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Thread: Fenton the Land Rover

  1. #1
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    Fenton the Land Rover

    G'day guys,

    I’m just starting out on my Land Rover journey, some of you might have seen my post on the Series Land Rover Australia Facebook group but thought I’d create a thread here to document the progress.

    I bought Fenton, a Series 3 88” from eBay a couple of weeks back sight unseen and had it trucked up from Mulbring to Byron Bay.

    Chassis: 90304078A | Body: LRS 17594 | Serial: 8817594

    According to calVIN, it’s a 1972-1979 RHD, Export, CKD, but based on someone else’s chassis number I think we can narrow it down to late 73 / early 74.

    At some stage it's had a 186 with yellaterra head and Holley carby conversion and it looks like someone’s also spent some time addressing some rust issues, how well they’ve done this I will find out next week. As part of this, unfortunately they’ve also sprayed the interior with a Raptor type spray-on lining type thing which definitely what I had mind.

    It’s currently running but after a quick drive it was pretty clear it needs a bit of work, particularly on brakes, gearbox (hopefully just selector) and the carby is leaking fuel. My plan is to get it rego'ed ASAP and then start chipping away at my ever-growing to-do list.

    My knowledge of Land Rovers and mechanics in general is very limited but I’m very keen to change that.
    So I can get it on the road as quickly as possible I’ve got a local mechanic taking care of the initial work but I’m planning to get the relevant workshop manual and get much more hands on with future improvements and repairs.

    A few first questions…
    • I need to place my first order or bits & pieces (lights, mirrors, spare wheel bonnet mount fastenings bailey channels etc.), I’ve been looking at Paddock Spares but is there a better option?
    • I can’t find the ID plate, guessing it got removed with the original radiator. Is this going to cause issues with getting the blue slip (I’m in NSW)?
    • Plan is to swap to canvas top in the future, should I relocate the seatbelts in preparation for this before blue slip? Also, should they be moved to the mounting point behind the seats or can I go for just lap belts for all front seats?
    • Is removing the spray-on lining in the interior a possibility or am I stuck with it?

    The following is a very rough plan at this stage, but if you spot anything in the photos I need to add it to it –

    Mechanical
    [ ]Brakes (overhaul all round + master cylinder)
    [ ]Tighten up excess play in gearbox & fix any other issues
    [ ]Refurb carby
    [ ]Replace radiator
    [ ]Replace air intake hose
    [ ]Replace steering dampener and tighten steering
    [ ]Replace choke switch

    Blue Slip
    [ ]Defender-style side mirrors
    [ ]Rear vision. mirror
    [ ]BFG Mud Km3 235/85R16 on Dynamic Round Black wheels
    [ ]Bonnet-mount for spare wheel
    [ ]Replace bonnet latches
    [ ]Fix windscreen motor and wipers
    [ ]Add rear lights
    [ ]Replace light lenses where required

    Tidy Up
    [ ]Add surfboard tie down points
    [ ]Swap brush bar for nudge bar
    [ ]Window bailey channels
    [ ]Remove checker plate
    [ ]Re-skin dash
    [ ]Restore steering wheel
    [ ]Tailgate seals
    [ ]Fix fuel gauge
    [ ]Door locks
    [ ]Paint interior of hardtop
    [ ]Paint door uppers
    [ ]Replace mud flaps

    Future
    [ ]Reupholster front seats
    [ ]Add rear benches
    [ ]Replace tailgate
    [ ]Paint door handles
    [ ]Replace hardtop with soft top
    [ ]Replace tub floor

    Watch this space.

    IMG_7740.jpgIMG_7754-2.jpgIMG_7757.jpgIMG_7764.jpgIMG_7766.jpgIMG_7949.jpg

  2. #2
    JDNSW's Avatar
    JDNSW is offline RoverLord Silver Subscriber
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    The absence of the compliance plate is certain to cause serious issues - you probably need to talk to an engineer/blue slip provider and/or the RMS about this before spending any more money. It will almost certainly need engineering approval for the engine conversion. You need to ensure that the chasssis number is visible where it is stamped on the chassis (should be on the outside of the LH back rear spring hanger).

    That brush guard is a military one, that has little chance of being approved. But you are removing this anyway - may be saleable!

    The gearbox issue raises alarm bells. Some of the Holden conversion adapters that fit between the engine and gearbox were not sufficiently accurately made, and cause misalignment of the gearbox input shaft, which can lead to all sorts of gearbox issues. Which have often been blamed on the gearbox, rather than the adapter.

