Thinking how good an FC would look in the shed?

[VK3UTE]

Hi FC owners.

I'm trying to convince myself and my wife that we need another Land Rover and I love the idea of an FC to complement the fleet! A few general questions having never owned or driven one.

1/ Where do I find one and how often do they come up for sale?
2/ Which model is the one to look for, I want something I can use as a light truck and maybe for camping/4WDing and towing
3/ What are they like to drive, can they do the speed limit on flat ground?
4/ What should one expect to pay? I don't mind if it needs some major mechanical work but I'm not into panel beating
5/ What should I look for when shopping around e.g. Rust...
6/ Are parts readily available



Lots of questions I know, but any advise/encouragement (the wife says discouragement) would be much appreciated.

Cheers Simon

[Mick_Marsh]

They're about.
There's a IIB with a 200Tdi done up as a camper for $10k I think. It's in the eastern burbs.
Check out the markets section.
Andy recently picked up a 101 ambulance.
Hey Sleeps, Is that really nice 101 in Harcourt still for sale?
Have a chat with AJ. He seems to know what is about. Tell him Mick sent you. On second thoughts don't, that might double the price.
You'll have to decide which type suits your needs.

[101RRS]

Firstly you need to decide which model FC you want - there are two basic types and they are completely different.

1. Series 2A/BFC based on a modified series 2 chassis (1960s) - were sold as civilian vehicles

2. FC 101 - 70s vintage using Range Rover engine/gearbox - were only ever sold as military variants.

I do not know much about Series 2 FCs.

Answers to your questions in relation to the 101.

1. Advertised in all the only usual places - there is normally one for sale somewhere - you just need to search widely and often.

2. The FC 101 can be used as you want - usual version is soft top (some campers have been made with purpose build bodies. There are some UK ambulance body versions in Aust.

3. On road they drive very well, easy to drive. - cruising speed is about 85 - 90kph and much slower up hill.

4. Price depends on condition - a few grand for something that needs a full rebuild to over $30K for a full concourse ex Aust Army version - registered, roadworthy running in average condition etc about $17K.

5. Usual things but in particular rust in the rear cross member.

6. Many of the parts are Land Rover generic parts so are common - 101 specific stuff is harder to find and can be expensibve but can be sourced if you look.

As indicated the 101 is a military specific vehicle with no concessions for everyday use so internal creature comforts are basically non existant.

Garry

[juddy]

Hi FC owners.

I'm trying to convince myself and my wife that we need another Land Rover and I love the idea of an FC to complement the fleet! A few general questions having never owned or driven one.

1/ Where do I find one and how often do they come up for sale?
2/ Which model is the one to look for, I want something I can use as a light truck and maybe for camping/4WDing and towing
3/ What are they like to drive, can they do the speed limit on flat ground?
4/ What should one expect to pay? I don't mind if it needs some major mechanical work but I'm not into panel beating
5/ What should I look for when shopping around e.g. Rust...
6/ Are parts readily available

What do I know?? Well I have the only 2b Firefly this side of Europe.. Its for sale, see Markets, but looking at what your requirements are will not suit your needs. You dont see that many here for sale, and if you want a off road camper, you may well be better going for a 101, maybe a ex Marshals bodied ambulance or FFR Hard Top... 15k+ for a GS

As for parts some panels were unique to the FC, both the 2a and 2b versions.
You can not get these new any more, however parts do come up for sale from time to time, more so in the UK, and if you look in the right places here too. Theres one or 2 people in the UK who can give you every part you require for the FC ( New ) if you are willing to pay.....

As long as you dont get a rust bucket most parts should be ok... Tyres can be expensive, here, but not if you know where to look in the UK. Many of the Series 2/2a parts will also fit.
If its a truck Cab, you can also still get new canvas and hood sticks.
Deluxe trim kits are rare as, and no longer available from LR, however i have a number of reproduction kits still available for the doors.
Floor trim, use standard Series 2/2a and modify if required.
Wheel rims are unique to the 2a/2b.

Some mechanical parts were 2a/2b only but standard series 2/3 can be used as an alternative.

[VK3UTE]

Thanks Guys. That's fantastic feedback I like the idea of a soft top particularly when up the bush and the minimalist military creature comforts suit my needs and personality. I will do some research into the earlier models.

Cheers Simon

[101RRS]

What do I know?? Well I have the only 2b Firefly this side of Europe.. Its for sale, see Markets, but looking at what your requirements are will not suit your needs.

Just gut it and turn the body work on the back into a camper .

[land864]

Mick. That very nice 101 Camper in Blackburn/Canterbury has a 3.9 Isuzu diesel and the LT 95 box. A very reliable combination

[101RRS]

Mick. That very nice 101 Camper in Blackburn/Canterbury has a 3.9 Isuzu diesel and the LT 95 box. A very reliable combination

Got any pics of this camper??

[Mick_Marsh]

Got any pics of this camper??

It was in the old markets section.
Hey Dave (DT-P38), Time to put up those pictures you promised.

[Mick_Marsh]

Mick. That very nice 101 Camper in Blackburn/Canterbury has a 3.9 Isuzu diesel and the LT 95 box. A very reliable combination

It's not a 101, it is a IIB.
I think we've been down this track before on another thread.
If it was a 101, at $10k, it wouldn't be for sale. It'd be parked outside my neighbours place. I can always find room for another 101.
Hang on a minute, I'll just shoe this fellow knocking on my window wanting a kebab away.