Big Bird has arrived.

**SuperChad** · 8th August 2015, 02:11 PM

Hi all,

Well the new project arrived yesterday evening. An in the bright light of day I had a good look around the yellow terror.

What I do know;

AMR 174-870 from the remlr.com website.
Engine original 253 20041K 28000 miles. 2.25 petrol
Chassis 253 2700d

I got very little, re nil info from the previous owner. Apparently in was a QLD RFS unit in western Queensland for 30yrs once it got discharged from the Army in 1982. Then it was bought by some bloke early 2000's. thats about it.

The engine starts and runs roughly until warm. I think there could be few days with the multimeter to get things like gauges and things working properly.

The usual mob of oil leaks but no too bad really.

Rust;

RR chassis rail some tiny holes hidden in the corners, not a big deal.
Passenger side fuel tank rusted through around the bung hole. Needs a new tank.
A few small holes in the footwell, easily fixable i think.
Biggest concern is the rust at the base of the A pillar. Not super bad, but will need attention though. Any ideas on the best way to fix it without replacing the whole firewall.

I have no plans to restore Bigbird to concourse condition, just to get it roadworthy and reliable enough to drive 10k's to work a few times a week and do the usual lap to Bunnings. I probably will change the colour back to an original Grey or something eventually.

Looking forward to the help and advice from all you experts out there.

Thanks in advance.

D

**crackers** · 8th August 2015, 02:17 PM

Compared to some on here, it's like new

Looks good. At least with those door frames, they're easy to unbolt and replace, no need for rust repairs.

How long before you start driving her to work?

Seriously, what's the plan. Get her working and fix things as you feel like it or strip and restore? (that's strip the Landy, not you

)

**SuperChad** · 8th August 2015, 03:53 PM

My plan is to just get her working and fix things as they pop up. It just needs to be reliable and pass rego.
The main rust is the bottom of the A pillar where the door bolts on. Is that piece replaceable?

thanks
D

**gromit** · 8th August 2015, 04:57 PM

Repair sections are available for the bottom of the A pillar.

Land Rover Defender & Series 2 & 3 Lower Door Pillar Feet o/s - YRM Metal Solutions

Most local LR parts suppliers should be able to get them.

Before you scrap the existing tank cut out the dipstick. This was only fitted on the military Series II & IIa's and could be soldered in to a standard tank.

Colin

**JDNSW** · 8th August 2015, 05:03 PM

You can get replacement sections for the A-pillar. Note that as well as supporting the door, it is the main support for the bulkhead, via a large bolt onto the outrigger.

The original colour will not have been grey, but the green you see on the engine side of the bulkhead (and probably elsewhere).

It looks to be generally in fairly good condition, but expect to find a lot of little niggles to fix. The mileage on the speedo is possibly not genuine - the speedo starts again at 100,000, and after this time it would be surprising if it had not gone past this at least once. (Although if it has the original engine, this would support it being genuine, and in RFS service it probably did very little mileage)

John

**SuperChad** · 8th August 2015, 08:43 PM

I've bee searching the web for a few diagrams of how the replacement section is fitted. Bolted/welded or both i imagine. Any ideas of where to find some pictures?

thanks
Dave

**crackers** · 8th August 2015, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by SuperChad

I've bee searching the web for a few diagrams of how the replacement section is fitted. Bolted/welded or both i imagine. Any ideas of where to find some pictures?

thanks
Dave

It's quite easy. You put her on a trailer, tow her to Adelaide and swap her with me for my Landy... which is now in lots of pieces and in nowhere near the condition of yours

**gromit** · 8th August 2015, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by SuperChad

I've bee searching the web for a few diagrams of how the replacement section is fitted. Bolted/welded or both i imagine. Any ideas of where to find some pictures?

thanks
Dave

The repair section is welded into place, the bolt hole is where the bulkhead bolts to the chassis.

This shows the top of the bulkhead being repaired.
Series IIA Bulkhead

'A' pillar on a Defender.
Landrover 110 A post replacement

I'm sure there'll be some more pictures/tutorial out there somewhere.

Colin

**Cannon** · 9th August 2015, 07:50 AM

Congrats on your purchase.

I nearly bought that one myself. :-)

**ezyrama** · 12th August 2015, 03:33 PM

Congrats, looks good. IMHO. I would leave Big Bird yellow. It looks cool like that.
Cheers Ian

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