Got My Lightweight!! Stay Tuned for Project Updates and Plenty of Questions!

Well, after asking quite a few questions on this Forum, I finally got a Lightweight. I've always liked them, so when I sold my restored 63 IIA, I started looking for one.

This one is a 1973 SIII LHD 12V with 67,000 kilometers on it.

The bad:
- The rear section of the chassis is toast.
- The bulkhead footwell areas have some small rust holes - not too bad.
- The bottom of the radiator support is a little tender - again, not bad at all.
- One door top frame has a very small rust hole.
- The engine taps (only when on the throttle) and seems a little down on power (maybe just a valve and timing adjustment needed).
- The water temp gauge pegs to full hot (hopefully just a sending unit needed). The owner says that the temperature taken with a thermometer at the radiator looks good.

The good:
- The door frames seem solid.
- The upper bulkhead looks really good.
- The body itself is in great condition with only 3-4 small dents - I've never seen such a straight body on a military vehicle.
- Everything seems to be there and in decent shape with the exception of the rear lifting rings.

The plan:
- Install galvanized chassis & new brake lines.
- Install parabolic springs & OME shocks.
- New stainless exhaust.
- Tune up engine & adjust valves.
- All new seals - hubs, trans, swivel balls, diffs, etc.
- Clean & paint all drivetrain bits.
- Repair bulkhead & radiator support.
- New Michelin XZL tires (an early X-Mas present to myself).
- Waxoyl the inside of the door frames and bulkhead areas.
- Brush-on a fresh coat of camo paint.
- Enjoy

The goal is to have a vehicle that is mechanically excellent while retaining it 'character', and will last a long, long time.

Any and all comments/suggestions are welcomed!!

Here are a few pictures:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/IMG_1027.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/100_1846.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/IMG_1033.jpg

Pretty straight, isn't it?:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/100_1845.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/100_1841.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...r/100_1844.jpg

nice:thumb-up:

Jac,

Nice Lightweight---where are you located. There are a couple of Lightweights on the South Shore (Plymouth area)

drop me a line on the side

rovr66atgmaildaughtcom

BN

I'm actually in East Granby, CT. I bought it from a guy who lived in Rutland, MA.

Welcome to the club! :thumb-up:

I'm surprised at the rust on the leading edge of your bulkhead. Looks like it's trapping sand up there but I'm not sure how... maybe I'm missing a plate on mine. :confused:

^^Yes, it is definitely trapping stuff between the splash guard and the bulkhead. It actually looks like someone bent the bulkhead sheet metal a little to allow for drainage. Luckily, they didn't cut anything and I should be able to straighten it out.

I may end up bringing the bulkhead to my body guy for a 'correct' restoration & re-spray. It's probably better to do it right the first time than to just slap some patches on it and have to fix it again in the future.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jac04

^^Yes, it is definitely trapping stuff between the splash guard and the bulkhead. It actually looks like someone bent the bulkhead sheet metal a little to allow for drainage. Luckily, they didn't cut anything and I should be able to straighten it out.

I may end up bringing the bulkhead to my body guy for a 'correct' restoration & re-spray. It's probably better to do it right the first time than to just slap some patches on it and have to fix it again in the future.

---

I agree with you on that one. Not sure where you could source a bulkhead for these things any more...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tim Smith

I agree with you on that one. Not sure where you could source a bulkhead for these things any more...

---

PABlanchard. Source of all things good for Rovers in cabbage and black. Not cheap though.

Atleast you can find parts which aren't here for all of us.
Jim

Looks Great! I almost bought that rover but found another light weight i liked more in PA! i think we are going to have to start a pure light weight club and get some drives together next year