Series 3 109

Hi all,

Just got a series 3 109 today and looking for an honest assessment and any information from you experts.

History; Me...amature/agricultural mechanical knowledge, have done basics on several 90 and 100's of various ages and engines. Basic tools and basic welding.
Landy.... genuine field find, hasn't moved for at least 10 years. Believed 2.25 petrol, has several retro fitted extras over the years, mostly electric and possible engine? Also odd small fuel tank under driver seat(I presume main tank isn't working and has been bypassed?)

Current: I have washed landy off and taken wings off this afternoon to aid assessment of viable project. I have seen worse looking trucks being done on here/YouTube but presumably by more experienced people. I have dry barn space as on farm. I run a residential charity farm for disadvantaged teenagers at risk of being expelled from school, where they work and live as farmers and family for a week. My hope if this is a project that the can help with and eventually be part of the farm/family weekend fun. Due to budgets, I cant afford it to be a complete money pit but can justify if it doesn't loose money.

I will included some photographs for you to look over and I hope on have provided enough info for you to understand what I'm trying to achieve. There will be many many questions in the future so I thank in advance for your patience.

Sounds like an exciting project. It will be great to involve the kids. What an inspiring idea. I am sure people will help if they can. As you say, pictures will help and if you start the specific questions...Good luck.

My initial Impression is that there is major rust on chassis at front under radiator and some on rear cross member, but the rest when beaten with hammer seems quite sound. Bulk head seems okish except lower parts and foot sills.

Unsure on engine yet as waiting on keys buy was running when parked apparently

You've posted photos. A lot to consider. looks like an original late series 3 petrol 2.25 under the bonnet. It will clearly need new footwells, but these are widely available. I can't see any major rus on the bulkhead, but given the rest of the rust, this seems likely, but hopefully not. Chassis that you show is beyond repair, and perhaps points to a complete new chassis required. Again, widely available, but quite costly to buy and fit, but this could be a great work project for you and the team. I am sure others will have specific points to make...

Its a funny mish-mash, that bulkhead looks surprisingly sound considering how rusty the footwells are.

Likewise some parts of the chassis look good, there's one photo of a surprisingly good outrigger considering that front crossmember which looks like tissue paper.

Good luck with the project.

Here's my battle so far. https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/steves-unexpected-series-3-rebuild.292955/
I got my chassis back but it wasn't as bad as yours looks. I wish i'd bought a new chassis but I couldn't afford it. Still can't to be honest.
Repairing the chassis cost almost nothing but the time taken was huge.
Whatever happens I wish you good luck and i'm always glad to offer advice if I can.

A few picture updates for your viewing.

The chassis appears to me, and I've beaten it a lot with hammer, to be ok. All except rear cross member and front cross member. Presumably these are relatively easily replaced parts.

The bottom of the bulkhead pillars are rotten. Can just the lowers be replaced.

The footwells have gone. Do these need mig welding in?

Next step is get the engine running, it does turn, before I take it out to remove bulkhead and chassis work. Does this sound sensible?

The clutch is completely stuck up, I haven't investigated yet but from read posts on hear, it could be lots of things. Is it quite normal for a landy that has been sat for 20 years and if so, what would you start by doing?

Thanks for all help.

Some progress, got engine running and sounds OK. Clutch still completely stuck but took props off and gearbox drives in each gear without any bad noise.

Engine and gearbox now out and bulkhead and chassis nearly stripped. Dashboard was a pain but most else has been OK.

Update, been doing lots and now completely stripped imc clutch and engine parts ready for all new gaskets etc.

started on axles.(though you'd like my agricultural work bench, pallet forks on loaded, which I find brilliant.)

Swivels... are these pitted too much to keep. I suspect yes but would like more opinion. If so has anyone tired a repair of some sort by filling and polis?(assume not). If I get a kit am I best to get a chrome or black set. I'm also assuming that I will need all new bearings and seals? Can I fit these without a press?

I Will also do brakes whilst there. They are 11 inch. Any particular brand I should avoid or have?

I hadn't planned remove diffs when cleaning as they "seem ok". Is there a good way of blocking hub ends to stop water etc going into them?

Sorry for lots of questions. Really hope yo get some chassis parts soon so it can all then start to go back together. Tomorrow's job is the dreaded bushes in the chassis.

Any help or comment is much appreciated!

Black swivels are defender only, some folks have filled pitting in with epoxy resin and sanded back with reasonable success.
Oily rag in axle ends to keep muck out.
Swivel bearings / railco will come out without a press put new ones in freezer over night and warm swivel in oven to 80 degrees then pop new bearings etc in.

+1 re filling, people have had some success. I would try filling, perhaps chemical metal, sanding , some have then PTFE painted, then fit gaiters.