The Restoration Begins [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

Walster

29th February 2008, 02:18 PM

Hi all,

I have just started a restoration of a 1951 80" Land Rover and I am not sure which way to go with it? Help :no2:

I am not after a concourse finish, just a reliable classic car that will function as a daily/weekly driver.

It has had a 2.25lt motor and I think, similar vintage gearbox fitted. (what a shame)

S/N's are:

2.25lt engine: 25338045K
Gearbox: 156900273

I know you all like photo's so I have included some, of its current configuration:

7126

7127

I do have the original 1.6lt engine, although it appears seized, It is probably salvageable. I don't have the carby for this motor, nor gearbox, nor flywheel etc.

Can anyone confirm that the current gearbox that is fitted is not compatible with the 1.6lt motor? (The chassis mounts for it appear home made)

and,

Is it worth persisting with the restoration of the 1.6lt motor, noting that I am missing many add on bits, including the gearbox? (anyone got some spare bits)

Or,

Should I just do up the 2.25lt, noting the 'more power' option?, however I am a little concerned as to the home made job of mounting the engine and gearbox to the chassis. Also the alignment to the rear axle etc.

Regards

Wal

bobslandies

29th February 2008, 03:14 PM

Hi,
Had a quick look and think this is correct:
Your engine is from sequence 253xxxxxA-onwards and signifies a Series 2A (1962-on) 2.25 litre petrol, Export, RH Steering, CKD (Completely Knocked Down kit assembled in an overseas factory in this case likely Australia!), 109" wheelbase vehicle.
The gearbox 1569xxxxx is from a 1959 Series 2 diesel engined 109" wheelbase vehicle.
There's a bit of the puzzle.
Let us know the engine; chassis and body numbers if they are different; and when you have cleaned up the diff casings they are also numbered on the top of the casing and can be deciphered. Later ones are wider.
There is a good chance that the front diff will hit the 2.25litre motor - that is why the wheelbase was increased in the later series 1s to 88"
The bellhousing on a 1.6 is different - (the same as the Land Rover 6 cyl motor) so would have to be changed to use the gearbox you have if you want to fit the original motor.
Regards,
Bob

olmate

29th February 2008, 04:24 PM

Gday Wal,

Well mate - you doing what I want to end up doing ;) Good luck and enjoy it; there will be heaps of blokes here able to help along the way and heaps of others (like me) watching the progress. :D:D:D

Walster

29th February 2008, 04:53 PM

graceysdad

29th February 2008, 07:34 PM

Look out Troy the Walster will have you on phizzer if yours is better!, definately the right place for help and cheek and the odd laugh or 3

olmate

29th February 2008, 08:54 PM

Thanks Troy,

I have been watching your progress too, and you are doing very well. ol_ute is comming together great.

I note that you are in the Service, same here mate, only I'm in the Senior Service!! :banana: (I wont hold that against you)

Next time I am heading your way we will have to catch up for some :twobeers:

Regards,

Wal

Wal, The things we do when we are too lazy to find a real job:o. In fact both my brothers and I did the same thing (with the sister going into that other service for a while:(). So Senior Service hey.. Will be great to catchup for a beer or three and talk about things 'in the puss' - is that how you say it? :D

Walster

29th February 2008, 09:07 PM

Hey Troy,

"The pussers bus is the bus for us"

Look forward to spinning some yarns over a few beers. I just found a great web site in the USA called 'Singing Camel Land Rovers' (no plug intended) who has a great range of photos of a 1951 80" restoration.

I can see the difference between my gearbox and the correct one, however the gearbox mounts appear to be the same, so I am guessing that I was wrong to call my ones homemade.

From closer inspection of my current 2.25lt engine, it has been mounted with the standard rover engine mounts (off the 1.6lt) with just a 1/4 inch packer between the RHS mount and chassis.

It fits pretty good, anyone else seen a 2.25 into a 80"?

Regards

Wal

graceysdad

29th February 2008, 09:08 PM

Pussers? you mean Port hole peepers!

