Thread: 1958 Series II SWB - Inspection Help required

A 1958 series II 88" (1438 prefix) would be an interesting vehicle, originally it should have had a 2 litre IOE engine. Rare if it still has it.

Don't get confused on the 1958 date if it is an ex-Army 88" Command Reconnaissance, the 1958 is the date of the contract, most were actually 1959 model vehicles with chassis numbers in the 1439 prefix. The '59 had the regular 2 1/4 litre engine of all later models.

BTW: If you need a date of the vehicle, post up the chassis number and someone here will have info.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

A 1958 series II 88" (1438 prefix) would be an interesting vehicle, originally it should have had a 2 litre IOE engine. Rare if it still has it.

Don't get confused on the 1958 date if it is an ex-Army 88" Command Reconnaissance, the 1958 is the date of the contract, most were actually 1959 model vehicles with chassis numbers in the 1439 prefix. The '59 had the regular 2 1/4 litre engine of all later models.

BTW: If you need a date of the vehicle, post up the chassis number and someone here will have info.

Hence I have a lot to learn...... Looking through the threads on the series stuff, you guys are phenomenal on your detailed knowledge.

This what they have advertised it as, its either a 2 or 2A petrol. I will try and get the Vin etc

Cheers

Ok the numbers i have are:

9109
8899109
24307139E

they are indicating its a IIA needs firewall as apparently the brake fluid has been leaking over the past few years.

They believe its the original engine.

Any help on these numbers appreciated.

Thanks
Jonathan.

Hi Jonathan

The first two numbers are only the PMC build serials.

The third number is the chassis number but they didn't give you the correct suffix.

The vehicle is: 24307139B, it was a hard top 88" originally had engine 25191216F (2 1/4 litre petrol) Ign key 707 Door key 896 Hardy brand bar treads, was delivered to "Central Plains Soil Conservation" (NSW Govt) on 24/11/64 with NSW rego DOP-379.

Hope this is a close enough guestimate for you!

If the rust is only below the master cylinders, you can purchase repair panels for the footwells.

Diana

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Hi Jonathan

The first two numbers are only the PMC build serials.

The third number is the chassis number but they didn't give you the correct suffix.

The vehicle is: 24307139B, it was a hard top 88" originally had engine 25191216F (2 1/4 litre petrol) Ign key 707 Door key 896 Hardy brand bar treads, was delivered to "Central Plains Soil Conservation" (NSW Govt) on 24/11/64 with NSW rego DOP-379.

Hope this is a close enough guestimate for you!

If the rust is only below the master cylinders, you can purchase repair panels for the footwells.

Diana

WOW!

Thanks so much Diana, god i love these cars....

I'll check the engine numbers with them again, i'm just trying to work out if it's worth pursuing, as i am so far away so i will have to take a bit of a punt (dangerous on LR's i know)
They are saying it has a tropical roof as well?

Is it worth a shot, it needs work as its currently a bush basher, what do people think? , They are asking $1500.

Your help greatly appreciated to a series novice!!!

You can tell a lot by a decent set of photos.

The things of interest is rust in the front dumb irons (behind the front bumpers) rust in the a pillar (top outside of the firewall), slop in the steering box and the general condition of the body panels.

For $1500 I'd be looking for the lamps and interior instruments/panel being intact.

Seat squab and cushions will probably be stuffed and they will cost around a grand to have made up by a motor trimmer or to get some from the UK.

Most other parts are available either in reproduction or OEM for bearings and seals etc.

I ask for some photos around those elements. They are not overly negotiable so dependent on that they are obviously asking a top end price for the car.

Cheers

1. The blinkers and tail lamps aren't original. They're cheap replacements
2. missing oil-bath air cleaner
3. has Stromberg BVXOU carby or similar together with the matching Holden air cleaner.
4. Breather missing from top of rocker cover.
5. the damage to the rear RHS would be repairable, but I'd want to see the other side as well.
6. the other images are too small to see the condition of the firewall or inside (this may be intentional)
7. No images of inside the driving compartment - essential.

Personally on what info we have $1,500 is maximum and it would want to be quite straight inside.

Replacing a firewall is a relatively big job and a good firewall will probably cost at least $500.

So I'd be wanting good close up pictures of the:

• top corners of the firewall (both sides)
• drivers (and passengers) footwells inside and in the engine bay.
• The dash and instruments.
• LHS
• the condition of the door tops taken from inside.

A friend always says, if you're going to buy an old vehicle, buy the best (restored) one available. It may cost you more initially but you can start having fun immediately.

IMHO I wouldn't be handing over $1500 for that one unless everything else is in good condition.