Series IIA Restoration Project

The aluminium plate in one of your pictures is a 'repair' plate.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/855/4...44ba46a5_z.jpgDSCF7646 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

So it appears mine was 'repaired' at 13Km and yours was at 19km (or 10 because someone wasn't too handy with the number stamps).
Whether that was really 'repaired' or whether it was when it was checked through the workshop and any intervening modifications carried out I'm not sure.

The seats in the back mean it was probably a GS (General Service) although anything can be changed around on a Land Rover (as mentioned).
As to seatbelts, I'm not sure about NSW. In VIC a lap/sash belt is needed for the outer seats and a lap belt for the centre from 1/1/71. The sideways facing seats probably need a lap belt (VicRoads data sheet isn't clear).

The decision you have now is whether to get it back to Military spec. or leave it as is.
Mine is fairly original (still has Dymo Tape warning on the dash etc.) if you need any pictures let me know or the thread is here 2a GS Refurb ARN 178-334
It's been a 'long term' project.......

Colin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gromit

The aluminium plate in one of your pictures is a 'repair' plate.

So it appears mine was 'repaired' at 13Km and yours was at 19km (or 10 because someone wasn't too handy with the number stamps).
Whether that was really 'repaired' or whether it was when it was checked through the workshop and any intervening modifications carried out I'm not sure.

The seats in the back mean it was probably a GS (General Service) although anything can be changed around on a Land Rover (as mentioned).
As to seatbelts, I'm not sure about NSW. In VIC a lap/sash belt is needed for the outer seats and a lap belt for the centre from 1/1/71. The sideways facing seats probably need a lap belt (VicRoads data sheet isn't clear).

The decision you have now is whether to get it back to Military spec. or leave it as is.
Mine is fairly original (still has Dymo Tape warning on the dash etc.) if you need any pictures let me know or the thread is here 2a GS Refurb ARN 178-334
It's been a 'long term' project.......

Colin

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Wow thanks Colin, some great info. I've been pondering over the weekend, as Land Rover owners tend to do, and have come up with the idea to attempt (and attempt is the key word here) to rebuild from the ground up into something classic with a bit of a modern twist (that may even just be down to the paint job). In doing that, she will be fully decommissioned from military service.

Still, lots of pondering to do...

The new arrival to the family is now safe and sound where it shall sit for the foreseeable future until I am booted out of the area at work where she is sitting [biggrin]

I have been reading and looking at other restorations for inspiration and one thing I am wondering is - is it possible to convert the bonnet from the military hook latches that are external to an internal catch?

Here is a pic of it - lost the sunroof on the Hume Freeway somewhere between Albury and Suttons Forest unfortunately, but I have decided to convert this one back to a canvas roof so no great loss.


Attachment 143672

[QUOTE=Damo89;2836737

I have been reading and looking at other restorations for inspiration and one thing I am wondering is - is it possible to convert the bonnet from the military hook latches that are external to an internal catch?


[/QUOTE]

Using parts from a Civvie donor vehicle you could convert the bonnet to an internal catch. Series II & III had a latch through an opening in the grille so you might need to look for Defender parts.
Why do you want the internal latch ? Security ?
A lot of older Land Rovers had (fitted by the owners) a padlock hasp over the front edge of the bonnet so then just fit a padlock of your choice.

If you want to go back to a canvas canopy you might need to start saving.....
The bows can be expensive when they come up for sale and if you want a genuine looking military canvas they are also expensive. I paid about $1,300 for a reproduction some years ago. A civilian canvas might work out cheaper.


Colin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gromit

....
A lot of older Land Rovers had (fitted by the owners) a padlock hasp over the front edge of the bonnet so then just fit a padlock of your choice.
....

Colin

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This was a genuine optional extra. I have never had a lock on the bonnet of any of my Series Landrovers, and never had any issues. My 110 has an external latch but comes with a factory lock that uses the same key as the rear door - but I don't think I have ever locked it.

I replaced the latches on my military 2a with the standard one for two reasons - firstly, I replaced the bonnet with a better one (rust in the frame), and secondly, they were causing cracks in the top of the mudguard, and they rattled.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JDNSW

This was a genuine optional extra.

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John,
I didn't realise it was an option.
Maybe I shouldn't fill in the holes on my Dormobile where one was fitted. Possibly installed due to the overland travel at the beginning of its life ?

Colin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gromit

Using parts from a Civvie donor vehicle you could convert the bonnet to an internal catch. Series II & III had a latch through an opening in the grille so you might need to look for Defender parts.
Why do you want the internal latch ? Security ?
A lot of older Land Rovers had (fitted by the owners) a padlock hasp over the front edge of the bonnet so then just fit a padlock of your choice.

If you want to go back to a canvas canopy you might need to start saving.....
The bows can be expensive when they come up for sale and if you want a genuine looking military canvas they are also expensive. I paid about $1,300 for a reproduction some years ago. A civilian canvas might work out cheaper.


Colin

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Thanks Colin. I am looking to ‘civilianise’ the vehicle as much as possible. The external latches are also busted so they will need to be replaced anyway.

As dor the canopy, I was looking at replacing with a black canvas.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gromit

John,
I didn't realise it was an option.
Maybe I shouldn't fill in the holes on my Dormobile where one was fitted. Possibly installed due to the overland travel at the beginning of its life ?

Colin

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It probably was. The kit is 332970 (2/2a), 320824 (S3) for the standard bonnet and 332969 for the the Deluxe bonnet. All consist of a hinged hasp attached to the underside of the bonnet with two rivets and a fastener like the ones on the tool box under the seat or the lockers in the back of lwb Landrovers held to the radiator support with three screws and nuts.

A long time between posts.

A summary of the past 6 weeks:

• No spark
• Rebuilt Zenith Carb
• Still no spark
• Replaced distributor parts, leads and coil
• Spark!
• Engine kicks over running of Start Ya Bastard
• Stripped out oil bath air filter and restored
• Stripped out battery tray to restore
• Stripped out radiator to restore
• Looking for parts!!!

Will have to put a few photos up soon. Was an amazing feeling to get the engine running and know that it doesn't need that much work (yet).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Damo89

A long time between posts.

A summary of the past 6 weeks:

• No spark
• Rebuilt Zenith Carb
• Still no spark
• Replaced distributor parts, leads and coil
• Spark!
• Engine kicks over running of Start Ya Bastard
• Stripped out oil bath air filter and restored
• Stripped out battery tray to restore
• Stripped out radiator to restore
• Looking for parts!!!

Will have to put a few photos up soon. Was an amazing feeling to get the engine running and know that it doesn't need that much work (yet).

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hi what parts are you looking for regards jim