Another New Rover

1679 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by theclay333, Oct 28, 2004

theclay333

Discussion Starter · Oct 26, 2004 (Edited)

Hi everyone, I am posting on behalf of my first car, which is a series land rover. Myself a soon to be driver, and my father both new to anything Rover, decided to purchase a 1965 IIa 88 hard top.
Overall, the frame is in decent shape (minimal rust), the body is fine except for a few dents, faded paint and some of the lights need to be replaced, the interior needs some work, ex. new seats in the front, new side panels , new ceiling cloth, just visual stuff.
The mechanical, so far after three days of owning this beast is a mystery. The clutch is frozen, the brakes are frozen, the engine is just a mystery, since we didnt have the crank to manually turn the engine over, thats all we know for sure.
I am planning to take as many pictures as I can (I've already taken 18) throughout the restoration, as I plan to create a website dedicated to this beast and all series rovers in general. Also on another note, it will take forever to upload my 5.2 MP pictures through a dial-up connection, so I will be slow to add pictures to posts.

-Clayton

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Bogatyr

· #2 · Oct 26, 2004

Clayton,
Make sure you downsize some of those 5.2mp photos before posting on a bbs...

Now, firstoff, get thee a green bible. This is the two volume shop manual that will show you everything you need to know about the rover. This should be available via any of the regular parts houses, Rovers North, Atlantic British, British Pacific etc...also, get to know the other parts houses such as Rovers Down South and the Thatched Roof Garage.

Oof, you bought a vehicle without knowing if the engine spins?! :confused Well, time to find a hand crank and turn her over. I'm assuming you're going to have to rebuild all of the brake/clutch hydraulics, honestly, that's pretty simple stuff, especially with the help of the proper manual.

What I would do in the short term, until you get the manual, is to change out all of the fluids and any hoses that look suspect. As you work through the hydraulic system, check the condition of the lines...it's always easier to change them out now then having to drain the system again. You'll need new or rebuilt wheel cylinders and check your brake shoes for oil contamination...you might need to replace the hub oil seals.

Bogatyr

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theclay333

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 26, 2004

Thanks for your help, we didnt blindly go into this we did the proper research. I read about the green bible, and the owner previous to the person we bought it from has these manuals. we have a feeling now that we might need to replace the engine, so we shall see. Also where can I even find a hand crank, or what size wrench will work, and which parts houses do you prefer? Even my downsized pics are too large i can send you them in an e-mail if you want pictures.

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Bogatyr

· #4 · Oct 26, 2004

Clayton,
Ah, ok...good deal. I often come across people who buy these for the "look" and then realize that they don't come with a CD changer. :wave: I'm glad you've done some research.

The crank pulley nut is 1 11/16"...prolly need to go to 3/4" drive to get that size...I have a number of spare hand cranks if you can't source one locally. I'd like $15 not including shipping...

If you're afraid she's really seized up and won't even turn once you get the crank or a wrench on her, pull the head and try a little kero on the cylinders. My 109's engine was so seized that I broke the engine mounts trying to turn her over with a wrench and a 4' persuader bar...ha...anyone need a boat anchor?

What part's houses? All have their collective advantages and disadvantages. I'm about 40 minutes from Atlantic British...so there's an obvious plus...but I'm not crazy about some of the aftermarket stuff they carry. Rovers North is one day UPS ground from me and I get the real deal. TRG and RDS are also excellent outfits. Also, keep an eye on the British Pacific deal of the day. TRG is supposed to be good as well, but I haven't ordered from them. I also get my wiring from British Wiring in IL...

No need for pictures, I'm up to my armpits in rovers now...

Bogatyr

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theclay333

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 28, 2004

Hey,

I talked things over with my dad, and he said that we would like to get the crank from you, for attempting to turn the engine over and accuracy of the restoration, so if you want to PM me with the adress for mailing the money and such then we can figure stuff out

-Clayton

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