to paint booth. Have picked the most poisonous toxic paint cause I figure it will be toughest and I'm not spraying it:D

[Meccles]

Ok colour on some panels rest very close to being painted. I hope mid next week panels will be on chassis starting to go back together. Here is a sample of work being done
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[Meccles]

And some more pics
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[Baggy]

Hi Mike

Like big Kev would say ......gee I'm excited....:D

Build is coming along beautifully and the finished product will be sweet.

Looking forward to seeing panels on ......

Keep the posts coming ....though I'd suggest making photos a little larger ...my eyes arn't what they used to be

Cheers

Baggy

[Meccles]

Hi Baggy,
Yeah it is coming on well. Almost all prep work has been done, it is now paint and assemble. Re photos I posted these from tapatalk if you tap on each photo it does open as a large photo - at least it does on my ipad :) must admit I haven't fully mastered the art of embedding them into a post;)

[Sam Ball]

Looks great Mike!

[DoubleChevron]

Do the later bodies come apart to that extent too ? You sure are going to "enjoy" getting that back together. I've spent litterally weeks trying to get the panel gaps right on a Citroen DS ..... the more time I spent on it, the worse it got :wasntme: Is every panel adjustable in every direction on these too :o ( it sounds good in reality, but in practice it makes it extremelly difficult to get the panel gaps right .... as by moving any single individual panel, you put all the other panel out in relation to it ).

seeya,
Shane L.

[Meccles]

:D Panel gaps on Rangie are a relative thing. But, I am leaving this to panel shop. They are better at it than me. I know my limitations and paint/panel is one of them. Now, if we wanted it done with a roller, Taubamns Endure, in a Satin finish, then I'm your man! Bit like electricity. I know how it works. And I know how to run wires etc. But final wiring will be done by someone with, how shall I say, some verified competency in this. Otherwise it could all end up in a smoking ruin:(

[Mercguy]

The only issue I'd have in doing something like this, is that I would be afraid to take it out afterwards, for fear of scratching.

I love resto work, and the satisfaction it brings, but I have to admit, on my rangie, I am not too concerned about little bits of imperfection here and there - but I would be ****scared to take a restored one out up the glasshouse or landcruiser park or somesuch.

Love your work. living vicariously through your pictures is a wonderfully satisfying feeling :D;)

[Meccles]

Yeah well I am sure it will get scratched. Like any new car the first one hurts. Of more concern is SWMBO has noticed the price these are getting in UK and Has said " why don't you .... Blah blah" Bugger it's not even going yet! :o

[Meccles]

Here are some more pics. Really coming together and looking good
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[LandyAndy]

WOW.Your attention to detail is excellent,looking a million bucks.
Will be following this thread into the future.
WELL DONE:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[Mick_Marsh]

WOW.Your attention to detail is excellent,looking a million bucks.
Will be following this thread into the future.
WELL DONE:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew
Ditto

[Meccles]

Thanks! For those with sharp eyes in first photo there is a larger hole on front of square section on inner wheel well. I am planning on hidden wiring where possible. Also, there is a " new" cross member between wheel wells at front, this is for Fenix 3.9 ally radiator as mounts are different from older car. Be a bit of a challenge to get it all going :)

[archieaja]

Amazing work so far. This thing is going to be an absolute beauty.

Serious case of the green eyed monster on my part.

[Meccles]

Ok not best photo but paint on first exterior panel the roof! And if I may say so looking pretty bloody good!
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[Meccles]

Rangy
M
Michael Ecclessmith
Hi Shane, Any update or photos? Best Mike

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On 25 Aug 2016, at 3:49 PM, Michael image5.JPGimage6.

[Meccles]

This will work better
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[Meccles]

Ok this is grille/bumper in Corris grey. Then also bonnet/decker panel fit up and grille/light surrounds in place. Getting to stage where it has to come home the $$ are getting too much, time for more of my input. Pity cause they are doing great work but time for me to do more.

[Lotsawork]

Great to see another being brought back to life and ready for another 40 years.
Well done.
I'm still doing my 73, finding the time is hard.
I live on the Gold Coast, our cars will nearly look like twins if people see them on the road together.

[Baggy]

Hi Mike

Additional photos look great and you've set a high bar in the restore stakes however as others have stated it'll be around for another 40 years ....

It will have the on tap power, reliability and electrics that Leyland couldn't afford to do and Charles Spencer King would have loved to take it for a spin if he was still around.

In fact we'd all love to take it for a spin .....

Keep the post coming......


Cheers

Baggy

[Meccles]

Thanks Baggy! Long way to go yet unfortunately. And got to husband the $$ the panel shop was :eek::eek::eek:

[Meccles]

Well she is home[emoji3]at lock up stage. Not as much done as I had hoped all bailey channel and pinch weld to fit. Plus all bonnet furniture rear mud flaps window rubbers etc etc etc. but all doable. I think it looks good but I am biased[emoji849] when I fit bonnet stay will take photo of engine bay it is
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[westy1]

Oooh:) check that out..shiny white:)looking great

[Meccles]

Couldn't help myself amazing what uses a broom can be put too[emoji1303]
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[rar110]

Shiny.

[Meccles]

Gotta make it go now:)

[Meccles]

Ok back again from panel shop. They fixed a few items that had been overlooked/missed. Things like fuel filler cap tailgate hinges bailey channel etcetc. This time it was returned washed polished and looked much better
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[Pedro_The_Swift]

Thanks for the Grand Tour Mike,,
looked amazing! :cool:

[Baggy]

Mike,

She looks fast even standing still ......:D and nothing like to Rangies under the carport.....;)

We look forward to further updates....

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, your family and to all our AULRO members.

Baggy

[Meccles]

Thanks Baggy and Pedro. And yes Pedro will go with what we discussed re tint and wheels👍🏻. Wishing you all and everyone on Aulro a Merry Christmas and a safe and reliable New Year😀🎄🎄🚗🍾🍷🍺

[Meccles]

Ok with Christmas etc haven't been able to do much. Attached is what had been done. Fitted Painless Performance 26 circuit loom, it fits nicely where old fuse block used to go. Have run all headlight/flashers/horn etc through inner guard. And MSD firewall feed through fitted- to allow fitment of coil inside car. Plus fitted rear bumper it looks good in corris grey. Back to work Monday so work stops for a while. Next up is I think fit dynamat to firewall while I have good access. 117966
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[Meccles]

My last post went missing with recent site problems. Am sure it will be ok now. Alright fitted pedal box and steering column. Shimmed lower bush on column so no slop there. Everything tidied up. New clutch master cylinder and S/S hose. Brake master cylinder got a birthday it needed a S/S liner fitted- plus new rubbers. Fitted brake lines and clutch lines what a PIA too long for this post! Fitted Fenix radiatior its later 3.9 type. Fitted the electric fans I had lying around they fit-and seem ok. Used a Hayden dual speed/dual fan controller- works fine when I dip sensor in hot water[emoji1303]. Have run fuel line now have fuel at carby, and fitted charcoal canister. I cheated on this cut it in half where clamp goes, emptied the old charcoal (what was left) re filled with activated charcoal from fish shop. Araldited it together seems fine. So a $12 score[emoji3]. Auto elect takes car mid March he wants it for about 6 weeks it's a part time job for him. So- hoping to get engine running in May
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[Tim_AM]

looking great! nice to see a 2dr back on the road (soon)!

[Homestar]

Like the dash - what is that?

