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Thread: Series III ˝ Ton Air Portable (aka “Lightweight”) - Restored

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    East Granby, CT
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    1,884

    Default Series III ˝ Ton Air Portable (aka “Lightweight”) - Restored

    SOLD!! as of 4/16/14.



    UPDATED 1-23-14:

    After a lot of thought, I have decided to sell my restored Lightweight. This particular vehicle is a LHD version with 12 volt electrical system. This is a military vehicle that was developed by Land Rover in conjunction with the British Fighting Vehicles Research & Development Establishment. It fulfilled the requirement of an air portable vehicle with a 1/2 ton payload capacity. The body panels are easily detachable to reduce weight, allowing the vehicle to be lifted by helicopter utilizing the lifting rings located on the front & rear of the chassis.

    I have restored/refurbished several Series Land Rovers over the past 25 years and this vehicle is my favorite restoration project. It drives beautifully and cruises well on the highway due to the Roverdrive overdrive. The Michelin XZLtires may look like off-road only tires, but they are very quiet, ride nice, and wear like iron. Range is excellent due to the twin fuel tanks. Braking is superb, as this vehicle is fitted with the late style larger brakes. Shifting is smooth & easy with the full-synchro gearbox, and the factory inertia seat belts are about as safe as you can get in an old stock Series soft-top Land Rover.

    Asking price is now $29,900.

    You simply could not build this same vehicle to the same quality level for anywhere near what I am willing to sell it for. I have $35k invested in the vehicle & parts alone and approximately 1000 hours invested in labor. From what I understand, Marsland no longer makes galvanized chassis for the Lightweight, so this vehicle would be almost impossible to duplicate due to the chassis alone (not taking into account all the other rare parts that I was able to source for the restoration).

    I just finished the restoration of my 1968 Camaro convertible, and I have come to the realization that this vehicle will be getting very little use. It spends most of its time tucked away in a corner of the garage.

    Serious buyers can PM me to arrange for inspection of the vehicle. I am near Bradley Int'l Airport in Windsor Locks, CT (BDL), and I can meet & pick up anyone at the airport.

    Details of the restoration are in the next post below.

























    Last edited by jac04; 04-16-2014 at 08:33 AM. Reason: staus now sold

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    East Granby, CT
    Posts
    1,884

    Default ...more info...

    Here is the story of the restoration:

    I spent 18 months from October 2008 to April 2010 completely rebuilding this vehicle on a brand new Marsland galvanized chassis. I have well over 1000 hours into this vehicle, and it is evident in the level of detail of the rebuild. This vehicle has received multiply trophies, including 1st Place in its class at the British By The Sea car show (Waterford, CT) and Best Military Vehicle at the Simsbury Fly-In (Simsbury, CT). Since the restoration, I have driven the vehicle approximately 4000 miles, so you can be assured that everything is fully sorted and it is ready for the new owner to enjoy.

    During the rebuild, every component of this vehicle was stripped down, inspected, and rebuilt/replaced as necessary. All re-used parts were sandblasted to bare metal, prepped, primed & painted. Genuine Land Rover parts were used almost exclusively during the restoration whenever possible. Where aftermarket parts were used, the best available parts were chosen (such as: Marsland chassis, Turner Engineering High Performance long block, Old Man Emu shocks, heavy-duty U-Bolts from Rocky Mountain, Rovers North parabolic springs, NRP stainless steel exhaust, Badger Coachworks door tops, Exmoor Trim canvas top, etc).


    The exterior of the body was stripped down to the original factory finish using CitriStrip paint stripper, which removed the military-applied paint, but not the factory paint. Since the factory-applied paint was in relatively good shape on the aluminum body panels, I decided to leave the factory paint as the best possible base for the new paint. Any bare aluminum or scratched areas were spot-primed with an etching primer. The exterior of the body was then re-sprayed while completely disassembled with Gillespie Coatings Tan 686 CARC substitute paint. This is real military paint as used by the US military on vehicles prepared for desert duty. The paint on the exterior shows very well, and I think it looks great. I made no attempt to remove all the imperfections in the body before painting, so the vehicle retains its character marks. However, for a military vehicle, the body is in excellent condition.

    All the exterior galvanized steel trim was removed and stripped of paint, revealing excellent condition galvanizing. The door hinges, pintle hitch hardware, and most of the dash/upper bulkhead fasteners were stripped and cadmium plated to FAA specifications. All galvanized trim was re-fit to the body after the body was painted.

    The military style markings on the doors (black inverted V and red jerboa, aka "desert rat") are professionally-made vinyl graphics. They can be easily removed by the new owner if desired.

    The suspension & drivetrain is detailed to the highest standard. All parts were stripped to bare metal before being primed & painted (even the brand new rear axle casing was stripped & refinished!). When the drivetrain & suspension was reassembled, new Genuine bolts & nuts were used for the stub axles, swivel balls, drive shafts, and spring shackles. For critical applications like this, Genuine Land Rover hardware is the only way to go. Even the brake lines are bent to perfection. Extreme care was taken during the reassembly process to ensure that nothing was chipped or scratched. You will simply not find another Land Rover with an undercarriage this nice.

