Meet Garth! - 1973 Series III
Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:51 am
Hi,
My name is Don and I've always had a soft spot for Land Rover's, mostly the Defender. When I first saw one in action, I knew I had to get one but when I found out Defender prices, the interest died down.
It was still there but not as pronounced until recently.
I was browsing around, searching random ads and here it was, not a Defender, but a Land Rover nonetheless.
For 40 years old, it was 85k miles so that's pretty good so I definitely had to check it out and see.
Did the appropriate research and found that these have aluminum panels and a steel chassis so that was my main thing to watch out for.
First saw it, it was awesome. No chassis rust, leaks like all Rover's do but not much, and runs rough because it's been sitting for a while.
He drove me around and bam, bought it after.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3040_o.jpg
Plan to restore it enough to do some trails for now and we'll see where he takes me. I'd love to go on a long-term expedition with the LR but have to dependable first.
The former owner calls him 'Garth' so I'll continue the tradition.
---
So after buying Garth, I immediately got him insured and registered.
Insurance had trouble finding the car in the database and double-checked the short VIN but got it registered! She said to have fun because you're gonna need it. :rofl:
After that, it is off to safety inspection:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7964_n.jpg
Other than few minor issues and the necessity of a new muffler, Garth is safe enough to be considered roadworthy. :thumbsup:
So in the back, it came with:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3755_o.jpg
- Random bolts
- Rear seats
- Roll cage
- Soft top
- Tailgate
- Jack
- 40 years of random dust, dirt, crap, etc.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6655_n.jpg
Man up!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9607_o.jpg
Interior shots
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7939_o.jpg
Couldn't figure out this funk that the truck had and when I was vacuuming, I found it. It was a dead robin wedged in the seat.
After I got that out and aired it, no more stank!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7351_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 5584_o.jpg
The 2.25L petrol engine with a Weber carb and working electrics. SCORE.
Nothing like Spray Nine and WD40 to clean things up.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9299_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 8812_o.jpg
Installed the bench seats after and will make the left ones.
So the truck right off the bat, runs rough. Idles rougher than a tractor engine should, felt like it didn't get enough air, and the timing was off.
So time for a tune-up!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6624_o.jpg
Spark plugs make a BIG difference. FACT.
TRS (The Rover Shop) was closed so no oil change yet as I'd like to replace the gasket in the oilpan as well.
Cleaned the undercarriage with this stuff (also added Lucas Fuel Treatment in the tank):
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 0253_o.jpg
The results speak for themselves:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9821_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 1754_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9480_n.jpg
Also bought an oilpan gasket, service manual, and upgraded coil/electronic ignition for a better spark. The Rover Shop Calgary recommended to do this mod to go with the oil change as a must-do modification to make life easier.
I also upgraded the horn to twins as the old one was pathetic. GTFO, bitches! :thumbsup:
On that note, hope my build thread will bring joy to people and possibly assistance when I need it, because I will.
Also, what have you noticed in my pictures that aren't original, other than the twin choke carb?
Oil change was completed while I was gone and leakage is gone for now!
Back from vacation and immediately went to my Rover store to get more parts!:
- Original tail lights assembly
- Speedo cable
- Rear door lock
- Brake fluid cap
Ordered the side markers, amber lights, and will be on the lookout to see if I can fix the reverse lights. License plate light works after cleaning the contact points.
Any ideas on how to fit a Weber carb snorkel? Was thinking a custom airbox then a random kit to fit it together...
Will be doing a brake fluid flush and cleaning that bracket as mentioned by JBriggs over the weekend as the coolant fluid was replaced yesterday. Still waiting for ze muffler!
---
Returned the electronic ignition and put the points system back on but kept the new coil. Running majestically now!
Random question but anyone know the fuel tank capacity on these things?
EDIT:
Here's the front axle.
