My 1955 Project!

[toad]

Now this is my first major posting so be gentle with me as I try to get things right! Like inserting pictures etc.

Decided that, as I was attending the Outback Landrover Heritage Drive next year, I may as well have a fitting vehicle to go in! So I just happen to have this followed me home a year or to ago:

My 1955 86", with original drive train!

http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16237/ppuser/21913
Now just in case the pics don't work out yet - I put them in the gallery for a look see.

I have been purchasing bits and pieces for the last year so have a collection of new and reconditioned parts to fit. The big question is how far do you go with a rebuild like this?

Despite appearences, the vehicle is quite sound with little rust and only one banged up guard. I have a 109" S1 that I am going to pinch the dash and seats from (and anything else I need). The Pink primer house paint used to protect it 15 years ago (yes probably leaded at that) has worked well but will need to go; sooner or later.

Your comments appreciated;

Toad

[slug_burner]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/11/199.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16236)

I think that is going to need the welding of a patch.

You have a project on your hands. I think if you look around you will be able to fins something a little more sound to start with.

Good luck with it.

[101RRS]

Hey Mr Toad,

Where are the pics of your progress to date? :D

And your other series 1.

Garry

[drifter]

Hey Mr Toad,

Where are the pics of your progress to date? :D

And your other series 1.

Garry

I think it is about time he posted an update... :D

[Landy Smurf]

i agree

[101RRS]

I bet it has not progressed since the last time I saw it.

[101RRS]

I think it is about time he posted an update... :D

Why don't you post up some of your pics. That might shame him into complete it.

[drifter]

I spoke to him Monday night (where were you, by the way?).

I am informed that there is one bolt to go and said bolt is winging its way out from Blighty - it is the bolt that connects the fuel pipe to the carby...

So I am expecting to hear the roar of a mistuned engine this weekend...

I guess I could post some of my pics - but it's not the same as shaming him to post HIS pics of the vehicle - Toadette certainly took a few of the progress...

[101RRS]

So I am expecting to hear the roar of a mistuned engine this weekend...


I tried to convince him a couple of months back to pour some petrol down the carby and give a kick but the poor old thing (Toad that is) wasn't ready.

Oh - and where is the story of your series 2 and pics??

[drifter]

I tried to convince him a couple of months back to pour some petrol down the carby and give a kick but the poor old thing (Toad that is) wasn't ready.

Oh - and where is the story of your series 2 and pics??

Mine is buried in the Series 2 section - probably at about page 10 by now.

I think I have a line on some 700 x 16's for Toad - I should know more later on this week. Bar treads.

[101RRS]

I think I have a line on some 700 x 16's Bar treads.

Will they be a bit big for his skinny rims?

[drifter]

Will they be a bit big for his skinny rims?

hmmm - I would have thought 600 or 650 but he definitely said 700

[101RRS]

But do you think he knows what he is doing.

Isn't it great talking behind his back ;). He will never find out cause he never comes on line, answers his SMSs or reads his emails.:D

[drifter]

When yer internet is the equivalent of a bit of string and two baked bean cans...

[toad]

Ok,

stop the whining! NEWS ALERT - I have the last bolt - fuel line inlet banjo bolt complete with banjo and micro mesh filter. And no, the latter S2 one did not fit as it has a different thread mongrel f*^&$.

So, if Saturday is clear then it should be all systems go for an attempt as starting this thing - no name as yet! (all good land rovers must have a name) but am working on that. At least its not pink anymore. Expect to see its début at the LRC Show and Tell on the 19th.

Yep, I am looking for a set of 7.00 x 16 tyres for the bus given its nice new springs. They should fill the guards without being too big and just allow slightly more relaxed cruising at 45 mph.

Oh, I have been busy setting up a new company so have not had a great deal on free time but that is done now. We don't own much except debt, but expect that will change after time.

[Landy Smurf]

photos?

[drifter]

Ok,

stop the whining! NEWS ALERT - I have the last bolt - fuel line inlet banjo bolt complete with banjo and micro mesh filter. And no, the latter S2 one did not fit as it has a different thread mongrel f*^&$.

So, if Saturday is clear then it should be all systems go for an attempt as starting this thing - no name as yet! (all good land rovers must have a name) but am working on that. At least its not pink anymore. Expect to see its début at the LRC Show and Tell on the 19th.