    It should be noted that this vehicle has the later type ‘rationalized’ axle assemblies and not the older Lightweight-specific narrow type axles as used on some earlier Lightweights. The rationalized axles have the following features (amongst others):

    11” front brakes and uprated 10” rear brakes
    Grease-lubricated hubs
    Axle shafts with 24-spline outer splines
    Hubs with all large bearings (same bearings fitted inner & outer)

    Now, I’m sure that some detail-oriented people will notice some variations /modifications/upgrades from factory specification on this vehicle, so I’ll just point them out:

    • The clearance, signal, brake and rear fog lights are not the original military parts. The original lights were in poor shape, so they were replaced with Genuine lights from the European Defender. No modifications to the body were required to mount these lights.
    • The wheels on the vehicle are 5.5”x16” and not the original 5.0”x16”.
    • The air cleaner is a high-flow AEM DryFlow filter and not the original oil bath air cleaner. The unrestored original oil bath air cleaner will come with the vehicle.
    • The NATO trailer wiring is currently not in place since I don’t tow anything. I have the wiring and it will come with the vehicle.
    • The rear convoy light is not fitted. The wiring is there, but the original convoy light was very rusty & beyond saving.
    • There is a master battery cut-off switch on the negative side of the electrical system. The switch is located at the top of the passenger side footwell.
    • I have installed an Ignition cut-off switch on the dash panel. This cuts off power to the ignition system as well as the fuel cut-off solenoid on the carburetor. Since I use the vehicle infrequently, this allows me to crank the engine (without fuel or spark) to build oil pressure, then I flip the Ignition switch to "ON" and it starts right up.
    • The canvas top is a civilian version top with side windows. The original top (in rough shape, painted green & black) will come with the vehicle.
    • The skid plate is a used Genuine military skid plate, but was not originally fitted to this vehicle. I had custom CNC-machined mounting brackets made to fit the skid plate to the chassis. No chassis modifications were made to fit the skid plate.
    • The brake piping arrangement has been changed to eliminate the brake failure shuttle valve and metric brake lines. Since the shuttle valve is often a source of problems and the metric brake lines are impossible to find, I converted the system to a more standard setup. I am still using the correct metric brake master cylinder to keep the brake proportioning correct. However, I am now using the standard Land Rover 88” Series 3 dual line brake piping arrangement without a brake failure switch.
    • The transmission tunnel cover has been modified to allow for the cover to be removed without removing the heater.


    RESTORATION DETAILS:

    Note: Genuine = Genuine Land Rover part. Not an “OEM” or “equivalent quality” part, but a real Genuine Land Rover part.

    Chassis / Suspension:
    • New Marsland galvanized chassis w/ new suspension bushings fitted
    • Military transfer case skid plate
    • New Genuine front bumper
    • New Genuine front bumperettes
    • New parabolic springs (Rovers North)
    • New Genuine spring shackles & bolts
    • New Old Man Emu Nitrocharger shock absorbers
    • New heavy duty U-bolts & nuts (from Rocky Mountain)
    • New Genuine check straps
    • New Genuine rear lifting rings
    • Powder coated battery tray/air cleaner support
    • New Genuine battery tie-down, plastic tray, j-bolts, and wing nuts


    Engine / Ignition / Cooling:
    • Turner Engineering HP long block – 3 main bearing
    • New Genuine oil fill cap
    • New Genuine dip stick tube
    • New Genuine thermostat
    • New Genuine engine mounts
    • Resurfaced original flywheel
    • New Genuine crank pulley – military double groove
    • New alternator (Delco 10SI style with double pulley. NAPA Lifetime warranty)
    • New Genuine exhaust manifold & studs
    • New Genuine exhaust manifold heat shield & brackets
    • New NRP stainless steel exhaust
    • New Weber 34ICH Carburetor w/ fuel cut-off solenoid
    • New Genuine carburetor link rod & ball studs
    • New Genuine Lucas 45D distributor (not the cheap aftermarket replacement)
    • New Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition installed
    • New Genuine coil
    • New Magnecor spark plug wire set
    • New Champion spark plugs
    • New radiator (Suco brand replacement from Rovers North)
    • New Genuine radiator cap and overflow hoses
    • New Genuine radiator hoses & correct rolled-edge clamps
    • New Genuine heater control valve
    • Coolant heater in bottom radiator hose (110 volt plug-in type from Rovers North)



    Fuel System:
    • All new Genuine fuel lines
    • Fuel tank change-over tap rebuilt with new Genuine seal
    • New Genuine fuel sending unit switches (both switches)
    • New Genuine dust boot and LH/RH decal for fuel tank change-over tap
    • 2 New Dutch Military fuel tanks from PA Blanchard (very heavy duty!)
    • New Genuine fuel tank rear mounts