The left swivel joint leaks and there's a weird bracket for what looks to be a stabilizer... Not sure yet:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 2667_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9204_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 8370_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 0977_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3568_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6595_o.jpg
My name is Don and I've always had a soft spot for Land Rover's, mostly the Defender. When I first saw one in action, I knew I had to get one but when I found out Defender prices, the interest died down.
It was still there but not as pronounced until recently.
I was browsing around, searching random ads and here it was, not a Defender, but a Land Rover nonetheless.
For 40 years old, it was 85k miles so that's pretty good so I definitely had to check it out and see.
Did the appropriate research and found that these have aluminum panels and a steel chassis so that was my main thing to watch out for.
First saw it, it was awesome. No chassis rust, leaks like all Rover's do but not much, and runs rough because it's been sitting for a while.
He drove me around and bam, bought it after.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3040_o.jpg
Plan to restore it enough to do some trails for now and we'll see where he takes me. I'd love to go on a long-term expedition with the LR but have to dependable first.
The former owner calls him 'Garth' so I'll continue the tradition.
---
So after buying Garth, I immediately got him insured and registered.
Insurance had trouble finding the car in the database and double-checked the short VIN but got it registered! She said to have fun because you're gonna need it. :rofl:
After that, it is off to safety inspection:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7964_n.jpg
Other than few minor issues and the necessity of a new muffler, Garth is safe enough to be considered roadworthy. :thumbsup:
So in the back, it came with:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3755_o.jpg
- Random bolts
- Rear seats
- Roll cage
- Soft top
- Tailgate
- Jack
- 40 years of random dust, dirt, crap, etc.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6655_n.jpg
Man up!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9607_o.jpg
Interior shots
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7939_o.jpg
Couldn't figure out this funk that the truck had and when I was vacuuming, I found it. It was a dead robin wedged in the seat.
After I got that out and aired it, no more stank!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 7351_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 5584_o.jpg
The 2.25L petrol engine with a Weber carb and working electrics. SCORE.
Nothing like Spray Nine and WD40 to clean things up.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9299_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 8812_o.jpg
Installed the bench seats after and will make the left ones.
So the truck right off the bat, runs rough. Idles rougher than a tractor engine should, felt like it didn't get enough air, and the timing was off.
So time for a tune-up!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6624_o.jpg
Spark plugs make a BIG difference. FACT.
TRS (The Rover Shop) was closed so no oil change yet as I'd like to replace the gasket in the oilpan as well.
Cleaned the undercarriage with this stuff (also added Lucas Fuel Treatment in the tank):
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 0253_o.jpg
The results speak for themselves:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9821_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 1754_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9480_n.jpg
Also bought an oilpan gasket, service manual, and upgraded coil/electronic ignition for a better spark. The Rover Shop Calgary recommended to do this mod to go with the oil change as a must-do modification to make life easier.
I also upgraded the horn to twins as the old one was pathetic. GTFO, bitches! :thumbsup:
On that note, hope my build thread will bring joy to people and possibly assistance when I need it, because I will.
Also, what have you noticed in my pictures that aren't original, other than the twin choke carb?
Oil change was completed while I was gone and leakage is gone for now!
Back from vacation and immediately went to my Rover store to get more parts!:
- Original tail lights assembly
- Speedo cable
- Rear door lock
- Brake fluid cap
Ordered the side markers, amber lights, and will be on the lookout to see if I can fix the reverse lights. License plate light works after cleaning the contact points.
Any ideas on how to fit a Weber carb snorkel? Was thinking a custom airbox then a random kit to fit it together...
Will be doing a brake fluid flush and cleaning that bracket as mentioned by JBriggs over the weekend as the coolant fluid was replaced yesterday. Still waiting for ze muffler!
---
Returned the electronic ignition and put the points system back on but kept the new coil. Running majestically now!
Random question but anyone know the fuel tank capacity on these things?
EDIT:
Here's the front axle.
The left swivel joint leaks and there's a weird bracket for what looks to be a stabilizer... Not sure yet:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 2667_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 9204_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 8370_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 0977_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3568_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 6595_o.jpg