Walster

29th February 2008, 09:12 PM

I like to watch

Regards

Wal

olmate

29th February 2008, 09:15 PM

I like to watch

Regards

Wal

Now Wal you are concerning me - next thing it will be the golden rivet:wasntme:

Walster

29th February 2008, 09:31 PM

Now Wal you are concerning me - next thing it will be the golden rivet:wasntme:
Troy, I think you have spent too much time in Darwin, it appears that you have already been converted to the puss, maybe I can sent you some transfer papers, we need you!!

Regards

Wal

olmate

29th February 2008, 09:40 PM

No mate - you lot dont need me. I spend too much time complaining about your boats going too quick for trawling speed. How do you expect a bloke to catch fish in those situations?

easo

29th February 2008, 11:04 PM

G'day Wal, got any pics of the rest of your wagon?
:rulez:

Easo

ellard

1st March 2008, 08:58 AM

Hi there

Looking forwards to seeing the restoration progress.

As for engines - it helps in my opinion to stick with and rebuild the original engine. I hear the rego "Historical Registration" may be changing in the near futures but if its original theres no argument.

All the best

Wayne

Walster

1st March 2008, 05:04 PM

Hi all,

The latest photos are here, engine is out,

I have pretty much decided to restore the 2.25lt engine as it would probably be impossible to find an original 80" gearbox and all the bits that I need for the original motor (water pump/carby/etc). If I was able to source the parts I would need to take out a loan to afford it all. The better half wants to buy a house...funny thing about that - We need money.

These photos are after today efforts. All the panels are stored in a separate shed, no space in double garage. Sorry but I didn't have the camera when tear down occurred.

olmate

1st March 2008, 05:50 PM

Great photos Wal, keep em coming. :D

spudboy

1st March 2008, 06:38 PM

That's a big job you're taking on. Unusual to see a green chassis :)

I need to do something similar to mine but at the rate I'm going I will have to retire before I get around to it.

graceysdad

1st March 2008, 07:53 PM

What about the dance of the flaming you know whats!, you Navy guys get upto some seriously funny stuff at times, my mate what was an Lt in the puss, he was on the Hobart, best way to diet is spend 3 months in the boiler room of a DDG. I may have some 51 engine odds and possibly a stuffed gearbox

Walster

1st March 2008, 08:58 PM

Hi Spudboy,

The green chassis appears to be genuine. Under the green there is a yellow primer (or is it zinc chromate?) then metal.

From my experience in the Puss, Zinc Chromate is bad stuff, so I have been using a dust mask just in case.

Yes Graceysdad, the dance of the flamers :firedevil: is fun, however it can only been done successfully when totally inebriated, or permanent damage may occur. I have done some stupid things in my time, however, I have survived and had a great time along the way.

The Navy is one great big family (just like this forum) and its great how every one looks after it each other and helps out.:ehigh5:

Keep up the tradition.

Walster

4th March 2008, 05:28 PM

Back again,

Here is the latest installment of the restoration

I have the original 1.6lt engine on the stand, and just trying to take the head off in order to check what damage is inside (engine will not turn over)

Once I get inside I will have to make a decision as to go with the 1.6lt or not.

If I decide to go with the 1.6lt restoration, I might post a list of bits that I need, and if anyone who might be able to help out with parts, that would be very much appreciated. Willing to pay fair and reasonable price for bits, or in beer, or I do have a bucket load of spares (including doors and tops) and other stuff for possible trade?

I am still debating whether to go to Cooma, so if I get my wish list published soon, It might be worth my while to travel to Cooma for pick up

Thanks again and enjoy

graceysdad

4th March 2008, 05:39 PM

From what I can see of your chassis you have an easy build, how about the tub? whats it like? the green chassis is interesting your in for some fun. I recommend any one who is stripping old paint, particularly old red lead to wear a respirator as these old primers even today are hazardous to your health, was only yesty I was sanding red lead, the good old stuff, really nasty for your lungs.

easo

4th March 2008, 06:17 PM

I am still debating whether to go to Cooma,

:cool:Doooo iiiiiit:cool:

Dosent look like she will be too hard to get spinning.