[Meccles]

A Dakota digital unit see this link. Runs GPS speedo plus their senders. A really nice bit of kit. I made housing that fits in stock dash recess and got it trimmed same as door cards etc.
VHX-1018: Universal 4.4" x 11.4" Recessed Oval, Analog VHX Instrument (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=846/category_id=69/mode=prod/prd846.htm)

[Homestar]

Cool bit of kit. Don't tell the Roadworthy guy it's a GPS speedo, they're technically illegal in Australia, but I'm buying one soon for the 101 as I can get my existing one going and that will be a much easier option. No fafffing around with speedo cables and drives, wrong ratios etc - love 'em. :)

Love the that you can use an OBDII interface - that would make installation a snap in more modern vehicles.

[Meccles]

Yeah unit came with a pulse sender adapter to convert cable drive to pulse but to mate it to LT95 was going to cost more than GPS sender. Thanks for info re RWC! And yes having speedo correct no matter what tyre or gearing- how good is that. Plus it links to data so when it is in blind spot works on rpm etc[emoji106]

[Mercguy]

I used a Speedohealer v4 to drive the electronic speedo in my c124, after doing the 6sp manual swap.
trans has no vss, signal from wheelspeed is a VR. speedo input is hall.
So using the propshaft and a honeywell hall sensor to the speedohealer, I have an infallible feed to the speedo in an almost infinite adjustable signal via the speedohealer.

They also make a 2-wire VR, which you can derive a signal from abs sensor / wheelspeed etc, but the hall provides better resolution for my application.

inexpensive, dead easy to configure and has an iphone app for quick and easy adjustment, 2 memory settings for different tyre diameters / diff ratios etc.

Only reason I chose this method was I wanted factory instruments, Mercedes speedo's have callibration for diff ratio in speedo head (for odo) and I had changed ratios as well as transmission.
2 birds with one stone so to speak.

https://www.healtech-electronics.com/products/sh/

clieck on "special models" halfway down the page if you want to look at the 2-wire inductive (VR) sensor version.

[Angelou]

great work and pics , thats inspirational !!!!!

[Meccles]

Fitted coil, steering column binnacle and switches. Fixed the as usual broken high beam connection. Bled the clutch- it's working! Fitted power steering reservoir and hoses plus plumbed in radiator. Started on dynamat. Next is cleaning old loom for Electrian to use what he needs. He takes car Monday week. Theres fuel at carby, fluid in power steering and clutch. Not filling radiator yet plus still haven't fitted heater bypass hoses in cabin. Will wire it up first then fit A/c unit which also has heater.
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[Pedro_The_Swift]

I gather all that engine bay chrome is just an anti rust treatment? [bigwhistle]

[Meccles]

Yep and to prove how good it is- that was all chromed back in 1988 when I first did car. It has lived on beach since then- so shows how well good plating lasts👍

[Meccles]

The other stuff that has been awesome is braided hoses and Earls Tru braid and alloy clamp covers on radiator hoses. When I swapped the cover onto the new TOP radiator hose, the original hose from 88 was still in place and ok. These covers do work at protecting the hose underneath 👍All the shiny hoses etc date from 88

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Thats a lot of money resting on a near 30 year old hose--
new ones look nice too !!

[Meccles]

There are new hoses underneath covers 😀What I was trying to say was that old ones were in great condition

[Davo]

Then you should have chromed the whole car! [biggrin]

Don't forget some Dynaliner on top of the Dynamat, while you've got the chance.

[Meccles]

Not a bad idea probably easier and cheaper than paint [emoji3]dip whole lot chrome everything steel[emoji106]would be different [emoji15]

[Meccles]

Just ordered a roll of dynapad for the firewall /transmission tunnel thanks Davo! 👍

[Meccles]

Bit of update was hoping to have engine running now but electrician has been delayed-a family bereavement has put jobs like this on hold. Plus issue with tyresales, purchased 5 x Michelin Conti cross contacts mid April- still not delivered will not arrive till end of May. Some issue with stock not arriving that should have. FYI when we go to fire her up I will put some snags on the barby and make a do of it, all welcome to come. Have some drinks food and make noise[emoji106]

[Meccles]

Fitting up seats electrician is working on wiring seeing him to tomorrow. Tyres getting delivered next week. So some progress.

[Davo]

So, have you started making "vroom vroom" noises yet? [bigsmile]

[Meccles]

In my head yes. Find out today when electrician hopes to finish cause that is when it will be ready to start. Then little things like brakes door seals interior rest of bodywork etc😳

[Meccles]

Ok I doubt electrician will finish this month he's done a bit see below but still has all internal wiring to do and is busy. But what he has done I like[emoji1303]this is engine wired up including starter and a/c compressor all sensors also head lights and front turn/park lights
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ATTACH]125465[/ATTACH]
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[Davo]

Ah, that first drive after a major rebuild. When it's all worthwhile and hopefully nothing catches fire or leaks too much.

[Meccles]

[emoji3][emoji1303]fingers will be crossed

[Davo]

Just a thought - have you sorted out insurance? I couldn't insure mine for much at all, and then one day they suddenly decided it was worth a decent amount after all.

[Meccles]

Not yet. Was going to try Shannons

[Mercguy]

Are you going to use it regularly or will it go on historic rego?

If you're going on historic rego, then forget Shannons. speak to NRMA Classic. Note: this is NOT NRMA "as you know it"

Shannons are no longer a useful 'specialist' insurer, seems they have gone the way of all the previous "big" insurers.

I'm in the middle of re-insuring our 5 cars and Shannons have made far too many changes to the PDS for my liking. We will not be staying with them.

Friends have classic cars insured with NRMA Classic and premiums are low, cover is excellent and no dodgy stuff. I have been hesitant for a few years due to the 'bundle' Shannons offered, but no longer.

NRMA Classic is Like the old Vigil insurance used to be.

Just shop around - because I'm finding out to an increasing / alarming degree that theyre all playing policy 'games' with cover and options and the additional coverage 'costs' are extortionate. - it's almost like theyre price fixing.

Bit hard to prove but it'd be nice if the ACCC had a close look at this "industry". [bigwhistle]

[Gordie]

In my 30yrs of insuring average cars, and classics...I have found 99% of insurance companies use the 'reel you in' technique. They offer good deals for the first year...and then increase it hugely at the annual renewals. They depend on the average person being too lazy to shop around and change companies after one year...... The only one I have found here in Oz not to do that thus far is budget direct...and they are great when it comes to claims.

[Meccles]

Thanks will bear that in mind[emoji108]

[Davo]

Crikey! I'll bear all that in mind as well!

[Baggy]

Mike

She does look sweet and is inching ever closer to the big day of completion.

Its been a long road .... many years of buying bits pieces here and there ... squirreling stuff away but well worth the effort .....BRILLIANT.

Look forward to further updates ....

Cheers

Baggy

[westy1]

Gidday Meccles,looking forward to seeing all your hard work light off soon:)
Crazy mental dance totally appropriate...
Wish I could join you for rangie rebuild beers&bbq party
cheers Westy

[Meccles]

Westy/Baggy cheers pity you both won't be here I reckon September. As per Davos post I will have fire extinguisher ready plus hose and spare fluids[emoji108]plus beer and sausages we can always spray beer on any [emoji91][emoji3]

[Phil257]

Hi Meccles,

Its looking good. Looking at the pic of the engine bay you posted the other day, how is the battery held down? I cant figure out how it is supposed to clamp in mine. I believe originally there was a frame that went around the top of the battery?

Cheers,

Phil

[Meccles]

By coincidence I was looking for this today. I knew I had two but couldn't remember which box of bits they were in. But found them[emoji1303] the chrome one was from my car but chrome is starting to get tatty. The black from a donor car- which will do for time being. Memory serves me correctly there wasn't much clearance between frame and +Ve terminal it was easy to get a short[emoji849]126341

[Davo]

So I wonder when they went to the bit of angle steel with two hooked rods to pull it down? I'll have to find a picture if I remember.

