1972 SIII upgrades?

[sleam]

Hey folks, I have a 72 that's had tons of work done over the last couple of years, rebuilt engine, cooling system, clutch system, has good brakes etc but I rarely drive it as it's hard on me. I know, I know! But since I can't seem to let it go to a better home, what would you do to make it easier on a 47 yr old landscapers knees?? The shocks and springs seem good, no sagging, but maybe if I put a RTT I'd need to upgrade.
- how hard is it to soundproof?
- is there anything to do to make changing gears easier/ softer?
- steering options?
It seems that if i start any changes to power this and that, I might as well sell and get something new, right? But I don't want to! Well, not really despite my friends advice to get a Class B motorhome since I travel with three dogs and take long road trips (ideally).
So I'm asking, what would you do? Throw out as many suggestions as possible with any extra consequences of such changes, what do I need to know? What kind of money are we talking here? Play nicely though, okay? Thanks!

[stomper]

If it were me, and I was faced with this situation, I would do the following:

1: Get a front rubber matting system. while expensive, this is the easiest way to sound deaden the interior.

2: Look at rhino lining the rear of the truck. With the dogs, this is extra nice as it can be hosed out and it is super durable.

3: Swap out the tires to a narrower 215 width. this will lighten the steering without major modifications.

4: Good parabolic springs, or a well oiled and sorted set of stock springs will make the ride significantly improved.

5: Defender seats, or something more comfortable than the stock set-up.

6: Leg Squats! Lots of them to get those quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles in shape. Throw in some upper body exercises as well, and the steering will get lighter, and the knees will feel better after a 4 hour drive.

[LaneRover]

Is it the clutch and brakes that are hard on the knees? Or the position of the seat and how your legs are bent?

Some folks have also been cutting a horse stall matt to size for the back of their Rovers, this helps road noise as well as maybe being a bit better for the pooches. Years ago I was introduced to using truck mudflaps as 'inner wing liners' which helps reduce road noise a bit too.

Would a receiver hitch and a load carrier that attaches to the hitch help keep loads out of the Rover also not require you to climb up to the roof rack?

[sleam]

Thanks, all good ideas and I'll look into the matts and linings. It's mostly the position of the knees, too sharp a bend for long distances on the gas. On a good note, since i live in the middle of nowhere, it's long distances but little changing gears. What about overdrive would that help too?

[LaneRover]

An overdrive can help - but you still need to press the gas pedal.

Have you thought about adding a hand throttle?

http://www.roversnorth.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=90607683&type=0

Sorry there isn't a picture but it basically lets you set the throttle to a position and have it stay there. You do need to remember to re-set to 'zero' it if you push the clutch in. Basically it is the equivalent of putting an adjustable brick on your gas pedal.

[LaneRover]

Here is an article about someone refurbishing theirs.

http://mud4fun.com/2013/07/21/hand-throttle-assembly-refurbishment/

[bugeye88]

If you plan on any travel @ 55+MPH, defiantly get an overdrive! Check our "Rovers Down South" George will help you.

Cheers,

Rob
Bugeye88

[jac04]

..what would you do to make it easier on a 47 yr old landscapers knees?? ... I might as well sell and get something new, right? ... So I'm asking, what would you do? ...

I'll preface this by saying I have really enjoyed my Series Land Rovers over the years, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss owning a Rover just a little, but...

I'm 46. I've restored 3 Series vehicles over the past 25 years . My back hurts. My knees hurt. Sometimes my neck hurts. I was ready to stop working on vehicles and actually go have some fun with them. My original plan was to buy a 97 D90 (automatic transmission). After looking for a while, I ended up ordering a new 2014 Rubicon X (now called the Hard Rock). Automatic transmission, 2-door, premium soft top, locking diffs F&R, electronic sway bar disconnect, rock sliders, steel bumpers, heated leather seats, nav & 20 gig hard drive w/ 6.5" touch screen, etc. I absolutely love it so far. It cruises nicely on the highway, and is incredible off-road. Aftermarket support is awesome, with excellent price & availability for almost anything you want.

Go check one out. Looks like a 4-door would suit you well for the long trips w/ dogs.

[sleam]

I'll preface this by saying I have really enjoyed my Series Land Rovers over the years, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss owning a Rover just a little, but...

