[abhishek_d_zulu]

Hey Guys,

I have been gone from Team BHP for a few months. Have been busy with the restoration work of my Series One Land Rover updated on this post, plus the Willys CJ3B on another one & now the newly acquired Series III 109 Land Rover!

Thought will give all a quick update on how things are progressing.

My Series I Land Rover is nearing completion. Have finished the following:

• Mechanical work is done now- with everything from shockers to springs etc either replaced or overhauled
• A good amount of work went into overhauling the engine & gearbox as well. If you all remember, I had found this vehicle with the original configuration- Land Rover Engine & Gearbox included
• Most importantly, I found an overdrive for this vehicle & fitted it in. An overdrive is like adding a 5th gear to a 4 speed gearbox. It does this by reducing the final drive ratio by 0.782:1. As a the Land Rover will gain a speed increase of 27.88%, that's an increase from 55 mph up to 70 mph. Similarly, the mileage also reduces by a similar ratio. Of course the drive ratio will not result in a linear extension of speed as other factors come into play, such as wind resistance of the vehicle etc
• I replaced the earlier tyres with Sand cum Highway ones. Its 750x16 size. Here I took the liberty of upgrading the tyres, as I wasn't too comfortable with the earlier 600x16.
• Primer work etc has now got done & the vehicle is now in paint stage. Will hold the information on which color etc till I don't get the vehicle ready
• Still pending is wiring completion- will get that done post the paint work gets finished
• Haven't been able to find the dashboard lights though- even the UK suppliers, from where I imported most of my other parts, haven't been able to get them for me. Search is still on, in places including international eBays!

I am unfortunately not been able to post any pictures. I did take pictures last week, but alas all of them are 2MB & above in size. While trying to upload them today morning, I realized Team BHP allows sizes below 1MB. So, will have to wait till the vehicle gets completed & will post new pictures by reducing size.

Also keep an eye out for my Land Rover Series III restoraction. Will start a new write up on it soon...

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Regards,
Abhishek



mechanical work, body work, etc. Upgraded the tyres with Sand cum Highway tyres. Also have fitted an overdrive in it.

Considering many parts were not available in the country, have had to import them from the UK. Rest were locally found & fitted.

Check out the pictures...

Will look forward to everyone's comments.

Regards,
Abhishek

Originally Posted by Sathyagith

Hi Polly singh,
Please refer to the post Uploading photographs directly to Team-BHP
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/announ...-team-bhp.html

rgds
-Sathya

[deutscheafrikar]

Originally Posted by abhishek_d_zulu

Hey Guys, I am unfortunately not been able to post any pictures. I did take pictures last week, but alas all of them are 2MB & above in size. While trying to upload them today morning, I realized Team BHP allows sizes below 1MB. So, will have to wait till the vehicle gets completed & will post new pictures by reducing size.
Regards,
Abhishek

Abhishek, you can try reducing the size of each photo om your computer.
Open each photo in Microsoft Paint. Now here you can reduce the image by clicking on image, strech/skew (or cntrl+W) and then keying in how much you want to reduce by in the window which opens. i.e. Horizontal 50% and Vertical 50% etc.. Then do a save as, and into jpeg format

You can also reduce the MB size of any photo by opening in paint and then doing a save as, then jpeg format. This can be done only once. The image quality will not change but the size of the file will reduce drastically. Always save as jpeg fiormat

[AltoHoncho]

Originally Posted by SirAlec

PS: you know the shift system on this, its just like TATA lpt1613. Reverse, First and third is upfront.

Thats the same with Gurkha also, I had a test drive of someone's in the workshop at Force Motors compound in Pune.

[SirAlec]

Originally Posted by abhishek_d_zulu

I am unfortunately not been able to post any pictures. I did take pictures last week, but alas all of them are 2MB & above in size. While trying to upload them today morning, I realized Team BHP allows sizes below 1MB. So, will have to wait till the vehicle gets completed & will post new pictures by reducing size.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadget...siest-way.html

[abhishek_d_zulu]

Ok Guys, the tips were helpful!

So, here goes- have a look at some of the pictures.

I am also going to start a new thread for the Series III Land Rover soon, so look out for that too... will use this thread to conclude the Series I journey.