[Pickles2]

Just been through this thread from the start. Sensational.
There have been some amazing restos detailed on the forum, done by forum members who obviously have very very good skills, always appreciated by me who has NO such skills.
This would be as good as any, and definitely the best RR resto I've seen on here.
Well done, Pickles.

[Meccles]

Thanks mate though I suspect others have done as much.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

it is a sight in real life,,,
lots of clever behind the scenes stuff,,

and the seats are to die for![biggrin]

[Meccles]

Pedro You haven't left me any wriggle room for any cost cutting[emoji849]I did order a pair of rear window seals last night. And new michlen conti cross contacts 235/70 r16 fitted to my tubeless RRC alloys Monday. They get re painted Friday will post results then

[DoubleChevron]

By coincidence I was looking for this today. I knew I had two but couldn't remember which box of bits they were in. But found them[emoji1303] the chrome one was from my car but chrome is starting to get tatty. The black from a donor car- which will do for time being. Memory serves me correctly there wasn't much clearance between frame and +Ve terminal it was easy to get a short[emoji849]126341

Citroen DS's have a similar battery frame.... not good at all. I slot a length of rubber hose (eg: fuel line, compressor line etc...) and push it down the side of the frame that has the battery terminals on it, so it can't short.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Meccles]

Here's the wheels finished they are Latitude Cross which I think are pretty good resemblance of old XMS Michelins. And transmission tunnel finally finished boy LR know how to complicate things. Those Merc seats use 4x10 mm HT bolts to secure. LR? How about 15 5/16 UNF bolts each with spring and flat washer per seat base. Then add in all self tappers for all gaiters/ashtray etc. no wonder QC was so iffy. If can just imagine a Monday morning of Friday arvo- are well let's just skip a few fastener[emoji15]126576
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[Pedro_The_Swift]

very classy:cool:

[Davo]

Ugh, you're telling me! What a complicated bit of bodywork. However, it is great to be able to remove the entire tunnel and floor during a rebuild. I have Dynaliner on top of the Dynamat, and then some thick rubber and some carpet over that. The noise levels are quite good and heat from the entire area now is virtually non-existent, so well worth the trouble.

[Meccles]

Davi fully agree I have some Dynapad already under seat bases and rest cut ready to go in over tunnel once installed. Will fit some Dynaliner to firewall etc. Fitted up front lights today[emoji16]the electrician is doing a fabulous job[emoji1362]
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[Davo]

Have you tried adjusting your headlights yet? I just replaced mine and was tearing my hair out because the adjuster screws are held in place with tiny little washers that grip the screw threads. They wouldn't stay put when I turned the adjusting screws and so the screws would become loose. I put springs onto the screws between the offending washers and the plastic things that move up and down the screws during adjustment, (I know, it's impossible to explain), and that seems to have kept the washers in place.

[Meccles]

I understand I had to buy some new lock washers from Repco the originals were shot. Had same issue initially if the rubber spacer that goes on adjusting screw isn't locked in tight to surround- it doesn't work.

[Davo]

Yes, that's it. I can't parts like that here so had to come up with something else.

[Milton477]

Amazing job. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

so this is the front wing??
was it an option on the 77 model?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/classic-range-rover/126644d1500704277-77-update-more-pics-490.jpg

[Meccles]

That's Davo's transmission tunnel.

[Mercguy]

Davi fully agree I have some Dynapad already under seat bases and rest cut ready to go in over tunnel once installed. Will fit some Dynaliner to firewall etc. Fitted up front lights today[emoji16]the electrician is doing a fabulous job[emoji1362]
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That's interesting to note the difference between the early vertical grille and the later horizontal grille shell. I had a few interesting moments when I was replacing the reflectors the first time, and the plastic 'splash shields' behind the reflector body seemed to be quite nonsensical.... so much heat, so close to plastic....
In the w460 G, they're metal, and a bugger to fit, but provide a watertight seal.

When I put the LED's in the RRC, I had concerns about the plastic shrouds again. So far, so good.

The captive nuts (plastic) are pretty lame too. especially given the only thing holding those 7" lamps is a thin chrome / nickel plated ring and 3 ****weak screws.

It'd be nice if there was a better (more solid) way to affix them. I guess it's down to cost..

which reminds me, I should probably get a bunch of new captive nuts and retainer trim rings, I don't trust them.

ahh except the "kit" is 110 ea. hmm.

[Davo]

Yes, there are all sorts of weird little differences which have probably caught out many a DIY man who thought he'd just use something from a 90s Rangie on an 80s model. I forgot to mention that when I did my headlights the other day I found the rubber seals 607206 had almost disintegrated, and not only can you not order them any longer but I can't work out what they're supposed to do anyway! Meanwhile, I was looking at some later plastic-bodied light holders in case I could fit them, but . . . I didn't have the required week to work out all the bugs.

[Meccles]

I needed the chrome retaining rims so had ordered what I thought was them. What arrived was the retaining rims plus plastic buckets and gaskets. Like Davo I couldn't fathom how this was supposed to all work. I ended up just using the retaining rings on original light base. I've kept the plastic buckets and bits for maybe when I had a spare month to work out how it was all supposed to fit together 😳

[Meccles]

Just found these re purchased July 2012 so that makes five years working on it. Colour was Porsche Surinam Red Metallic base coat clear coat painted in 1988. You can see bits re used again. Looked good from about 50 m away. Still drove. But up close oh the horror of the cancer[emoji15]
126976
126977

[waparamedic]

Fantastic work Mike,
I can't wait to see the next installment in September!
Cheers,
Jules.

[Meccles]

Just spoke to Auto elect - he reckons 90% complete - should be done this week. So, am home this coming weekend - looking forward to seeing progress. Will take photos[bigsmile]

[Mercguy]

Just spoke to Auto elect - he reckons 90% complete - should be done this week. So, am home this coming weekend - looking forward to seeing progress. Will take photos[bigsmile]

The nervous wait..... :wheelchair:

[Meccles]

So true... it when we first crank her over it could all go brilliant or explode in ball of flame [bigwhistle]
Or be a real Land Rover and do nothing at all and have us all scratching our heads [bigsmile]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Plan B is?
tow strap or second start batt?[bigwhistle]

[Meccles]

No Plan B - it will work:twobeers:

[Baggy]

Mike .... Looking good and you're on the home straight

Understand your hesitation when you're ready to turn her over however your attention to detail is second to none so I'd expect her to start first time ..... video of the event would be nice :)

Looking forward to your next post .....

Cheers

Baggy

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Oh Look!
its SEPTEMBER,,
[bigwhistle]

[Meccles]

Yep taking the billy lids to visit this weekend saw it last weekend almost there so fingers crossed - this weekend we see photos and finished [emoji3]

[Grumbles]

I'd expect her to start first time ..... video of the event would be nice :)

Looking forward to your next post .....

Cheers

Baggy

............and so say all of us.[thumbsupbig]

[Meccles]

Ok here's where we are. Almost done final tie in at fuse and Dakota Digital instrument controller. Tristan hopes to be done by tomorrow evening but we've heard that before. He's trying to keep the rats nest at fuse box area tidy- which is a tough ask.129215
Rear light loom
129216
Door interior light trigger
129217
Horns
129218
Ignition and light switches
129219
Last bit to do

[Meccles]

We've kept all the original bullet style connectors for ignition/indicator/horn lights etc switches. The connectors were removed from the original loom and spliced into the new loom. So replacing any switch in future is just plug and play. All wipers etc retain original plug. Tristan has followed as far as practicable the Land Rover wiring but has added relays on all important bits. Things like ignition switch is now relayed so contactors don't see much load.

