Actually, finally bought a Land Rover S3 109

Just saying hello as after many years of umming I actually bought a tatty old Series 3 109 FFR.
Looked at some Discovery 2s and serious contemplated a Defender 110 for lugging the family about but went old school in the end as I fancied a simple, cheapish 109 rag top for local stuff family stuff. A big hire car works out cheaper and more comfortable for 5 or 6 long family trips we do a year. That's what I'm telling them anyway.

Got the beast delivered today and spent a couple of hours getting to know it. It's definitely a different driving experience. Took it down the beach with the rag top rolled up which was lovely, especially considering we're in the middle of Feb. This is one of the things I bought it for.

Keeping the Mondeo as the daily drive though.

I'll spend sometime getting a to do list together tomorrow. Lots to do on it.

Regards,
Chris

Welcome

Welcome to you. Well done committing to an S3. I take it is 24v electrics with a whopping big alternator at the front top left of the engine. Craddocks are quite good for military spares. Good luck with the project. The S3 and military sections of the forum are good places for help.

Thanks for the welcome gents.
Yes 24v electrics though the alternator has been replaced with a truck one. A bit smaller and cheaper to replace. She's a bit of a bitsa project. Needs work but is usable. The chassis is good, mostly a bit of surface corrosion, looks like a replacement. The bulkhead has some tinworm in the footwells but I can get to it with the MIG. The engine seems alright, pinks a bit under acceleration and going up hills. Hopefully that's just timing. Most of the instrumentation doesn't work. The cart springs look dry, i.e. lacking in grease so they will need taking apart and cleaning/regreasing. The entire interior will have to be done as its a bit rough, nice new tilt though. The floors need replacing and the outside could do with the paint stripped back as it has the standard lumps of various layers of paint. It's had a blow over which makes it look nice from a few feet. Not too fused though as that's part of having one. They didn't mask off the tyres when they sprayed the wheels. Lots of overspray. I'll have to sort that first in case anyone thinks it was me
Part of the aim of this is a project to do with the children to get them off the computers, xbox etc. and teach them some practical skills.

Welcome mate few of us in your part of the world get some pics up !

Here you go then. Down the beach yesterday.

I'm liking that alot !

The truck alternator conversion.


Front view of her.

Some MOD style markings on the rocker cover. Reads "Preserved EC02-1-88S" I assume the engine was inhibited for storage at some point in it's life. The Speedo is in KMH and it is listed as imported. First registration in 2001.

I love that the whole of the back is open, not seen a 110 like that before. Did it spend time abroad ? Being 'open' assume it lived in a sunnier climate ?

I assume it was BAOR, British Army On the Rhine. A lot of army 109s I saw were like this. I spent the first 18 years of my life in an army town in Wiltshire in the 70's & 80's and these were part of the scenery, sometimes literally.

I've always liked soft tops & this was one of the attractions of this particular Landy though it appears to have started life as a hard top. Practicality dictated a CSW, but this is where my heart is, not to mention it's about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a CSW.

If it gets really hot in the summer I may take the door tops off and fold the windscreen down for the total alfresco effect.

Oh, OK....thought it may have spent time getting a suntan ! Cool that you know this stuff.

Very cool project please keep us updated !

When I get stuck into it I'll post in the blog section. The children are quite keen to join in. We'll see how it goes.

Sputnik01 said:

I assume it was BAOR, British Army On the Rhine. A lot of army 109s I saw were like this. I spent the first 18 years of my life in an army town in Wiltshire in the 70's & 80's and these were part of the scenery, sometimes literally.

I've always liked soft tops & this was one of the attractions of this particular Landy though it appears to have started life as a hard top. Practicality dictated a CSW, but this is where my heart is, not to mention it's about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a CSW.

If it gets really hot in the summer I may take the door tops off and fold the windscreen down for the total alfresco effect.

Click to expand...

X1 it's probably BAOR. Looks nice with the full tilt. Good luck with it.

Looks a really nice motor!

Welcome and what a fantastic
A fantastic looking motor have fun m8

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I'll start the blogg soon with photos of the main work to be done. The interior is not as pretty as the outside.

Now to find some clubs to join.