General questions 1957 series I SWB

[jenni]

Greetings everyone,

I`ve searched (honestly) in vain for the following info on the old series 1:

1 Rim size is 16x5?
2 Optimal tyre size is 215 85 16?
3 Next best size is 205 80 16?
4 I live in Canada where we have two seasons,July and winter so I need daily driver tyres which are great on wet and dry pavement, great in snow and ice, great for occasional off road rambling (July!!) and wear well and are cheap. So, which make, brand, name etc. is going to fit he bill?
5 If I buy used tyres, how can I tell how worn they are?
6 What colour should the rims be painted name, manufacturer, code number, source etc.
7 Ditto safari roof?
8 Ditto all the other bits which under the peeling orange appears to be Like RAF blue?
9 Is there an aftermarket light unit which will accept the new brighter bulbs or a vehicle in a wreckers yard that has them?
10 Has anyone fitted a brake servo and if so which manufacturer, source, part no etc?
11 Is the Fairey overdrive unit designed to scream louder than the radio? If not, how is it silenced?
12 Can lap and diagonal inertia reel seat belts be fitted? I have a set from a 1980 Rover SD1 but do not know where to fit the top bolt and how to strengthen the roof.
13 Is the rear cross member strong enough to weld an HD 2`receiver welded to a HD right angled steel L bolt fitting?
14 What is the safe max towable trailer weight - a reconditioned series 2 motor has been fitted?
15 Does Brumalloy require a special etching primer?
16 Where can I buy a leather steering wheel glove or lace-on type? Electrical tape looks good but is getting sticky. Or, has anyone fitted an aftermarket leather covered wheel?
17 I have four free wheeling hubs which makes towing behind my RV easier.Two older looking and two new. One of each leaks. Is there a special way to stop this? Now cigarettes don`t come in slider packets, I cannot make a gasket like I used to.
18 When the value of these vehicles soars and becomes a sought after vehicle for theft, what is the best way to lock the doors?
19 Can you still get the side window moss to make them slide? If so, where please?
20 Finally, what newer model gizmos have been successfully added to the series 1? I am thinking of things like roof-lining, firewall and overdrive noise reducing materials, reliable winch, windshield washers, winter windshield wipers, additional heat source - I know that the vehicle was designed to be use in hot places and the heater was an optional extra, but with the bigger engine it must produce more bhp, and btu ability. I had a similar heater in an old MGB which was vastly improved by using thicker gauge wiring to the fan. Has anyone tried this?

As you can tell, I have a few things to see to - as well as overcome my OCD - and living on a fixed illness benefit, I want to get the best stuff first off rather than have to replace some cheaper useless part.

I thank those of you who have reached this far for your indulgence and I hope that you have some good advice (apart from the impolite or sell it now sort).

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canucks.

[antichrist]

You might want to join the Series 1 club and post on their forum.
Land Rover Series One Club