[Davo]

Do you mean you've added a relay to the ignition switch for starting, or for running? They're supposed to have one for starting, (if the loom hasn't been butchered), so assuming the new relay is for when the engine is running, that's a great idea I wish I'd thought of myself! I'll have to add one or three now . . .

[Meccles]

It's for running. In last photo you see two rows of relays on left. He has headlights, ignition plus more all powered by them. Starter is separate. He has set it up to minimise any load to switches plus provide max current to whatever is operated. Got to admit guy is more OCDC than me! All wiring l had run before - removed as he didn't think it was neat enough[emoji3]yet all who'd seen it thought it good. You can't see it in photo but loom to gearbox/ center diff lock/handbrake is a work of art in itself.

[Meccles]

One thing- all that remains of the original loom is the bullet switch connectors. Every wire from then on - new

[Meccles]

Ok been a good weekend. All lights working everything pretty much
done
129245
Instruments powered up and working
129246
Rats nest almost done
77 Update - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qci3XodDTTg)
Then of course we had to check starter and ignition wiring[emoji3][emoji1303]
It's coming home this week [emoji3]

[Davo]

Well, poop, there's another thing to add to my long list of wiring jobs! [tonguewink]

[Meccles]

Tristan used micro relays FYI

[Meccles]

For those watching- this Saturday afternoon 3 pm is big event. Will have sausages beer and fire extinguisher ready. Anyone interested pm me and I'll send details[emoji106]

[Meccles]

Check this out I reckon nice work
129288

[Meccles]

Better view
129290
Makes original wiring look a bit average[emoji849]

[Davo]

True wiring porn! [bigsmile] I'm all depressed now. There's no way I can live long enough to get mine sorted like that!

So why 3pm??? Don't you need to be at it in the morning so you've got all day to troubleshoot? [bighmmm]

[Meccles]

If I start drinking beer in morning that's a bit of a worry[emoji16]

[Mercguy]

Tell me what you think of the Dakota Digital instrument cluster when you've got it up and going.
I've been toying witht he idea of one for nearly 2 years now but just can't make my mind up if that is the way I really want to go - because I have a thing for analog instruments, but I also love the 80's feel of VFD displays.

[Meccles]

It is analog- just with VFD display in centre. But all major gauges are analog

[Davo]

If I start drinking beer in morning that's a bit of a worry[emoji16]

Well geez, how bad do you think things will go? Or do you have a rum/whiskey/vodka upgrade at the ready? :lol2:

[Meccles]

You've been checking out my cabinet! Got them all at the ready circumstances will dictate what is needed. Though a sure fire plunge into OMG the next day is beer, red wine- lots- then spirits. Then room spinning and the sure fire knowledge that tomorrow- I'm gonna feel like S....t[emoji3]

[Davo]

Rule #1 with old cars: keep all flammable liquids away from them!!! [biggrin]

[Meccles]

[emoji3]I'm doomed then![emoji16]

[Meccles]

Well we were I think 90% successful. Timing was way retarded which was fixed. But suspect valve lash isn't quite right the lifters seem to be pumping up on any sort of throttle. Then we sprang oil leak on power steering intake hose to pump- so called it a day and drank beer[emoji1303]. A mate took some video but it sounded like a tractor in them too retarded. Pedro the swift may have some better video. But all in all- she runs, nothing drastically wrong electric fans cut in as they should. Instrument panel is a beaut. Got timing set at 12degrees BTDC which should be pretty close. Will video once I've fitted some more shims to rocker assembly and fixed power steering leak

[Pedro_The_Swift]

2 door range rover new engine startup. No 1. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/mvPTQRLUMKE)
2 door range rover new engine startup. No 2. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk9z98U-1nQ)
2 door range rover new engine startup. No 3. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alr1smTPwA0)

the thing needs one of these!! [bigrolf]
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/09/468.jpg

[rangieman]

2 door range rover new engine startup. No 1. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/mvPTQRLUMKE)
2 door range rover new engine startup. No 2. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk9z98U-1nQ)
2 door range rover new engine startup. No 3. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alr1smTPwA0)

the thing needs one of these!! [bigrolf]
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/09/468.jpg
One [bigwhistle]that be 4 Webers [wink11]
Memory`s of the 80`s v8 super cars:burnrubber:

[Davo]

Well we were I think 90% successful. Timing was way retarded which was fixed. But suspect valve lash isn't quite right the lifters seem to be pumping up on any sort of throttle. Then we sprang oil leak on power steering intake hose to pump- so called it a day and drank beer[emoji1303]. A mate took some video but it sounded like a tractor in them too retarded. Pedro the swift may have some better video. But all in all- she runs, nothing drastically wrong electric fans cut in as they should. Instrument panel is a beaut. Got timing set at 12degrees BTDC which should be pretty close. Will video once I've fitted some more shims to rocker assembly and fixed power steering leak

That power steering suction hose is the bane of my life. It constantly leaks at the banjo fitting and the stock rubber and fibre seals just don't work. I think that what's happening is the engine movement wobbles the banjo around just enough to make it leak. ATF is just everywhere under that bloody hose. I'm still working on a solution.

Anyway, it runs! Well done. I used adjustable pushrods on mine - expensive and fiddly but they sure work well.

[Meccles]

Good idea about adjustable push rods I've been lusting after these Rover/Buick V8 Pro Street Original Shaft Rockers, Ratio 1.6 YT6000 - yellaterra (http://store.yellaterra.com.au/rover-buick-v8-pro-street-original-shaft-rockers-ratio-1-6-yt6000/) for some time. Just bit the bullet and ordered a set tired of mucking around with shims. Re power steering leak- yep that's the place have fitted some new fibre washers seems ok now. I have a braided hose here - seemed to work in past but then so did my brain[emoji849]

[Davo]

In case it makes you feel better, when I first fired up my current engine it was after a massive rebuild which included the seats, tunnel, dash and heater being removed to change the engine and gearbox - and doing all those other little things that pop up as well. This was during the awful heat of a Wet season, which tends to remove your ability to think. So when I got this thing started pretty quickly, it sounded horrible and wouldn't rev. Much sweaty investigation later revealed two spark plug leads had decided to swap places, and how that happened I still don't know. Then it wouldn't start again, and I realised I'd flooded the engine with all the cranking, so I had to try the next day. (And much later I found that I'd set the carburettors far too rich. How? I don't know that either!)

So it started and ran well enough, but got hot quickly. It only ran for maybe five minutes or so until I had to leave it to cool down, and of course it needed more water. I had to repeat this another two or three times before the cooling system was full and I could finish the cam break-in. I think it took most of the day, and here I am thinking it was going to be like everything I'd read about where you just start the thing and rev it for twenty minutes.

Anyway, I got there in the end but it was a lot more work and time than I had guessed. After the floor and seats and whatever else were in, the first thing I did was to take it down the highway and floor it in fourth from sixty to eighty a few times to load up the rings, and at about 20,000km now it's happy enough, so I suppose the engine has forgiven me. The only problem now is I want a bigger motor!

[Meccles]

Understood where you're coming from. On checking further my new fuel pump isn't working correctly. So carby thinks it's got a vapor lock. Went to guys i brought the pump from- explained what was going on and got "yeah we changed suppliers about 10 months ago we had a bad batch of those fuel pumps ". Will remove it this week they have offered a return. I was using a Facet Cube replica but might go better now[emoji849]

[Davo]

Does the Parts Lottery ever end??? I've just used the standard cylindrical Facet and it's been fine. I always carry a spare though! I think you need a bit more flow for that American carbie you've got?

