1980 Land Rover Lightweight Series III Build

[telwyn]

This is my 1980 Land Rover Lightweight Series III. I’ve owned it since 2004, but have neglected it since 2012. Finally started a major build last year to restore and upgrade it for overland. In some ways I’ll try to maintain a fairly original look, in others I won’t. Photos here are before and during photos. Good news is the build has finally progressed from tearing it apart to now putting it back together. Welcome any comments and suggestions along the way. P.S. Also upgrading my 1967 m416 trailer at the same time.

 

[telwyn]

More photos...

 

[Bigplum]

That will roll along nicely with that TDI

 

[Tembo]

Looks great! I figure if I ever add another overlander to my mini-fleet, it will be a Lightweight. So more than a bit envious.

 

[jethro5]

Would love to build one day on HD axles and run 40s for a rock crawler rig.

Looking forward to seeing how yours evolves.


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[telwyn]

A few more updates on the build. 300 tDI is in, seats are in, body panels going back on, underseat lockers in the front, storage locker behind rear seats is in, etc...

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[telwyn]

A few more photos as I checked in on the build for the first time in about 6 weeks. Seats are in upfront and back, 300tDI is in, LED lights all around getting ready to go in, etc.

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[getlost4x4]

Cool build. That steering set-up is weird. I've never noticed that before on a Land Rover Series. Is that what they did with the light weights?

 

[Tembo]

What are you doing for a fuel tank, since by the pics your using the under seat areas for storage?

 

[telwyn]

What are you doing for a fuel tank, since by the pics your using the under seat areas for storage?

There will still be a fuel tank under each seat base. Not sure if the original tanks will go back in or if we will make new ones. We also plan to make a third fuel tank to go under the tub in the back between the cross members. I’m hoping for 40 gallons total between the three tanks.

 

[telwyn]

Cool build. That steering set-up is weird. I've never noticed that before on a Land Rover Series. Is that what they did with the light weights?

Weird in what way? It’s the only Series Rover I’ve had so hard for me to tell how the Lightweight might be different than a traditional Series.

 

[Worms]

Looks pretty much like the pic in my old Series II, IIA & III Haynes Manual. All I remember is constant problems with play in the steering box and the huge expense of a new one...which I could never quite afford!

 

[telwyn]

Looks pretty much like the pic in my old Series II, IIA & III Haynes Manual. All I remember is constant problems with play in the steering box and the huge expense of a new one...which I could never quite afford!

View attachment 460253

Thanks... I am planning for the steering to replace the steering wheel with a 14 inch MoMo wheel with a slim boss to give me more room as the driver. I’m also adding power steering.

 

[Worms]

Interesting! My recollection is of the series III having very light steering but I guess with modern tyres and a smaller steering wheel there may be a greater need for power assistance. Are you updating the brakes?

 

[telwyn]

Interesting! My recollection is of the series III having very light steering but I guess with modern tyres and a smaller steering wheel there may be a greater need for power assistance. Are you updating the brakes?

I upgraded the front brakes to disc about 10 years ago. Rear are remaining drum. With the 300 tDI going in and smaller wheel I thought it a good idea to add the power steering.