1. Dorset_dumpling

    Station wagon to rag top

    I did exactly this last year. When I bought my 88" station wagon it looked like this; and now it looks like this: Mine was not a genuine County though, someone had added the decals later and I am not entirely convinced that it even started life as a station wagon, I think it was originally a...
  2. Dorset_dumpling

    33" tyres too big?

    Go on then, please enlighten us with your wisdom. :rolleyes:
  3. Dorset_dumpling

    33" tyres too big?

    Yes I have heard of 9.00/16 tyres, but they are cross-ply tyres with much stiffer sidewalls so the tyre flexes less under lateral load. Radial tyres have much more flexible side walls which will cause the vehicle to lean more while cornering.
  4. Dorset_dumpling

    33" tyres too big?

    I have also had a couple of halfshafts break but I look on them as a sacrificial item. A broken halfshaft cost about £40 and 30 mins to change, and I can still drive the vehicle with a broken halfshaft. A broken diff or gearbox is a much bigger pain in the arse and much more expensive. I use the...
  5. Dorset_dumpling

    33" tyres too big?

    Ok, but that will still give you big problems with gearing. You are honestly much better off with 7.50/16. You will have 1/2" less ground clearance under the diff but you will lose less articulation, have more torque available, less unsprung weight and the car will be much more driveable...
  6. Dorset_dumpling

    33" tyres too big?

    I really don't think that is a good idea at all. You will be very overgeared on those tyres. The gearbox and halfshafts will be under more strain, the diesel engine will really struggle on any sort of hill and it will take you even longer to get to a top speed of about 45-50 mph. Simply shoving...
  7. Dorset_dumpling

    2.25 petrol rough idle

    I have one of these distributors fitted: https://www.paddockspares.com/etc5835eblack-distributor-electronic-black-cap.html. It works perfectly well, much better starting and more accurate timing than my old points distributor. I am not surprised that sucking on the vacuum advance pipe does not...
  8. Dorset_dumpling

    2.25 petrol rough idle

    First of all, drain the fuel tank and look inside. If it is rusty, remove the tank and clean it out. To clean rusty fuel tanks I use 5 litres of white vinegar and 2-3 table spoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the tank, seal it and shake the tank vigorously for a couple of mins, leave to...
  9. Dorset_dumpling

    Soft Top Fitting Question

    The instructions with my Exmoor trim hood set said to bolt the top rail to the top of the windscreen, then clamp the front of the rail with the hood hooks on to the front of the windscreen top rail and rivet it in place, the rail should already be drilled, you just need to drill through the...
  10. Dorset_dumpling

    Wanted Series 3 tat

    88" roof with some paint still on it and an unused exhaust downpipe for an 88" petrol.
  11. Dorset_dumpling

    Spares

    Funnily enough, I have just sold a Freelander TD4 ES for £400. Failed MOT on rotten sills and subframe but perfect mechanically.
  12. Dorset_dumpling

    Leaking roof

    Do you get that from a hardware store or a Pharmacy?
  13. Dorset_dumpling

    Series 3 Coil connections

    You should have two terminals on your coil. One will be marked + or sw and the other will be marked - or cb, Connect the + terminal to the wire from the ignition switch and connect the - terminal to the small lead on your distributor. If you have an electronic distributor you will have two...
  14. Dorset_dumpling

    Land Rover Defender stolen near me.

    A blue Defender 90 has been stolen from Bournemouth. Reg no. CX54 VSO. It is a blue station wagon with a white roof. The roof has a website printed on the side, it has a grey vinyl interior and a dog guard fitted in the back. It also has a Goodwinch winch and bumper, which has two distinctive...
  15. Dorset_dumpling

    hard top with/without soft top option

    That is exactly what I have done with mine, it has gone from this'; To this; The hood and sticks cost just under £800 from Exmoor Trim and I paid £50 for the tailgate and another £30 for the fittings. On mine, the seatbelts are bolted directly to the top of the bulkhead. I really much...
  16. Dorset_dumpling

    Backfire and black smoke

    That would certainly do it, sounds like someone forgot to tighten the bolt on the distributor when setting the timing. I don't know why the engine would be very hot with a cold rad though unless there is something wrong with the water pump, a slipping fan belt or a blockage or airlock somewhere.
  17. Dorset_dumpling

    Backfire and black smoke

    Have you got any water in it? Is the fan belt slipping?
  18. Dorset_dumpling

    Help - Series 3 stalling at startup

    Ok, does it just do this when the engine is cold or when hot? Does it do it with the choke in, out or both? Does the engine rev when you press the accelerator or cough and splutter?
  19. Dorset_dumpling

    Engine oil series 3

    I use Halfords 20W50 classic motor oil. Seems perfectly fine and not too expensive.