Walster

9th March 2008, 04:00 PM

G'Day All,

I have finally taken the head off the 1.6lt and apart from where water has gotten in (through no spark plugs in 3 cylinders) it appear not too bad. It will require re-sleeving though. Bottom and top end look good, will probably require new journals/bearings.

My wish list is as follows:

* Gearbox/transfer case from around 1951 era (has flat spot on back of bell housing where starter motor would protrude into)

* Left hand Side (facing front) Engine mount

* Carby - Solex type 32 PB12

* Oil Bath Cleaner and pipe work to carby

* Water Pump

* Fuel Pump (SU Electric)

If anyone has these parts and would like to sell/trade please feel free to send me a private email. (I think graceysdad might have a gearbox)

I have decided to part of the action at Cooma now (look out Troy, its going to be a big weekend), so pick up of parts can occur at Cooma if need be.

Thank again for helping out if you can

easo

9th March 2008, 06:11 PM

I have a 2nd hand head gasket floating around if your interested. PM if you like.

Easo

Pedro_The_Swift

9th March 2008, 06:19 PM

Thats the way easo!;):cool:

Walster

9th March 2008, 08:46 PM

Thanks easo, for the offer of a gasket, however I already have a second hand one!!!!!!!

You are good

Walster

3rd October 2008, 10:39 AM

Sorry for not keeping the forum users updated of my progress (as I know you all love to see pictures) however after many months (including the last two week solid during School Holidays) I have something to show for my efforts.

It's finally comming together and starting to look like a Landy, much to the delight of the OHMBO. (she sees light at the end of the money pit)

The engine is rebuilt and ready to go back in. (sorry no photos at this stage :mad:)

10961

10962

10963

10964

10965

Regards

Wal

Lotz-A-Landies

3rd October 2008, 10:42 AM

Looks great good work.

Diana

JDNSW

3rd October 2008, 12:20 PM

Looking very nice.

John

ellard

3rd October 2008, 02:19 PM

Hi there

Very nice - blue.....

Wayne

olmate

4th October 2008, 08:02 PM

Wal,

You are doing a great job mate :thumbsup:

I will be very happy if Shorty's paint job looks half as decent as what you have done.

I shall be watching this mate ;)

Walster

11th October 2008, 03:22 PM

Here is todays update, heaps on movement!!!!!:):):):)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/604.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/605.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/606.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/607.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/608.jpg

Enjoy,

Wal

olmate

12th October 2008, 09:02 PM

Looking very nice Wal ;)

Walster

26th October 2008, 09:55 PM

I have been busy the past week, fitting little bits; rear lights are mounted, handles mounted, seat base in, seat hinges are mounted, bonnet bits are back on etc.

Front end comming along

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/153.jpg

Radiator fitted, unfortunately I had to get the core replaced

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/10/154.jpg

I made new seat frames, and wove jute webbing over them ready for the wife to stitch up the covers

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/393.jpg

Another picture of the seat frame with the foam cut, another frame sits on top

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/395.jpg

Last picture is of the seat backs having been painted and with the foam cut, again waiting for the OHMBO to get to stitching the covers

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/394.jpg

Enjoy

Wal

olmate

27th October 2008, 05:35 AM

Very Nice Wal - keep the photos coming. :D:D:D

Pedro_The_Swift

27th October 2008, 08:15 AM

Beautiful job Wal,,:BigThumb::TakeABow:

I really like the colour:cool:

lnd130

27th October 2008, 07:10 PM

nice job, wasnt sure about the colour to start with , but now i love it. great job

Walster

27th October 2008, 07:40 PM

Thanks Ind130,

It took me a while to decide not to go the Rover original colour scheme, but I thought why not and be original myself. I have always been a fan of the blue, my plan with the hard top is to go white vice the original cream colour. At least I will stand out on the roads as a one of a kind.

I have previously restored a 1979 Yamaha Motorcycle and painted it in Yellow (which believe it or not goes really well with the chrome and black frame), and the wife would not let me paint the landy the matching yellow.

The seat covers which the wife started covering today are white, which should provide a good contrast with the blue.

