Say Hello to Garth - 1973 Series III

[Contractor]

Thanks for the help, everyone! Garth had an oil change last week while I'm in Japan right now. Just waiting for the muffler to arrive when I return.



That switch turns on the instrument light and cabin lighting. First, the headlights have to be on (either daylight or lowbeam) then first flick is the cluster then the second flick down is the cabin lighting (for hardtop but mine isn't connected).

Awesome.......I probably never got the correct sequence so I never noticed the instrument lights (especially during the day). My cabin lights are on a different switch.

Thanks again.

 

[JSBriggs]

Can you elaborate on the 'tub' and this bracket thinamajig you were mentioning?

These. If left alone they will rot the floor.


-Jeff

 

[flipstah]

Setback: The new electronic ignition my dad installed is apparently stalling out the engine...

AIYA.

 

[evilfij]

Setback: The new electronic ignition my dad installed is apparently stalling out the engine...

AIYA.

If it ain't broke ....

Nothing wrong with points system on there.

 

[flipstah]

Oil change was completed while I was gone and leakage is gone for now!

Back from vacation and immediately went to my Rover store to get more parts!:

- Original tail lights assembly
- Speedo cable
- Rear door lock
- Brake fluid cap

Ordered the side markers, amber lights, and will be on the lookout to see if I can fix the reverse lights. License plate light works after cleaning the contact points.

Any ideas on how to fit a Weber carb snorkel? Was thinking a custom airbox then a random kit to fit it together...

Will be doing a brake fluid flush and cleaning that bracket as mentioned by JBriggs over the weekend as the coolant fluid was replaced yesterday. Still waiting for ze muffler!

If it ain't broke ....

Nothing wrong with points system on there.

Word. Returned the electronic ignition and put the points system back on but kept the new coil. Running majestically now!

Random question but anyone know the fuel tank capacity on these things?

EDIT:

Here's the front axle.

The left swivel joint leaks and there's a weird bracket for what looks to be a stabilizer... Not sure yet:

 

[dibsen]

your swivel balls have gators on them, looks like the leather kind. I have that bracket on my frame too, almost cut it off just a second ago.

 

[flipstah]

your swivel balls have gators on them, looks like the leather kind. I have that bracket on my frame too, almost cut it off just a second ago.

It's so crusty that I don't think even Gunk can get that off lol. It's not leaking fresh now so not even sure if I should even touch it...

 

[evilfij]

That bracket is for a steering stabilizer which SIII had (maybe it was an option).

The gunk will come off the swivel ball area. I would fix it as you don't want to run dry balls.

 

[flipstah]

That bracket is for a steering stabilizer which SIII had (maybe it was an option).

The gunk will come off the swivel ball area. I would fix it as you don't want to run dry balls.

Duly noted. Looks like I'll be cleaning up this weekend.

As for overdrive, can you engage it while driving and do I just have to push it down while not stepping on the gas? Haven't tried it yet.

 

[flipstah]

Gearbox and diff oil has been replaced! Just needs new gaskets and filler plugs to make things less leaky. Looking good, Garth!

 

[evilfij]

You put your foot on the clutch to shift the OD. To stop the plugs from leaking put a little hylomar on the threads.

 

[flipstah]

You put your foot on the clutch to shift the OD. To stop the plugs from leaking put a little hylomar on the threads.

Now I just engage it like it's a 5th or 6th gear and do it when I'm in motion, right?

The plugs need replacing because it's been shredded from over tightening.

 

[dibsen]

I didn't see an overdrive on Garth, are you sure you have one? The only thing you push is the four wheel drive lever, the yellow one. Red is for low range.

 

[flipstah]

Today was removing a rust contaminated side step and sprayed the left swivel joint with GUNK.

Used a whole can and elbow grease,

30 years of sludge right there.

It looks relatively clean after...

Must open past the swivel gaiter to see how the ball joint is doing. Pretty clean from the last picture, I must say.

New brass plugs for the diff were put on today and a gearbox gasket to be fitted over the weekend. This is what the old ones looked like,

I didn't see an overdrive on Garth, are you sure you have one? The only thing you push is the four wheel drive lever, the yellow one. Red is for low range.

Glad you asked that because I took a picture after testing it out today,

So I engaged it when stopped and drove on it from 1st to 4th with Overdrive engaged. The gearbox is noisy but the rev sounded lower (different loud sound than high revving engine). Not sure if it's suppose to sound like that though...

 

[flipstah]

Hit a minor issue today.

So I finally(!) got the new exhaust system from Britain:

I love hatchbacks.

Removed the old system out today. Bolts got too rusty so we just ground it out using a grinder and snapped it out.

However, fitment looks snug...

Not really 'snug'; 'tight'. It bolts on like it should but the bend is off...

Also, one of the bolts won't lock so hit a snag and will continue on the weekend.