Hi norm and welcome to Landyzone.
I don't have a lot of info on hand about series 111 Landies but i do have some writen info, so i will dig it out and see if i can be of help.
I do know that the bulkhead and chassis should be checked for rot,as for the petrol/diesel question, i'm not sure. On the 90 i know which i prefer and that would be diesel, but not sure what the older engines are like.
Anyway enough of the waffling i will find any info i can and post it for you, hope it will be of help to you.

Hi Norm,

I own a Series III SWB Station Wagon (1977). I purchased mine over the internet from a Land Rover dealer, after getting an AA Engineer to give it the once over. It was a bit expensive getting it professionally checked over, but well worth it in the end. If you're going to look at a perspective purchase yourself it may be wise to take along with you someone who has knowledge of Land Rovers. After I had purchased my Land Rover the dealer evn transported it to me (Derbyshire - Cornwall).

The main parts to pay particular attention to on Series Land Rovers are rust and rot, in the chassis and bulkhead. You ask about diesel and petrol engines, my Land Rover has a diesel engine, they are a little sluggish and noisy, compared to the petrol variety, which is smoother but more thirsty on petrol.

I'm sorry but I cant give you any information on Freewheeling hubs as my Land Rover doesnt have them. On a Series III Land Rover you will find that the steering wanders about even when driving on a straight stretch of road. I don't do any serious mechanical work on my Land Rover as I'm not mechanically minded. If you feel that you would like to work on yours when you purchase it, it may be an idea to join your local Land Rover Club, there you'll probably find people who wil be more than willing to give advice and help.

A final bit of information I can give you is don't buy the first Land Rover you see, there are still plenty of Series III Land Rover's out there and buy the best you can afford (Mine cost £4000).

Hy Norm,
I should tell you to get a Land CRUISER, but I don't want to rattle the natives too much. ;^)
Let's see now,
1. Rust is the main problem with any car these days, not just Land Rovers, but you are right, the places to watch for on a Landy are the chassis rails, (outriggers can be replaced relativly cheaply) as can the rear crossmember. Look for rust in the front 'Dumb Irons', the bits of frame rail that the front spring shackle fixes to. This seems to be a particularly vulnerable point.This can also be repaired, but it's a bit of a pain in the a**e.
There are quite a few around these days with aftermarket galvenized chassis, so if you are real paranoid about rust, look for one of these. Be prepared to pay a little more though.
Bulkhead rot is as bad as a rusty chassis. To replace the bulkhead, everything must come off so it's easier to replace the chassis. If you see anything other than very minor rust in this area don't bother with it.
2. Petrol or Diesel. Personal thing realy, but I would go for a diesel, they give you so much more fuel economy, and provided you keep all the fuel system clean (on the inside) and replace the diesel and air filters at the recomended times, they will go for a long time without any attention other than the usual oil changes and service.
3. Freewheeling hubs are a device which enables you to manualy disconnect the drive to the front wheels at the wheel hub. The advantage of this is that, when in two wheel drive, the front prop shaft, half shafts, and differential assembly are not rotating at all. This saves wear and tear on the drive assembly, and also gives better fuel economy due to reduced friction losses in the front drive train. More a bonus than an essential.
4. They all rattle and squeek...................a lot............... take someone who knows how to interpret the rattles ?????????
5. They are remarkably simple machines. If you are a novice, I can't think of a car more suited to learn on, but try to get some guidance from a friend when undertaking any work on potentialy life threatening systems like brakes, steering etc.
The overriding consideration is, You gotta' love 'em. Best of luck in your search for a good 'Series' Landy, and I hope we will be hearing from you again on the Landy zone.

Cruisermik.

Well my web site might be worth a look.
Living with a Landie - advice to potential Owners in particular.

If I were you I'd contact the Series 3 - 90/110 club and ask to speak to Frank King: 01543 424821. He's the bloke who runs the club and I'm sure he'll answer any questions you may need to help with your selection of vehicle. He will also beable to put you in touch with a local Series 3 club, these are scattered around the UK with other like minded folk all eager to help sort out your questions.

Regards, DavidD

Teflon, excellent informative website you put together. Well done.

wH-y Eye-thAAnQ!
Yours is pretty interesting too mate!
Wales..........[sigh mode]
Hmmmm Mountains.....Mud....[Whistful mode]
Too many things to fix first!