Parts availability

[shack]

As someone who is pondering moving into the series vehicles, the question arises, what is parts supply/availability like on series 2 and 3 land rovers, I'm guessing some stuff is getting really difficult and therefore this info would help decide how run down a vehicle to consider purchasing.

Is there any parts commonality with the newer vehicles?

Cheers James

[JDNSW]

Critical parts for Series 2/3 Landrovers are generally easy to find, and cheap. Parts that are special to models that were only made in small numbers (e.g. Series 3 Stage 1 V8 or Isuzu) can be hard to find, and expensive when you find them. Some engine parts for the six cylinder engine are hard to find, as are parts special to the 2.0l diesel. A lot of parts that are interchangeable but were changed during production, only one variant is easily available - this would include things like lights. for example. Most body parts can be fabricated with equipment available to a typical home workshop, but many parts are available.

A lot of Series 1 parts are becoming a bit difficult to find, and are often only available as very expensive reproductions.

The basic body shape introduced with the Series 2 in 1958 was retained until the end of Defender production, and as a result things such as doors and many other body parts are interchangeable, although often only as assemblies.

[gromit]

The best suggestion is to try and find one that is as complete and unmolested as possible. Worth waiting for the right one to come along be it a 'barn find' or one that is registered. This, of course, is dictated by your budget.

There are odd parts, usually parts that don't wear, that are difficult to find or expensive.
The latches on the sliding rear windows of a Station Wagon for example, if they are missing you wouldn't think it was too big a problem but try and find them and, if you do, be prepared for the costs.

Common wear items not usually a problem plus lots of people on the forum that can help in terms of finding/supplying most parts.


Colin

[djam1]

As someone who is pondering moving into the series vehicles, the question arises, what is parts supply/availability like on series 2 and 3 land rovers, I'm guessing some stuff is getting really difficult and therefore this info would help decide how run down a vehicle to consider purchasing.

Is there any parts commonality with the newer vehicles?

Cheers James

It would be really easy for you just duck across to Wilmington and see Dave Christie he will have all you need.
May be a case of prying it from his fingers but he will have all you need.

[russellrovers]

As someone who is pondering moving into the series vehicles, the question arises, what is parts supply/availability like on series 2 and 3 land rovers, I'm guessing some stuff is getting really difficult and therefore this info would help decide how run down a vehicle to consider purchasing.

Is there any parts commonality with the newer vehicles?

Cheers Jameshi have parts here jm

[shack]

It would be really easy for you just duck across to Wilmington and see Dave Christie he will have all you need.
May be a case of prying it from his fingers but he will have all you need.Indeed.....
Went past there this morning, I guess I was just looking for a few ideas on problems to avoid in the interest of keeping things a bit simpler later on, thanks for your help guys

[Homestar]

There's almost every part still available for these vehicles one way or another. Tonnes of good second hand parts but also tonnes of new stuff too. While the quailty of some of this is marginal depending on who makes it, it is worth noting that without the likes of Britpart and Bearmach we wouldn't have access to nearly as many parts to keep these vehicles on the road. We are quick to bag out the parts that come in blue boxes but they do actually source a lot of good stuff along with the crap. It's the rubber products that seem t let things down - I've got plenty of their steel bits, etc which work very well.

Jump in, get one - the parts are there and not badly priced all in all. These vehicles will still be running in another 50 years and most parts will be available for many years to come.