[Meccles]

Yeah will be going for either cylindrical Facet or perhaps a Carter 4600. At moment we are only getting a dribble- enough to start and run to about 3000 rpm but not enough to keep carby full. So it backfires/ plays up. Tested it today flow was miserable [emoji51]as you say parts lottery never ends.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

and?[bigrolf]

[Meccles]

and?[bigrolf]
The Yella Terra YT6000 rockers arrived early however the Carter 4070 fuel pump didn't get to my place until day I left to go to work.
So will fit them both up when next home - early Nov. And try again. But, just prior to removing faulty pump - I DROVE IT - all the way to neighbors, and back again. Clutch working, seats working, hand brake works - which was good! And filled water with good green stuff - which seems to be staying in there. [biggrin]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Nice,,[thumbsupbig]
yea, those seats can be tricky to get working...[bigrolf]
I understand its the internet,, but more here---[bigwhistle]



Top End Performance - Weber Specific Electric Fuel Pumps - Weber Carbs - Weber Carbs and TWM / Borla EFi Induction - Performance Brands



(https://www.racetep.com/manufacturer/carbs-and-injection/weber/electric-fuel-pumps.html)

[Meccles]

Good article and the comments about the square facet style pump are what we saw. The Carter I brought - 4070 - is exactly what they recommend. Low pressure so no regulator, high flow. 4-6psi and 72gph. Thanks![thumbsupbig]

[Davo]

I'd heard bad things about those little cube-shaped pumps many years ago and have avoided them ever since. If I'd realised you were going to use one I would have let you know. Anyway, thanks for the good news! I'm glad to hear you've got the thing going - and now for the next step!

[Meccles]

I'd heard bad things about those little cube-shaped pumps many years ago and have avoided them ever since. If I'd realised you were going to use one I would have let you know. Anyway, thanks for the good news! I'm glad to hear you've got the thing going - and now for the next step!
Unfortunately when i purchased the pump - at our local speed shop which has been ok to date, this was their recommendation. However, they were very good at full refund no questions asked. Which considering it was purchased over 12 months ago, I am pleased with. Now looking for a 100 micron fuel pump pre filter as there is none on the Carter. Good ones of these are $$ but will fit as I want some reliability in the fuel pump.

[Davo]

I've always used the common 296 diesel filter setup, (without the glass bowl, though), and it's been fine. Mine is where the original little filter was, (but on a bracket I fabricated), and I was very happy that the original pipes fitted straight in as well.

[Hamersley]

Ok got some more pics. Not much original steel left at moment!:o
Hi Maccles,
Great pics of your Work,I am starting a 77 which is in Tassie.
I am on the Sunshine Coast any chance of a chat?

[Davo]

Start a thread here for it! [bigsmile1]

[Meccles]

Hi Maccles,
Great pics of your Work,I am starting a 77 which is in Tassie.
I am on the Sunshine Coast any chance of a chat?

Hi I've sent you a pm

[Meccles]

Exhaust done by Luke at kuluin exhaust a work of art in304 stainless. They will send me some photos they took under car which better shows the job. Swapped front springs to rear fitted new fuel pump and roller rockers. Now runs sweet. And I think looks way better
.132559
132560
132561
132562
132563

[Mercguy]

is that a dump pipe in the 4th pic? or did I miss something?

[Meccles]

[emoji849]umm yes switchable so I can make some noise at appropriate times[emoji1303]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Oh dear,,,


have you um, tested that bit of extra pipe??[bighmmm]


of course you have.
and the sound file is where???:rulez::rulez::rulez::rulez:

(love the rims[thumbsupbig])

[Meccles]

Actually we haven’t yet got to get sparky to wire it up all neat. Back to work today so all packed away until New Year[emoji30]which is pity. Taking rear seat to trimmers before I go so this should be ready when I get back.

[Davo]

I keep checking here to see what you're up to . . . so thanks for an update at last! It looks great, and I'm glad you got the engine sorted out, too. It's a shame we'll have to wait until next year for more, though!

If that exhaust has an annoying drone at cruise, keep in mind a "J-pipe", or Helmholtz Chamber. It did the trick on mine.

[Meccles]

Here’s the roller rockers FYI. Sorry for delays but life very busy at moment hobbies having to take a back seat[emoji849][
ATTACH]132672[/ATTACH]
132673

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Hey Davo,, wont that dump pipe work as a heimholtz chamber,, sort of?[bighmmm][smilebigeye]

[Meccles]

I don’t think it will need one sound was [emoji106] that’s without using dump pipe[emoji3]

[Davo]

Hey Davo,, wont that dump pipe work as a heimholtz chamber,, sort of?[bighmmm][smilebigeye]

Probably not, but you never know. You're supposed to use a smartphone with the right app or some other way to measure the frequency and then calculate the length and . . . well, typically not having anything like that I guessed and seem to have gotten it right with mine. The droning at highway speed was bad, so I couldn't enjoy that prehistoric roar of a post-war V8 at 2800rpm. Not good!

[Meccles]

Well done a little bit. Exhaust fitted fitted rubber isolators on fuel pump fixed power steering pump leak changed oil to HPR 30. This is cold start no choke ( haven’t run a cable yet[emoji849]) next project is brakes have run all ines but need to fit rotors and calipers. Of course one front swivel is leaking so have to do that at same time.

13 March 2018 - YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpcm5Tmr-Iw)

[Meccles]

Did a little bit got one right rear hub done new wheel bearings rotor S/S pistons in caliper and Mintex pads . 3 more to go but back to work over Easter. I question for the knowledgeable ones there is no axle seal in stub axle on rear in manual and none fitted to car. So there was diff oil in hub. Is this normal? Seems a bit weird to pack a wheel bearing then have gear oil slosh around into it. I see there is a seal on fronts where the C/v joint goes through but could find nothing on the rear. No witness marks on axle either. Thanks!138093
138094

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Scarey start up! was watching the red "oil light" and waiting for it to go out----- [bighmmm][bigwhistle][bigrolf]
warms up quick![thumbsupbig]

[Meccles]

That red light is handbrake light[emoji1303]

[350RRC]

That red light is handbrake light[emoji1303]

You've done really well to get that to work!

nice job, DL

[dungarover]

Did a little bit got one right rear hub done new wheel bearings rotor S/S pistons in caliper and Mintex pads . 3 more to go but back to work over Easter. I question for the knowledgeable ones there is no axle seal in stub axle on rear in manual and none fitted to car. So there was diff oil in hub. Is this normal? Seems a bit weird to pack a wheel bearing then have gear oil slosh around into it. I see there is a seal on fronts where the C/v joint goes through but could find nothing on the rear. No witness marks on axle either. Thanks!138093
138094

No oil seal on the 2 door rangies, they are oil fed wheel bearings. The later (about mid 85 or so) have a outer oil seal is the earliest model they introduced this setup. As long as your swivel housing is full you shouldn't have a problem, rear is fed with the oil from the diff centre as I also don't remember having a oil seal on the rear axle either.

Trav

[Meccles]

Getting a bit done fixed upper rear tailgate later model latches and pull rod assembly installed it closes and locks. Picked up new front swivel ball got one leaking and ball is pretty scratched. Also picked up rear seat it’s been re painted in Fuji White and re trimmed as nice spot for two. In matching pattern for front AMG pews. The rear aluminium floor is off at sandblasting and powder coaters get it back in about 2 weeks. The big push is to complete all wheel bearing/ brake rotor replacement then get brakes working
.140607

[350RRC]

Rear 'corrugated' floor is gal in my POS.

