Re: SER1 The start of a new rebuild project

[prev] [thread] [next] [Date index for 2004/11/13]

Ulrico-

I agree with Diana.  Drive the truck around for awhile and inventory all the 
issues.  Make a list of needed parts and start finding them before you take things 
apart.  Half the battle (or more) is getting the parts.  Having them at hand when 
you begin to pull it apart will ensure a quicker rebuild.  Obviously, some parts 
needing replacement won't be apparent until apart, but you can see the benefit.   
Also, take the time to document the "before."  Things like electrical runs, brake 
pipes, and other subtlies documented well will help ensure you put it back either 
like it was or better than it was.  All the pictures I took of my 107SW project were 
very helpful.  The only problem I had was not enough pictures.  I also organized 
all the parts in boxes and small parts in zip lock baggies labeled with where it 
came from and what it was or what it was attached to or how many were in the 
bag or box.  Clearly, you already have the insight to a rebuild.  These ideas 
might be redundant.  

The other thing alot of people don't discuss when they discuss a rebuild is the 
mental approach to the whole project.  I found it was more fullfilling to attack 
systems or parts of the truck one at a time.  Some things can be mulit-tasked like 
the engine at the machinest and the transmission apart on your bench.  And 
sometimes, part availablity slows one system down, but keeping focus on one 
system helped me out and kept me feeling less like I had a huge undertaking in 
my garage...to me, less overwhelming.  The other thing I did towards the end of 
my project was to schedule a specific day each week to work on the restoration.  
That ensured I had time to work on it.  If I had more time in the week to work on 
it, I would.  This also helped out with my wife so she knew when I'd be out in the 
garage and buried in Land Rovers.

Just my 2 cents worth, but might be helpful.

Matthew Clark
Seattle, WA
1957 107 SW
1993 SWB Range Rover

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Diana Alan" <dianaa@xxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Reply-To: series1@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Date:  Sun, 14 Nov 2004 08:01:23 +1100

>Goten tag Ulrico
>
>I'm going through the same process but I guess a lot further ahead.
>Unfortunately when I started my project she had the gearbox out, no brakes
>and a 2 1/4 litre motor.  I wanted to go back to specification so the 2 1/4
>had to go.
>
>What I would do if I were you is drive around your project as much as you
>can before you start.   Particularly put the gearbox under load.  You'll
>then know what the engine, gearbox and running gear are like.  Write down a
>list and then take the vehicle apart.
>
>A stripped down chassis is a good place to start, repair or replace the rot
>and repaint the whole chassis (some people have them galvanised then
>repainted).  Working back up the list as you suggested, running gear first.
>I think the most important items are the brakes, it's annoying if you can't
>start but deadly if you can't stop.  If the motor runs O.K and the gearbox
>is not too noisy or jumping out of gears etc. leave them alone.  A new
>wiring harness is a good idea.  Build up the car just like it came off the
>assembly line.
>
>(Don't bid on eBay against me and I'll be happy and I won't bid against you
>then you'll be happy.)
>
>G'day
>Diana
>51 80"
>84 Range Rover (4.6L) Hi Line
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Ulrico Becker" <ulrico.becker@xxxxxx.xx>
>To: <series1@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 1:44 AM
>Subject: SER1 The start of a new rebuild project
>
>
>Hello,
>
>I am new to this mailing list and am seeking advice on rebuilding a SI
>80".  I currently live in Germany, am 45 years old and have been
>involved with Land Rovers since 1987, when I bought my first one in
>England, living in Sheffield at the time. I do own 5 Land Rovers:
>Defender 110, SIII 88, SIIA 88, SII 88 and now this 1953 SI with a 2L
>engine. The SIIA has been a rebuild from scratch taking everything
>apart but the differentials.
>
>I have been looking for a SI 80" for many years and have finally found
>and bought it two days ago!
>
>Now it is time to make an assessment and decide how to start the
>rebuild. The chassis seems good. One dumb iron got twisted a little bit
>but can easily be replaced. Closer inspection will show what to do with
>the rear cross member. Replacements seem available as I have been told.
>
>The bulk head has some rot in the lower parts of the a-posts. This is
>also not critical. The horizontal section under the windscreen seems in
>good condition. The vehicle is complete including all instruments and
>apparently went out of use in 1968. Since then it stood in a garage of
>a building company.
>
>Now, where should I start? And what is most critical for replacement
>parts?
>
>My original idea is to take off all body components and do the axles
>first. Then, when the chassis is done set in on the axles again and
>tackle gearbox and engine. Only then start the bulkhead and the other
>body parts.
>
>Should the engine be too bad I will check whether a 2.25 will fit
>together with a SII or SIII g'box as I have spare units of these.
>
>I am thankful for any advice of people who have restored a SI 80" as to
>the specil points to look for. The two links below lead to pictures of
>the vehicle
>
>http://imagehost.biz/ims/pic.php?u=36470tWtD&i=85853&c=.gif
>
>http://imagehost.biz/ims/pic.php?u=36470tWtD&i=85852&c=.gif
>
>
>
>Ulrico
>
>
>To change subscription see www.landrover.net/series1/mail
>
>
>
>
>To change subscription see www.landrover.net/series1/mail
>
>

--
Matthew J. Clark
StraightEIGHT films
mjc@xxxx.xx
206.200.3621 cell
206.932.4610 office
1.800.489.9868
--

To change subscription see www.landrover.net/series1/mail