dilemma: The long and short of it all....

[Gromit Dog]

Okay I LOVE my Series 2 Diesel 88... no question. I have driven it daily and done a fair amount of what I consider improvements. It's a tad slow for the highway but I get by, and it has room for the kids and wife. But......

I just found a 1959 5 door with customized safari hard top AND pick up top. It's solid, a gas pot and comes with a swb series Landy as well.. plus parts. It's not as clean and tidy but it runs well, just has a clutch linkage issue. The SWB is complete and rolling but partially disassembled.

I honestly can't afford it without selling the Diesel. and I have limited parking. I would like the extra room for camping and the better highway speed would be nice, He claims 60mph+ .. I dunno. The shorter vehicle is awesome off road. How are the longer versions?

I need input! What would you do

[Greg S]

1959 means it is Series 2 which is fine except there are some engine parts no longer available, I think only to do with the thermostat housing (not the thermostat its self IIRC). Does it have its original engine? The gearbox is also ever so slightly lower geared in some gears. They will do over 60 mph, in fact 70 mph if things are right. That being said, so will your 88 but maybe not with the diesel engine and tires you have. The 109 has much longer overhang at the rear and not near as good of a ramp break over when you are off roading. It also has a larger (yes, its possible) turning circle for avoiding trees on narrow trails. The rear springs are set farther out giving it more stability but also less axle articulation which combined with the longer wheel base means it cross axles much easier off road. From the back of the drivers seat and forward, it is EXACTLY like the 88" model. I've driven one for years, both on and off road. I'm happy with it despite the longer overhang and break over. All the extra space for storage? I've used it lots but you rarely "need" it. I bought it because I could get ten people in it, I got nine in there once but that was a staged run just to try it. Never happened again! Also, no seat-belts!

Whichever way you go, please let me know as I am currently looking for a 109 (or 88) for a guy up in the Peace River.

[swamijake]

You are asking this group what would we do. I think the universal answer is we would buy all of them and keep the diesel. This website is more of a support group for people with a problem.

Don't worry, its okay to have 5 or 6 rovers.

[red90]

Find more parking. Sell a child. Whatever you need to have another truck.

60 should be fine. they get pretty revved out unless you have an overdrive. Keep in mind these are pretty piggish on fuel consumption, though, especially considering the low power output. Nice and torquey though and lovely off the road.

What did you mean by 5 door and pickup top? How can you do a pickup on a 5 door?

[Doc Tari]

Get the long wheelbase and never look back

[Gromit Dog]

yeah... yer right Red.. long wheel base, not a 5 door. Got muddled. typing at 5am and all....

Looks like this... sort of.. I didn't have a way to take pics. Lights are different, but otherwise....

http://www.landrovercentre.com/image/siia.jpg

[swamijake]

Well, if you cant get it, someone on here will love it.

[Gromit Dog]

Right you are. I will stick with my diesel for now The owner Is Dave, I think he was a member of the Rover Landers once... possibly another 4x4 group. I'll grab his number tomorrow. He lives in the Cassidy area of Nanaimo near Annex Auto Parts. . If you buy it,, I GET FIRST REFUSAL when you sell it again lol!

Number tomorrow my friends.