DL

[Meccles]

Rear 'corrugated' floor is gal in my POS.

DL

I’ll put a magnet on to check always assumed it was ally as there has never been a spec of rust even on screw holes or pop rivet holes after 6 years sitting outside in weather and with salt all over it.

[Meccles]

Yours must be a POS [emoji3]cause mine is definitely aluminiumim not so susceptible to corrosion stuff[emoji1303]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/381.jpg


[bigrolf]

[Meccles]

In between removing the bamboo and roots from yard been working away at RRC. Door aperture seals in but think I might have to get new from famous four. Major work has been on front axle one reco swivel hub in new wheel bearings seals etc. Fitting DBA rotors yeah I know about cracking but this car isn’t doing that sort of work. Braided brake lines vented discs Mintex pads. Of course new diff oil. Fitted front seat belts and am fitting rear floor. Once that’s in and brakes done time to borrow some Trade plates and get it on the road to put some load on the motor. Hope to have it on the road Saturday
.141430
141431

[grey_ghost]

Just a stunning job mate. Well done. Droooool. [emoji3]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

not chroming the calipers? [bigwhistle][bigwhistle][bigwhistle]

did you look at re-valving the billies on the front?

[Meccles]

Nah paint will have to do[emoji3]. Re the billies will have to get some k’s on the car and see how it goes. Who does this if I needed to re valve? Just a bit worried they might be a bit hard/harsh

[Pedro_The_Swift]

my thoughts too---[wink11]

not sure around here,,
let me ask some people...

[Meccles]

I think WW in Brissy do them. Also Bilstein Sydney advertise this service

[Meccles]

Rear seat in. Very nice perch for two[emoji1303]141465
141466

[Meccles]

A Range Rover in its natural habitat[emoji3]though this is first time it’s been to a servo in 8 years. Brakes etc all working borrowed some trade plates she goes! [emoji3] Drives good!
141505
141506
141507

[350RRC]

...................
So, a lot in place, a lot still to do. Why? When I pick up about 50% of my spanners ( Sidchrome) these were my Granfathers he left them to me when he died. And when I swing on many bolts/bits etc I remember doing same thing all those years ago. So yeah I get some pleasure out of that.

I have a lot of my grandfather's tools as well, including what was probably one of the first SnapOn socket sets in Oz.

Every time I'm using them it brings back memories of when I was a kid and the stuff he showed me.

cheers, DL

[Meccles]

Here’s a better pic in the sunshine
141555

[Pedro_The_Swift]

WOW!! Looks the goods,,
nice mags... [wink11]

drive over any roundabouts? [bighmmm]


oh and was it E85 you filled it with[bigwhistle]

[Meccles]

Drove lots of roundabouts it’s tight. Shocks work well. Used 98 premium as a fill[emoji3]

[DaveG]

Looks great Meccles. Kind of funny that the first trip out was to a servo, get used to going there![thumbsupbig]

[Meccles]

[emoji1303][emoji3]though I think it will be a while before I get enough K’s on it to have to refill. Lots still to do[emoji849]

[DoubleChevron]

[emoji1303][emoji3]though I think it will be a while before I get enough K’s on it to have to refill. Lots still to do[emoji849]

No it wont' ..... I can empty a tank in no time at all just my moving the thing around the yard .... [bigsad]

[Mercguy]

No it wont' ..... I can empty a tank in no time at all just my moving the thing around the yard .... [bigsad]

Heheheh ... What do you mean by 'moving the thing around the yard'?? All I have to do is put the key somewhere near the ignition and I start to hear the slurping noises coming from the engine bay.[bigrolf][wink11]

[Meccles]

Gotta admit I replaced this car with Discovery 1 SE back in 98. Was expecting better things wrt to fuel economy as it was Fuel injection 3.9, lock up torque converter etc. But no it was worse- and quite a bit worse. Very disappointing so that car only lasted a few years then was moved on.

[loanrangie]

Gotta admit I replaced this car with Discovery 1 SE back in 98. Was expecting better things wrt to fuel economy as it was Fuel injection 3.9, lock up torque converter etc. But no it was worse- and quite a bit worse. Very disappointing so that car only lasted a few years then was moved on.

My old 81 2dr rangie would get 21mpg after the mods i did - 350 holley, scorcher ignition, ported heads.

[Meccles]

Yep I was getting hi teens to twenty. Same thing 350 Holley good heads and extractors and same scorcher ignition. The D1 was mid teens mpg

[DoubleChevron]

its a shame none of the modern diesels are integrated iwth there electronics ... so we can just move them into a range rover classic by move the wiring harness and computers with them. A range rover classic would be magic with the citroen/poogoe/land rover V6 diesel fitted (yes that dinosaur that is fitted to the ford territory... so should be available in all of the wrecking yards).

seeya
Shane L.

[loanrangie]

its a shame none of the modern diesels are integrated iwth there electronics ... so we can just move them into a range rover classic by move the wiring harness and computers with them. A range rover classic would be magic with the citroen/poogoe/land rover V6 diesel fitted (yes that dinosaur that is fitted to the ford territory... so should be available in all of the wrecking yards).

seeya
Shane L.Has been done Shane to a D1.

[DoubleChevron]

Has been done Shane to a D1.

anything can be done if yu have the money ..... i bet it wasn't using the Ford wirign loom and computer! It would have been an expensive aftermarket system to control the auto and engine :(

[Meccles]

Let’s not go too off topic this is about one build[emoji3]

[DoubleChevron]

Here’s a better pic in the sunshine
141555

I'd love to see some piccies of the completed interior with the vintage air installed :) ... That car is now so nice I'd be to scared to ever drive it!

seeya,
Shane L.

[Meccles]

The interior is next on the list of “to do”[emoji3]will post when done.

[Baja CA]

Badass my friend will have to read in detail in days to come

Cheers

Tony

[Meccles]

Well come to a MAJOR decision. The Mercedes seats are awesome but I can’t get them low enough with cutting into the transmission tunnel. Which is mint, rare and I shouldn’t cut up. Soooo have decided to reclaim my original seats, re trim nicely etc. the merc seats will go back on fleabay. Sorry Mercguy/Pedro but to make them work right I have to damage too much original stuff. So a delay- and $$ though the merc seats should sell as now anyone can use them [emoji1303]

[DoubleChevron]

Well come to a MAJOR decision. The Mercedes seats are awesome but I can’t get them low enough with cutting into the transmission tunnel. Which is mint, rare and I shouldn’t cut up. Soooo have decided to reclaim my original seats, re trim nicely etc. the merc seats will go back on fleabay. Sorry Mercguy/Pedro but to make them work right I have to damage too much original stuff. So a delay- and $$ though the merc seats should sell as now anyone can use them [emoji1303]

I wouldn't swap the seats out ... They look unshaped and not great............ But are far, far, far .... light years more comfortable than the seats in any modern car I've driven in the last 10years. The seats "look" fancy in modern cars..... but they are rock hard pieces of **** that offer no lower back support. I'd rate the range rover seats close to early Renault seats ( eg: renault 12 and renault 16). They're bloody perfect for sitting in for any length of time. Only my Citroen CX has better seats for sitting in for any extended period of time (trust me, comparing them to Citroen CX seats is high praise indeed).

seeya
Shane L.

