Thread: Series 1 SWB

there is a mob in england that do replacement screws and nuts for 80" steering boxes (or you can slightly mod it and fit a series ii swb box i believe)

i used a generic bosch alternator and had the pulley machined so it lined up

there is a mob in england that do an alternator in a generator case. don't recall their names, sorry

best of british with it....

Steering Services
Unit 1A, Chapel Lane
Westcott, Dorking, Surrey
RH4 3PJ
UK

New phone number is UK +44 1306 640483

They will do Burman worm and nut boxes used on 48 to 55 models but they required the box and column shipped to the UK for overhaul. You should give them a call because they don't do internet.

80 inch steering columns are shorter than the later s1 steering columns.

From memory the trick in the UK for 80" was to use a LHD SIII box turned upside-down, but LHD boxes are rare as in Australia.

1. Noisy reverse. Yes, straight cut gears on first, reverse, and low range will be noisy. If the noise is uniform, probably nothing to worry about, but if reverse is a lot noisier than first, it could indicate a worn bush on the reverse idler, but even in this case it will probably run for a long time making a lot of noise.

2. Handbrake may have been stuck either due to oil leaking from the transfer case, or due to the expander being seized. At the least, I would pull the drum off and look at the situation.

3. Others have pretty much covered the steering box.

4. Repairing the generator will be simpler than fitting an alternator, and has the advantage of keeping originality. But there is no doubt that from a practical use point of view, the alternator is better. Up to you.

John

Originally Posted by JamesM

A few newbie/dumb questions about my series 1 SWB.
1. It's very noisy (whining sound) in reverse and a mechanic has reassured me that this is to be expected because it has straight cut gears. Seems awfully noisy to me, so I wonder if this is anything to worry about?
2. When I got it the handbrake was stuck and I've heard this might be due to oil leaking from the box. I'll make sure the oil level is OK and see if the seal is leaking but might be posting further on this if it's dodgy.
3. The steering box is shot so will need to be repaired. Is there anyone recommended to repair this, or should I look for a replacement (where?)
4. The generator isn't charging so I plan to put an alternator in rather than repairing it, but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Other than that it's a great little machine and I'm looking forward to trundling around the hills in it!
Cheers
James

hi james keep original i will check my 80 inch steering boxes for you regards jim

Have we seen a picture of it yet James? we like pictures.
cheers,
D

I think most of your questions have been answered but....

Is the Series I an 80" or 86" (or 88" )?

What exactly is wrong with the steering box ?

As John suggested, repairing a dynamo can sometimes be a fairly simple job. Replace a bush, re-machine the commutator & replace brushes.
Is it the dynamo, the regulator box or a wiring issue though ?

Handbrake drum can be removed from underneath and slid over the propshaft. You'll need a Whitworth spanner (5/16" from memory) to remove the nuts holding the drum, slacken off the adjuster, remove the drum and see what horrors lurk inside....

Best of luck,

Colin

Originally Posted by JamesM

A few newbie/dumb questions about my series 1 SWB.
1. It's very noisy (whining sound) in reverse and a mechanic has reassured me that this is to be expected because it has straight cut gears. Seems awfully noisy to me, so I wonder if this is anything to worry about?
2. When I got it the handbrake was stuck and I've heard this might be due to oil leaking from the box. I'll make sure the oil level is OK and see if the seal is leaking but might be posting further on this if it's dodgy.
3. The steering box is shot so will need to be repaired. Is there anyone recommended to repair this, or should I look for a replacement (where?)
4. The generator isn't charging so I plan to put an alternator in rather than repairing it, but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Other than that it's a great little machine and I'm looking forward to trundling around the hills in it!
Cheers
James

hi checked steering boxs one cast iron box left jim

Thanks for the very helpful info. It's an 80" and the steering is so slack that there seemed close to 180 degrees of free play, so driving on the freeway had me looking as if I was having some sort of convulsion (according to the missus). I'll have a closer look at the brake - so far I've just slackened it off. I'll also get the regulator and wiring checked to see exactly what's wrong with the charging, so lots to do! I'll be driving it on road as well as around the hills so am putting indicators on - it won't look 100% original but will be safer. Think I also might need to put seat belts on to carry little grandkids? Have also replaced the exhaust.
I don't think photos really do the cute little thing justice. It's something I remember from my childhood at uncle ("Big") Anthony's farm (a very long time ago). "Little Anthony" called it the "Oggin" when he was aroung 3 years old, for reasons that are unclear, so this one will get the same title.
I think there's a few pics attached...
James