Thread: Series 1 with holden engine

Originally Posted by dearot

Thinking to buy this a series 1 with holden engine. Body I think look straight and going to inpect the chassis tomorrow.

From thw photo the seller sent me there are some rust holes under the windscreen. The engine seems seized.

My question is

1. How hard is it to fix those rust holes shown on the picture or do I need to get a replcement bulkhead.

2. Do you think is a bad idea to get series with holden engine? Do you think the chassis had been cut to fit the engine? Or they usually used a adaptor kit?

3. Looking at the photos how much do I need to spend?

Thanks. Gus.

if you can weld its ok if not it can be a can of worms if the engines seized go back to original chassi no is also a help regards jim

Originally Posted by russellrovers

if you can weld its ok if not it can be a can of worms if the engines seized go back to original chassi no is also a help regards jim

What do you mean by go back to original chassis no?

Originally Posted by dearot

What do you mean by go back to original chassis no?

There was a comma missing, as in if the Holden engine is seized, then go back to an original engine. But also, posting a chassis number will help identify the vehicle.

Repairing that bulkhead will need an expert welder, but should be possible - although if you can find a good one, it will be a lot easier, and cheaper as well if you are paying a good welder!

I would tend to fit an original 2l engine if you can find one, or failing that probably a 2.25, as these are readily available, even if you need to overhaul it.

The chassis is likely to have been modified, and the radiator support as well, but both of these are relatively easy to rebuild or replace in the second case.

The conversion may have been done using a commercial kit, or a one-off. You need to be aware that some of the commercial adapter plates were not accurately enough made, and result in gearbox damage, so be prepared for gearbox repairs.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

The conversion may have been done using a commercial kit, or a one-off. You need to be aware that some of the commercial adapter plates were not accurately enough made, and result in gearbox damage, so be prepared for gearbox repairs. John

How can I tell whether it is using a commercial kit or a one off?
Sorry have to ask to make sure I know what to look for as I never have series nor see conversion kit before.

I think you can do better than this. I'd keep looking. There,s a nice looking series 3 up north , registered original engine - you could drive it home.
Cheers,
D

Originally Posted by Dark61

I think you can do better than this. I'd keep looking. There,s a nice looking series 3 up north , registered original engine - you could drive it home. Cheers, D

I know which one you are talking about. Spoke to him on friday. Got distracted when I saw this series 1

Originally Posted by dearot

How can I tell whether it is using a commercial kit or a one off?
Sorry have to ask to make sure I know what to look for as I never have series nor see conversion kit before.

You can't at this stage! There were several commercial conversion kits, varying from backyard to what we would regard as 'factory' today, and some of the home grown ones were just as good as the best. And then, apart from the bits fitted, there was how well the work was done - even if the best parts were used, the conversion may have been done by an amateur short of time and the result only intended as a farm hack.

Most of these conversions were done because fitting a Holden engine (readily available and cheap since Holdens usually rusted out long before the engine was worn out) was far cheaper than overhauling the Rover engine, even taking into account conversion costs, and gave a boost in performance as a bonus.

John