Thread: I think I want a II/IIA. Don't I?

Thanks folks,

Much appreciated.
I'd like a II/IIA as I think it really is the 'Land Rover'. An S1 would be cool but I think I might be biting off a bit more than I can chew looking after one of those, and SIII's don't do it for me as much - I grew up with British Leyland cars and still have the mental scars.

And as for the SWB over the LWB - I really like the choppy ride! Plus it'll fit it the garage easier.

I'm happy to take my time buying one as I'm hoping it will outlast me with enough TLC.
If anyone knows of any for sale to a good home feel free to send me a PM

What sort of things should I be looking for? I'm presuming rust in door tops and bulk heads still happens in Oz ( but probably not as much as the UK).
What about cooling, or pistons blow by, brakes, wheel bearings? Is there anything thats a common II/IIA thing to look for?

Thanks once again - your replies have given me the confidence to start looking properly (and the boss has given me the OK if I can prove it will fit in the garage and she can still get her bikes out OK.)

Cheers
Duncan

Originally Posted by The ho har's

There is no reason you can not own a reliable series vehicle, if fit is well maintained

My daily driver is a series 3 and it gets me to work every day, except when the windscreen broke

Mrs hh

What about when it caught on fire?

Series Rock.

CC

I drive my S III to eork daily, 60 km rond trip, I find it to be very reliable. As others have noted regular maintenance is the key. Go for a late S IIa SWB, they're great.

Cheers, Mick.

pfft maintenance... I just top up the oil, check the fuel and its good to go...

starts first turn of the key every time.

Only 'cos it wouldn't dare otherwise mate!

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

pfft maintenance... I just top up the oil, check the fuel and its good to go...

starts first turn of the key every time.

Conveniently forgot about SWMBO having to tow Fozzy up and down the street with Big Red so you could make it to work some mornings

CC

nope, replaced that starter with a tdi 300 one when that old one finally spat the bed just prior to the cape trip starting.

Of course the fact that I have 1400CCA of battery to turn it with about 180AH of capacity up my sleeve means I can really hold that first turn.

Sports car ? Check Got one
Wild woman ? Check (ouch!) Got one
S2A Land Rover ? Check Got one

Would the brake be happy to 'dance the pedals' with the non-synchro gearbox though ??
If not, go for a very late 2A, the last of these had the synchro.

The petrol 2.3L is a strong and smooth engine when it's well tuned and maintained.
SWB is easier to manoeuvre, lighter (good power for weight), and more fun.
Ours gets 12litres per 100km too.
Look for a straight country vehicle then rust is less of an issue
(bulkhead and chassis rear cross-member).