Thread: First time series buyer advice

Good luck.... I'm currently in the search for 2.... only I would be happy with any condition... fixing them is half the fun!

There are many many more talented ppl on here on this topic than me. My offering is check for rust in the firewall, and chassis. Unless you are going to rebuild mechanical parts see if you can drive the car first. Series 3 gearboxes will jump out of 2nd, from memory it only takes 30000kms to start from new.... but you get used to it and who uses 2nd anyway!

Check for how many oil leaks there are - and there will be some. Obvious stuff like electricals you need to check. Remember these things are old and were sold as "you can do anything and make anything from them so take it home and modify it" cars, so every man and his dog has probably had a go at it by now. I bought one that had dead shorts wired into the headlight circuit.. they couldn't figure out why the lights didn't work. Also had melted wiring in it, PO said he chopped a wheelie bin of wiring out of it when he bought it.

I have a LWB with a 186 in it.... would NEVER buy another with a 186. I don't like it but there again there are plenty of ppl here that have ripped out their LR engine and stuck one in. I want to tear my 186 out and put something else in.

Where abouts in Qld are you?

Thanks for the reply mate. I only have phone Internet so apologies if reply's are short or all over they place.

Being advertised as 'the go anywhere vehicle' really has me thinking just where have some of them gone!

Thanks for the heads up about the boxes, thought only the non syncromesh units had problems popping out of gear. Am aware of rust issues in the firewalls and rear crossmember. Are there any other regular faults that are just ok to try and ignore, Whiney diffs etc?

I can't fathom the prices being asked for some holden sixes these days. When I was 17 (27 now) had to pay to have a complete hk kingswood with a fresh red 186 taken away. I would be ok with a Holden or Ford cross flow. But ideally want a healthy 2.25 diesel.

Am at a point in my automotive life where I just want to do basic maintainence, pay rego and drive. And if I break something it's going to be a straightforward fix. Though If I'm lucky enough to find a diesel i really would like to give cooking oil fuel thing a go. (any links to converted 2.25's would be great).

I'm on the the Sunshine Coast btw.

Originally Posted by mtn.goat

Hi ladies and gents. Have been snooping around here for a few weeks. My dad had a swb series ute for hunting and fishing when I was a kid.

The charm of these vehicles have recently captured my attn. Now saving and searching for a swb wagon or ute to drive on club rego and hit some trails.

Some pointers would be great. Not after a minter but don't want to end up with a money pit either.

Thanks.

I guess you have a couple of options depending on how soon you want to use the Land Rover.

Buy one already registered $3/4K upwards or buy one that needs work. I tend to buy the 'need work' ones but you end up spending more on them and there is a delay (sometimes quite long) before they hit the road.

Bulkhead has already been mentioned. Door tops are a consumable item, tend to rot out but not too expensive to replace.
Rear crossmember can have rust problems along with front dumb irons, outriggers and other crossmembers. Depends on whether it's been stored outside and kept clean underneath.
Springs can go 'flat' in time and wear, possible to get them re-set or replaced.
I'm not aware of the gearbox problem mentioned but leaky axle seals, gearbox seals, rear main seals, all easily fixed.
If it's been off the road for a long time you might end up spending a bit on the braking system. Radiators can have the fins corrode away if left constantly wet.

Lots of other wear & tear problems but all fixable.
Parts can be expensive in Australia but you can get them shipped from the UK.


Colin

How about a 3litre Perkins powered Series III ?

Land rover shorty | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Queensland - Toowoomba Region | 1024716303


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

How about a 3litre Perkins powered Series III ?

Land rover shorty | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Queensland - Toowoomba Region | 1024716303


Colin

NICE. That's pretty much what I want to build.... pity I dont have $5000 to spend

Originally Posted by gromit

How about a 3litre Perkins powered Series III ?

Land rover shorty | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Queensland - Toowoomba Region | 1024716303


Colin

Originally Posted by debruiser

NICE. That's pretty much what I want to build.... pity I dont have $5000 to spend

Guys Guys... please at least know youre series...that is a wide light late series 2a Though if you whant a Perkins in one it would be a good buy

Mrs hh

Originally Posted by The ho har's

Guys Guys... please at least know youre series...that is a wide light late series 2a Though if you whant a Perkins in one it would be a good buy

Mrs hh

I agree, but you have to admit that the front gaurds look like defender gaurds. I havn't heard much about perkins conversions do you know much about it?????

Originally Posted by The ho har's

Guys Guys... please at least know youre series...that is a wide light late series 2a Though if you whant a Perkins in one it would be a good buy

Mrs hh

1971 would be a very, very late 2a ? Door hinges are possibly a giveaway.

It actually looks more like a Defender front end from the light surrounds, bonnet, grille position & TDi decal.


Colin