Series 3 My S3 project

I took ownership of this abandoned project. It had been standing, partly dis-assembled for a couple of years. SWB S3 2.25 diesel NA (not actually in the vehicle), galvanised chassis, parabolic springs, twin fuel tanks. Was a petrol originally but thta had been replaced with the diesel years ago. Most of the bit and pieces were in boxes inside the load space.
This is how she looked on arrival - not too bad

Footwells needed some work, but bulkhead was pretty sound (compared to many others Ive seen)





This is where Im up to now. Got to sort the the brakes, tune the diesel (that'll be fun ) and put the body together and tidy up the wiring.

Hope you find the pics interesting. I know its not like the amazing restorations you see on this forum but its something that I can take my time over and do bits to it when I feel like it.

It's looking really smart, you're doing a good job on it, keep it up.

Col

Two years further on and this project is almost finished.
The wiring was a mess and several things turned out to be missing. All that is sorted now except that I have no seat belts for it. I assume that they are not easy to source now.
Anyone know where I could get some seat belts (passenger and driver) for an 1982 series 3 soft top?

Jules59 said:

Two years further on and this project is almost finished.
The wiring was a mess and several things turned out to be missing. All that is sorted now except that I have no seat belts for it. I assume that they are not easy to source now.
Anyone know where I could get some seat belts (passenger and driver) for an 1982 series 3 soft top?

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They should be similar to most BL cars of the era, Mini, Austin 1100, Morris Marina and so forth ...

It'll be the anchor points you may have to fabricate brackets and floor / chassis load spreaders for ...

I took it out for the first time today. Just around my next door neighbour's field for a test.
I'm delighted to say the engine started first time and the irregular idle and smoke has disappeared. I actually think it was a sticky valve which had freed itself. Everything worked which was nice. Gave the parabolic springs a bit of exercise as the field was rock hard.
Still a few more things to sort - cover needs some rope, seat belts, a door keeps opening by itself, heater to be re-fitted, and a bit of a general tidy up. But I'm very happy with the way it ran.
I've mislaid the brackets for the front valance too,

Looks really good - great stuff!

Very nice, doors opening round corners very disconcerting, new latch and adjustment sorted mine

Jules59 said:

I took it out for the first time today. Just around my next door neighbour's field for a test.
I'm delighted to say the engine started first time and the irregular idle and smoke has disappeared. I actually think it was a sticky valve which had freed itself. Everything worked which was nice. Gave the parabolic springs a bit of exercise as the field was rock hard.
Still a few more things to sort - cover needs some rope, seat belts, a door keeps opening by itself, heater to be re-fitted, and a bit of a general tidy up. But I'm very happy with the way it ran.
I've mislaid the brackets for the front valance too,
View attachment 247438

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Very smart well done.

Delighted to say the S3 passed its MOT with no advisories.
Doors now stay shut and the heater & fan work.





I'm looking to sell. Any ideas where best to advertise.

Eleven more posts and you can advertise it on here...

Super looking landy , at least have some fun first before you sell

Jules59 said:

Delighted to say the S3 passed its MOT with no advisories.
Doors now stay shut and the heater & fan work.
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I'm looking to sell. Any ideas where best to advertise.

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Youve made a nice job of that..