Yep, I am looking for a set of 7.00 x 16 tyres for the bus given its nice new springs. They should fill the guards without being too big and just allow slightly more relaxed cruising at 45 mph.

Oh, I have been busy setting up a new company so have not had a great deal on free time but that is done now. We don't own much except debt, but expect that will change after time.

Saturday, huh? I may just hold you to that. Watch for a low flying Disco...


photos?

If I get out there I'll take some Tony. I have a heap of them during the build up on my site but I'll see if I can get some newer ones.

[101RRS]

I am informed that there is one bolt to go and said bolt is winging its way out from Blighty - it is the bolt that connects the fuel pipe to the carby...

He could have take the one off my spare engine in the garage. Guess it is a bit late now.

[drifter]

er - as you know, he DID end up borrowing the one off your engine...


Good to see it start today - finally.

No clouds of smoke or, considering how long it had been sitting around, condensation. The only smoke was off the exhaust manifold and brand new exhaust pipe - very acceptable.

That carby is toast I reckon - but we'll see. When it did get to idle it was very 'quiet' and even. I was much impressed.

Tony, I took a couple of pictures - I'll sort something out from whoa to go shortly and post up a bit of a story about the build...

Anyone from the ACT Land Rover club who reads this, come along next Sunday to the 'Show and Tell' - the vehicle will be there.

[Landy Smurf]

thanks drifter looking forward to it
cheers tony

[101RRS]

er - as you know, he DID end up borrowing the one off your engine...

That carby is toast I reckon - but we'll see. When it did get to idle it was very 'quiet' and even. I was much impressed.

Actually it ended up coming off the station wagon with the older siamese engine - I am glad it fitted though.

Yes the engine ran best with full choke on with a hand also almost covering the air intake. Covering the dizzy suction pipe made no difference. I suspect the carby is very lean but adjustment did not make much difference. I am wondering if it is sucking in air through the inlet manifold gasket.

It was good to see it actually start though.

[drifter]

OK - sit back - smoke 'em if you've got 'em - I have a few posts to add here and I won't be stopping until I'm done...

[drifter]

The story?

This is a story about Toad, his wife, his mates and his 1955 86" Series 1 rebuild.

Toad and Toadette (if I may be so bold) took delivery of a pretty well run down vehicle in 2009. In November 2009, Toad posted the following pics of the vehicle:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/1453.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16234/title/55-build/cat/500)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/1454.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16235/title/55-build/cat/500)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/1455.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16236/title/55-build/cat/500)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/1456.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16237/title/55-build/cat/500)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/1457.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16238/title/55-build/cat/500)

The original mission was to have the vehicle registered, roadworthy and participating in the Outback Heritage Drive.

[drifter]

Toad and his wife worked steadily on the project over a period of months, stripping, sanding, cleaning, painting, buying, awaiting parts...

At a club meeting on the 3rd May, 2010, Toad asked if there were any volunteers to help with the build - he was running out of time for the Outback Heritage Drive.

Well - a heap of us turned up on the Saturday (8th May) and found a well restored chassis sitting on the garage floor, two reconditioned diffs and a lot of body panels outside awaiting sanding and painting...

It is also fair to say that there were a HEAP of new parts in their packets awaiting the installers...

At the end of day 1 we had a rolling chassis and a lot of sanded panels:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321751.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321751.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321752.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321752.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321753.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321753.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321754.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321754.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321755.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321755.jpg)

[drifter]

More panels:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321756.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321756.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321757.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321757.jpg)

[drifter]

The original firewall was a little worse for wear:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321758.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321758.jpg)

[drifter]

Installing the clutch activating assembly - and watching *someone* coveting the wheels:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321760.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321760.jpg)

[drifter]

By the 22nd May, things were progressing:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321768.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321768.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321769.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321769.jpg)

[drifter]

Less essential (for now) bits were still being processed:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321770.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321770.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321771.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321771.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321772.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321772.jpg)

[drifter]

This little beastie was being attacked from all angles:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321773.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321773.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321774.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321774.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321775.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321775.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321776.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321776.jpg)

[drifter]

The production line was still continuing:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321777.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321777.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321781.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321781.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321782.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321782.jpg)

[drifter]

Late on the 23rd May, we were trying to get it all together:

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321784.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321784.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321785.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321785.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321787.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321787.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321790.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321790.jpg)

[drifter]

...

