Series 1 - 4 door station wagon

[vansrv6]

Does anyone know much about the series 1 - 4 door station wagons?. I am thinking of trying to restore one but I havne'nt seen many/any pictues or info on them in Australia!

[landyfromanuthaland]

I know of a genuine diesel series 1 4 door wagon going to rack and ruin, the old guy wont sell her as hes having ambitions of being buried in it, seems like an awful waste, but they are a fine machine and shouldnt be anymore difficult then a later series to restore.

[vansrv6]

Sounds like this one! I think it is a 107, not sure haven't checked the serial numbers. It was going just before it stopped, just like most old cars! It has a 250cu falcon motor in it. I just wonder why I haven't seen any around or any posts on them?

[JDNSW]

Series 1 107 four door station wagons have never been very common. From the front doors forward they are the same as any other 86 or 107 Series 1, and mechanically they were identical to the ute or cab/chassis. The rear body is unique, and parts could be a bit hard to track down, but they are probably all findable, and if not most of them are simple fabrication. The extra trim does add to the amount of work in restoration.

From memory they only came with the spread bore 2.0 litre engine, no diesels were made, as they did not have the 2" extra wheelbase to accommodate it,since they had a special chassis, which was never modified. They continued on sale for nearly a year after the Series 2 came out until the Series 2 wagon was ready, so they continued for around three years after the last of the other 107s.

One part that may cause problems is that they often had a fully floating rear axle (optional in late Series 1). This is narrower track than the Series 2/2a/3 axle, and half axles to fit are about as common as hen's teeth.

Very well worth restoring, as they are quite uncommon, and very distinctive. A good restoration could even be one of the rarities that is worth as much as you put into it, or close, anyway.

John

[landyfromanuthaland]

How do u tell a 107 from a 109 john u seem to be the resident guru of all things Landy, how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

[101RRS]

How do u tell a 107 from a 109 john u seem to be the resident guru of all things Landy, how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

A tape measure:)

[JDNSW]

How do u tell a 107 from a 109 john u seem to be the resident guru of all things Landy, how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

The extra two inches was added in front of the firewall to accommodate the new engine planned, so you can tell by the distance from the door pillar to the wheel arch - but unless comparing two this is not easy to do at a glance. The panel behind the grille has only one opening in the 109 and 88, where it has three in the 86 and 107 - but this is not reliable either, as the panels are interchangeable, and there are quite a few mongrel Series Ones about.

Finding a 107 (or 109 - they are identical) ute back is likely to be quite difficult. They were not anywhere near as durable as the Series 2/3 tub, and tended to get knocked about and eventually scrapped and replaced with a tray back, which was even easier than the Series 2/3 as it is separate from the cab, unlike later Landrovers.

I think you will find there are others more knowledgeable than I am, particularly about Series 1s - I haven't owned one for well over forty years, just got memories and some books. Some of those who have Series 1s at the moment would be better, e.g. lotz-a-landies or Numpty.

John

[vansrv6]

I might have a measure up and throw a couple of photos on the forum to look at. I have a recolection of talk of some spacers that were made up years ago - probably 20 - so series 2 axles could go in the rear, may have had something to do with the hard to get originals. Sound like all I need to do is find that hens teeth shop, mix it with a bit of money and a big shed and a fair bit of knowledge from some blokes on your forum and I might be in business.

pending landrover series 1 enthusiest

[Roverray]

Hi vansrv6
Where are you? `need to update your signature.
Post some photos, I am sure help will be here when you need it.

[vansrv6]

I'm in Gippsland in Victoria. I will stick some photos on ASAP.

[JDNSW]

I might have a measure up and throw a couple of photos on the forum to look at. I have a recolection of talk of some spacers that were made up years ago - probably 20 - so series 2 axles could go in the rear, may have had something to do with the hard to get originals. Sound like all I need to do is find that hens teeth shop, mix it with a bit of money and a big shed and a fair bit of knowledge from some blokes on your forum and I might be in business.

pending landrover series 1 enthusiest

You can make spacers on a lathe starting from a drive flange, or so I have read. I seem to remember hearing of someone, possibly Maxi, who can modify Series 2/3 axles by shortening them, but the spacer idea sounds like what I would do if necessary.

However, I would think that as long as you stuck with the original engine, axle breakages would be pretty rare.

John

[numpty]

How do u tell a 107 from a 109 john u seem to be the resident guru of all things Landy, how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

As Garrycol said, measure between the wheel centres (drive hubs). Will be either 107" or 109"
Mine has a nice straight tub, which as John said, are hard to find.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

This would be the 4 (5) door Station wagon people are discussing.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/93.jpg

This one belonging to Ian Goodal from Melbourne and is seen crossing the Simpson Desert in 1998.

