Series 3 What bits fit?

Morning everyone,

I have a fairly batterred but mechanically sound Series 3 which i am hoping to restore in the near future, I have a few questions about panels etc before I start searching. In simple terms what parts will fit her? pretty much every body panel needs work (see pic for a quick example) - are there any companies who manufacture new "repro" panels for a 1974 series 3? can I simply use defender panels - if so are there any limitations? a lot of the old panels I see on Ebay etc look in just as bad a state as the ones i want to replace and although original seem to be as expensive as some of the few repro panels I have seen advertised.

Any advice that you can offer is much appreciated.

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]


Iainl23

Defender parts will not fit or look right.

There are lots of suppliers of aftermarket panels for Series 3. What are you trying to achieve; a re-built landy or a restoration? I'd be inclined to the latter and give the landy some character by retaining the better panels even if they have some minor dings.The truck cab and all the original window fittings are valuable, even if your going for a hard top conversion, hold onto them. If your considering retaining the truck cab, you can't get the original canvass frame or covers but Exmoor Trim sell aftermarket versions of a half tilt frame and cover...not cheap. There must be an independent landy garage(s) around your area where you could potentially scavenge original panels? You can purchase new fixings etc. from many suppliers.You've got the basis for a really good landy there, but it all comes at a cost. Imagine a refurbished very original truck cab with half canvass tilt and drop down rear door, original engine, good 750 tyres (period style), with original style black vinyl seats in an original body colour (bronze green, limestone, marine blue etc.) and you'd have a great (and valuable) vehicle. Good luck.

I have used ABS plastic front outer wing skins with good results, cheapish and do not dent with minor knocks.

Thats a great looking Landy..
Tub looks fine from this side..
Only the roof which needs to be taken off and reshaped (not that hard to do with a hammer and Dollie)
Front outer wing Aluminium skins used to be available from paddocks .....but I think they are now fibreglass?
But with Aluminium being so easy to work with ....ID try to reshape what you have....
A little imperfection with the bodywork on a Landy is part of its character.......Chris

SP Land Rover sell many body parts are are a good fit. The tub rear wings seem to be the only parts unavailable so may need to be panel beaten and possibly a skim of filler if you want them very straight.