I have the opportunity to get a free Series III. It is a 1973 88. I haven't seen it yet but I know that the owner says the frame is bad. I can go look at it this weekend. Is there any advice on what I should ask about, look out for, etc? I have an old Disco but know virtually nothing technically about Series LRs. I love them and always wanted one and can put cash into it, so if I can get away with repairs for less than a decent runner as a knock about car I would be into it. There is a great LR shop nearby and I have can budget $5K or more which might be cheaper than buying.

I am told it runs but don't know more than that yet.

Advice?

Pat

 

If the frame is bad, odds are the bulkhead (the part between the passenger compartment and the engine) is rotted as well. Those 2 items will just about eat up your $5000 (if you do the work yourself). Not saying you shouldn't take it but the frame is like the foundation in a house. That being said, a lot of people replace frames and they are available (galvanized to eliminate the rust) from many different suppliers.

 

Yeah & thanks. I saw the frame on Rovers North for $2,600. I am not sure the extent to which the frame is bad. I will add asking about the bulkhead to my list of questions.

Any other things to worry about? Engine questions? Known gearbox follies? I have heard of plenty of things to check on a Disco but don't know where to start on a Series.

I am not looking for perfection. Quite the opposite. I want a cheap truck to drive around and have fun with and not care if it is rusty and ugly. Just safe.

And at worst I may be able to help someone else here get a hold of a parts vehicle if they don't mind coming to Rhode Island.

 

A good place to start would be reading this article. Land Rover FAQ - Repair & Maintenance - Series - What to look for

 

Many thanks. If I hop on the ferry and go take a look I will try to snap some pics in case someone else can use it for parts.

 

BKreutz, great link. Many thanks. That is exactly what I was looking for. I will have to do a little web research to see what a few of those parts and what they look like but this gives me a great start. As I said, the vehicle is free aside from the cost of me getting off the island on a ferry so this is perfect to figure out if it can be salvaged as a project.