Take care,
AB

Originally Posted by SirAlec

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadget...siest-way.html

[Polly Singh]

hey Abhishek iam a bit worried my friend, seems the engine is fitted back to front in that first shot. Or is it just lying there?? Surely that cant be an oversight. Or did the series I petrol have the manifold and oil filler on opposite sides as compared to the later models, cant see the carb or the fan hence the confusion. Looking fwd to the final pics!!
Polly

[ajitkommini]

Originally Posted by Polly Singh

hey Abhishek iam a bit worried my friend, seems the engine is fitted back to front in that first shot. Or is it just lying there?? Surely that cant be an oversight. Or did the series I petrol have the manifold and oil filler on opposite sides as compared to the later models, cant see the carb or the fan hence the confusion. Looking fwd to the final pics!!
Polly

Here is how it looks in the manual. Oil filler is labelled "Q"

[Polly Singh]

Thanx Ajit, also checked original pic of same car posted earlier, quite clearly the configuration is correct, most sincere apologies Abhishek, at the moment everything in the world looks like a series 2A or a four pot 2.25 diesel to me !!!!
Polly

[abhishek_d_zulu]

Thanks Ajit... I couldn't have explained this any better.

Polly, incidentally the engine was started a few days back, post the fittings. It sounded beautiful! So, I guess that was one check that reassured me about it being fitted the right way. And frankly came as a relief too...

AB

Originally Posted by Polly Singh

Thanx Ajit, also checked original pic of same car posted earlier, quite clearly the configuration is correct, most sincere apologies Abhishek, at the moment everything in the world looks like a series 2A or a four pot 2.25 diesel to me !!!!
Polly

[Prithvi]

Originally Posted by abhishek_d_zulu

Hey Guys,

I have been gone from Team BHP for a few months. Have been busy with the restoration work of my Series One Land Rover updated on this post, plus the Willys CJ3B on another one & now the newly acquired Series III 109 Land Rover!

Regards,
Abhishek

Great going Abhishek, My Defender 110 is going in for the 2.5na to def 200tdi engine swap and fitting of the roverdrive too. Also I am fitting a 14" kenlowe fan. If you want more information on the fan go to KENLOWE. They make some amazing electric fans, huge fan following by the landy guys. If you want Landy parts, visit L. R. Series - specialists in land rover, land rover series and range rover - gearbox, axle, transmission parts, spares and major units, they have everything.

[abhishek_d_zulu]

Cool stuff, Prithvi!

I have 110 defender with a 200 Tdi in my wish list as well. Just that I need to first finish these Series vehicles & of course then wait to lay my hands on a good defender. Some day, maybe...

Where are you getting the 200Tdi from? How much is it costing you? I had done some research earlier on finding one, but went slow as I first wanted to experience the 2.25 ltr petrol engines, before going towards that route. Would be exciting to know more about it. Do share details of your changeover...

Would love to hop across & see your Landy someday... let me know where you are based out of, in Bangalore. Perhaps on some weekend, I can come see you...

Take care & remain in touch w.r.t. your upgrade.

Abhishek

Originally Posted by Prithvi

Great going Abhishek, My Defender 110 is going in for the 2.5na to def 200tdi engine swap and fitting of the roverdrive too. Also I am fitting a 14" kenlowe fan. If you want more information on the fan go to KENLOWE. They make some amazing electric fans, huge fan following by the landy guys. If you want Landy parts, visit L. R. Series - specialists in land rover, land rover series and range rover - gearbox, axle, transmission parts, spares and major units, they have everything.

[abhishek_d_zulu]

Interestingly, I was doing some reading on Defenders- 110 with 300 Tdi engines. Came across this engine upgrade option.

Read more about it in this site... a bit expensive, but apparently fantastic performer. Many expedition vehicles are upgraded by using this engine.

Prins Maasdijk - land rover motor engine 2.8 tgv international powerstroke dieselmotor defender discovery importeur dealer 28tgv 5000 3333

One of the many possible engine conversions which can be done to the 90, 110 and Defender is the fitting of the magnificent International HS 2.8 TGV Powerstroke engine from Brazil. International, who are part of the Ford Motor Company, obtained the rights from Land Rover a few years ago to the 300Tdi engine. Under the contract they built engines for Land Rover, whilst taking the design further and enhancing it to make other similar engines including a larger size 2.8 litre turbo diesel direct injection engine. It was almost a cloned copy of the 300Tdi engine. The HS 2.8 was installed in Ford products sold in America.

International had somehow taken the excellent 300Tdi engine a stage further with numerous well thought out improvements, including a variable geometry turbo charger and a reinforced crankshaft to handle the increased amount of torque. There were also no electronics, the entire engine being wholly mechanical which was perfect for the back of beyond if you ever went there.

Have a read...

AB

Originally Posted by abhishek_d_zulu

Cool stuff, Prithvi!