[Meccles]

Shane my original seats were re built by Allan “Swampy” Marsh back in 88. He added side bolsters extended squabs and Sheepskin custom covers they were extremely comfortable. But today well am over sheepskin. But concept and comfort was great. I went with the Merc seats as cost of proper rebuild and re trim is quite frightening. Just have to sell the merc seats and eat noodles for a while [emoji51]

[DoubleChevron]

Shane my original seats were re built by Allan “Swampy” Marsh back in 88. He added side bolsters extended squabs and Sheepskin custom covers they were extremely comfortable. But today well am over sheepskin. But concept and comfort was great. I went with the Merc seats as cost of proper rebuild and re trim is quite frightening. Just have to sell the merc seats and eat noodles for a while [emoji51]

Would it be cheaper to find a standard seat to retrim (though yours sounds very nice). Can you buy retrim kits for Range Rovers yet. The aftermarket upholstery can be quite good these days.

I have only citroens too ... And you can buy pretty much any interior trim piece new and fit yourself these days.

eg: You buy all the pre-fabricated stuff and you can fit it yourself. new foam, new leather or velour seat covers, new sill trims, new carpets, new headrests, new door trims .... everything.... quite amazing really.

Citroen-DS-11CV-HY / DS / complete seat covers (sets) (https://www.franzose.de/en/Citroen-DS-11CV-HY/DS/Komplette-Sitzbezuege-Saetze-/)

If only I had the $$$ to buy them (I worked out once it was about $6000 to buy a full leather trim kit with new carpets and door trims. sill trims, cant rail, roof lining, parcel shelf, a,b and c pillar trims etc)..... To get that sort of interior locally would cost probably double that.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Baja CA]

Working on installing temp seats while the originals get redone and update

These are out of a 2006 RR HSE SC

Had to do some tweaking to the mechanism to lower them and remove a motor or two but look and feel solid

Will update as it’s done today

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/a7ed1954e935e8304abbdd3ccba89a49.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/6e9c35178d13745e4cd4c3da662ea8eb.jpg

[Meccles]

Good suggestions from all. First I’ve got to see if my old seats are still around I don’t imagine they’ve gone anywhere since I left them at local Land Rover place🧐

[Baja CA]

The guy redoing the original seats is doing a great job too just want to leave him to do his art with no rush on my side

The seats worked perfect manage to hack into the motors and got em moving

Height on em were great and paid $100 per seat plus $50 for bases

IMO the OG seats with a bit of an update on the foam designs would look better

The only part I will always miss is the armrest no Range Rover is a Range Rover with out one IMO

Great job man let’s stay in touch

[Meccles]

Absolutely [emoji1303]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

NONONONONO!!!!![bawl]

(is there a foot stamping smiley?[bigrolf])

They are a Great match for the uprated dash remember----

[Meccles]

True but they don’t fit right. I’d have to destroy the transmission tunnel and that’s also WRONG. Don’t worry whatever goes in promise you’ll like[emoji3]

[DoubleChevron]

True but they don’t fit right. I’d have to destroy the transmission tunnel and that’s also WRONG. Don’t worry whatever goes in promise you’ll like[emoji3]

upgraded dash? I'd be happy just to have an unbroken dash and center console!

[Meccles]

I don’t think tipping them on their side helps already brittle and flimsy bits [emoji3]but the fact you have it going again is [emoji1303]

[Mercguy]

No need to feel like you have to apologize to me [biggrin]

[DoubleChevron]

I don’t think tipping them on their side helps already brittle and flimsy bits [emoji3]but the fact you have it going again is [emoji1303]

A lot of the broken bits fell out then ... eg: the passenger side front door no longer has a plastic handle to pull the door closed with (which is a good thing... it was broken with sharp edges ... so I'd get complaints from those that used it).

[Baja CA]

Any luck with your gas neck filler gaskets?

I replaced both and it’s still slushing out

I’ll mess around with it some more, and if i can’t make it work I will end up soldering some custom solution ... I believe it’s the gasket that is on the hing side of the gas cap

Best

Tony

[Meccles]

Haven’t fitted it yet not home until early August so can’t comment

[Baja CA]

Yeah didn’t work that well... will have to figure out if it’s just the cap not closing or if the gasket only works with the refurbished gas caps that famous four sells will reach out to them

[Meccles]

Well been an interesting and expensive month [emoji51] after lots of investigation my Pertronix flamethrower dizzy is frankly - S...t. Advance starts ok but at 2500 rpm drops to zero degrees BTDC. We have spoken to ICEignition and Performance ignition and both have seen same thing with this particular dizzy. So my original Lucas dizzy is going back to Performance Ignition in Nunawading, who re curved it and fitted a scorcher pointless kit (now dead) 30 years ago. Great to see a company still in existence after all this time. Now seats. I got my original Allan “Swampy” Marsh seats back along with wasps nests. Plus another set of reasonable two door seats and bases. Thanks Tony! This is what we are building[emoji106]
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Not finished yet but looking good. Dizzy comes back next week. Oil leaks fixed. I’m much poorer [emoji19] but it will be awesome when finished.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

well I suppose some nice $400 lambswools will cover them up,,,[bigwhistle]

[Meccles]

No sheepskin[emoji3]. I’m over sheepskin had it for 15 years I now prefer to sit in seat itself.

[jsp]

I got my original Allan “Swampy” Marsh seats back along with wasps nests. Plus another set of reasonable two door seats and bases. Thanks Tony! This is what we are building[emoji106]
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I have a set of seats which look similar to this (but roached) in a two door I have tucked away for a future project, are they something special? I was going to put standard seats in. Pardon my ignorance!

[Meccles]

These started life as standard 2 door seats. Allan Marsh used to modify them back in 80’s he’d extend squab fit side bolsters then re cover completely in sheepskin with just rubber underneath. Idea being you could remove the cover and wash. Used them for years but am now going for a more modern look. But yes these are built on standard seats.

[Baja CA]

Looking good .. worked on some exteriors still waiting on seats ( you can’t hurry a craftsman imo)


Haven’t fixed the gas tank issue , that is next on the list will follow your advise

Will keep posted

Cheers

Tony

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/57ef8038834e57e16ff9a2c2f17501f4.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/e7825618b2c55a39a6b76881cc5fc823.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/dbae28629e9d79151bfa1273df71c230.jpg

[Meccles]

When does parts lottery stop? [emoji51] Turns out my new Pertronix distributor is faulty. Of course it’s out of warranty as I brought it 3 years ago. Symptoms were hard starting, misfire above 2500rpm, poor throttle response and Low vacuum. Contacted manufacturer who stated that if wiring was ok, they either worked or didn’t run at all. Nothing in between. With a timing light on it would advance normally until 2500rpm then advance would drop to zero. Long story short fitted my rebuilt Lucas today ( done by Performance Ignition in Nunawading) and its new engine. Starts immediately crisp no miss. Can’t drive it yet as am swapping out seats [emoji575] photos to come when done.

[bee utey]

When does parts lottery stop? [emoji51] Turns out my new Pertronix distributor is faulty. Of course it’s out of warranty as I brought it 3 years ago. Symptoms were hard starting, misfire above 2500rpm, poor throttle response and Low vacuum. Contacted manufacturer who stated that if wiring was ok, they either worked or didn’t run at all. Nothing in between. With a timing light on it would advance normally until 2500rpm then advance would drop to zero. Long story short fitted my rebuilt Lucas today ( done by Performance Ignition in Nunawading) and its new engine. Starts immediately crisp no miss. Can’t drive it yet as am swapping out seats [emoji575] photos to come when done.

Some years ago I had one fail exactly the same way on a customers Nissan Patrol, had to go back to points. Never bought another one.

