Changing a 110 front end to a series 3.

Hi, I've searched around for info on this, but can only find people wanting to go the other way.
In short, I've got an ex military 1986 110 with a 2.5D n/a engine with a massive gap between the radiator and the fan, filled with a cowling and black plastic tube thing. I really prefer the look of the stepped front and wondered if the later series bonnets with lift off hinges, as opposed to the sideways slide off ones, would fit onto mine and if the distance between the wings is the same to fit the radiator panel and the curved panel at the bottom.
Has anyone got any experience of doing this? Thanks.

I think the difficulty with this is the lower radiator mounts - they are attached to the chassis crossmember. You would need to fabricate something to replace them. I'm sure it has been done though. As you say, the later series bonnet mounts should be OK.

I don't think the bonnet is wide enough, so will leave gaps down the sides......

Mustn't forget also that it will look ridiculous. Just my opinion of course.

Re: Radiator supports:

If you went to the Series III radiator as well iit woould bolt to the front panel - so all you'd need to worry about is the bottom mount of the panel to the chassis crossmember or a fabricated brace.

No idea on the bonnet width...wish I could help on that.

Alan

and it's naughty to try and make it look like a s3 for tax free plates.. (for any future viewers ofc)

Series wings have more metal width ways compared to the coil sprung equivalent. so I don't think the bonnet would fit width ways. You'd have to get series wings. Or an engine conversion to fill the gap or sell the 110 and get a 109? I do feel it would look like a bit of a Frankenstein and definitely not look right.

My 2p worth. Don't do it. It'll look horrid. It will not be the Series III you want and neither will it be the 110 you should be proud of. Same goes for Series 3s that are converted to look like 110s.

reiny said:

My 2p worth. Don't do it. It'll look horrid. It will not be the Series III you want and neither will it be the 110 you should be proud of. Same goes for Series 3s that are converted to look like 110s.

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With the exception of the Stage One V8 - not quite a conversion, something in the middle that looked great. (I'm heavily biased, having owned one for years)

Thanks for all the replies, I think I'll leave it be.

Yes, best left as it is. Be thankful that you have that much space in the engine bay for when you have to do any wok on the front end of the engine.
Most of us have to remove the radiator and front panel to get at our lump

The steering box is a problem as it stops putting rad back far enough

zeaphod said:

With the exception of the Stage One V8 - not quite a conversion, something in the middle that looked great. (I'm heavily biased, having owned one for years)

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Defo! But then again, a Stage One is a Stage One. It's not a Series 3 and neither is it a One Ten. It's a different beast and I am ready to sell my nuts to lay my hands on one of them!

I have seen a rangie fronted disco which looked quite good but a defender fronted series or series fronted defender just look like frankin cars to me