Thread: Rebuilding Sid

Originally Posted by Cadas

Had a big clear out today and moved on all the spare body parts. Meet some great Land Rover owners who all seem to own at least 4... feeling left out.

Mind you, I do wonder how many will get the planned restoration and how many are just being stored for the next owner. Hopefully they need a new home for a SWB next year

The pile for galvanising has gotten pretty big, and looking through it, there’s quite a bit of prep work needed.

Today’s beast is the front bumper.

Sand blasting revealed weld repairs and they didn’t do a good job. That and 50 years of life.


I was shown how to straighten tractor parts by a a French farmer, and it’s the best way to do bumpers. That is the only tool that works and it does it brilliantly.


Welded, straight and no extra holes. I also welded over the worse of the dings and scrapes as you can’t dress them out.


Ready to go.

You will find when you get the bump bar galvanized there will be a build up of zinc which will sit proud on the areas that you have welded , even if you grind it flat before galvanizing

Yes, unfortunately no real way of avoiding it.

I did weld the butt joints from the inside to reduce the outer weld, but the holes were just something that can’t really be done any other way.

Originally Posted by Cadas

Yes, unfortunately no real way of avoiding it.

I did weld the butt joints from the inside to reduce the outer weld, but the holes were just something that can’t really be done any other way.

Just warning you so you are not disappointed with the galv when it comes back.

Thanks, I’m aware of the galvanising problem with welded steel. I did contemplate tig welding everything but sourcing the right rods, etc and the length of time it would take, I decided it wasn’t worth it.

The bumper is far from perfect, so it should be ok. Worst case, it gets done again.

I’m told polishing the weld can help which I will try.

Some of you may have noticed my subtle () hints about a SWB ...

The only reason I bought Sid was my wife talked me in to it and she has now decided that Land rovers don’t live happily on their own and has directed that Sid needs a sibling.

So, on the look out for the next project. Not in a huge hurry, but if anyone knows of a SWB they would like to see get the Sid treatment (and not be one of those ‘one day’ projects/garden art ) can you let me know. Preference for somewhere near Adelaide.

Looking for an early 2a petrol, full restoration is planned but there has to be enough there to weld back together. As complete as possible, but as you’ve seen with Sid, everything gets rebuilt. I do have a spare 2.25 & gearbox, but would prefer to get something complete.

Next one will be a traditional restoration, I’ve always liked the Old blue ones.

Thanks

More bits for Sid, new alternator

Next problem, finding a fan and pulley. They were fitted to just about every British car in the 60’s and 70’s but can’t find one yet.

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Cadas

More bits for Sid, new alternator

Next problem, finding a fan and pulley. They were fitted to just about every British car in the 60’s and 70’s but can’t find one yet.

Any suggestions?

PM sent.

Not to be picky, but that picture is definitely a generator (Au) or dynamo (UK), not an alternator.