Thread: New to the series game

Thanks for that info John!

I managed to fire the 186 into life last night, soon as I primed the fuel (And put some in the tank) she sounds oh so smooth! Apparently it hasn't been started since the rebuild. A seriously smooth sounding engine, I'm considering keeping it in there and finishing until i source an original engine...that's how good it was! hahah otherwise It will be up for sale soon with the necessary conversion parts, and if anyone wants a swap? I'm keen!

If the resale value of the petrol to diesel isn't that great, I might try and avoid complications with fuel setups (is there any difference?) and stick with the 2.25P.

I was busy calling around yesterday looking for a truck cab, if anyone has one laying around within Victoria, any condition at all, let me know

Also does anyone know what the colour would be called? Ive seen on Grey_Ghosts S2a he used Deep Brunswick Green.

Originally Posted by chaybra

.........
If the resale value of the petrol to diesel isn't that great, I might try and avoid complications with fuel setups (is there any difference?) and stick with the 2.25P.
........

The fuel setup complications are that the diesel has a return line and a fuel gauge sender with a separate warning light. The wiring has differences too, with the diesel having to provide switching for the heater plugs, but overall the differences are not that great. But still things to do!

Holden conversions were mostly done to replace a worn engine much more cheaply than overhauling the original, or to upgrade power, although the original engine can be significantly upgraded in power relatively cheaply.

There are three basic problems with Holden conversions, but although the conversions vary from professional to horrible, these comments apply to all.

1. Most Holden engines are not suited to the gearing, so either a high ratio transfer case conversion or an overdrive is essential if used much on the highway.

2. Carburettor and some Holden sumps can result in fuel and lubrication problems on steep slopes (and the smaller oil quantity can result in overheating oil if worked hard in hot weather at low speeds, such as in sand).

3. Some of the commercially manufactured adapters are not sufficiently accurately made, and the resulting, unnoticed, misalignment of the gearbox input shaft can and does result in early gearbox failure and expensive overhauls (soon repeated if the mechanic is not aware of this potential issue and tests alignment and corrects if necessary).

Can't help with the truck cab, but be aware that for the swb you need, as well as the roof and back and fixings, a filler piece, as the back of the cab is about four inches behind the bulkhead behind the seats. This bit is often mislaid (or, if the cab is off a 109, never existed).

Hope this helps,

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

1. Most Holden engines are not suited to the gearing, so either a high ratio transfer case conversion or an overdrive is essential if used much on the highway.

2. Carburettor and some Holden sumps can result in fuel and lubrication problems on steep slopes (and the smaller oil quantity can result in overheating oil if worked hard in hot weather at low speeds, such as in sand).

3. Some of the commercially manufactured adapters are not sufficiently accurately made, and the resulting, unnoticed, misalignment of the gearbox input shaft can and does result in early gearbox failure and expensive overhauls (soon repeated if the mechanic is not aware of this potential issue and tests alignment and corrects if necessary).

Thanks again John! Massive help indeed!

In that case, I think Ill just go for what ever I can get my hands on, diesel or petrol! Ill be doing a full rebuild regardless. The wiring and return lines are no problem and I can whip that together in a heart beat.

Priced up some rebuilt 186 engines online and the price has put a smile on my face to say the least. Ill just have to see if the car was previously registered with the engine so I can enjoy the 6cyl until i find a 2.25 without engineering approval

The cab spacer, I think I have one, there was also some curved glass bits that were in a box that came with it. Im presuming now that it came with a truck cab originally.

After a poke around yesterday I also noticed the brake lines and clutch lines are missing (Could be in a box but I dont think so) Do you buy them off the shelf or is it acceptable to make the steel lines and buy the hose? It has all new master and slave cylinders all around, well they are in a box...

Was there a difference needed with the original radiators to accommodate the 186? I dont want to have to repair/get a new one if I want to run this engine and then have to flogg it off when I got back to the original.


Thanks in advance

Hi Chaybra,

I have a roof ute cab for a SWB... My current project (Roger) came with it.. From memory the roof is pretty dinted - which is a very common problem with series vehicles.. You would need to spend some time panel beating to make it look perfect!

I went with the colour Deep Brunswick Green - because it was readily available. It is certainly not a standard LR colour..

I think that there are LR paint codes listed in this forum - possibly in one of the "sticky" sections... Hopefully you will be able to find it!

[Edit - I found the link, it is here - Standard Paint Codes ]

In relation to the brake lines - there are complete kits out there, or you can simply make them up yourself. As you said - I think that it is best to make them from steel. I'm pretty sure in VIC you can't get a RWC if the lines have been made of copper. The flexible brake lines are also available new.

I am no expert on the Holden conversions - but from what I have seen often the front cross member has been cut - to make room for the radiator because the engine is longer, and a thinner Holden radiator sits in place. The original LR radiators are fatter.

I could show you a "normal" chassis / radiator and a modified (for a holden 6) chassis also.

Cheers,
The Grey Ghost.

Originally Posted by grey_ghost

Hi Chaybra,

I have a roof ute cab for a SWB... My current project (Roger) came with it.. From memory the roof is pretty dinted - which is a very common problem with series vehicles.. You would need to spend some time panel beating to make it look perfect!

I went with the colour Deep Brunswick Green - because it was readily available. It is certainly not a standard LR colour..

I think that there are LR paint codes listed in this forum - possibly in one of the "sticky" sections... Hopefully you will be able to find it!

[Edit - I found the link, it is here - Standard Paint Codes ]

In relation to the brake lines - there are complete kits out there, or you can simply make them up yourself. As you said - I think that it is best to make them from steel. I'm pretty sure in VIC you can't get a RWC if the lines have been made of copper. The flexible brake lines are also available new.

I am no expert on the Holden conversions - but from what I have seen often the front cross member has been cut - to make room for the radiator because the engine is longer, and a thinner Holden radiator sits in place. The original LR radiators are fatter.

I could show you a "normal" chassis / radiator and a modified (for a holden 6) chassis also.

Cheers,
The Grey Ghost.

Oh fantastic info Grey ghost! Ill Pm you about the roof
Ill have to check my cross member this afternoon, This is a shot from the video I took last night of it running and it seems to be a nice square box shape still...hmmm home this means the box mounts are standard.

While I am at it, my tailgate is missing too Have the chains on it.

I know this probably should go in the sales section. but, again, if anyone has one laying about in Vic

Hello from Brisbane.

Not sure about Series 2 trucks, but on a Series 3 if the truck originally came with a hard top it won't have the tabs on the windscreen for a canvas roof or the tie down fittings on the side just after the door or the staples on the back for the adjuster straps.

Cheers

Hi
Welcome to Series ownership!
Try the Ho-Hars (Series Landy Rescue on Facebook) for a tailgate. They should have one. Even though they are in Brisbane, I will be coming down to Melbourne in a few weeks and could probably fit it in.
Cheers, Martin