I have been bit by the Land Rover bug. Last week I almost ended up with a 71 Series 3 that had a 3.5V8 Rover swap but the owner and I could not agree on a price. We were so close, $500 apart. In my quest for more information from a shop that worked on that one I was offered what seems like a great deal on a series 3 truck by the shop owner who is really tight on space at the moment. It is in much better shape and has a fresh 2.25L gas engine. The V8 swap is more my style but this truck is pretty cool. It's a 109 FFR, so 24 volt system. I guess what surprised me was that, based on the reading I've been doing, it seems like these are actually easy to work on and parts are abundant and cheap. If you've owned one, would you agree with that sentiment?
Anyone ever own a Land Rover Series 2 or 3?
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Originally Posted By: Gasbuggy
I have been bit by the Land Rover bug. Last week I almost ended up with a 71 Series 3 that had a 3.5V8 Rover swap but the owner and I could not agree on a price. We were so close, $500 apart. In my quest for more information from a shop that worked on that one I was offered what seems like a great deal on a series 3 truck by the shop owner who is really tight on space at the moment. It is in much better shape and has a fresh 2.25L gas engine. The V8 swap is more my style but this truck is pretty cool. It's a 109 FFR, so 24 volt system. I guess what surprised me was that, based on the reading I've been doing, it seems like these are actually easy to work on and parts are abundant and cheap. If you've owned one, would you agree with that sentiment?
Havn't owned one, though I suppose as a British taxpayer I sort-of owned the ones we had in the army, and an FFR is likely to be an ex-army vehicle.
As such it should have been well maintained in early life and hosed down every time it got muddy. They are generally easy to work on but not especially reliable. Parts availability is OK in the UK and "The Empire" but you might have to wait a while in the USA in general, though apparently you've got a local specialist.
I have been bit by the Land Rover bug. Last week I almost ended up with a 71 Series 3 that had a 3.5V8 Rover swap but the owner and I could not agree on a price. We were so close, $500 apart. In my quest for more information from a shop that worked on that one I was offered what seems like a great deal on a series 3 truck by the shop owner who is really tight on space at the moment. It is in much better shape and has a fresh 2.25L gas engine. The V8 swap is more my style but this truck is pretty cool. It's a 109 FFR, so 24 volt system. I guess what surprised me was that, based on the reading I've been doing, it seems like these are actually easy to work on and parts are abundant and cheap. If you've owned one, would you agree with that sentiment?
Havn't owned one, though I suppose as a British taxpayer I sort-of owned the ones we had in the army, and an FFR is likely to be an ex-army vehicle.
As such it should have been well maintained in early life and hosed down every time it got muddy. They are generally easy to work on but not especially reliable. Parts availability is OK in the UK and "The Empire" but you might have to wait a while in the USA in general, though apparently you've got a local specialist.
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My observation has been that most older Brit cars are as mechanically robust as anything from Germany. They are mainly let down by their electrics and hydraulics, which in cars like my old MGB or an old Land Rover are usually simple to fix.
Parts availability for old Brits is pretty good since they're now becoming collectible or at least special interest cars.
The Landy enjoys a cult following. You could surely find some sites dedicated to this fine rural and off-road machine where you'd find some good hints and advice.
Parts availability for old Brits is pretty good since they're now becoming collectible or at least special interest cars.
The Landy enjoys a cult following. You could surely find some sites dedicated to this fine rural and off-road machine where you'd find some good hints and advice.
I owned a 2 1/4 petrol S2 in my teens when my family owned a large plot of land.
Maintenance is simple and parts are cheap - its one of the most no-nonsense straight forward agricultural vehicles on the road. Wheelbase and body style are personal choice but regardless of what you end up with it'll teach you a lot about maintaining an older car.
If its been cared for it'll plod on forever, but if it hasn't you'll need lots of wd40/a lot of heat/a very long bar.
Choose wisely and Enjoy!
Maintenance is simple and parts are cheap - its one of the most no-nonsense straight forward agricultural vehicles on the road. Wheelbase and body style are personal choice but regardless of what you end up with it'll teach you a lot about maintaining an older car.
If its been cared for it'll plod on forever, but if it hasn't you'll need lots of wd40/a lot of heat/a very long bar.
Choose wisely and Enjoy!
There are worse bugs to be bitten by....I'm on my second decade with the disease.
The later Series are simple, durable and easy to maintain, but are somewhat archaic which is part of their charm. They are designed well with the typical English engineering quirks. Like any other vehicle, they have their weak spots; frame rot, dissimilar metal corrosion (where steel brackets are attached to the aluminum tub), ground problems and, worst of all, prior owner's 'improvements'. Parts support is great, although some new production parts aren't anywhere as good as OE. What is great is the old Land Rover community....in general one of the more knowledgeable and helpful car cultures. Spend some time on Guns and Rovers and Defender Source.
I am not a fan of v8 conversions of the earlier models, but a lot of people are happy with them. These are NOT modern highway vehicles, even with an overdrive (I recommend the Roamerdrive), and a healthy gas 2.25 is adequate. If you really need the V8 rush, look at a Defender...just remember to save your pennies.
The ex-MoD Rovers are a bit odd in that some of the military only parts are scarce and 24 volt electricals can be pricey, but parts are out there and ordering from England is always an option. Ex-MoD's are also cool as all heck!
PM if you want to talk. Maybe we'll see you at Metal Dash Weekend '17.
The later Series are simple, durable and easy to maintain, but are somewhat archaic which is part of their charm. They are designed well with the typical English engineering quirks. Like any other vehicle, they have their weak spots; frame rot, dissimilar metal corrosion (where steel brackets are attached to the aluminum tub), ground problems and, worst of all, prior owner's 'improvements'. Parts support is great, although some new production parts aren't anywhere as good as OE. What is great is the old Land Rover community....in general one of the more knowledgeable and helpful car cultures. Spend some time on Guns and Rovers and Defender Source.
I am not a fan of v8 conversions of the earlier models, but a lot of people are happy with them. These are NOT modern highway vehicles, even with an overdrive (I recommend the Roamerdrive), and a healthy gas 2.25 is adequate. If you really need the V8 rush, look at a Defender...just remember to save your pennies.
The ex-MoD Rovers are a bit odd in that some of the military only parts are scarce and 24 volt electricals can be pricey, but parts are out there and ordering from England is always an option. Ex-MoD's are also cool as all heck!
PM if you want to talk. Maybe we'll see you at Metal Dash Weekend '17.
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