Where to Find series III

[TexasTJ]

Im looking for a long term project for and expedition rig. I a little sick of the jeep game. Most wrangler guys in Texas just want to do really hard going to roll over kind of stuff and that just not for me "anymore". Im now wanting a truck that I can make some long halls in (mostly in Mexico and the Western US". I like the character of the series III and think they are great looking truck. I know I would be getting in to something involved in a rover project but I love the tradition of Land Rover just as much as the Jeep History. SO to the point. I have been looking around and as yall must know its a little hard to find series III. Just wanted to see if anyone have some suggestions on were to start looking.

thanks

Nate :smiley_drive:

 

[Michael Slade]

http://www.landroverexchange.com/

 

[Alaska Mike]

If you're looking for an expedition rig, a 109" model would probably be a better bet than an 88. Unfortunately, that means a '67 or earlier Series II/IIA if you want a LHD North American Spec model. The only models imported from '68-'73 were 88s (Series IIA and Series III).

There are a lot of rigs out there that have been imported illegally (and some legally) in the remaining years, which may prove to be difficult to register. Something to think about.

I'd check Craigslist in various areas around you (even bordering states), and there's always the Rovers North Forum. Other vendors might know of likely rigs for sale.

Before you start, know how far you're willing to go with maintenance and repair and budget accordingly. Then triple that number. Then raid the IRA. Seriously, coming from a Jeep you're in for some sticker shock. All of the little bits and pieces are available, but they don't come cheap.

Hopefully others will pipe up with more advice.

 

[stevenmd]

http://www.landroverexchange.com/

x2

 

[TexasTJ]

whats the extra panel on the roof I have seen this alot but Unless I am mistaken its dose not look factory. Is it to help with leaks of the make the roof stiffer for cargo??

 

[IH8RDS]

Its meant to keep the heat down in the cabin.

 

[stevenmd]

Its meant to keep the heat down in the cabin.

LOL... it is a factory option and it is called a safari roof. it is meant to let the heat OUT of the cabin.

 

[superpowerdave]

While I agree that a 109 is more of an expedition rig because of the space, I have to disagree on the prices of parts.

While most Series owners will say there are some parts that are like the holy grail, damn near everything on those trucks is user serviceable and/or rebuildable. Most Series folks I know find a supplier they like and stick with them, thick and thin, because when things hit the fan and you gotta have that part yesterday that parts guy will be there for you without hooking you for the mortgage.

And yes, LandRoverExchange is an excellent place to start your shopping, but I'd look at all the forums, craiglist as well as they pop up there quite often.

 

[IH8RDS]

LOL... it is a factory option and it is called a safari roof. it is meant to let the heat OUT of the cabin.

LOL...isnt that what I said? I guess I should of said keeps the TEMPS down in the cabin.

 

[stevenmd]

LOL...isnt that what I said? I guess I should of said keeps the TEMPS down in the cabin.

Just messing with ya! I figured that's what you meant.:friday:

 

[IH8RDS]

Just messing with ya! I figured that's what you meant.:friday:

:REOutShootinghunter lol

 

[DCH109]

Like others have said Forums, LandRoverExchange etc.

Several show up in forums all the time.

I bought mine off LandRoverExchange. 1974 Series III LHD. Mine was a legal import from Norway.
One thing you will have to decide on is if you want a 3 door (two front and 1 rear door) or a 5 door. I would suggest a 5 door myself. It makes it easier in the long run if you have guests. That would be the only thing i would have changed on mine. Hey i could always buy another. As nice as 24 volt is, as nice as everyone says, after owning several 24Volt Land Cruisers (my Rover was 24V) i would avoid them if you can. Repairs to the electrical can be very expensive, your better off with 12 volt. Good news is only the Ex Military Rovers were 24 volt and even then not all of them.

Do some research before you buy, get to know what to look for in the way of rust, repairs, options, etc.
Do not get discouraged, they are fantastic vehicles.
One thing i will suggest is this. Do not listen to your Non Rover friends.
First when it comes to Series Rovers, they more then likely have no idea what they are talking about, and Second they will tell you they are to expensive to fix.
Parts wise, shopping around getting ideas here and other places you will find that they are not as bad for repairs and parts as people think.

 

[Alaska Mike]

Well, people have told me I was wrong before...
Some parts are suprisingly cheap, while others are insanely expensive. Brake pads are an example that goes to both extremes. "Genuine" vs aftermarket.

If you have a vehicle that has all of the little bits and pieces in good shape, then you're in luck. Mine doesn't, so I have to sort through which ones are needed and which ones aren't. We're talking about old rigs, so a lot of parts should be replaced as a matter of reliability and safety. Hydraulic lines are a good example there. Same with any old car- parts wear out and the costs mount. For example, I think I'm going to have over $600 invested in rebuilding the front axle with non-Genuine parts, doing all of the labor myself. Bearings, u-joints, seals, gaskets, swivel balls and the rebuild kit... it adds up. There's a lot of little parts there. Since I added 24 spline axles and a Disco I 3rd member, that number goes up to about $1000 for the rear axle. Brake lines, brake shoes, springs, and all of the little brackets are being replaced. Those are just two assemblies on the rig. They may be cheap to maintain, but getting them to a maintainable state is the pricey part. I'll know every nut and bolt when I'm done, but that's only because I replaced every single one.

I'd drive one to see if that's what you really want. Pick a stock model with no major modifications and see if it fits the bill. If not, you can either modify one or move on to another vehicle, but at least you'll know what you're getting into.

 

[DCH109]

I would agree with you on the pricing of genuine parts. They can be very expensive. But pricing out a rebuild of a Series axles (without the upgrades) is not bad, i would say not any more than any other vehicle. Land Cruiser axles are not cheap to rebuild, either are Dana 44's or Dana 60's, especially if you use genuine parts, most people don't.

Upgrades are upgrades and on all vehicles can cost. Just the upgrade i did to my Dana 30 on my old Grand Cherokee cost me excess of $400 and i did not even add a locker.

The main thing with Series Rovers is (I think anyways), if you can repair it yourself you should. They are fairly easy to fix and maintain. Going to a mechanic (other than a trusted rover mechanic) can be bad and can cost you an arm and a leg to get it fixed.

There is something to be said for using Genuine parts and there is something to be said for not using them.

Do what Mike suggested, get in a Series, take it for a spin and what ever you do, do not buy the first one you see if it the only one you see.

 

[TexasTJ]

Thanks for the great info guy.
Im not wanting to Modify this truck I want it to me stock as I can make it. Having driven a lifted Tj all over the Country Im not wanting to get in to all the extra stress a lift and bigger tires will bring in to the Mix!
Alaska Mike I have Driven a couple of Defenders, but there a little out of my price range. I know they rid a little better than the Series Rovers. but I really like the over all size and utility. I know I'm looking in to a Project that will take a couple of year and cost alot to to get rollin, but I am fine with that and can put in the time and the money over the next two years to do the project out right. Having never driven a Series Rover I will try and hunt a friend down to get some wheel time in and make sure what I'm getting into. Hell if I have 8 grand to spend instead of 5 there a nice 109 in austin ready to go now! Might need to hold of and put a little more money in the rover fund.

I am not beyond selling my Tj to cover the restoration but would prefer not to.