Master
Hi all,
After owning a P38 for a while, I had to let it go as I didn't really have the funds to maintain it at the time.
Have just yesterday picked up a 4 door 84 RRC for $400
Its pretty rough, and I don't think its an understatement. My dad, who owns a few (I think he's up to 9 now between a couple of properties?!!) tells me that he's seen worse though and it should scrub up ok.
The good:
- It starts first time
- It runs, and sounds pretty good
- New water pump
- Current rego
- 5 speed manual
- It has aircon! (see the bad points)
- The car is mostly complete
- Rego
- Tyres are fairly good
The bad:
- Apparently it has an overheating problem
- Radiator doesnt look much chop
- Tailgate is screwed - top is fully rusted out and someone has attempted to seal it with black stuff, but there is no key to the latch and its being held shut with bonnet pins or something
- Roof lining is very saggy
- Windscreen has a leak around the seal somewhere, and as such the car has that damp smell
- Seats have had it
- Carpets are a bit gross
- Dash is disintegrating
- Aircon compressor doesnt have a belt on it, doubtful it works
- Only one key
- Bonnet release and handbrake do not work
Plans for the car: (not necessarily in order)
- Find a replacement radiator & new thermostat
- Replace bonnet
- Replace rear tailgate
- Fix windscreen
- Fix handbrake cable and bonnet release
- Service braking system
- Suspension - replace springs and shocks
- Steering - check & replace necessary components
- Interior - replace dash, seats, carpet
- Electrical - sort out reverse lights & high beams/spotlights
- Electrical - overhaul/fix interior lighting and dash lights
As I mentioned earlier, my father has a few wrecks that I can steal parts from.
Car will be used only occasionally, for odd jobs around the place like towing trailers or moving supplies, and then the odd trip 2-3 hours north/south/east of Perth.
Will add up some pics soon
Open to suggestions or recommendations!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Master
Good work Jememy, I saw that on gumtree and agonised for a week whether to go and have a look. Glad it's gone to an AULRO home. Where else can you buy a registered RRC for $400 - even with problems.
Look forward to seeing how you get on with it - good luck!
Pete
Master
It might need a head gasket and possibly head work.
But will fix the cooling system first before jumping to that conclusion
Master
What I'd really like advice on are shocks/springs. I've been told factory suspension is quite good.
Does anyone have any comments or recommendations? Also from a quick search I am not sure which springs will suit my model, there are 2-3 different ones to choose from - what are the standard springs called?
Master
I also saw that on Gumtree and wanted to go have a look, glad it didn't end up being a farm hack or boat ramp chock! What differences in the springs are you referring too? Factory suspension is quite good although pretty boaty, as you would expect. Good thing you plan on doing some work on the steering because it's like driving a truck and gets incredibly vague and loose as these things get older!
Don't suppose your dad has any 2 door parts cars lying around? I need a mountain of bits and pieces for my `74... :P
Master
I had a look at it this morning and the radiator & top up tank were almost empty. There is coolant left though. But there is evidence of bubbling in the small coolant return hose that comes from the top of the engine back to the radiator filler cap.Originally Posted by Chivalry
I took the car around the block and the steering is pretty sloppy. The engine isn't the most responsive, but still sounds good up top. The speedo and temp gauge do not work.
I'm not sure if it has the factory suspension though, the springs are blue?
The wheel guards also indicate the car might've had some chunky tyres on there at some point, so could've had other springs too.
He might do, what are you after?
Master
Made it to Mundaring and back from home the other night, pulling a small trailer.
It was a cool night, but the rangie went the distance without overheating.
Almost lost my headlights for a while there, but managed to get them back on, although I lost all the dash lights....
Definitely need to look into that.
I've ordered a bunch of parts from Britcar, mainly servicing & ignition related things with a few extras such as gear knobs & cables.
My next order will have windscreen & tailgate seals, engine gasket set, bonnet release cable and possibly a right angle speedo drive.
Already enjoying this project so much, it's one of the main things I think/talk about lately! haha.
A girl at work has an 09 Navara DX dual cab that I am continually trash talking, going to need to put the Rangie in good running order and show them what the old Rangie is capable of!
Master
Not sure about the suspension, good chance it is not factory though but not sure what brand it would be. At least you know they aren't King Springs or they would be yellow? Speedo failure is common in these, from what I've been told it is usually just the cable.
Good to know you have a shipment of bits and pieces on the way! Parts-wise for mine, the list is too long haha. Would be easiest to just know what's there and check if it is actually one of the many parts that need replacing, if you know what I mean.
I share that feeling about having a worn out Range Rover too, I just spent the afternoon doing a few things to mine now that the weather has cleared up.
AT REST
G'day Jezza89
Those springs look like "Dobinson"brand which I have,I replaced my tired old springs in my 1985 model,they improved it no end,but tired shockers will not help,the rest of it looks quite good interior looks in good cond,the water use could possibly be the heater hoses that pass under the inlet manifold,or possibly a head gasket problem,check all spark plugs for any which are a different colour,which would indicate a head gasket leak,it could also be a welsh plug leaking,they are down the side of the block under the exhaust manifolds,an easy and cheap fix use brass welsh plugs if replacing them, looks like it has the LT 95 4 speed gearbox much stronger than my LT77,5 speed unit. Just remember that these early Rangies do not have sway bars as standard and will have medium body roll,the back bumper should straighten out OK with a large hammer and a length of the right size water pipe,the lower tailgate could possibly be straightened with a little work with a length of 3x2 timber and or a panel beating tool.
The big vertical York brand A/con compressor only took R12 gas,but they can be inverted to an air compressor and a small air tank from a light truck can be fitted under the doors,they used to drag about 10 horsepower out of the motor,if not you can remove it, the dash on most Rangies of that age will be a bit sad if the vehicle has not been garaged,the stronger sunlight in Australia causes it,a piece of carpet trimmed to fit will help.
cheers
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