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321791.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321791.jpg)

Testing the plumbing!
http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321793.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321793.jpg)

http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321794.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321794.jpg)

[drifter]

At that point, there was a week left before the vehicle had to be in Bourke for the start of the trip.

It needed an exhaust (gotit), a wheel bearing pressed off and another one pressed on (gotit), brakes bled and setup (fail)...

And, disaster - the waterpump was shot and a new one was purchased - but not in time.

The Heritage drive went ahead without this little beastie...

[drifter]

Roll on a couple of months... and some of the team re-convened. During the interval, the plumbing had been sorted out. All we needed was the fuel line from pump to carby, the last brake line installed and the brakes bled - and it would be done... sorta - I really don't think these things ever end...

So - the fuel line was installed - the fuel pump was dismantled again - silly thing was not living up to its name...

The fan belt was installed - the radiator was filled...

And we started her up!

It wasn't quite that easy - it had been a while for the little engine - but it did start!

Sure, there are a few problems - but that can be fixed, either with a reconditioned carby or something - we are leaking fuel from our moving bits and we won't idle nicely unless we are choked... but it's not insurmountable.

Some pics from today - with the engine running:

Garry always seems to present the same view when a camera is around
http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321827.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321827.jpg)

Carby adjustment
http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321828.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321828.jpg)

I think we need to smear that water housing with grease or something
http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/400/1D321831.jpg (http://kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/800/1D321831.jpg)

[drifter]

All the pictures above can be clicked to see a larger version.

And if Toad wants to ring me, I have a deal for him on some 7.00 x 16 tyres...

[Landy Smurf]

that is awesome work and it happened so quickly well done guys top job and thanks for filling us in drifter

[shaunh]

very nice work
may i ask what the paint code is for that paint?

[drifter]

It is close to Deep Bronze Green (it looks a bit lighter in my pics).

He mentioned it yesterday - I am sure he said it is a Brunswick Green

[series2110]

Gday - i have been watching this project with much enthusiasm, for a couple of years - Great to see it come to fruition - you and your team must be very proud and satisfied Congratulations - i am actually only about 500 mts from you in a straight line

Cheers

Defenderly
series2110

[101RRS]

It is close to Deep Bronze Green (it looks a bit lighter in my pics).

He mentioned it yesterday - I am sure he said it is a Brunswick Green

I thought is was spray can Wattyl Kill Rust Green:o

[101RRS]

that is awesome work and it happened so quickly well done guys top job and thanks for filling us in drifter


Most of the assembly work from the ground up took three weekends and a few nights. All the fiddly bits that John has mentioned have taken Toad (Rick) and John and others a lot longer. Some of the supplied parts have not fitted and caused further delays.

Watching and participating a small way to this project has given me a good idea on what has worked well and what on reflection we would have done differently. For me it has reinforced the need to do my station wagon properly and to get most of the parts I need before the project starts. Also it is frustrating to have to stop assembly due to wrong parts or missing parts. What I will be doing is not pulling my series one apart in one huge session but taking a part off - restoring it, and then storing it as a new part - this way when time comes to reassemble, all parts will be ready to go - there is nothing worse than starting only to be held up while body work etc is being done - enthusiasm reduces and the project comes to a stop. It was amazing to see Ricks series almost come to life in a few weeks - was highly motivating.

Irrespective whether it is on the road or night I look forward to seeing it at our club show and tell next week - even with a couple of issues to be sorted it is so close to being in the road.

Garry

[drifter]

Hence the time I have taken with the 2a - I have a heap of bits ready - but they can wait...

As you say, the major part of the build was done very quickly - but the hours that went in beforehand that we didn't see were a killer.

Toad and Toadette did a great job.

[toad]

Well after 20 years of sitting in a paddock, the beast has finally driven under its own steam once again. :)

It was only a short drive, given it still needs one brake hard line fitted and I live on a low range slope to drive about (the handbrake is just not that good even though its new).

That and the fact that the carby is sick, sick, sick. It now runs without the choke and on over run down our drive throws a 2 foot flame out the exhaust on backfiring ~ some excessive fuelling going on me thinks.

So some brake, some lights and tyres and I could be off to rego!!!

Hey Gary, does that offer of a lend of a carby still stand? I will send mine off for repair I think.

Toad.

