My 1958 restoration

[stevep]

I have just started a restoration of a 1958 series 2 swb ute which I picked up in early December. I has a Holden motor at present - hopefully I can change it back to a 2.25 at some time. Body panels are not too bad & I haven't found any bad rust yet.

It apparently came from the Cowra Rural fire service & therfore we have named her "COWRA" & she is all red inside the cab & engine bay. No longer red on the outside as the guy before me had cut it back. No pumps or PTO but has instructions on bulkhead for PTO use.

It was (is) missing a few things but thanks to peterg1001, I now have some seats, tow bar, & fuel tank pick up. Also thanks to Peter, i was able to look at his for some ideas. Still needs the handles on the back bumper & a rear landrover badge.

Hopefully I have attached the photos properly and you can see her & I am now off to the garage to check on Cowra to see that's she's alright for the night.

[wrinklearthur]

Hi
Some of the first of the series 2's still had 2 Litre motors fitted, check the gearbox serial number to see if it could be the original one, then the placement of the studs at the top of the bell housing, another clue is, the electric SU fuel pump was mounted near the steering column on a bracket mounted to the firewall.
hope this info helps and dosnt hinder you.
Cheers Arthur

[Shonky]

G'Day Steve!

Looks great. Whats the chassis number? It may not have originally been a 2.25. until September 1958 SWB models came with the 2L carried over from the Series I.

Look on the firewall on the drivers side in the engine bay - it may still have the electric fuel pump in situ. Also see if the bellhousing has a stud at 12 o'clock or not (if yes = 2L bellhousing (also 6cyl but not really applicable in this case)

1958 models also had a redundant bracket on the LHS chassis rail near the radiator.

My '58 (143800259) was originally 2L, converted to 186S, now 2.25... but I'm thinking of going back to original.

Good to see another 1438 car come out of the woodwork!


Edit: Arthur beat me to it!

[NiteMare]

for more information on this vehicle it might be worth you signing up to the series 2 club forum (free and open to all) they are building up quite a database on the early series 2 vehicles and they would be very interested in this as well as possibly being able to offer accurate advice (not taking anything away from the folks here)

we also have club members that occaisionally go to Gaydon to check the build archives and you might find that one would be able to get you the information retained there for you

[Doug's 58 4x4]

picked up a 2 1958 5 door wagon now the fun starts aside from chassie rebuild a couple of doors not much lucky enough to pick up an old govement landy from inland chassie has no rust but will have to do rear front spring hangers where tanks were fitted pity they took the diesel out but hoping to fit a 200tdi turbo better milage. All I have to do is keep my 2 girls away from her 1 wonts to paint it pink the other says blue but original colour was grey so at chassie stage now hope to have it up and running by next year alll going well then take a trip back up north to Ell Pools or Running Waters depending where you are from, being from Sharw River tin mine it was running waters to us lot take a line and catch some rainbow trout or cat fish but cross that bridge when get there.

[MickS]

Identical to mine mate...58/59 with the 2.25 litre motor. Well done.

[stevep]

thanks for all the replies.

Chassis number is 142800417. I had thought it was a 2L but assumed it would be too hard to find another one. Will check the other signs to see which engine it was.

I had looked at the Series 2 club web site & will join up - lots of info.

regards
Steve

[oliver1981]

stevo,

Apparently you just finished a special shed for the resto to occur under also? Good job and I am sure it will look great

[stevep]

Hi Oliver,

I should be working on my shed roof but I am busy on my son Dennis' bathroom reno. As long as I get to the shed roof before the frost's come so I can put the DII TD5 in the garage.

Steve

[Shonky]

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-2-2...series-ii.html