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Main Section => Welcome to our virtual Pub Meeting ... => Topic started by: Matt Reeves on September 15, 2019, 01:41:17 PM

Title: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Matt Reeves on September 15, 2019, 01:41:17 PM
Series 1 and 2/2a owners are well served in terms of detailed historical and technical information, but after a recent search it seems Series 3's are not so well catered for.

I was attempting to determine whether the side stripes on this county are original, or an after market thing by a dealer ???

If anyone can point to a historical timeline or similar dealing with the S3 I'd be most grateful.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: gcc130 on September 15, 2019, 01:48:38 PM
They look like the original county stripes.

There is a good reference book, Land Rover Series 111 by James Taylor
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: gcc130 on September 15, 2019, 01:51:24 PM
Here you are😊
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 15, 2019, 01:54:04 PM
Matt
 a lot of the series 2 data is collected by club members from other club members and although we are authorised under the DVLA V765 scheme we are not the experts, we only have the information from James Taylor's book.
There is not a DVLA designated club for S3s

Peter
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 15, 2019, 02:17:29 PM
.... and Glass's Guides.


Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: gcc130 on September 15, 2019, 02:20:14 PM
Do the Series 111 club collate any historical info?
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 15, 2019, 03:13:54 PM
Don't know - you'll have to ask them - Series 3 & 90-110 Owners Club (http://www.thelandroverclub.co.uk/)


 :RHD
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Matt Reeves on September 15, 2019, 05:59:55 PM
Thanks all!.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 15, 2019, 08:04:50 PM
I am going to be a bit anorakish and pedantic.

Glass's guide is a trade publication giving guide prices for cars.

The publication that Wittsend refers to is Glass's Commercial Vehicle Checkbook which lists chassis number ranges and dates of change of specification.

We use authenticated excerpts for supporting evidence when dealing with DVLA.

Peter
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Porkscratching on September 15, 2019, 08:16:50 PM
Odd that S3s are lumped in with  90s & 110s in a club, (they've far more in common with S2s than coil sprung things), you'd think there would be a dedicated S3 club really..
Ps as regards the OP..a mate had, many years ago, a S3 County with the decals like that and it was guaranteed original, he had all the history aparrently..
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: geoff on September 15, 2019, 09:45:47 PM
Odd that S3s are lumped in with  90s & 110s in a club, (they've far more in common with S2s than coil sprung things), you'd think there would be a dedicated S3 club really..


For many years now ( less so more recently ) the Series 3 has been regarded as a spares vehicle for the Series 2 and a substandard vehicle at that.
This has been something that this Forum ( the old one ) has propogated to some degree but times have moved on.

Of course with the rising prices of the Series 2 the Series 3 has become the next link in the enthusiast chain, much like the Series 2 was in comparison to the Series One.

Perhaps the Series three will indeed gain its own dedicated club it does deserve it though the joining of it to the S2C Club is maybe a step too far for the time being ?
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 15, 2019, 10:03:31 PM

This has been something that this Forum ( the old one ) has propogated to some degree but times have moved on.


I take exception to this comment - whilst we may have had a few "derogatory" comments by individual posters over the past 17 or so years I think we see our source of spare parts in much the same way we see our Series 2 prototypes  ;)
It is certainly not a mainstream S2C view ....

Series 3s can (and do) come to our events.
Owners (and some do) can join our club and forum.
In fact many of our members own several Land Rover Series products.


 :cheers

Live and let live ???



Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: geoff on September 15, 2019, 10:51:11 PM

Well I did say times have moved on  ???  .... and I'm happy to live and let live ....   naturally I don't take exception to the S2 prototype remark

I've owned a Series 1  2 and 3 at various times and sometimes had all three at the same time on my drive.

Lets be honest many a Series 3 owner has turned up on this Forum with fingers crossed hoping for a decent welcome and this has been freely given, I've never derided them or the vehicle but there has been a fair degree of friendly rib pulling.

