What Year is My Series 2A 88"

[Danger Zone]

Finally getting around to paying attention to my Series 2A 88" project which I bought from Franko in Victoria last year - thanks Frank! Build post coming shortly.

So I have a question regarding the year. I thought it was a 1968, but I'm thinking now it might be 1966 vintage. The chassis number is 31802318C which according to Clifton is a Series 2A, Station Wagon, 88", petrol, export LHD, with the C suffix used from Apr 1966 to April 1967. Everything is correct, just the year in question.

My 2A has grey seats, independent wiper motors and the dash/main instrument panel is the same colour as the rest of the interior. I believe the Series 2A in 1967 had the single motor for the wipers, black dash and black seats. Therefore mine should be a 1966?!

Anybody have other thoughts?

Thanks
Tal

[mepham55]

If you check here https://www.lrfaq.org/Series/FAQ.S.chas ... g.318.html
at the bottom of the page the vehicle with the closest number to yours was build the very end of 1965. So I’d say your was build very early 1966 so should have the banjo steering wheel, metal dash, etc..

Matt

[Danger Zone]

If the chassis were always in sequence and not skipped for one reason or another, then my chassis is 1114 after 31801204 from 31 Dec 1965 and 302 before 31802620 from 31 Dec 1966 so probably mid to late 1966.

No banjo steering wheel, later style which I understand is from 67 and later. So, everything except the steering wheel says 1966. perhaps the steering wheel was replaced at some time.

The engine number 30701231A doesn't match Glencoyne's sequence. Do the engines for exports have a different numbering sequence?

Tal

[bsa_m21]

No banjo steering wheel, later style which I understand is from 67 and later. So, everything except the steering wheel says 1966. perhaps the steering wheel was replaced at some time.

The engine number 30701231A doesn't match Glencoyne's sequence. Do the engines for exports have a different numbering sequence?

Well it's a 45 odd year old vehicle. I expect the motor was changed at some point. :shock:
Also, FYI - The banjo style wheel is not compatible with the later steering wheel steering box. Different size and shape of the end of the steering shaft. If you want to go to a spoke wheel, you will need to change the complete steering box assembly.

M.

[Rob]

I was always under the impression that Land Rover was not particularly accurate in assuring that all the main component numbers in the truck coming off the production line actually matched. I agree with M that it is an old vehicle (well, more like a mechano set) so who knows what's original and what has been swapped out over the years. Was the chassis number you used actually on the front of the chassis or was it on the plate rivetted to the firewall? Those don't always match in vehicles that have had a lot of components replaced over the years.

I am curious, is it still possible to request copies of the original dispatch notices for the rovers based on the VIN?

[Danger Zone]

The chassis number is from the plate on the bulkhead. I can’t find a number on the chassis.
I guess everything can be replaced over time: the chassis, engine, steering. I’m not trying to rebuild my Rover to the same specs as when it rolled out of the factory, but I would like to know what year it started life in.
I would like to know what the records say about the engine and chassis.
Tal

[Rob]

The chassis number should be stamped on the right front section of the chassis near the front spring hanger but if the horns have been replaced, or it is an after-market chassis the number could be missing. If this rover has had a chassis swap you could find a completely different chassis serial number altogether (then the question comes up as to why it isn't registered according to the chassis number... but that's a different discussion). Without a chassis number and/or historical documentation (old service invoices, an original sales invoice) to give more info about the original date of the truck it is going to be hard to narrow it down. Because parts are quite interchangeable between the years (series 2/2a/3 covers a span of nearly 25 years) it is difficult to determine a year for a rover that has had a lot of components replaced. At the end of the day, it doesn't make much difference to the drivability or usefulness of the truck.

[Danger Zone]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the information.
I’ll still look for something on the chassis once it’s cleaned up. I also want to see about tracing the vin.
I agree, at the end of the day, it doesn’t change the truck’s usefulness or how I see it; I’m going to rebuild it and enjoy it.
Tal