driving a 45 year old vehicle

[Rosie]

I would appreciate hearing some of the ways you all use your series II or IIa.
For instance, what kind of use can I expect from it that makes sense for the vehicle.
Obviously I know these things cannot do what a new car can do...
but how do some you on this forum use these vehicles? Thanks, I appreciate it!
Rosie

[martindktm]

I think that we could ask what a new car cannot do compare to a series. A series will do anything you want and go almost anywhere. But not at the same speed and not at the same level of comfort. Theres lots of place a new car won't ever go in its life. The series will, there design for that.

[EASTTNROVER]

"Ruby" is my daily driver, but I have everything I need within 15 miles. I do preventive maintence every weekend for half hour or so, after a solid year only one issue, slave and master cylinder replacement. Not bad for a forty year old truck.

[Rosie]

Ruby, what type of weekend maintenance?
Thanks!
Rosie

[IIA Lightweight]

Just carry a bike

Other than taking the wife out on the town.... I drive mine

[leafsprung]

Mines a bit older and not quite as cushy as a newfangled SIIA but it:

-goes on cross coutry trips
-hauls stuff to the dump
-takes the dogs to the park/lake
-hauls firewood
-takes us out to dinner
-takes us to the ski lodge
-hauls groceries
-leaves stains in the driveway
-brings the latest project home
-hauls the rafts to the river
-hauls the bikes to the hills
-cruises the dunes at the coast

[Eric W S]

Daily Driver. No other car. I'll wheel it once I figure out which way to go.

[Jim-ME]

Mine is a daily driver. If I go more than 3 hours I use our Prius or our 99 Chevy Venture van. The next time the van breaks it goes to scrap. I like the Prius but still prefer the Rover to anything.
Jim

[scott]

Mines a bit older and not quite as cushy as a newfangled SIIA ...

leaf thanks, i've never really considered mine a cushy ride but compared to yours mine is a delux model.

daily driver and therapy. when the world get to me i use mine to drive off to where few vehicles could go or i sit in my drive and pull something off it rebuild and put it back on. a simple truck that simply goes

[Rosie]

Thanks you all!!
I appreciate hearing the duties of your series!! Exciting!
I gotta get one!
Rosie

[Tim Smith]

Mine does everything I ever want of it. Right now it is my on again, off again daily driver. The other car is an older, big cushy Mercedes so thats it's competition. And guess what, I'd rather be driving the rover every time.


I'll give the truck some attention like checking the fluids about once every 3 months (more often if I break something wheeling it) and probably do a proper service (change oil/filter, check points and valves etc...) about once every 6 months. If I drove it more, then it might need a little more servicing but not much.

One of the best things about a series truck is not just driving it but actually owning it. They do require more maintenance than a new car but none of it is beyond the ability of your average person willing to learn. The great thing about them is that you actually can work on them. It's quite empowering once you figure it out.

Do be honest with yourself though. If you can't deal with lifting the hood for maintenance or using your muscles to stop and turn, then this might not be for you. Also, if you are one of those people that finds themselves racing around everywhere, then these trucks won't satisfy.

The only down side (that I see ) to driving and owning a series truck is that your fingernails may never be clean again.

[greenmeanie]

[quote=Tim

The only down side (that I see ) to driving and owning a series truck is that your fingernails may never be clean again.[/quote]

What fingernails? I haven't hada nything other than cracked and worn nubs ever since I got my third truck.

[EASTTNROVER]

Ruby, what type of weekend maintenance?
Thanks!
Rosie

Same as everyone else...check oil and grease every zirc fitting there is. Check over all seals, just to see if the leaks got worse. I like to clean up her good...she rides better. You have to get one, this is the best truck i have ever owned.

[Rosie]

What are the pros and cons of driving a diesel series II or IIa 88 truck?
And compared to the petrol, which one would be better for mostly on-road driving?
Thanks!

[leafsprung]

Personal preference. Either could be considered better. Depends on what your values are. Comfort? = Gas, Fuel Economy? = Diesel. Read back to my reply in response to your email on this.