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

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

    Default 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:






    Pretty straight, isn't it?:





  2. #2

    Default

    nice

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Plymouth MA
    Posts
    28

    Default Lightweight

    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

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    East Granby, CT
    Posts
    1,884

    Default

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

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Redding, CT
    Posts
    1,504

    Default

    Welcome to the club!

    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    East Granby, CT
    Posts
    1,884

    Default

    ^^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.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Redding, CT
    Posts
    1,504

    Default

    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...

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Phoenix AZ
    Posts
    1,358

    Default

    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.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Brewer, Maine
    Posts
    1,379

    Default

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

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Charlotte, VT
    Posts
    463

    Default

    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

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