Regards

Wal

Walster

15th November 2008, 04:07 PM

HELP......:question::question::question::question: :question:

Silly me....when I did the strip down, I forgot to remember where the two (2) earth straps go from the chassis to the engine/gearbox.

The straps are approx 220mm long, I have made two new ones, and I remember that one goes from Master Brake Cylinder Mount to the Transfer Case, however my brain fails me to remember where the other goes.:spudnikcurse::spudnikcurse:

I have looked in the Parts book, Service manual and Operators Manual to no avail.

Any advice appreciated

Also: As I am changing the system over to neg earth, where should I bolt the negative lead from the battery to?

Regards

Wal

ben 1952s1

16th November 2008, 10:33 AM

when you said about painting it bule well???? It looks fantastic wal you have done a terrific job off it ,i hope my 52 looks as good mines not bronze green either some one painted it like the 48 color.But it look good ,not as good as yours but

ellard

19th November 2008, 07:43 AM

Hi there

Looking great keep up the good work.....

All the best

Wayne

PS where did you get the bar tread tyres...

RobHay

19th November 2008, 08:21 AM

Hi there

Looking great keep up the good work.....

All the best

Wayne

PS where did you get the bar tread tyres...
You certainly doing a fantastic job on the resto,,,and you said you were not going for concourse..............I too would be interested to know where the tyres came from........will sit here and hold my breath until I get the answer:D

Dinty

19th November 2008, 12:20 PM

G'day All, 600.x16 NDST are available just about anywhere in Oz, 7.50 x 16 well thats another story cheers Dennis:angel:

Walster

19th November 2008, 03:53 PM

Your are right Dennis,

I was suprised how easy it was to get them. :) 600 X 16 - 6 ply radial tyres MRF NDMS made in India . I got them from my local Tyrepower Store here in Hastings, Vic. He had to get them in but at $120 fitted and balanced (with tubes) - I couldn't say no.

Regards

Wal

olmate

19th November 2008, 06:31 PM

Walster

19th November 2008, 07:40 PM

Thanks everyone for you words of encouragement, you are making me blush:blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::bl ush:

So I had to rush out and take some more photos to keep you all happy.

Current status:

- I have finished the re-wiring and have statically tested all cable runs.

- I plan to take her down (by trailer) to the local exhaust man on Saturday, so he can make up a front section of exhaust. I was able to purchase the rear section (including muffler) off the self.

- I have received the doors and front 1/4 panels back from my welder, and I just need to take out the big dints and will paint them up in the next few weeks

- Should have a test start on the engine possibly this Sunday, If I do, I plan to take a video clip, just to show you all if it blows up or not.......(I have been loosing hair during this rebuild and laying in bed at night thinking of anything that I have forgotten to do)

Anyway enjoy the photos:

Dash Panel installed:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/11/221.jpg

Front Interior:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/11/222.jpg

Seat completed by the wife and now installed:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/850.jpg

Rear sectional view:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/11/223.jpg

Front sectional view:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/11/224.jpg

Enjoy

Regards

Wal

JDNSW

19th November 2008, 07:54 PM

Wal,

I keep looking at the photos mate and you are doing an A1 job :TakeABow: Kind of makes me wish I was spending more time on mine.

I also have a few 6.00 x 16 Bar Treads here and was surprised to find that they are easy to get hold of.

They are probably easy to find because they were standard on the Suzuki Stockman, whiich was sold in significant numbers more recently than anything else using bar tread tyres. There are probably still quite a few in use.

John

olmate

20th November 2008, 08:01 PM

Great photos again Wal.;)

Walster

29th November 2008, 12:36 PM

Have just started the old girl and guess what....IT LIVES

MOV03783.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting (http://s357.photobucket.com/albums/oo20/walster67/?action=view&current=MOV03783.flv)

It started first turn of the key...Very Happy

Now I just have to sort out why I can't get in into gear, I suspect throw out adjustment...fingers crossed....

Excitement all round....Check out my youngest daughter not even interested, she just reads her book.....