    I don't think you can fit lap only belts to that age vehicle. Again, this is something you need to talk to an engineer about. I suspect that any upper seat belt mount for a soft top that will pass muster will be incompatible with the hardtop. (my personal feeling is that unfortunately, for most use, the lack of security in a soft top is a big negative. If you just like the fresh air, remember that you can drive it with the door tops off (and if necessary carry them in the back).

    I suggest you could use some of your lockdown time reading the vast amount of technical detail on the Series 3 section of this forum and there is also a lot applicable on the Series 2/2a section. You should also get a workshop manual - you can help support this forum by getting this from the forum shop (see top bar on this page).

    I can't help with the spray on lining - I suspect the answer is "yes, you can get it off, but it is going to be hard work and messy".
    John

    JDNSW
    1986 110 County 3.9 diesel
    1970 2a 109 2.25 petrol

  3. #3
    Homestar's Avatar
    Homestar is offline Super Moderator & CA manager Gold Subscriber
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    Neat little project you have there.

    As John suggested do a bit of homework first regarding rego before sinking money into it - the issues around this can probably be sorted but get advise from the RMS - they will be the ones holding the cards if they aren't happy. Once that's sorted, get stuck in - looks great.
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

  4. #4
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    Welcome.
    Lots of help here.


    whitehillbilly

  5. #5
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    Thanks guys, it looks like I'm definitely in the right place for advice.

    I've done some digging and found the following with the Serial Number search via PPSR, which confirms the build date I was thinking (compliance done 1974-01) and seems to indicate it has been registered in NSW at some point but not much more info than that.

    I've got it booked in for a Blue Slip inspection on Friday, in my initial chat with them they didn't seem too concerned by the lack of plate but time will tell. Hopefully they can assure me I'm going to be able to get it registered when ready so I can then just crack on with the other bits.


    PPSR.jpg

  6. #6
    JDNSW's Avatar
    JDNSW is offline RoverLord Silver Subscriber
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    If it has been registered in NSW with that engine, that is likely to solve a lot of the issues. Sounds like you are doing the right thing talking to the blue slip bloke. Let's see what he has to say.
    John

    JDNSW
    1986 110 County 3.9 diesel
    1970 2a 109 2.25 petrol

  7. #7
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    The photo of the engine bay is that the compliance plate on the bulkhead behind the rocker cover ? It looks like it just can't make it out. If it has been previous registered with the Holden motor you may not need need a Mod Plate being a S3.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by NickH View Post

    Future
    [ ]Replace tailgate
    Why replace the tailgate ? is that because of the softop conversion ? If and when you get around to it, I'd be interested in buying your tailgate top half :-)

    Also, being in Byron, you're not that far from Series Land Rover Rescue, Harry and Carolyn De Buck at Beenleigh, they're good for parts and work if need be.

    Cheers,
    John

  9. #9
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    The engine number on NEVDIS is a LandRover engine so doubt its been regod with the Holden engine.

  10. #10
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    landrover

    Quote Originally Posted by JDNSW View Post
    The absence of the compliance plate is certain to cause serious issues - you probably need to talk to an engineer/blue slip provider and/or the RMS about this before spending any more money. It will almost certainly need engineering approval for the engine conversion. You need to ensure that the chasssis number is visible where it is stamped on the chassis (should be on the outside of the LH back rear spring hanger).

    That brush guard is a military one, that has little chance of being approved. But you are removing this anyway - may be saleable!

    The gearbox issue raises alarm bells. Some of the Holden conversion adapters that fit between the engine and gearbox were not sufficiently accurately made, and cause misalignment of the gearbox input shaft, which can lead to all sorts of gearbox issues. Which have often been blamed on the gearbox, rather than the adapter.

    I don't think you can fit lap only belts to that age vehicle. Again, this is something you need to talk to an engineer about. I suspect that any upper seat belt mount for a soft top that will pass muster will be incompatible with the hardtop. (my personal feeling is that unfortunately, for most use, the lack of security in a soft top is a big negative. If you just like the fresh air, remember that you can drive it with the door tops off (and if necessary carry them in the back).

    I suggest you could use some of your lockdown time reading the vast amount of technical detail on the Series 3 section of this forum and there is also a lot applicable on the Series 2/2a section. You should also get a workshop manual - you can help support this forum by getting this from the forum shop (see top bar on this page).

    I can't help with the spray on lining - I suspect the answer is "yes, you can get it off, but it is going to be hard work and messy".
    hi very niceswb if you need help just ring me jim
    Russell Rovers
    Series I Parts Specialists
    russellrovers AT gmail.com
    Phone 0428732001

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