Thread: Betsy, my 67 s2a build.

Rod you might need to get some steel capped socks to wear with your Chinese safety bootz!
Maybe a hi-viz shirt would help too!


Cheers, Mick.

Originally Posted by JohnboyLandy

Nice work Rod !!. I'll be following your thread when I "do" my 109 ex-army 71 2a, starting in Christmas Holidays. You make some interesting points, like the seals etc, all good knowledge and the use of Molasses too.

Can I ask why you chose the disc brake conversion kit you did, and not another brand such as Zeus ?

Cheers,
John

Hi John, I'm not sure what kit Rod is using, but there are plenty of options out there for disk brake conversions on a series LR. Be careful as some of them don't allow the standard steel wheels to be used afterwards but there are 2 kits that do, one of which is Aussie designed and made. Check Cookies thread out here - Series disc brake conversion --- I did it my way

It's a fully engineered system that includes (if you want) a dual diaphragm booster, new master cylinder to suit the disk brakes and if you just go for the front disks like I did on mine, new read wheel cylinders that make the front and rear bias correct.

I'm not saying don't use anyone else's though - I've never seen anyone disappointed with any disk brake kit they've fitted, so it comes down to budget, research and your personal choice in the end.

Personally I don't rate Zeus as a supplier because their service is terrible. I tried to order a disk brake conversion off them for my 101, but it all got too hard - they don't do email, so you have to call them during UK office hours and the 2 times I spoke to them, they wanted the full 800 quid up front even though they didn't have a kit ready to ship, then when they did, the said they would send it in seperate packages at different times as the components were ready and I'd have to pay more in freight than what I was originally quoted, so I gave up and put it in the 'too hard' basket.

Sorry to hijack your thread Rod, you can get back to your normal broadcast now.

Hi, i used the Heystee kit as you can still use original steel wheels as you can with cookeys kit. Forbyn bros in the usa also do a kit which allows you to use dual calipers if you want. They also do a kit for fitting a gen 3 v8 and auto but their transfer case is very expensive. The zeus kit dosent allow u to run original series rims. Cookeys kit wasnt ready when i bought my kit from the netherlands. The heystee kit is now available in Australia from British Off Road. Dont know what the price difference is from when i bought mine but with freight it cost me just over 3k for the four wheel kit. It fits very good. Ive only trial fitted the fronts but its good. As Homestar said there are a few different kits available but they are pricy. I really like cookeys kit. I wont be getting mine engineered unless i have to.

Land Rover...living the series dream.

Cheers Rod

Sent from my GT-I9507 using AULRO mobile app

Thanks for the info guys. I have 7.50 x 16 wheels, and Zeus state wheels must be 16inch 6j, which I assumed were the same, but I guess I don't know much about wheel sizes yet !!


Actually when I look at the Zeus website they are more expensive than I thought, so I will definitely compare them all before I go ahead.


Good to know about their level of "service" too, that's an important consideration.


Having an ex military vehicle, I'm interested in a kit that is completely reversible if need be, that's why the Zeus originally got my attention.


Cheers,
John

Originally Posted by JohnboyLandy

Thanks for the info guys. I have 7.50 x 16 wheels, and Zeus state wheels must be 16inch 6j, which I assumed were the same, but I guess I don't know much about wheel sizes yet !!


Actually when I look at the Zeus website they are more expensive than I thought, so I will definitely compare them all before I go ahead.


Good to know about their level of "service" too, that's an important consideration.


Having an ex military vehicle, I'm interested in a kit that is completely reversible if need be, that's why the Zeus originally got my attention.


Cheers,
John

the problems with the zeus kit is, im led to believe, that the parts are not available in the aftermarket areas and wearing items, such as the discs, are available only through zeus. With the kit im using I can use all commonly available aftermarket defender parts, discs and pads ETC. When it comes time to do so it will be easy to get these bits anywhere Australia wide should the need arise. Say if I have a caliper fault then I just ring a wrecker and get a defender one sent to me. I thought about this,(unusual for me), when I ordered the kit. I will also be fitting braided brake hoses for durability and long life and better brake pedal feel. Just make sure to do you're research before u lash out the cash. I reckon ive chosen what suits me best. My plan is to get the s2a built and head off into the sunset with my No. 5 trailer in tow and just keep driving till ive satisfied my wander lust and seen even more of this wide brown land than ive already seen. I wont forget about Tassie either

Cheers Rod

Thanks Rod, I appreciate your insight from your research, you comment about parts availability makes complete sense to me.

I start dismantling my '71 2a at Christmas, then I can get a better idea of how the drums brakes are and the booster.

Cheers,
John

Ok, another day, another $1.50, plus bonuses. Today the weather was good, so whilst i waited, yet again,for my awning tent to be delivered, I decided to pack the new wheel bearings for the rear disc hubs. I packed them and fitted the seals and then fitted the hubs to the stubs. Tightened them up and fitted new lock washers. Then i fitted the calipers and brake lines, axles and new flanges and hubcaps. I test fitted a stock rim and it was great. Plenty of clearance. Finally the rear end is ready for fitting to the chassis. That will be for some other day. Next will be the front diff and disc conversion.
Finally got some motivation.
Need lots more now😆😆.

Couple pics⤵

Cheers Rod

Sent from my GT-I9507 using AULRO mobile app

I went into the carport shed thingy today intent on starting to rebuild the l/h swivel hub and fit it out for the disc conversion, but my heart wasn't in it today. I began by wire buffing the swivel hub seal retainer plate clean. The wire wheel caught it and tore it out of my hand and made the blood leak out of my thumb. That was enough for me. I put a band aid on and then went inside and thats where i'm staying today. It all seems to be overwhelming for me atm.
No, i'm not OK.

Cheers Rod

Sent from my GT-I9507 using AULRO mobile app