[Meccles]

. Performance Ignition reckon they’ve fitted heaps of the original Ignitor with no issue. But not same for the Ignitor 11[emoji51]

[rick130]

When does parts lottery stop? [emoji51] Turns out my new Pertronix distributor is faulty. Of course it’s out of warranty as I brought it 3 years ago. Symptoms were hard starting, misfire above 2500rpm, poor throttle response and Low vacuum. Contacted manufacturer who stated that if wiring was ok, they either worked or didn’t run at all. Nothing in between. With a timing light on it would advance normally until 2500rpm then advance would drop to zero. Long story short fitted my rebuilt Lucas today ( done by Performance Ignition in Nunawading) and its new engine. Starts immediately crisp no miss. Can’t drive it yet as am swapping out seats [emoji575] photos to come when done.Performance Ignitions were my go to in the mid nineties-2000 for race dizzies.
They knew their stuff.

[Meccles]

They’re still in business which is [emoji106]. They fitted a Piranha Scorcher points replacement to my Lucas along with re curve back in 88. It ran faultlessly for 10 years. But somewhere along the line the next owner put points back in. It came back from them this time looking brand new. With re curve new vac advance and Pertronix Ignitor original in. Good service was happy to deal with them again.

[Meccles]

This is for Pedro. Fitting new seats [emoji575] they are very good.
Also took it for a run with new dizzy it’s like a new car smooth some power starts great sounds good and doesn’t mind a rev[emoji3]
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[Meccles]

Washed car got seats sliding what a PIA you have to adjust runner closest to transmission tunnel to square up with the seat [emoji51].
But a nice day car clean and running really well so my daughter had to test it [emoji106]

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r0NRpPDKWw)

[DoubleChevron]

This is for Pedro. Fitting new seats [emoji575] they are very good.
Also took it for a run with new dizzy it’s like a new car smooth some power starts great sounds good and doesn’t mind a rev[emoji3]
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145199

Now you have stepped the game up to that point ..................... Your going to have to make the roof lining door trims and carpets match the quality of those seats! :banana:

seeya,
Shane L

[Meccles]

Found these in box the other day. First one is 1986 just brought the car. Stupidly I sold the house and kept the car that block is now worth over 2 mil. Second is after new pair etc it’s first rebuild 1988. Color was Porsche Surinam Red basecoat clearcoat. Red is fast[emoji41]

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[Meccles]

And then these first 1986 Noosa North Shore with our Ridgeback he was an awesome dog second late 1988 just after “1st” rebuild with the Savage Lancer Cuddy pro with twin Merc 50’s. I swapped them out some years later for 115 Yamaha with wedge plate on the transom which transformed the boat much better trim you could either get bow down into chop or trim right up and go quick [emoji3]
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[Meccles]

Well pressure is now on. As we are spending quite some time in Melbourne and have a space - I will take the Rangey to Melbourne. Easiest way to do this is get it registered and drive down. Soooo plan is mid May do final few MUST jobs for reg. Then fill back with parts, hook up my 6x4 off road trailer - and its first trip will be Sunshine Coast to Melbourne. What could possibly go wrong [emoji3]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

WHAT??? omg,,


well,,, I suppose,, that will run it in.... [bighmmm]

[Meccles]

It’s in Brissy now so will have a few hundred km on it. Plus some more around town. I’ll probably invest in RACQ gold cover though [emoji1303]

[Meccles]

It’s registered [emoji3] Roof lining in front bars on temporary dash fitted. Went to mechanics today for a once over and RWC nothing major found or done. Tomorrow it’s a wheel alignment then she’s good to go! Still got door cards trim carpets etc to do plus finish A/c dash console and stereo. So lots still left. But it drives is legal and goes well[emoji1303]
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151119

[SPROVER]

Very nice example of a classic

[Mercguy]

That headlining looks slick....

Nice job!

are you keeping the 3 spoke alloys or going to look for rostyles later?

[Meccles]

I like the 3 spokes always have. The Rostyles are PIA unless you modify them as then run tubes. I had more flats with them than any other wheel combo. If rim isn’t perfect the tube abrades on rust - or the inner surface of tyre as most are not designed for tubes.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Looks just right,,, should wake some lazy traffic light folks up too [thumbsupbig]

[Meccles]

Sit rep: am at City Center Inn motel in Kempsey. All checked in there's a Chinese restaurant attached to motel [emoji1303]
The trip - a bit noisy with no trim etc but some earplugs fixed that. Car tows ok just like it did in past. A bit slower than our new cars up hills but cruising no issue at 110kmh when allowed. So far- no problems. Fuel use 17 litres/100kms but that's towing - and leaking from fuel cap [emoji849]. All in all not too bad. I wasn't quickest on highway but not slowest either. Planning to hit Sydney around midday hopefully traffic won't be awful. And the mirrors are so small compared with modern stuff. But - suspension good steering good brakes good. Power- adequate given car is loaded to hilt along with trailer. Photos are car in Brissy then Kempsey- proof.
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151265

[DoubleChevron]

Sit rep: am at City Center Inn motel in Kempsey. All checked in there's a Chinese restaurant attached to motel [emoji1303]
The trip - a bit noisy with no trim etc but some earplugs fixed that. Car tows ok just like it did in past. A bit slower than our new cars up hills but cruising no issue at 110kmh when allowed. So far- no problems. Fuel use 17 litres/100kms but that's towing - and leaking from fuel cap [emoji849]. All in all not too bad. I wasn't quickest on highway but not slowest either. Planning to hit Sydney around midday hopefully traffic won't be awful. And the mirrors are so small compared with modern stuff. But - suspension good steering good brakes good. Power- adequate given car is loaded to hilt along with trailer. Photos are car in Brissy then Kempsey- proof.
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151265

That is staggeringly good fuel economy if you are towing that trailer!!! Well done ... she's obviously running extremely well (I'm betting I would get that NOT towing [bighmmm] ) She looks spectacular in those piccies :)

seeya,
Shane L.

[Meccles]

This at Yass. Got through Sydney unscathed traffic through Pennant Hills while steady wasn’t the worst I’ve seen. One failure - the speedo stopped working near Newcastle. [emoji848]everything else in gauge cluster is fine. I know speed from rpm so no biggie. And this is one of few parts that’s still under warranty. Rest - running fine. Though I was overtaken on a hill by a new Ford Ranger towing a tandem Regent van[emoji1787]these just don’t have torque of modern diesel. Mind you I passed him on the flat [emoji41]
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[350RRC]

PM me with a ph no.

I can fix speedos and RA drives. No win no fee, as it should be.

DL

[Meccles]

Thanks! But if it’s failed Dakota Digital Unit- it’s covered by their warranty. About only thing on car that is 🤪

[350RRC]

Thanks! But if it’s failed Dakota Digital Unit- it’s covered by their warranty. About only thing on car that is 🤪

Wouldn't know where to start with one of those!

DL

[Meccles]

Ok update:
Made it to Melbourne [emoji3]one hiccup the oil seal to my re built LT 95 input shaft - is leaking[emoji51]and of course it’s out of warranty on that. Gearbox oil dripping in fair amount from bellhousing. Also - the left hand wiper the link rod has disconnected so it’s not rotating. Both items rebuilt by others in good faith [emoji51]. All the bits I did - ran perfect. Engine brakes suspension etc. fuel use ended up at about 18L/100km which I’m ok with. So she’s now in Melbourne

[Mercguy]

Both items rebuilt by others in good faith [emoji51]. All the bits I did - ran perfect.

Yes this is a familiar feeling.

[Meccles]

Taken just prior to Melbourne
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[Pedro_The_Swift]

you couldnt have run those pipe things down the trailer??[bighmmm]