1959 Series II Station Wagon

[oldgravy]

Looks pretty sharp!

[StuartC]

Been a few months since my last updates on the restoration journey..........progress is being made.
Got a little side tracked with my new found passion for welding/fabricating.....but now back to the task at hand.
1. Frame is complete and awaiting new chassis bushes.
2. Received a complete set of parabolic springs from Jeremy and will install those once the axles have been gone over and upgraded.
3. Roamerdrive arrived from Ray. That will be installed but I will have to sort out the no reverse issue first.
4. Bulkhead stripped and ready to send to the sandblaster. There will definitely be some welding once it returns.

Oh, finally found a good set of wheels....ANR4636....and they look very similar to the original 272309.
Sorry Greg these were a better fit.
Sincerely,
Stuart

[rovermike]

Great job on bulkhead jig.Think I'll build one also.I've got 2 bulkheads to restore.Looks perfect for complete resto from sandblast to repair,to paint!

[StuartC]

RoverMike.....
Yes, works great. I got the idea to build one after watching Mike at Britannica Restorations in Quebec. He was doing bulkhead repair on a jig.
If you are interested I can give you a few pointers (avoid some pitfalls), a few sketches and a few closeup photos.
May just post them for anyone that is interested.
Stuart

[rovermike]

Hi Stuart,
That would be great!You could PM me,but maybe there are others out that would appreciate a few details if you feel like doing a bit of a write up on your jig build.
Cheers,Mike.

[StuartC]

Hi Mike
Yes I will.
Should have some sketch details and closeup photos in the next few days.
Stuart

[StuartC]

A photo update....progress is being made.

Block
Cleaned
Mag tested for cracks
Cylinders bored 0.030” over
Top of the block “shaved” to flat
Cam bearings installed

Cam shaft
Inspected (to ascertain tolerance compliance)
Polished

Crank
Inspected (tolerance compliant)
Polished

Head
Cleaned
Mag tested for cracks
Head surface shaved to perfect surface
New valve guides installed
Valve seats installed
New exhaust and intake valves installed
New springs, keepers, and caps installed

bulkhead sandblasted and ready for welding

[StuartC]

Girling cylinders are refurbished

[StuartC]

rookie mistake on the water pump

[StuartC]

7:1 head and block turned out pretty well compared to what I had to start with.
Pretty pleased with the result. The other options were getting exponentially expensive.
A bit of pitting in #2 cylinder head shouldn't be an issue. After all it's not a hi performance 426 semi giving me sub 10 second 1/4's

[StuartC]

Hardest part of the Lucas FW2 wiper system refit was removing the concrete from the internals....rest of the rebuild was pretty straight forward.
Hooked up to a 12V supply and work like new.

[StuartC]

Block and Head painted with "LandRover Engine Grey" spec'd and formulated for Series 2 ('58-'61) by Paintman UK.
If anyone requires engine paint for the Series 2......let me know.

[NWOnt_1956]

Looking very nice!

[StuartC]

Acknowledgement to Aart Van Der Star and Gordon Bowbrick for the tip on a rear main seal oil leak test.
This procedure can only be done with the engine out of the vehicle and when in rebuild mode.
So.....tip the block vertical with a cut down oil pan installed and fill the rear main seal area with motor oil.
Turn the crank a few times daily. Check for leaks.
Photos attached.

I managed to find an "original style" two piece seal from PA Blanchard and it was relatively easy to install.
Decide to follow Mike's (Britannica Restoration) advice and use RTV in place of the T Seal.

Result.....no leaks as of day seven..... :shock:

Stuart

[StuartC]

intake/exhaust manifold with original rebuilt solex carburetor

[bfein1075]

Everything looks great.

I did that same trick with my t seals on my six because I couldn’t get the factory ones in. I think my rear main leaks but it could be just the pan itself.

Good to know I wasn’t a complete idiot doing that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StuartC]

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Gauge update.....and a note of appreciation to Drakes British Motors in Kelowna!!
Before and after photos of my original 1959 S2 5 door fuel, amps, and speedo gauges.
Scott mentioned to me these two were a challenge....my reply was "no kidding"......they have been sitting inoperable for a mere 40 years!

[mepham55]

Wow! Great progress. Those gauges look great and thanks for posting the shops name. They may be helpful in the future for some gauge restoration.

Matt

[islandblacksmith]

lovely machine!