My 1981 Series 3 109

So heres my 1981 S3 109.
Theres a dent and scrape on pretty much every panel, but its very much a rolling restoration...
I've only really been using it sporadically as I have a D2 TD5 as a daily.

Have had it a few years, not done much to it, apart from new wheels and tyres, defender drivers seat, got up to date with the welding and some security bits and bobs.

Ordered quite a few bits over the last few days, so today did new sidelights and wing mirrors (wasn't a big fan of the ex bus mirrors!) all the rest are ordered and I'll fit when they arrive. New centre and passenger seats, plus a few engine bits (new alternator) as it loses electricity, have already replaced the points with electronic ignition, but have a whole new distributor to go in, as fitting the conversion kit was a bit of a bodge, as it had already been bodged once!

Looking forward to using it a lot more over the next year, and meeting a few fellow land Rover people!



Ok so pictures would be here if I could figure out how to upload them!
Any tips anyone?

Welcome to the forum, use the 'upload a file' button below to upload photos

Thanks Marmaduke, couldn't see that option for looking!

just_jooles said:

Thanks Marmaduke, couldn't see that option for looking!



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No worries, it's always easier when someone tells you where to look

What's your plans for it? I'm a generation behind you, I've got a Series 2a and a 300tdi discovery

Well, first off is getting the mechanicals more together, so it starts more reliably and is more useable
Then a few bits to the interior
next step will be the bodywork, it needs new doors, and I'd like a cat flat and tailgate for the back, but it will still stay pretty rough and ready
Eventually either an overdrive, or a change of gearbox internals to make it just that bit more useable for journeys, I was going to do an engine swap, but the 2.25 petrol is pretty good at the minute, so theres not need to change it yet.
Then, probably off on my travels in it!

Nice!

Bit of insulation and a Heath Robinson bed made in the back & old skool camper lol

I saw an LT77 & LT230 that was converted to 2wd in a LWB once, was actually really good.

Not sure about the bellhousing being a direct fit/swap but it was very driver friendly, the guy fitted Haystee parabolic springs and it was amazing.

A 2¼ in good order is a wonderful thing to behold.

Good luck & keep us posted.

I've had all sorts of ideas on the engine front, from the sensible (later type 2.5 petrol or tdi) to the less sensible (cummins or V8) but the more I use it, I realise the 2.25 is actually a good little engine, once I've sorted out the starting from cold, leaking electricity and gearing.

Couple of little projects over the last few days, finally ordered a 5th 235/85R16 on a modular as a spare, and got that mounted temporarily to the bulkhead (will eventually modify the existing tray so it can sit by the window) and new sidelights.
Sidelights were a real pain, first side I tried undoing the screws, but only managed to loosen them enough to make drilling them out a real pita, second side was much less eventful (just went straight for the drill!). Have got the bits on order to replace all the lights, which I think will help, driving it on a 100 mile journey the other week I actually had to stop and get out to check the headlights were on....
Have also got another defender seat for the passenger side, but it arrived missing the rear holes on the mounting rail (looks like it had been removed with an angle grinder... which was helpful), so theres plenty of projects for the coming week!

Proper Landrover, liking that very much, if it were mine it’d get some original wheels the mechanicals sorted out then left as it is! My 2a was petrol they’re lovely little engines, a later 2.5 petrol (in a ‘85 Ninety) pulled better but wasn’t as reliable. Good luck with the project.

blackstrat said:

Proper Landrover, liking that very much, if it were mine it’d get some original wheels the mechanicals sorted out then left as it is! My 2a was petrol they’re lovely little engines, a later 2.5 petrol (in a ‘85 Ninety) pulled better but wasn’t as reliable. Good luck with the project.

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Wheels were a recent change, which I ummed and ahhed about but ultimately pleased with them, and off-road they are pretty solid!

Mechanicals are to be tackled next week, along with a few other tweaks and then she’ll be rolling much more!

My 2a came with a cat flap and I've bought a pair of galv doors and door tops for it Just got to galv the chassis and bulkhead before I start putting it back together

Craddocks sell new lights and lenses pretty cheap

Marmaduke said:

My 2a came with a cat flap and I've bought a pair of galv doors and door tops for it Just got to galv the chassis and bulkhead before I start putting it back together

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Ah galv doors are the holy grail. Mine are rusted to buggery

Marmaduke said:

Craddocks sell new lights and lenses pretty cheap

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Already got a full light set on order so all good

just_jooles said:

Ah galv doors are the holy grail. Mine are rusted to buggery

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So were mine, I don't think there was a massive price difference between them and normal ones

I'll give them a look when I get to the point where I want it to stop doing the funky chicken whilst I'm driving down the road!