Looking at a Series IIA

[albersj51]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to look at a 1967 Series IIA today. I am new to Rovers, so I am hoping you all can give me some things to look out for. The seller is a british car shop and they redid the brakes and exhaust on it. Body looks good. There is "minor" rust in the rear crossmember and the bulkhead. I used to own an International Scout, so I know rust. However, how hard is it to replace the rear crossmember by yourself? I have a buddy that has a MIG Welder and some experience...can this be done by the shade tree mechanic?
The bulkhead is also a concern. The rust it has is around the bottom corners (that I can tell). Is this a big deal? Any way for me to get a closer/deeper look?
Anything else I should be on the lookout for?
Any special engine or body parts that are weak on these?
Lastly, whats the going rate for a 1967 Series IIA (converted to LHD in England, with paperwork), 2.25L Petrol engine, and some rust? I've heard $5K-$6K.

Thank you!

[bmohan55]

this is a great site for the info you are seeking

http://www.lrfaq.org/FAQ.4.main.html

As far as price, to me it seem a bit high for one with rust issues but who knows. I'd look thru the for sale section here to get an idea of asking prices.
good luck

[galen216]

The rear crossmember is an easy Saturday job with 2 people and a welder. I did it and had never done it before.

[galen216]

Follow-up:

Where are you and any pics? Likely someone is close and could possibly go over it with you.

[albersj51]

The Rover is just outside Asheville, NC. I'm going to look at it this afternoon. Here are some pics of it:

http://www.oldenglishcars.com/id13.html

I'd love to get feedback on price vs visible condition.

[Wander]

I noticed that IIa on their site as well. I am 90% sure that is one that was at Blue Ridge Rover Works about a year ago as well. I don't know when it sold from the first place and I am not 100% so consider that.

I am also not saying these shops are trying to hide something as they both have good reputations and it is probably more likely the buyer now seller bought it without knowing what a series rover is all about.

If the rust in the bulkhead is minor it can also be cut out and either patched or a new panels can be welded in place. The frame is the weakest link on these and there will be some rust but check it closely to see how much and how bad. There really isn't anything that can't be repaired by someone without expert skills, that's part of the beauty of a series rover. Just about everything is available from our host and other sources and there are also many sources for the items no longer available.

That price does seem a little high to me with the knowledge that the bulkhead and rear xmember will need attention. If I am not mistaken this is a consignment sale so the seller is probably fairly motivated to sell.

If you have not already you should drive it, it will be loud, slow, drafty and more akin to a Model T than anything else. Even in 67 this was old technology, but keep it maintained and it will run if not forever, longer than you want it to.

[albersj51]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I was thinking $6500 to be a little high, assuming minor rust in bulkhead and needing a new rear X-member. What do you think a fair price is? Couldnt find much in the way of comps in the for sale section...Thanks again!

[mrdoiron]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I was thinking $6500 to be a little high, assuming minor rust in bulkhead and needing a new rear X-member. What do you think a fair price is? Couldnt find much in the way of comps in the for sale section...Thanks again!

Seems to have alot of basics usually requiring work already done... what ever you pay, you'll no doubt find your self tinkering and want to upgrade. Key is that there are no big surprises to get it inspected and driving, like e-brake working, wipers working, turn signals, flashers, lights etc... as those little things can set you back time and money just to get driving... upgrading however comes with the ownership papers however.
That said, to me it appears in not bad shape for the $, and will likely sell fast

[scott]

did i miss something? didn't anyone notice that the front clip is not that of a 67. the wings are at least 69 or newer and the breakfast no older than a 68. i would check vin number on title against that on the outside of the right frame horn and not just the bulkhead plate.

pretty paint

[mrdoiron]

did i miss something? didn't anyone notice that the front clip is not that of a 67. the wings are at least 69 or newer and the breakfast no older than a 68. i would check vin number on title against that on the outside of the right frame horn and not just the bulkhead plate.

pretty paint

you're right, I didn't even pick that up but very obvious - if the wings are 69, it is late yr as that was the bug eye year without the recessed fitted lights. The ad specifically references "features headlights in the front wings, metal wire grille"... so perhaps they indicate that to note the changes ? Still looks ok however...

[gambrinus]

That is NOT a 1967. I'd be very wary of the title and Vin # issues.

Parts could have been replaced along the way, but bulkhead, wings etc... the whole front clip are from a late IIA. 69 would be a bugeye... so 70 or 71 would be my guess.

If the paperwork vin# are ok, Then I'd BEAT on that frame with a hammer. If the frame is solid and the engine / tranny are fine, I'd MAYBE be o.k. with $6500... $5,000 - $5500 would be more in line.

RW

[scott]

oh no argument is looks sweet. nothing wrong with using newer body panels. just the last year of lights on the breakfast was 67 and my personal preference is the beady eyed look of the older iias

[albersj51]

Thanks for all of he info! I saw it today, it's a cool truck, but the body/frame need work. Mechanicaly it's very sound and it has an overdrive. Rear X-Member needs to be replaced as does the transmission x-member. The bulk head has rust and it's eaten through the bottom on both sides of it and it starting to eat through up top of the bulk head as well. A lot of electolysi corrosion around the edges. A ripple in the door panel and a hole on the aluminum on the back and a dented rocker. Seats are no original and need to be replaced (recovered) no back seat. I like it but I can't see paying near $6500 for it...I was thinking $4500-$5000, but I am no expert one what these go for. I just don't know how much the bulkhead and frame will need.

[scott]

i paid 5800 for mine 5 yrs ago. very solid frame but the bulkhead footwells needed replaced an a bit of patching on the rear xmbr and dry rotted tires and a host of jerry rigged crap and pretty paint. i've enjoyed all the work i've had to do but would have rather paid 4500 for it. i bought it via the internet and it did have pretty paint

[scott]

That is NOT a 1967. I'd be very wary of the title and Vin # issues.

Parts could have been replaced along the way, but bulkhead, wings etc... the whole front clip are from a late IIA. 69 would be a bugeye... so 70 or 71 would be my guess.

If the paperwork vin# are ok, Then I'd BEAT on that frame with a hammer. If the frame is solid and the engine / tranny are fine, I'd MAYBE be o.k. with $6500... $5,000 - $5500 would be more in line.

RW

i have trouble remembering whether the bugeyes were 68 or 69 but that's because i don't care. my 68 has lights on the breakfast but that's cuz it's xmod