Enjoy

Regards

Wal

101RRS

29th November 2008, 01:28 PM

Great stuff - congrats all round.:ehigh5::arms::thumbsup::beer::clap2::burnru bber::MileStone::TakeABow:

Garry

Dinty

29th November 2008, 02:11 PM

G'day All, Wal thats looking good, but one thing puzzles me why the delay in the joy that it was running, I'm bloody deaf and heard it hundreds of K's away, the instant it started LOL, and yes I noticed your daughter just sitting there reading/looking at the book, wait till she's old enough to want to sit where you were LOL cheers mate Dennis:angel:
PS that has been a bright spot in my gloomy day:(:( bloody kids

Walster

29th November 2008, 02:58 PM

D-Fender

29th November 2008, 03:33 PM

Man you are doing a fantastic job mate, keep up the good work:)

Andy.

olmate

29th November 2008, 03:52 PM

Bloody great Wal :D:D:D:banana::twobeers:

JDNSW

29th November 2008, 03:52 PM

Thanks Dennis,

I think that it was initially a shock that the engine fired first go and took a few seconds to sink in. I still can't believe that it was so easy to start.

Now I am stuck finding an air leak into the fuel system, which is causing the engine to run rough.

I have removed the fuel line to the carbie and placed in into a tin, and get air bubbles in the fuel. Air is also evident in the fuel strainer bowl...any thoughts.

All connections are tight with no leaks evident.

Regards

Wal

If you have the original type of fuel pump, there are plenty of places for it to leak air on the suction side. One suggestion is to disconnect the intake pipe and run a hose into a container of petrol, and see if you are still getting the air.

But my guess is that the problem is the tube that dips into the tank. It can develop two problems.

1. the screen on the end of it is blocked or almost blocked

2. It has a pinhole in it somewhere above the level of the fuel in the tank.

Hope this helps
John

Walster

29th November 2008, 04:28 PM

Thanks John,

The leak was on the output union of the fuel strainer, a bit of teflon tape and a tighten up fixed it good.

Regards

Wal

Walster

14th January 2009, 07:31 AM

Again sorry for the lack of updates, Big"Swamp" took my ADSL down by mistake (thanks Sol and his three amigos) therefore I have been off-line for the past three weeks.

During the past three weeks, though, I passed Roadworthy, gained Full Victoria Registration, and have finished the Hard Top with Lots of other small jobs that has keeped me busy.

I took her for a few small test runs, and have solved all the issues that had poped up. Last week I drove her for a 400km round trip to give her a work out, All very good with no big issues. I have just about mastered the gear changes. (it been a long time since I used a crash box)

As you may recall, I am in the Defence Force and are posting to Sydney (starting work next monday 19th) so I will be driving in the Landy to Sydney starting tommorow 15th Jan 09 and plan on arriving on Saturday the 18th, so if you hear anything in the news about slow moving traffic on the Hume, it will just be me.

I hopefully will be able to give you a trip report during my drive. Thanks to all that help out during the restoration, I could not have completed the rebuild in 10 months, without you advice, suggestions, and ideas. Even just looking and searching through old posts helped heaps. You all, are a resource worth bottling.

Regards Wal

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/887.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/888.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/889.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/890.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/891.jpg

MacMan

14th January 2009, 08:01 AM

That's BEAUTIFUL!!!

Well done!!!

Shonky

14th January 2009, 08:38 AM

Mate that looks absolutely fantastic! :D

Got some interior shots?

Good to see you did it the way YOU wanted it and not the way the rivet counters think it must be... ;) I will be doing a similar thing with my SII - although mine will be a trip truck so while I will still do a good job on it, it probably won't be as nice as yours. ;)

D110V8D

14th January 2009, 04:07 PM

That looks very very nice :D

I do worry about the upholstery colour tho....glad its you keeping it clean and not me :D

Trust a woman to say that.:D

Looks fantastic Walstr! Well done.:cool:

numpty

14th January 2009, 04:57 PM

Great looking wee beasty. Congrats.

JDNSW

14th January 2009, 07:38 PM

That is not just beautiful - it's incredible!

John

olmate

15th January 2009, 06:35 AM

Wal - you have done an excellent job mate :BigThumb: Pls let us all know how she goes on the road runs and keep the photos coming. Very impressed.