I'm 46. I've restored 3 Series vehicles over the past 25 years . My back hurts. My knees hurt. Sometimes my neck hurts. I was ready to stop working on vehicles and actually go have some fun with them. My original plan was to buy a 97 D90 (automatic transmission). After looking for a while, I ended up ordering a new 2014 Rubicon X (now called the Hard Rock). Automatic transmission, 2-door, premium soft top, locking diffs F&R, electronic sway bar disconnect, rock sliders, steel bumpers, heated leather seats, nav & 20 gig hard drive w/ 6.5" touch screen, etc. I absolutely love it so far. It cruises nicely on the highway, and is incredible off-road. Aftermarket support is awesome, with excellent price & availability for almost anything you want.

Go check one out. Looks like a 4-door would suit you well for the long trips w/ dogs.

I know! I know! I have a automatic 4Runner 4x4 that i drive mostly. That's kind of what made me think I should just sell the rover but the other rover friends of mine (online though, no one near me!) all suggested to upgrade and keep it. I'm back and forth. Maybe I'll just commit for another year and then decide? Sheesh, it's hard! Thanks for the ideas though...

[jac04]

I'm back and forth. ... Sheesh, it's hard!

That's for sure! When I sold my Lightweight, my kids were crying as it was loaded into the enclosed trailer for its trip to Minnesota. However, we get way more use out of the Rubicon and they got over it pretty quick. Seat belts for 4 people, air bags, a decent heater, air conditioning, and the kids can still climb all over it without hurting it. Heck, my wife even goes places in it!!

Don't get me wrong, a D90 would be awesome, but I just can't see me bashing through the woods with it like the Rubicon. I also can't see me NOT owning another land Rover at some point.

[sleam]

Heater would be nice! Oh, and working wipers. A hot water bottle on the lap works for a while though and it's NM - it doesnt rain!

[Escargo]

If my right leg starts to cramp, which it can on a long stretch, I often switch legs and put my left foot on the gas for abit. I have only a 30" inseam but would like more legroom also. Although I have used the hand throttle on occasion.

[bugeye88]

sleam,

As far as modern Jeeps and Series Landy's....
Two completely different vehicles and driving experiences. I would say few of us own Series Landy's because they are practicle every day vehicles or have all the modern bells and whistles. They do have a mechanical/tactile experience missing in modern trucks. It's kind of the point I think. I'm 64 and have a 2012 Rubicon, and they are indeed a marvelous machine for transportation and off road. It is not as involving and fun from many standpoints as my Series 2a Bugeye though. I can also work on it without a computer or special tools. I sold the Series 2a once and bought it back a few years later, as I just plain missed it. So sleam , it depends what you really are looking for as far as an on and off road vehicle practicality or a vintage vehicle experience. Either route, enjoy the ride.

Cheers,
Rob
Bugeye88

[sleam]

sleam,

As far as modern Jeeps and Series Landy's....
Two completely different vehicles and driving experiences. I would say few of us own Series Landy's because they are practicle every day vehicles or have all the modern bells and whistles. They do have a mechanical/tactile experience missing in modern trucks. It's kind of the point I think. I'm 64 and have a 2012 Rubicon, and they are indeed a marvelous machine for transportation and off road. It is not as involving and fun from many standpoints as my Series 2a Bugeye though. I can also work on it without a computer or special tools. I sold the Series 2a once and bought it back a few years later, as I just plain missed it. So sleam , it depends what you really are looking for as far as an on and off road vehicle practicality or a vintage vehicle experience. Either route, enjoy the ride.

Cheers,
Rob
Bugeye88

Thanks Rob, You're right, they are two different driving experiences. I like the variety to be honest. I mostly commute on my DR650 bike to work - but now it's too cold. The 4Runner I bought last year has become the camper, good to take dogs, tent etc out into the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. I just feel like I neglect poor Shorty, but maybe I'll just do a few things to make it slightly easier on me and use it to visit friends in town, get coffee. I think it'd help if i had a few other Series owners around, more of a community? Writing on here helps for a bigger perspective though. Thanks again, Sleam

[johnny2rovers]

Cherish the Series........

Sleam:

From the picture you posted with you and your dogs, you seem to have been born to own a Series. I suspect it suits your personality and your lifestyle. I own four Land Rovers and a Jag, but my '65 SIIA, now 50, is my favorite, however it is a difficult choice between it and my FC101. My Jag was built for speed; my SIIA was built for Saturdays.

Use it for what it is, a slow, noisy, refreshing escape from the vehicles of today. Use it to slow down on a Saturday! Enjoy the conversations with strangers who wish they owned one. My girlfriend and her border collie love it! It is their choice for a trek to the mountains.

Don't sell it, I think it suits you.........