I have 110 defender with a 200 Tdi in my wish list as well. Just that I need to first finish these Series vehicles & of course then wait to lay my hands on a good defender. Some day, maybe...

Where are you getting the 200Tdi from? How much is it costing you? I had done some research earlier on finding one, but went slow as I first wanted to experience the 2.25 ltr petrol engines, before going towards that route. Would be exciting to know more about it. Do share details of your changeover...

Would love to hop across & see your Landy someday... let me know where you are based out of, in Bangalore. Perhaps on some weekend, I can come see you...

Take care & remain in touch w.r.t. your upgrade.

Abhishek

[Prithvi]

Have already read that link. The engine is awesome and very expensive, however I like to stick to the original 200tdi, nothing like keeping the vehicle as original as possible. Another option is the Cummins 6bt, 24valve engine.

[abhishek_d_zulu]

Hi Folks,

Firstly, apologies for keeping all of you waiting through these months. Though there has been progress on my Series I restoration, I was unable to find time to post updates. I actually came back to India today morning & had resolved to share some pictures with all of you of how the Series I looks now...

So, here goes... please note a couple of things:

• Firstly, this project is still not yet complete. Though we finished work on body, paintwork, mechanicals, electricals etc, I still need to get the interiors done. When I left Bangalore more than a week back, the seat upholstery was done & the new front seats had been fitted. We had the bench seats in the back yet to be completed & fitted
• Secondly, I ran into some rough weather that week, when while driving, I realized that the dynamo was not charging the battery- so there is some trouble with starting. Will get that done in coming days
• I'd fitted the spare tyre on top of the bonnet- as it should be- but soon realized that opening the bonnet with the tyre on was almost impossible. So, have taken it off & kept it in the back. Once I sort the repairs, I will put it back on. You have got to see the vehicle with that tyre on- it looks swell!
• Post getting possession of the vehicle, I had the locks fixed too. Now all the doors get locked:-). I haven't got the locks of the front door changed- they still are the original ones- though the back door are more recent.
• I am contemplating on changing the front windscreen glasses- as it is badly scratched. The vehicle retains the original windscreens still. If there are any other options of getting those scratches off, let me know
• I am also thinking about putting chequer plates on the inside floor of the vehicle. Alteratively, I need to get the floor covered in rubber matting. Any idea of where in BLR it can be done, economically?
• I also test drove the vehicle many times on various surfaces- it rides fabulously on dirt roads. The grip, presence & handling is simply astounding- more so considering it is more than 50 years old
• One more thing which excited me to see the speed improve with the use of overdrive. I actually managed to beat a few Altos & small trucks on the freeway- not bad for a vehicle this old
• On cons now-
  • It makes hell of a noise at high speed. Shreaks almost! I am worried that I will blow the engine if I push it any more
  • The steering is tough too- guess must be because of the slightly larger tyres that I have put.
  • As is expected, it leaks oil. Need to learn how to check for oil levels, before taking it for a drive every time
  • The vehicle is a stark contrast in terms of sophistacation & finess of 21st century vehicle- you are almost enchanted to see how simple this relic is, in its approach & design
  • I will have to keep an eye out for spares in case of breakages- not too many in BLR seem conversent with its mechanics. Last experience with dynamo was a living example of it
• All in all, it has been a fabulous journey so far. Many of fellow BHPians came home to see it & test drive it in the first few days. We'd some interesting adventures with it too- all of which we can't list here for obvious reasons. For many of us, who love Series Land Rovers, it was a dream come true to get this baby home. I hadn't seen or driven a Series I before- so I was on cloud nine. And for all the right reasons!

Have a look... these pictures were taken at the garage & on the day when it was taken out for a 50 km spin.











I will look forward to hearing from you on how you think this has developed. Thanks again for all your good wishes & motivation to take this project to completion. I will post some more updates once I get the rest of the cosmetic work done on the Landy.

Keep writing!

Abhishek

[V-16]

Polly did the SWB white Landy you posted have a Bombay number. MH-01-B-6336? Because it sinisterly looks like my ex Landy. I bought it from the STC, she was a 1971 and the same blue colour underneath. everything working, all lights there and 4X4 drive train intact. It purred its way through any course powered by smooth a petrol 4 cyl engine. i had it painted this exact off white colour. It had a petrol engine. I sold it when i went abroad to study to a Sikh gentleman in Bombay who owned a couple of Landys himself and was shocked to find on my return that he had ir dieselised and worse, he had sold it. I was planning t bu it back from him:-(

Please check the papers to see if she was originally bought from Bombay STC. It would give me great satisfaction to see that it has landed in your capable hands.