Need help re: 1972 Land Rover Series III!

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Hi saxavordian, Turboman, Wildefalcon, Colthebrummie, Disco1BFG, Bobsticle, tottot and CohPC,

Many thanks for taking the time to help me out. After reading your feedback it seems that everything I was concerned about is actually normal with an old Land Rover - I just lacked the frame of reference to know if those were "features" or "problems!

Here's a video of part of the test drive:

I think it sounds OK but what do I know?!

marjon · Nov 17, 2022

Problem is you came to the wrong place to get real negative feedback, although everybody has been honest, there is still a little bias

. bet you will love it in a week

.

Good luck with the purchase if you decide to go ahead

.

J

Turboman · Nov 17, 2022

Colthebrummie said:
I found that tyre choice plays a big part in how the steering performs.

Col

Absolutely. Most 88" inch Series came with 6.00x16 crossplys, or 7.50x16 crossplys.

So a modern radial tyre in a size like 235 85 R16 is going to have a bigger footprint, and massively more grip.
Which may be a good thing in terms of stopping distance, but will make the steering much heavier, and probably impact on handling in other ways.

Turboman · Nov 17, 2022

JohnnyAlpha said:
Hi saxavordian, Turboman, Wildefalcon, Colthebrummie, Disco1BFG, Bobsticle, tottot and CohPC,

Many thanks for taking the time to help me out. After reading your feedback it seems that everything I was concerned about is actually normal with an old Land Rover - I just lacked the frame of reference to know if those were "features" or "problems!

Here's a video of part of the test drive:

I think it sounds OK but what do I know?!

Sounds Ok to me, although the sound quality isn't great. That may be to do with the speakers on my puter more than your recording.

Gearchanges are a bit clunky. I think that may only have synchro on 3rd and 4th, so double declutching in and out of 2nd may be a good idea.
Also, be sure you are getting the clutch right down. Novice Series drivers often don't realise how heavy and long travel the clutch pedal is, so they end up changing gear most of the time with the clutch still dragging a bit.

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Hi marjon, thanks for that.

I'm not sure I wanted objective feedback

I really like this style of car but it's been decades since I was in something old and have forgotten a lot. And I had no experience of Land Rovers so that didn't help!

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Cheers, Turboman. Techniques for getting the best results (gear changes, etc, etc) are exactly the kind of thing I need to learn.

Turboman · Nov 17, 2022

JohnnyAlpha said:
Cheers, Turboman. Techniques for getting the best results (gear changes, etc, etc) are exactly the kind of thing I need to learn.

Series 2a had synchro on 3rd and 4th only, and it may be that early S3 did too. Or that vehicle may have been fitted with a 2a box.
Or, the synchro may have worn out on 2nd gear, so it is now non synchro.
I usually only double declutch in and out of second on the 2a, 1st is normally engaged when stationary, and you rarely have to change down into 1st on the move.
Double declutch may help, and is worth learning anyway, in case you get other old cars later.

CohPC · Nov 17, 2022

sounds good to me, makes me want to go out for a drive in mine

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Right folks, now, I know that I don't need to worry, I've bought my first Land Rover and am officially "one of you!"

My current mechanical level is 0.1 (only able to change a wheel) so please be prepared for plenty of questions on how to do glaringly simple things!

Colthebrummie · Nov 17, 2022

JohnnyAlpha said:
Cheers, Turboman. Techniques for getting the best results (gear changes, etc, etc) are exactly the kind of thing I need to learn.

Also, changing gear slower helps. I move from one gear into neutral, wait half a second then change to the next gear.

Col

Disco1BFG · Nov 17, 2022

JohnnyAlpha said:
I've bought my first Land Rover

Excellent! Lets have some pictures of it on 'ere then! themz the rulez

Shippers · Nov 17, 2022

JohnnyAlpha said:
Right folks, now, I know that I don't need to worry, I've bought my first Land Rover and am officially "one of you!"

My current mechanical level is 0.1 (only able to change a wheel) so please be prepared for plenty of questions on how to do glaringly simple things!

Plenty help on here and no question too stupid if you dont know the answer...unless a simple google would provide it...lol...

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Colthebrummie said:
Have you given yours a name yet?

Hi Col,
Haven't thought of a name yet - but's being discussed!

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Here we go, Disco1BFG and everyone who's interested:

Wildefalcon · Nov 17, 2022

Looks like a good start point.

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Shippers said:
Plenty help on here and no question too stupid if you dont know the answer...unless a simple google would provide it...lol...

Cheers, Shippers

Scalleys Dad · Nov 17, 2022

So that’s what the underside looks like. Mine S3 was in hospital last week and I had an old Corsa as a courtesy car. It was like driving a go cart around, good fun at times, but I picked the landie up as soon as it was ready. Who needs heating, a radio, power steering and all that jazz. When you get the gears and throttle balance right it’s more of a loud purr and of course you can belt out whatever tune you want……… just bear in mind the need to stop warbling at lights

Colthebrummie · Nov 17, 2022

It looks very nice, well above the standard of mine, does it leak oil yet?

Col

Shippers · Nov 17, 2022

Colthebrummie said:
It looks very nice, well above the standard of mine, does it leak oil yet?

Col

Does look nice..might not leak oil...

Better check its got any...lol...

JohnnyAlpha · Nov 17, 2022

Scalleys Dad said:
Who needs heating, a radio, power steering and all that jazz. When you get the gears and throttle balance right it’s more of a loud purr and of course you can belt out whatever tune you want……… just bear in mind the need to stop warbling at lights

I'm looking forward to getting it just right - will remember about the lights in the meantime!

Need help re: 1972 Land Rover Series III!

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