You can make spacers on a lathe starting from a drive flange, or so I have read. I seem to remember hearing of someone, possibly Maxi, who can modify Series 2/3 axles by shortening them, but the spacer idea sounds like what I would do if necessary.

However, I would think that as long as you stuck with the original engine, axle breakages would be pretty rare.
John
Maxi-Drive will make up (if they don't have them in stock) rear halfshafts to suit the Series 1 track.

The only modification you have to do is replace the 10 spline drive flanges for 24 spline drive flanges from a Series 3 or Stage 1 Salisbury vehicle.

Diana

[Lotz-A-Landies]

How do u tell a 107 from a 109 john u seem to be the resident guru of all things Landy, how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

From the firewall back the bodies are all the same length and are in fact interchangeable.
All the length is in front of the firewall.
There are a few tricks.
The front bumper bar the bottom bracket fits inside the spring hangers on the 88" and 109" where on the 86" & 107" the bracket bolts infront of the spring hanger.
At the back of the front wheel arch, just near the botttom there is a stay bolted through the outer mudguard panel connecting back the the firewall. On the 86" & 107" this is about 2" from the wheel arch. On the 88" and 109" it is about 4" from the wheel arch.
On the long wheelbase models. The rear springs are directly underneath the chassis side rail on the 107" the same as the short wheelbase models. On the 109" the rear springs are outboard of the chassis. (Noting that in the Series 1 the 5 door station wagon were only 107")

Hope this helps.
Diana

[Lotz-A-Landies]

... how hard would it be to find a 107 ute back these days

If you are looking for just the ute back (tub) there is one at Jeff Rainford's yard on Kinghorn Street Nowra, don't know if he has the tailgate for it however I do know of a tailgate that may be for sale elsewhere.

If you were looking for a 109" ute back vehicle for restoration there is one available in Newcastle look the markets section on this site.

C Ya
Diana

[JDNSW]

From the firewall back the bodies are all the same length and are in fact interchangeable.
All the length is in front of the firewall.
There are a few tricks.
The front bumper bar the bottom bracket fits inside the spring hangers on the 88" and 109" where on the 86" & 107" the bracket bolts infront of the spring hanger.
At the back of the front wheel arch, just near the botttom there is a stay bolted through the outer mudguard panel connecting back the the firewall. On the 86" & 107" this is about 2" from the wheel arch. On the 88" and 109" it is about 4" from the wheel arch.
On the long wheelbase models. The rear springs are directly underneath the chassis side rail on the 107" the same as the short wheelbase models. On the 109" the rear springs are outboard of the chassis.

Hope this helps.
Diana

Very good - I told him you knew more than I do. The only point of these that can be told at a glance is the stay bolt position. Note that there is no such thing as a 109 Series 1 station wagon, as the different chassis for the wagon was never made in the longer wheelbase, so if it is a wagon, it is a 107.

John

[master chief]

Hello all,heres a photo of a original 107" 1955 that i found in a paddock,about the only non original things are paint and a tray not a tub.it had the original jack,wheelbrace,toolrole and crank handle.i have a couple of tubs for it.i have found my area to be a happy hunting ground for 107-109" utes.the other one in the background is also a 55 107".
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/91.jpg

[Lotz-A-Landies]

... so if it is a wagon, it is a 107.
John
Quite correct John, although I have seen a 5 door wagon body fitted to a 109" chassis, which would make it a hybrid.

On that same point you will also notice that the rear cross member on the station wagon is straight across on both the top and bottom edges where all the other models are tapered up from the centre to the outside.

This is the easiest way to see if there has been a body swap.

Diana :):)

P.S. MC - I love the pics, very scenic. Spoke to Hilton this morning, another 86" on the way up to Colo Heights on Saturday.

[master chief]

and while im at it heres a 109" ute that i picked up.my mate Mark looks on.it turned out to be a home market basic model.:D.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/90.jpg

[master chief]

on the subject of series 1 axle spacers,we have found that certain free wheeling hubs cut down and faced work perfectly.

[master chief]

Quite correct John, although I have seen a 5 door wagon body fitted to a 109" chassis, which would make it a hybrid.

On that same point you will also notice that the rear cross member on the station wagon is straight across on both the top and bottom edges where all the other models are tapered up from the centre to the outside.

This is the easiest way to see if there has been a body swap.

Diana :):)

P.S. MC - I love the pics, very scenic. Spoke to Hilton this morning, another 86" on the way up to Colo Heights on Saturday.

