Trashed s3 109 got me home. Now what?

Almiscarado · 2025-08-16T15:35:53+0100

Ok, i am still not sure this was a smart buy, but this old 109 came home today (always wanted One).

My first 30kms on a series, what an experience!

First things i noticed:
- speedometer and odometer dont work;
- left blinkers dont work;
- it feels easier to steer left than right (less effort);
- 1st gear is hard to find (i engage reverse instead);
- no inside cab mirror - where they extra?
- clutch pedal sometimes seems lazy to get back;

Will need a lot of help from you, thanks in advance!

kermit_rr · 2025-08-16T15:52:49+0100

There's a spring over reverse gear to stop you selecting by mistake. It's probably missing
Mirror just bolts to the roof line.
Speedo cable might have snapped

tottot · 2025-08-16T16:26:51+0100

Well looks like it has worked pretty hard for over 40 years. But they are about the most basic motor vehicle that are still around in numbers today and can be repaired without the need to ask a computer what the problem is.
A sticky brake may be the issue with the steering.
A change of fluid may help with the clutch issue, have a look in the reservoir and if fluid is blackish then at least in the short term a change may help.

Almiscarado · 2025-08-16T17:44:44+0100

tottot said:
Well looks like it has worked pretty hard for over 40 years. But they are about the most basic motor vehicle that are still around in numbers today and can be repaired without the need to ask a computer what the problem is.
A sticky brake may be the issue with the steering.
A change of fluid may help with the clutch issue, have a look in the reservoir and if fluid is blackish then at least in the short term a change may help.

Thanks, Nice first things to check

Wildefalcon · 2025-08-16T21:22:43+0100

Nice; decent pickup. Ready for 3/4 tilt.

Have you found the line manual?

Break the problems down into single issues. What bugs you the most?

British Leyland Rover · 2025-08-16T22:15:16+0100

Congratulations on your series 3. I've never seen a snorkle that big

. Make a list and get cracking. The first job I'd do is Inspect the chassis and get some protection on it.

tottot · 2025-08-17T10:51:31+0100

I agree with the chaps above regarding repairs. Do not be tempted with doing a complete strip down overhaul unless this is really your thing, so many are never finished. Keep as a rolling restoration and enjoy each fix/improvement done as you use it.

Almiscarado · 2025-08-17T16:45:53+0100

So, what would it be the cause of all this oil.over here?

Almiscarado · 2025-08-17T16:51:11+0100

tottot said:
I agree with the chaps above regarding repairs. Do not be tempted with doing a complete strip down overhaul unless this is really your thing, so many are never finished. Keep as a rolling restoration and enjoy each fix/improvement done as you use it.

That is my main objective!!

Trashed s3 109 got me home. Now what?

Almiscarado

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kermit_rr

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tottot

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Almiscarado

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Wildefalcon

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British Leyland Rover

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tottot

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Almiscarado

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Almiscarado

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