1959 Series II Restoration

[TriedStone]

Hello my name is James and I'm a roverhaulic. Admission is the first step to recovery right??

Two months ago we began our search for another LR project. I say another since we've been rover less after having sold my 1994 D90 in 06 and my wife's 04 DII in 07. Our quest began after having spotted a snowed in Series while on a ski trip in Colorado. On our return trip home we agreed that it was time to get another rover and this time a series to restore to original condition or as close to it as possible.

The hunt was on. After surfing the net for almost a month I found our 59 on craigslist and purchased it based on a few pic's seen in the add. Risky I know but I believe it paid off. We made arrangements to drive from OKC to Denver and haul it home. And now the fun begins... I hope the restoration is half as good as jac04's lightweight.

[Wander]

Looks like it's mostly there, how's the frame and bulkhead?

[TriedStone]

Very Complete

The truck is very complete with only minimal surface rust. Bulkhead and frame are in excellent shape to be original.

A brief history per the PO. The truck was brought to colorado from california in 1973 where he purchased it in 1978. He believes he was the 3rd owner but not for sure. After he purchased it he put it in storage at his parents where it sat for 28 years. About 4 years ago he brought it home with the hopes of restoring it one day. He soon became discouraged because the fuel tank needed to be cleaned out and recently decided to sell it.

The odometer shows 40k, I wouldn't be surprised if its not correct.

I would like to try and get it running before I tear it down so I will know what needs to be addressed.

First on my list is I need to scrounge up a battery, determine wether it is positive or negative earth, rebuild the carburetor and clean the fuel system.

It has compression according to the old hand crank but who knows how much at this point.

[siiirhd88]

Good looking truck. If it is unaltered from original it should be a positive ground electrical system.

Bob

[Wander]

If it was changed to neg ground there will be a ground cable from the neg terminal cable to the block, odds are it's positive.

I see the wiper motors are off, do you have them? If not you can't get the originals but there are some aftermarket replacments.

[kels]

Mate, here in OZ that puppy would pass roadworthy as-is! Well, you would need to replace the side mirrors, but otherwise it looks good-to-go.

That will be a gem of a project vehicle if its half as good as it looks in the pics.

Cant wait to see it come along.

cheers,

Adam

[TriedStone]

The wiper motors are present and accounted for, one is complete one is in pieces.

[TriedStone]

Good looking truck. If it is unaltered from original it should be a positive ground electrical system.

Bob

I did not see a specific ground wire from the block to the frame but I will have to look again when I get down to the shop. It would have been easier if they had left the battery in it

How do I include pic's in the text in lieu of an attachment?

[TriedStone]

Engine

Engine and ps bulkhead.

[NickDawson]

Looks like a great project, can't wait to see how it comes along!

[bear7343]

Positiv e or negative

If it was changed to neg ground there will be a ground cable from the neg terminal cable to the block, odds are it's positive.

I see the wiper motors are off, do you have them? If not you can't get the originals but there are some aftermarket replacments.

My father has a 1960 Series II and it is positive ground. I think this is also easily confirmed by it having a generator in lieu of an alternator. Based off of your pictures it does have a generator, so I say absolutely yes, it's a positive ground.

[Jim-ME]

I agree that it is positive ground. Very nice Rover by the way.
Jim

[TSR53]

How do I include pic's in the text in lieu of an attachment?

Welcome to the Rovers North forum, wonderful Series Land Rover find. I sense a Rovers magazine story brewing on this one!

I've got the attachments limited down to three per posting to help keep the database size small. Preferred method for photos is to host them on a different location, like Flickr.com, smugmug, or similar and then just post the links in.

How to post photos in-line rather than attachments.

http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2895

[Momo]

That's a very clean, original looking 88. Looks like even the top radiator hose is original. Also, that paint color (mid grey) is pretty rare in the US. I hope you keep it that color, odds are it will be the only mid grey truck in any gathering.

Do a full fluid change, replace hoses and fan belt, clean the carb and go through the ignition, and do a compression check when you get it to fire. The hydraulics are probably shot, but you should be able to sort that out in a weekend. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

[TriedStone]

That's a very clean, original looking 88. Looks like even the top radiator hose is original. Also, that paint color (mid grey) is pretty rare in the US. I hope you keep it that color, odds are it will be the only mid grey truck in any gathering.

Do a full fluid change, replace hoses and fan belt, clean the carb and go through the ignition, and do a compression check when you get it to fire. The hydraulics are probably shot, but you should be able to sort that out in a weekend. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Thanks for the compliments everyone, and yes the plan is to keep it mid grey. Chicks dig grey... nice firm butt-ox. Sorry... my wife made me sit though Notting Hill, turned out to be funny for a chick flick.