Very good Diana,what year is it?:D

[easo]

G'day MC and Diana, here's one I found in Culcairn NSW.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/439.jpg

Ans this one here in Wagga. It now is at my place.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/89.jpg

[Mick-Kelly]

I would give my left one for a four door series one. Its definitely on my to do list one day.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I would give my left one for a four door series one. Its definitely on my to do list one day.
MC's friend Mark (pictured above) and his dad Fred are re-manufacturing a complete chassis for their 107 wagon, if only steel fabrication for customers wouldn't get in the way. :mad::mad:

They have the side rails cut out ready to weld up, just no time to set up the special jig needed to keep everything in alignment.

Diana

[JDNSW]

on the subject of series 1 axle spacers,we have found that certain free wheeling hubs cut down and faced work perfectly.

I'd point out for those that don't know, that almost all Series 1s came from the factory with semifloating rear axles. These rarely break, but the bearings do fail, and then they are a real pain, definitely not a roadside repair job. However, all that is required to fit fully floating axles is to bolt a Series 2 stub axle onto the axle housing and fit a hub and bearings from the same donor (or all new if you are fussy). The only catch is the axle length, hence the interest, although there are probably more these days interested in authenticity and keeping the semifloating axles.

John

[master chief]

Hello all,well done on that 107" Easo,did you get the one in the first picture to?.JDNSW your spot on,i was very lucky to get a set of original series 1 fully floaters on a 80" i bought so they found there way on to my 86" very quickley!.my dad on his 80" used a set of s2 axles and just made spacers,he wasnt worried about originality.:D

[master chief]

This 107" S/W.was at Cooma in 98 and would have been my favorite vehicle there.it was in very nice condition.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/88.jpg

[Debacle]

This is one that i owned for a couple of years, never got around to doing anything to it unfortunately. This one had a falcon motor with zf auto whick was a tight fit which is why the headlights have been relocated and i think the radiator panel may have been moved too. I keep asking myself why did i do it.

[Mick-Kelly]

John
Did that one get sold to a fella out at Jimboomba?

[UncleHo]

G'day Jbarracl :)

Now that is an interesting one, late 6 cyl grille and Radiator panel and "Bugeyes" :)

cheers

[Debacle]

John
Did that one get sold to a fella out at Jimboomba?

Yes, cant remember his name but he had a few other landies also.

Do you know him ?

[UncleHo]

G'day Jbarracl :)

It's not Brendon is it????:)


cheers

[Fourgearsticks]

Hi Vans,
I have some original diffs and gearbox/ transfer case if you need them for a 107 wagon. I have a 107 wagonn with series 3 running gear.

Whats with the Vans RV6 stuff you have one? Great little machine.

[Mick-Kelly]

I've gone out there and bought some stuff of him. He posts things on fleabay as 'one knight stand'. I got the straightest series 2 tub ive seen in years for $50. He has an interesting collection of bits and pieces. We talked about the series one when i was there and he was still going at it as a project. He had a donor vehicle as well. I think he has spoken the Uncle Ho before as he drives a 2A ex mill.

[UncleHo]

G'day Mick-Kelly :)

Yup! we have spoken, also Rob Hay has bought a few things from him, nice guy. location classified;)

How's the mozzies treating you:D


If you are not working I will be up at the Caboolture Historic Villiage on Sunday with a few of the Jeep club boys for the display day on Sunday so pop in and say Hi:) as it's the GM day up there.

cheers

[vansrv6]

Fourgearsticks,

Thanks for the info. I haven't actually procured the 107 yet but I am working on it. It would be great to turn it back to original...I think. It would be fantastic to get some info off someone who has got a 107sw when I get going.

Youve got the vansrv6 bit nearly right, its not going yet. I have just fitted the engine and I am about to start the engine fitout and instruments etc. I figured doing up a landrover couldnt be as hard as building a plane!

I will try to put some photos of the 107sw on tommorow.

[vansrv6]

Some photos of the 107sw prosepctive restore

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Some photos of the 107sw prosepctive restore

Isn't that where they always go with the rot, just below the windscreen!

Very interesting PTO winch - Do you know what brand it is????

Diana

[vansrv6]

I think is was a home made job - slightly big for the vehicle

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I think is was a home made job - slightly big for the vehicle

It could be a Garwood, in the early days all the PTO front winches were very big. The first small PTO was the Toyota branded one on the 3 speed Land Cruisers

Diana

[Mick-Kelly]

She's a beaut, where did you find her?

[vansrv6]

Mick,

My Father in Law has had it for years - second owner apparently. He has never wanted to sell it but I hope to talk him into parting with it! It has always been in Eastern Victoria and from what I can tell it was sold from Melbourne in late 1957 although it is showing as a 1958 model.