Buyers Guide/Things to Check 2a/3

Hi,
So i am about to take the plunge with my first landy (well second actually, but the old disco doesnt really count!)
I am looking at a late as possible tax exempt one, so a 2a or 3 that needs some work (but not too much!)
The question is, is there anything that is a real pain of a job that i really need to checking before i buy? Is there a "buyers guide" to 2a/3's anywhere i can look at, also is there any reason to go for a 3 over a 2a, there doesnt seem to be much much difference other than syncro gearbox, how much of a pain is that in the real world? I am only planning on using it occasinally, its just something to tinker on really.
Thanks

obviously the chassis is first thing to check, if you find a small hole it usually ends up 5 times bigger when you get the hammer around it,then the bulkhead this can be a major job some people do some rather good bog ups on them conceiling things with aluminium plate just stuck on,

the chassis are steel (is that right), so as i have a welder, i am assuming i can patch it up as I go, that is assuming it is not completely weetabix!

I was going for one with a MOT based on the fact that it cant be that bad (the chassis that is)

The other quesion i had was if a truck cab can be changed easily to a hard top, im assuming its just a bolt on job to change it over?

yes they are steel, and can be patched up but use the right guage of steel, remember it carries a lot of weight, i had one with what looked like a sardine tin welded in. truck cab is all changeable as ou say just bolt on

Tax exempt is good but don't get too hung up on it. You'll get a later series built after 1972 in better condition for the same money. £200 pounds saved per year won't go very far on a tax exempt money pit ! ! !

Dont assume that because it has an MOT it will mean it will be decent - not in the slightest - mine had tin and silicon pretending to be welding all over the place, and infact, lots of reasons why it should have never passed a recent MOT. But hey ho - I should have inspected it better!

Have you driven a Series Landie before? If not I would suggest take someone that has along with you - what might seem to you as seriously vague rubbish steering or gear changes, could indeed be that, but could be quite "normal" for a series.

Non synchro is a doddle after about a week! changing down from 3 to 2 is hardest! high revvs to change up, and low revvs to change down is the trick! I personally love the 2a, ex military if poss!! tax exempt 'feels' better, even if it actually may not save you much in the end! but then again, most folks will be wanting those sort. Overdrive is a brilliant bonus, and if petrol, a gas conversion.. good chassis, bulkhead, no leaks from wheels! gearboxes on 2a's tend to be stronger?? good luck, it's a leap of faith!! haha.

Congrats on going for a "proper" landy! It's an adventure of a lifetime, I was lucky to get a late 2a (looks like a series 3) 1968 petrol and absolutely love it!!! All I can say in the words of Mick Jagger "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" so find a strong one and make it your own. You will "know" if its the right one. best of luck