    Transmission / Drivetrain / Steering:
    • New Roverdrive overdrive unit
    • Rebuilt transmission / transfer case (Rovers North)
    • New clutch & pressure plate (AP Driveline Technology)
    • New Genuine clutch throwout bearing
    • New Genuine flywheel pilot bearing
    • All new clutch hydraulics (master, slave, hose, lines)
    • New Genuine front drive shaft (new style w/ improved slip joint)
    • Rebuilt rear drive shaft (new u-joints & Genuine gaiter)
    • All new Genuine drive shaft mounting hardware (bolts & nuts)
    • New Genuine differential input oil seals
    • New Genuine rear differential input flange
    • New Genuine rear axle case (Yes, a New Old Stock SIII rear axle case!)
    • New Genuine rear stub axles (what the rear hubs mount on)
    • New Genuine hub caps (for rear hubs, correct old stock dull finish)
    • New Genuine remote axle breathers
    • New Genuine rear axle half shafts (installed only as a precaution)
    • All new wheel bearings (Timken) and seals (Genuine)
    • New Superwinch lockable front hubs
    • New Genuine swivel pin housing bearings, Railko bushes, seals, and seal retainers
    • New Genuine swivel ball gaiters (leather)


    Steering / Brakes:
    • New Genuine steering damper
    • All New tie rod ends (Lemforder) and clamps (Genuine)
    • New Genuine oil seals installed in steering relay
    • All new brake hydraulics (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, flex lines, hard lines). OEM cylinders used.
    • New front & rear (Mintex) brake shoes
    • All new Genuine brake springs
    • New Genuine front brake steady posts
    • New 11” front & 10” rear brake drums (Allmakes)


    Tires / Wheels:
    • 5 New Genuine 5.5” x 16” wheels
    • 5 new Michelin XZL tires, 7.50 x 16
    • New Genuine lug nuts


    Electrical / Lighting / Instruments / Controls:
    • New Genuine (Defender) brake, signal, clearance, and rear fog lights
    • New Genuine license plate light
    • New Genuine rear work light
    • New Hella e-code H4 headlights powered via Hella fused relays
    • New NAPA Gold battery (Group 27)
    • New 0 Gage battery cables & clamps (US military surplus)
    • New NATO trailer plug receptacle (US military surplus. Exact match to original.)
    • New Genuine MPH speedometer w/ tripometer
    • New Genuine speedometer cable
    • New Genuine rubber boots (e-brake, shifter, hi/lo lever)
    • New Genuine gearshift knob
    • New Genuine 4wd rod & spring
    • New Genuine rubber pedal pads
    • New Genuine bushings & seals for e-brake mechanism



    Body Exterior / Interior:
    • New canvas top (Exmoor Trim)
    • New custom-made Badger Coachworks canvas door tops
    • New Genuine seat backs (all 3), seat bottoms are relatively new as well
    • New Genuine inertia reel seat belts (correct replacements, not generic)
    • Rear bench seats (2) included, but not installed
    • New windshield glass
    • New Genuine defroster hoses
    • New Genuine upper bulkhead vent seals
    • New Genuine tail gate bumpers & seals
    • New Genuine tail gate latch pins & chains
    • New Genuine & OEM door sealsNew Genuine windshield wiper wheel boxes
    • New Trico wiper arms & blades
    • New Genuine windshield washer bottle
    • New Genuine windshield washer nozzles
    • New windshield washer pump
    • New rear view mirrors (Defender style)
    • New Genuine matching door & ignition locks
    • New Genuine door lock ferrules
    • New Genuine door hinge bushings
    • New Genuine transmission tunnel cover
    • New Genuine rear tub supports & rubber pads
    • New Genuine spare tire carrier with lock pin
    • New Genuine hood latch pin and striker
    • New Genuine hood buffer strip - correct Lightweight-specific strip!
    • Lockable storage box in rear bed
    Last edited by jac04; 01-23-2014 at 08:24 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Posts
    169

    Default

    I don't know what is more impressive: the truck or the description. That is gorgeous.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Midwest City, OK
    Posts
    81

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jac04 View Post
    I need to get at least $10/hr for my time.
    Man you work cheap. Any chance I could get you to come work on mine?

    Good luck with the sale. Someone is going to get a GREAT deal! ECR quality for 10 bucks an hour!

    I would like to see your camaro. Is it on another board? I can only imagine what its going to look like.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    East Granby, CT
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TriedStone View Post
    I would like to see your camaro. Is it on another board? I can only imagine what its going to look like.
    Sent you a PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Midwest City, OK
    Posts
    81

    Default

    Ok forget the lightweight I want the Camaro.

  7. #7

    Default

    Absolutely stunning! Now I'm dreaming of a lightweight!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Tampico, mexico
    Posts
    36

    Default My admiration for your loving work

    I have silently admired your work for a long time.
    I am in Mexico and own a RHD 1969 Lightweight, probably the only one in Mexico.
    My sincerest admiration and best wishes.

    Cheers,

    Gilberto

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    83

    Default

    Incredible truck, really beautiful. While out of my price range I hope a real lover of Rovers buys it, not just some tool with a lot of money
    Best,
    Mark
    __________________
    1965 Series IIa

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    East Granby, CT
    Posts
    1,884

    Default

    Thanks for the compliment. Don't worry, I wouldn't let that happen. That's why I've put out the word here and not on e-bay, autotrader, etc. Even if someone has the money and wants to buy it, I still get to decide if they are the right person to own it.

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