I will have to pull my finger out now and get back into Shorty :D:D:D

series1buff

15th January 2009, 08:18 AM

Looks great , and done in such a short time . I've been working on mine for over 3 years and it's not on the road .

Is that a repro hard top ? The windows look slightly too large, but it could be just the angle of the pics
Mike

Walster

15th January 2009, 05:11 PM

Hi All,

Well I have made it to Albury, left at 10am this morning from Hastings, Victoria (on the Mornington Peninsular) and took it easy (max speed 65km/h) up the Hume. Arrived in Albury at around 5.15pm only to find all my usual Lavington Motels full - due to some basketball match.:mad::mad:

So I had to backtrack into Albury and got the last remaining room at the Albury Burvale.

Stats:

Travelled 401km
Total time (including many rest stops) 7hrs and 15min

I only have 553km to go in two days, It was good to get a big stretch out of the way first, then I can just cruise on in to Sydney over the next two days.

Numpty,s Missus,

My wife said the same about the white seat covers, but I have just been given them a wipe over with Armoral and they appear to be keeping reasonably clean.

Mike,

The Hard top would appear to be original, even the glass appears to be original as they are toughened, and I think made by Pilkintons in Aust.

I'm am preparing for some drinks and the local pub and then to prepare for tomorrow adventure.

Regards

Wal

olmate

15th January 2009, 05:50 PM

Wal - Albury hey ... you could have stopped here mate :D Plenty of home brew

Walster

15th January 2009, 05:54 PM

Wal - Albury hey ... you could have stopped here mate :D Plenty of home brew

Hi Troy,

I didn't want to impose, as I knew your were in the middle of a house move.

Wal

Shonky

15th January 2009, 05:55 PM

Walster

15th January 2009, 05:58 PM

Just my opinion Wal, but I have found that Armour All can dry out vinyls and plastics with prolonged use. This causes discolouration and cracks due to hardening.

I prefer the Meguiars stuff. It's more exxy, but you have gone to all that expense to restore it aye? :)

Any pics of the inaugrual road trip? :D

Thanks for the advice Shonky, I have used Meguiars Wax stuff for a while and have been very impressed, so I will give there vinyl clean a go also.

Thanks mate

Wal

olmate

15th January 2009, 05:58 PM

Hi Troy,

I didn't want to impose, as I knew your were in the middle of a house move.

Wal

Wouldn't have been a problem mate. pm sent with my mob number

olmate

16th January 2009, 03:14 PM

Well Wal made it round to my place to catch up and have a chat :D:D:D

No beers this time (will fix that the next time) ;) Just a couple of photos ... Very nice Landy mate. It looks great near my shed.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/796.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/797.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/798.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/799.jpg

Safe travels mate. Will catch up again soon :D

Walster

16th January 2009, 05:20 PM

Hi All,

Well a very early start in Albury, the bloke living in the motel room next to mine decided to start his 8ton Pantec truck at 4.30am this morning, and I could not get back to sleep.

After a check over of fluids, it was off to find Troy's new shed.....And what a shed it is, I want one , but I will have to convince the wife!!!!.

It was great to catch up Troy, and to meet the family. Next time around - my shout.

After leaving Troy's it was a quick stop for fuel and the on the Hume heading north.

I was a bit worried about holding all the highway traffic up due to the road works for the Hume duplication, however, as it was a weekday, most of the single lanes were reduced to either 80km/h or 60km/h zones (and even a few 40km/h) so I didn't hold too many tourists and truckies up.

I stopped for the mandatory stop for all Sailors - HMAS Otway at Holbrook

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/791.jpg

I was stopped in the car-park, from a son of a Cow Cocky, who old man loves Series 1 Land Rovers and is in the middle of doing a few up. After a quick chat, it was back on the road.

Lunch was at the Dog on the Tuckerbox (no photo -sorry)

This photo is just a random pic of the long road ahead

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/792.jpg

Then onto Goulburn for the night, I couldn't help myself, I just had to get a photo with the Big White Fluffy thing!!!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/793.jpg

A couple of interesting observations from the trip so far:

- How the flies can actually keep up with you as I drive along and regularly will fly through the cabin
- Smelling road kill
- I actually was passed by a 4WD that must have been on Bio-diesel, as it smelt like fish and chips.

