School me on a Series 2a

[MedicalCowboy]

Hello all! I'm wanting to learn some more information on the series Land Rovers. I'm looking at purchasing my first series. It's a 1967 series 2a. I really want to know if there is anything in particular that I need to look out for before I buy it, and I figured this was the best place to come. Everyone here has always been so helpful! Thanks so much in advance.
Cheers! :beer:

 

[GREENI]

Loads of uk 2a forums, such as http://www.series2club.co.uk/

 

[JackW]

Frame rust and bulkhead rust are the two main issues - 1967 Series IIA is the best Land Rover ever made to the true believers - ignore those 1971 SIIA fanboys - they are just jealous....and if someone pipes up about the Series III's just ignore them - plastic dashes and full syncromesh gearboxes - really?



Good luck!

 

[MedicalCowboy]

This is the one I'm looking at. It seems to be good shape. No rust that I've noticed yet underneath. I'm going to really check it out again tomorrow.

 

[czenkov]

They are pretty basic trucks. Look for the rust previously mentioned and bimetal corrosion. In addition look for the regular signs like leaky swivels and wheel cylinders. On the flip side if the engine, transmission and transfer case aren't leaking ask how long its been since they added fluid!

Some nice additions are things like power brakes, updated wiring and a Kodiak heater although in Alabama you probably wouldn't need the heater.
Good Luck! Here are a couple pictures of my 1960 Series II. Same truck with different configurations pictured. The soft top is the only way to go. They make fun toys.

Frame rust and bulkhead rust are the two main issues - 1967 Series IIA is the best Land Rover ever made to the true believers - ignore those 1971 SIIA fanboys - they are just jealous....and if someone pipes up about the Series III's just ignore them - plastic dashes and full syncromesh gearboxes - really?

Good luck!

And True Series II's are the absolute best! :ylsmoke:

 

[JackW]

And True Series II's are the absolute best! :ylsmoke:

two words... negative earth - 67's have it

(olus a remote mounted windshield wiper motor)

OK - the 66's and before have the starter button - that's cool but not as good as the 67's...I have to stop now or I'll hurt my 66's feelings...

That looks like a nice truck you've found though -if its solid - buy it

 

[LR Max]

Super simple trucks but definitely lack the comforts we take for granted in newer trucks.

Take a hammer and hit the chassis. Unless the frame has been replaced recently, then it could have rot. Also look for previous repairs as that is also an indicator (i.e. if the entire rear half of the chassis has been replaced, the front is probably rotted out).

Drive it and just get a general feel for it.

Overall, series vehicles are projects. Just plain and simple. When they run, they are super fun but when they aren't they are lawn ornaments.

BTW where is this truck at? What do you want to do with it?

If you just want a cool old truck to cruise around in and take into the woods on easy trails, this truck will do it. If you want a DD or serious camping truck...well I've seen many people buy series for this and then promptly sell them.

 

[blue bomber]

Just get it and watch your chest hair grow.


Tapatalk sucks, sent from Matthew's IPhone

 

[MedicalCowboy]

I'm wanting it to take out occasionally and do simpler trails with. No extreme rock crawling or anything, but I do want the ability to load my wife, dog, and gear and be able to go on weekend trips. It's located in north Alabama. I don't mind having a project. Working on stuff is what keeps me sane lol

 

[LR Max]

The 88 can do that pretty easily. When my g/f and I went camping last year I just threw everything in the back of the 109. I'm sure if I had organized it and properly packed I could've gotten it down into a smaller space. Also stacking it higher.

Check to see if it has an overdrive. When you drive it, get it up and engage the overdrive. See what happens. I think with those tires you should be able to cruise without any issues.

Oh and buy some noise cancelling earbuds. Not noise isolating, but noise cancelling. Makes all the difference! I've found this be a great way to pass the time while in a series.

 

[MedicalCowboy]

Well I was going to look at it today, but I ended up having to pull an 18 hour shift! (Yay) Thanks so much everyone for all the advice. I owe you all a beer. :beer:

 

[MedicalCowboy]

Well finally got a chance to drive it. I arrived early this morning and proceeded to look her over. I was met by an enthusic salesman who begged me to drive it. I asked him some simple questions, and all he could tell me is how rare it was to see an original British truck that's LHD. He finally told me no, nothing at all is wrong with it, it's actually in pretty good shape. I poked around some more, and decided to take it for a spin. As I drove on I realized something... IT HAD NO BRAKES! I mean none at all. So I slowly rode back. The guy was waiting on me the same way my lab does whenever he sees me pull up at home. He said well, it's perfect is it not??? After a change of pants for me, we finished our conversation. I asked him about the brakes, he replies with oh yeah our mechanic did something and we haven't had the time to check on it again. ******!!!!! At this point I not only was furious I was disappointed. Ok no worries, so good salesman how much is this truck I ask. It's only 12k. I almost killed over at this point. I offered 7500. To which he replies I really believe we can get at least 11. Ok sir good luck! And I left. So I'm still be looking for a 2a.

 

[meatblanket]

It might take a while to find the right truck. If your budget is $7500 you should be able to find a nice driver that has functional brakes. You should probably avoid dealers. Instead use Craigslist, LRX, RN, etc. Last October I picked up a '64 Carawagon that was only 5 miles from my house, and it was on Craigslist.

 

[MedicalCowboy]

Yeah it was a very small used dealer. I found this one on CL actually. Thanks bud.

 

[LR Max]

That is crap.

For $7500 you should be able to find a decent truck. Give it time but as others have said, go with a private seller. Dealers try to sell these trucks for too much.

I will keep a lookout here in ATL. I know it might be a touch of a drive but I've seen a number for sale here.