[101RRS]

Hey Gary, does that offer of a lend of a carby still stand? I will send mine off for repair I think.

Toad.

Yeah - no worries - I will pull it off in the morning and drop it over to you in the afternoon. I will try to start it up first and put some fresh fuel through it.

Garry

[drifter]

If you want those tyres I rang about, let me know how many...

[lyallthecrocodile]

if i may butt in, just wondering what sort/brand those tyres are? are they new? i really want a set of RTM's and have recently found a lead but dont want to reinvent the wheel if others know where to find them. cheers

[drifter]

yup - new ones - I arranged it through an importer. Only 5 available and Toad gets them. Try ringing around the local importers in your area and you may find they do the same for you.

[lyallthecrocodile]

cheers for that, that's what i'm in the process of doing. also after 7.00 x 16's. can you tell me how much you paid each so i have something to go on? much appreciated.

[101RRS]

So did the Toad series 1 get to its first outing? Even if it was as a trailer queen :).

[toad]

Yes Gary,

It did go to the event and got driven around a few times, all the way up to 15 MPH (oh the speedo works by the way). Unlike you who seemed to be absent.........

And while it did go there and back on a trailer it did drive on and off under its own steam; I am sure I have a picture of a slightly large vehicle on my trailer somewhere if you would like me to share it?
So tyres, wiring bodge up and that’s about all for rego. Soon……

[101RRS]

It did go to the event and got driven around a few times, all the way up to 15 MPH (oh the speedo works by the way). Unlike you who seemed to be absent.........
Thats great - was intending to get along but something came up at the last minute


I am sure I have a picture of a slightly large vehicle on my trailer somewhere if you would like me to share it?
Shuuuush


So tyres, wiring bodge up and that’s about all for rego. Soon……
Brakes ??? Don't forget to get 7 seat listed on the rego docs - that way you have options in the future. Those back seats should only take about 10 minutes to remove them if you decide not to use them.

[toad]

Ok,

I have bit the bullet and purchased a high quality Indian carby from the good old US of A (pic attached (I hope)). At a total cost of $160 delivered, somewhat cheaper than the $250 I was quoted for an overhaul by a local. :eek:

When it gets here I will check it over for jet sizes and add the vacuum port fitting etc. Report to follow.

While the brakes are now complete I think they need a bleed given it takes 6 or 7 pumps to get them to work. ;) So I will enlist the help of one of my children, the dam bank, nose up (vehicle), left hand fingers crossed (you need the right ones for the spanner) and tongue to the left....or was it the right. :confused:

The new exhaust is 2" tube and has quite a cackle on over-run so its a Series 1 with attitude. While it starts first turn of the starter I will also dive into the dissy given the 25 year old points and condensor.

More notes after this long weekend, oh and did I say we have another long weekend next weekend. :)

[101RRS]

While the brakes are now complete I think they need a bleed given it takes 6 or 7 pumps to get them to work.

Or over size drums and undersize shoes - even with new shoes I have always had this problem on every series landie I have owned - now I just buy oversized shoes and if necessary just grind them down a bit.

Garry

[Tote]

So does that carby bolt on to the manifold in the correct orientation or do you need the spacer to turn it 90 degrees on the manifold?

Regards,
Tote

[drifter]

If it is exactly the same as that picture it looks like it will bolt straight on and all linkages will be OK.

[toad]

Hi all,

got around to trying to sort out the brakes over the weekend after helping a mate put parabolics on his S3 Carawagon (5 hours start to finish).

As the brakes had been completley apart and new everything, I took the oppertunity to use silicon brake fluid during the rebuild at a cost of over $100 per litre.

Bleeding away and not getting a result moving from wheel to wheel noticed a slight leak from the left rear (at probably 10 cents a drop) so off with the wheel and drum; however as I only put two new drums on the front found the screw thread of the 3/8 WW extration point stripped. Out with the BFH and a few minutes latter it was off!

One side on the new slave cylinder was leaking and on pulling it apart found some metal swalf from the machineing process. A good clean, some rubber grease, and no pictures due to the cost of each drop, it was quickly put back together. This time it bled ok with no leaks. Still no brakes until I figured out I still had yet to adjust the brakes out and as it was getting dark......... and a rum was calling the rest of this job can wait to another day.

So the moral of this story - check and clean even new parts; oh and parabolics are fantastic.

Regards, Toad.