Thread: First Project

A good start would be to do as much reading as possible in this forum. Note that almost anything in the Series 3 forum also applies to Series 2/2a, as does quite a lot in Series 1.

I would start by giving the vehicle a thorough clean, including degreasing. Removing the floor and transmission tunnel is worthwhile at this stage.

An early step would be to see if the engine is a goer (it probably is, unless bits are missing, even if it does not run very well).

First check that the fuel tank will hold fuel, put a few gallons in and see if the priming lever on the pump will deliver fuel to the carburetter. (And if not, why not). Drain the oil and refill, drain and refill the cooling system, checking for leaks. At this stage a battery can be fitted, being careful to check for shorts (most circuits are unfused!). All being well, it should then be possible to start the engine.

You are likely to find that both clutch and brake hydraulics will need attention before attempting to move it. As a farm hack, it will probably have been taken out of service because of a fault that did not seem worth fixing - the most likely is a clutch hydraulic failure, but other candidates would be lack of brakes, serious steering problems, broken exhaust manifold, broken half axle.

Having established the actual state of the vehicle, you then have to decide what you are going to do with it - full restoration, restore as necessary, but keep original, restore as a daily driver, modifying as seems desirable, etc.etc.

Hope this helps

John

Hi Steve,

As a newbie like yourself, working on my first project - a '67 SWB 2a - I heartily endorse John's recommendations. I have spent hours trawling through the discussions on the AULRO forums and feel like I actually now know a thing or two!

It has helped me to go in a few weeks from a complete LR virgin to someone who can talk with a reasonable amount of knowledge with my mechanic about my project vehicle and not feel like a complete prat.

Apart from engine/drivetrain issues, you will need to get a good look at the chassis and check its condition. When you strip down the body, label and bag all fixings and small components so you know where they came from and inspect each body part as you go. The steel bits will probably need attention for rust, the aluminium bits will probably be ok. The chassis is likely to need some work, a complete sand and repaint at the very least, and some repairs are likely necessary. That's where I'm up to at the moment.

It's all a bit daunting, but great fun so far.

Best of luck with it. Any pics we could have a look at?

G'day Steve, I'm going through the re-build thing as well, complete strip down. My advise would to take heaps of pics at every step to refer back to when time comes to put back together.
Enjoy

Hi Steve

Can't agree more with the last 2 comments, bag & tag EVERYTHING, zip lock sandwich bags are a God send and take photo's!! gotta put photo's up. Dont be afraid to ask questions as there is a shed load of knowledge here. Have a look at "Operation Ralph" here & "Operation Smeg" in the Series 3 forum (my builds) if you like. I actually used Dynamo and hot water straight from the laundry washing machine tap to de-grease Ralph and it works a treat, Just don't do it on any good painted concrete surfaces as it bleaches it. I did it on the road.

Cheers Ian

I started a quick fix on a 73 SWB about six months ago knowing absolutely nothing about cars but once I started taking a few things off I didn't stop and so have ended up embarking on a complete restoration. Having stripped the car down to a chassis i can now confidently say I am in no way prepared to put it back together, but by following the advice already provided to you I am confident it will come together eventually.

I especially liked and have followed the taking photos advice. Before removing anything I took plenty of photos so I have been able to reference them when trying to fix things. It makes it much easier to put things back together if you have a photo of what it should look like.