Only 194km left for tomorrow

Regards

Wal

Seriously_Series

16th January 2009, 05:36 PM

Hey Wal,

Great trip so far! Hows she running no nastys? Whats the oil consumption like?

Walster

16th January 2009, 05:49 PM

Hey Wal,

Great trip so far! Hows she running no nastys? Whats the oil consumption like?

No big nastys as yet - touch wood. The only trouble is my stearing box bushes need replacing, a little too much slop, and I think it is getting worse. I should make it Ok, and will have to get it fixed in Sydney in due course.

Oil consumption has been very low (in my books) I had to top up about 100ml this morning and that would include the mandatory oil drips/leak/weaping. She has only done around 1200km since the engine was rebuilt, and I havent generally gone over 65-68km/h, although i have hit 78km/h down hill, with a tail wind today!!!

Regards

Wal

olmate

16th January 2009, 06:43 PM

Wal - we will be needing a photo of the Landy in Randwick traffic !! ;)

Seriously_Series

17th January 2009, 12:37 AM

No big nastys as yet - touch wood. The only trouble is my stearing box bushes need replacing, a little too much slop, and I think it is getting worse. I should make it Ok, and will have to get it fixed in Sydney in due course.

Oil consumption has been very low (in my books) I had to top up about 100ml this morning and that would include the mandatory oil drips/leak/weaping. She has only done around 1200km since the engine was rebuilt, and I havent generally gone over 65-68km/h, although i have hit 78km/h down hill, with a tail wind today!!!

Regards

Wal

Thats very good. I did a 2200km road trip in my 53 a few weeks ago and used around 600ml. I think i used more then normal for a few reasons one being 1000km 12+ hours non-stop would use quite abeit also higher speeds then you i sat on around 75-80 km/h which still gave me around 320-330km out of a tank. Or maybe 600ml is perfectly normal i don't know.. Whats the 1.6L engine like on the hills?

Alex

Walster

17th January 2009, 06:17 AM

Whats the 1.6L engine like on the hills?

Alex

Alex, the power has actually surprised me. for ony a 1600cc engine if the hill is short and steep, she only looses a small amount of revs, but the power stays and up she goes.

When the hill is a long gradual incline, she looses revs quicky (as expected) but once down to about 40-45km/h (in third gear) she just has power (or is it torque) to burn. It feels like she could sit on this speed/power setting all day every day and just hum along. I was even able to overtake a B-Double truckie going up a hill yesterday!!!!!!!!

Regards

Wal

Walster

17th January 2009, 02:57 PM

Hi All,

What a busy day, well I am finally in Sydney (at the Randwick Army Barracks) and have already had few beers to celebrate the arrival. Its lonely drinking alone.......but I will have to get used to it.

It all started last night, after checking into the Motel in Goulburn, and deciding to have something to eat at the local RSL Club (Goulburn Soldiers Club). I decided to have a few beers to honour our latest VC recipient SAS Trooper Mark Donaldson, who probably was utilising a Land Rover during his heroic efforts.

I had finished dinner, and went to get some more funds from the machine, when the box says to me "insufficient funds". I thought, what - no way, and a quick phone call the the better half, resulted in finding out that she depleted my beer fund account by mistake. After a quick trip back to the Motel to do the Internet fund transfer thing, I was back in the Black....

After a few sherbets, I jumped on the One Armed Bandits, and after I left at 2300, I was $160 up......Yeah - more beer money.

I went to bed a very happy chappy.

Up bright and early, for a check of the vehicle, and was bailed up for a chat from my Motel room next door neighbor. He was an Old Timer, who worked on building the Warragamba Dam. He used to drive Series 1 Land Rovers during early years of the construction of the Dam. He loved to see 'Walstr' and reminisced of the old times.

