Series 2 OK help me choose - to modify or not!

G'Day Folks,

Firstly: I reserve the right to ignore your advice on this subject so please don't get shirty!

I want to end up with what looks like an original as possible 1965 Series 2a Station Wagon. BUT there are a few "mild" modifications I'm considering to make the experience a bit more enjoyable.

So I've made a poll to see what others think.

(Like I said - I might ignore you - I might not - don't get shirty! BUT I do appreciate your input none the less)

Ah crap - I immediately realised I've forgotten the heated front and rear window modifications!

I think I have to get a moderator to add those in...

id go for all synchro box and over drive

fitted a charger socket in mine for the all importent blower, just fitted a later extended handbrake which aint catching properly.................overhead storage too

series2steve said:

fitted a charger socket in mine for the all importent blower, just fitted a later extended handbrake which aint catching properly.................overhead storage too

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Oh yeah I've just started a thread on Navigation software - charger socket will help!

I'd have to hide it some where though. Under the middle front seat perhaps?

jamesmartin said:

id go for all synchro box and over drive

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I'm surprised - most hardcore advice on the interweb says the series 2 gearbox is stronger. Still I'll see what the Heritage certificate has to say about the vehicle before I go one way or the other.

Stretch said:

Oh yeah I've just started a thread on Navigation software - charger socket will help!

I'd have to hide it some where though. Under the middle front seat perhaps?



I'm surprised - most hardcore advice on the interweb says the series 2 gearbox is stronger. Still I'll see what the Heritage certificate has to say about the vehicle before I go one way or the other.

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i can assure you it isnt stronger if anything weaker, and ive built hundreds on both,you can make an all synchro mesh box with the non synchro mesh clutch release mechanism

jamesmartin said:

i can assure you it isnt stronger if anything weaker, and ive built hundreds on both,you can make an all synchro mesh box with the non synchro mesh clutch release mechanism

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Now that is interesting - if I decide to play the matching numbers game (which may or may not be possible 'cos I have only just ordered the Heritage Certificate). Have you got a link / thread for a synchromeshed series 2a gearbox?

'Been told the poll has a maximum of 10 options so there won't be any modifications to it.

Please use other for good ideas.

Alternator, brake servo, and the tyres you need for what you want to do. Maybe overdrive depending on what engine you have.

Standard series is fine anyway for general use. Wouldnt be ideal for a lot of long distance, mods or no.

I would do the heated rear door window, iirc the heated windscreens can be a total pita and are easy to break, might be better to add a second heater dedicated to keeping the screens clear or a better all round heater like one of the t7 design ones

on the charger socket you could get a 12v cigar lighter extension socket, cut off the plug in end solder on the plugs that go into the red and black holes on the dash, then you can have it in or out as required

Dont do anything to it if its mostly original. I only mess with my series coz its a mongrel. Keep it as lucas intended. Intermittent headlights and all..
30 years ago I had a totally un fettled 2a and it was perfect. Then I sold it to a bloke who wanted to tow an ice cream trailer down the beach all day. Poor thing must have fallen to bits.
Never forgiven myself.

I use 'em as my daily so a power socket is a bit of a must in my world.

In the side of the centre dash is quite a good place, sort of in the cubby bit of the bulkhead. It doesnt spoil the look of the dash and is handy for powering dashcam/charging etc.

Overdrive isn't really a mod, more an optional extra and always nice to have.

Crystal clear type headlights make a significant difference and is a sensible compromise between safety and originality imo.

Likewise a brake servo.

It's always worth thinking twice (or more) before changing anything on a near original but it's you that's living with it and unless you're planning a rivet counting restoration to concours a few sensible mods wouldn't bother me.

IF you are going to be using it a fair bit pretty much tick all the boxes in the poll....
A good all synchro box Is much nicer to drive than the s2 dog box....
Heated screens make things a heap nicer on damp mornings (they only tend to break if badly fitted)
Heated rear screen is a nice touch too
Power for sat nav etc

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-...r-power-socket-BLACK-/221131556075?nav=SEARCH

Over drive is a, no brainer

Decent deluxe seats

Wright off road sound deadening mats for the front (not cheap BUT very effective

Bobsticle said:

Dont do anything to it if its mostly original. I only mess with my series coz its a mongrel. Keep it as lucas intended. Intermittent headlights and all..
30 years ago I had a totally un fettled 2a and it was perfect. Then I sold it to a bloke who wanted to tow an ice cream trailer down the beach all day. Poor thing must have fallen to bits.
Never forgiven myself.

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About the same time I sold a very original and tidy 58 2 diesel to a chap who just wanted to haul logs out of the wood with it.Poor thing.

Thanks for the opinons folks - this does help

Fit GOOD springs whether or not Parabolic. I cannot stand that tail down attitude of the SW or safari with Weak springs.