1973 S3 strip down help please

Bunker · May 19, 2011

Hi. This is either the start of a very long thread, or a short one..I cant find all the answers so throwing myself at your mercy!.....

Firstly, I know nothing about these vehicles but Im handy and capable, this is my first LR and you gotta start somewhere!...

My Rover has rot on the side of the bulkhead - I know you can buy replacement parts to weld on, what do I need to do though - do I need to remove the bulkhead? If so how.....(see, total newbie!)...

What problems am I likely to find below the surface? ie do the nuts n bolts tend to be seized (AF right?) - should I stock up on Stainless?

I appreciate this is an 'Is there a God' type post, but any help will be great.

Thanks alot

treeman · May 20, 2011

Hi
Once you have removed the door and hinges grind back the area to clean fresh metal then you will see how bad it really is it may be plateable or need the pillar replacing, have a look through dirtyrhino's restoration thread or one of the other long running restoration threads as they are very informative and inspirational.

Tom87 · May 20, 2011

You'll also need to remove the front wing to gain access to remove the rotted sections and weld in a replacement panel if that's what you need to do. The wings can be a game to remove though due to rusty and awkward bolts. Make sure you have plenty of WD40! I personally replaced all the bolts during my restoration as I went along with stainless steel metric ones.

P.S. Don't forget that all the old bolts will be imperial!

crashbox · May 20, 2011

Bit of advice, do the welding on the vehicle because if you remove the panel it will be difficult to refit due to warping, etc. Remove the battery and disconnect the alternator before welding. Good luck and remember to post photos of your progress.

Bunker · May 24, 2011

Thanks all for your replies, Im looking forward to getting stuck in. Rear cross member looks in bad shape but its off to the local 4x4 LR specialist tomorrow for a free overall inspection and advice session.

I will be replacing everything is stainless too, but are the bolts mostly nutted then as opposed to captive or do you tap out the captives?

thanks again.

dirtyrhino · May 24, 2011

welcome aboard fella !

Hmmm, looks liek that rot is going to be pretty dammned deep.

I take it that the hole your looking at is under the hinge.....like the lads say, drop off the wing, doors and door hinges. My suspicion is that your going to need to weld in a new A pillar TBH. Easily enough done - as long as your a competant welder... ? that hole is in a very iffy area for a patch.

Seeing as you asked .....Your likely to find a few of the following:
The hinge bolts will be ceased - drill them out and yank out the spire clips.
The lower A pillar will be rotted.
The bulkhead under the vents will be on it's way out.
You'll be bleeding from two, maybe three fingers

It'll never be a "5 minute job"

Bolts / nuts.....some are captive, other are spire clipped. some are normally welded, filled /bonded with P38, sealant, cow ****, dead animals......old sockets...rust..... the list goes on

Where are you BTW... ?

peter8315 · May 24, 2011

most of the bolts are nutted, there are exceptions and these are on the door hinges and floor plates they are like spring clips that take a tapered self tapping screw

Bunker · May 24, 2011

Ok, so no prob to go metric in alot of places then, phew....

Where are you BTW... ?

Newbury, Berkshire

Im no welder..yet..but I have guys around me in my bike club who cant see for arceye, they may come in useful....lol

The Mad Hat Man · May 24, 2011

JPS is yo way and into bikes - he mite be persuaded to give yu a hand?

1973 S3 strip down help please

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