Back on the road I refueled, and started heading off, for the last few hundred kilometers to Sydney. As the temperature today was deciding cooler, I was forced to add extra layers of clothing and include a beanie in order to keep warm. One problem was every time a truck came storming past, my beanie tried to blow off, but I was quick to work out that if I put my sunglasses on the outside of the beanie it would hold them on. I probably looked like a weirdo.

There is a few things that I had forgotten about Sydney traffic:

- How very few people used indicators
- How narrow the lanes are (not good with my dodgy steering box buses)
- How much a rush everyone is in to get somewhere
- That Peak Hour is every hour (even weekends)

Sorry there is no photos of Sydney traffic, my camera decided to run out of batteries, just as I was trying to take a photo going into the M5 tunnel. Now that is one very noisy tunnel inside.

As I came out of the M5 tunnel, just before the airport, a Land Rover Discovery (or was it a Range Rover - I cant remember, as i was concentrating on the busy traffic) came onto the road, saw me and backed off and became my welcoming committee to Sydney. A couple of waves and with me trying to change lanes we parted. I think he was a member of the Land Rover Owners' Club of Australia, Victorian Branch, as he had that style sticker on the back window, anyway, whoever he was, thank you for the warm welcome into Sydney, even though it was brief.

Then it was on Randwick, and with my dodgey steering buses, trying to drive in a straight line with the uneven camber of Sydney's roads was nearly impossible. It was so much easier on the Highway.

So I know leave you with my experiences of driving a 1951 Series 1 80inch from Melbourne to Sydney, all in all I had a less than eventfull trip, I had packed so many tools (more than than Snap-On Tool Vans) just in case, and allowed an extra day if I got into trouble, but low and behold, I made it as scheduled.

Regards

Wal

slug_burner

17th January 2009, 03:40 PM

Well done Wal.

A great restoration diary to inspire others to get off their pumpkin and get on with it.

olmate

17th January 2009, 07:52 PM

Glad to here that you have arrived Wal :D I shall have (another) beer for you now mate ;)

Randwick Barracks is a bit different these days fella - no one lives in (OK - maybe a very few) but its a long hard search to find anybody hanging about for a drink :(

Stay well and keep the photos etc coming

chris1983rangie

22nd January 2009, 10:53 AM

Walster

22nd January 2009, 09:24 PM

Hi Wal,

She's a beaut mate! I like the colour very nice to see another landy back on the road especially the 80's. How much time did you spend on the resto?
Also watched your videos on Youtube that was great first time engine start.

bring it to the Vic 4x4 Show at wandin in Feb this year i will have my 86" on display there with many other series ones.

all the best.

Chris.

Thanks Chris,

The resto took 10 months to complete, and I had to rush it in the end, as I had to have it completed before I moved to Sydney.

As I am now residing in Sydney for the next 2 years, before returning to Victoria, I unfortunately won't be able to attend the Vic 4x4 show. (I left he family in Melbourne) But thanks for the offer, I should be able to make it in 2011.

Regards

Wal

Larry

23rd January 2009, 03:40 PM

Great 80" Wal.

You'll have to come up to the NRMA Motorfest on Australia Day, just up the road from Randwick.;)

The LROCS will be in Hyde Park South (look for the yellow shelter).:D

Mark.

Lotz-A-Landies

23rd January 2009, 05:38 PM

Walster

23rd January 2009, 10:20 PM

Have to agree with Larry, pop down to the Motorfest on Monday, we could even find you a spot if you want one.

It's a great looking vehicle, I hoped you'd have indicated for me to have a look last weekend when you came up behind me on the M5East, anyway you did give me a nod so that's O.K.

C ya :) :)
Diana

Hi Diana and Mark,

I was wondering what I was going to do this long weekend, and then I saw Bob's post regarding the MotorFest, and I thought that I might pop down and catch up with you all.

I don't know if my beast would be a worthy addition next the others! I certainly would love to pick peoples brains over a few issues though.

So it was you Diana, who was my welcomming party to Sydney. I saw you come on the M5 and then pull over and then get in front of me, However with my worn steering (nearly fighting to keep her on the road) and trying to decypher the GPS. I couldn't do much more than a quick wave before having to turn off near the airport.

Regards

Wal