Why have they turned up here ???  well for my mind it's because the Series 3 Forum doesn't cut the mustard like the S2C does, simples  :tiphat

   :cheers  Live and let live  ???

Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Porkscratching on September 16, 2019, 01:30:43 AM
I'd much rather discuss S3's than some of the 'modern car 'stuff that gets quite an extensive outing here on occasions ! :neener
I've also had quite a number of S3 motors and worked on lots more, ps..the best thing about the 'orrible plastic dash is it's a great place to stand your tea.. ;)
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Growler on September 16, 2019, 09:05:07 AM
I have been a member of Series 2 club for years. I joined when I had a Series 2A 109 Station Wagon but sadly that got destroyed in a fire in someone's yard. I wanted another similar but ended up buying a Series 3 109 Station Wagon. I'vr had this one now for about 4 years and am well pleased with it. It has a 2.8 Isuzu engine mated to an LT77 box and I must admit I miss my 4 levers that were on the Series 2. Apart from that I don't really notice much difference from the Series 2 and I continue my membership cos the club and this forum tick all the boxes for me. Also I have never had any discrimination just because I have a 3.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Bradley66 on September 16, 2019, 10:42:54 AM
As stated above , the James Taylor book is the best place to look for series 3 info.
I have one of each a `65 2A and a `76 Series 3. Apart from  the fact that the 2A is a LWB and the Series 3 is a SWB they are as good as each other and (in my opinion) superior to a Series 1 .Other opinion's are available.
 
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: 2286 on September 16, 2019, 12:29:08 PM
Series 1 and 2/2a owners are well served in terms of detailed historical and technical information, but after a recent search it seems Series 3's are not so well catered for.

I was attempting to determine whether the side stripes on this county are original, or an after market thing by a dealer ???

If anyone can point to a historical timeline or similar dealing with the S3 I'd be most grateful.

Thanks.


The vehicle year and vin will help.

Think I am correct in remembering that the county arrived at same time that vin went from series type chassis number to sall type.  Within the vin is the county code.

County was expensive and can be replicated, standard stuff was sundym tinted glass, body tapes,lucas aux lamps, cloth seats.  They were not offered in a lot of colours but brown was one of those.

Ps My blue 109 sw from 1971 had an s3 grille and body tapes added by previous owner to give it a face lift.  It looks ok in passing but anyone who knows just thinks its looks daft.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 16, 2019, 12:56:52 PM
Lots of cars in the '70s had "go faster" stripes - it was the fashion - all the rage at the time  :shakeinghead

Also $£@*! brown was a very "popular" BL colour of the period  :thud

... and people bought these cars.


 :RHD
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 16, 2019, 12:58:01 PM
Pedantic I know but S2 land rovers have a car or chassis number not a VIN

VINs came in 1981 and follow an international format.

Peter
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Porkscratching on September 16, 2019, 01:13:51 PM
The one my mate had was red with the naff county stripes and was aparrently fully original, he stupidly (imho) paid big money for it at the time too..
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: TimV on September 16, 2019, 03:00:46 PM
Important to note that there is more in common between Series 2/2A and 3 than there is in common with Series ones. Most body panels are interchangeable. Superficially they are similar.

Very little is interchangeable with Series ones, or the 90/110s. Engines?
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: agg221 on September 16, 2019, 07:25:09 PM
Important to note that there is more in common between Series 2/2A and 3 than there is in common with Series ones. Most body panels are interchangeable. Superficially they are similar.

Very little is interchangeable with Series ones, or the 90/110s. Engines?

There quite a few mechanical parts interchangeable between the S1 and S2, some with the S2a/S3 - it is far more of a gradual transition than is at first apparent from the bodywork.

Since the only really visible changes between the late S2a and the early S3 are the bulkhead, hinges and grille they could reasonably regarded as just a facelift (is it much more radical to change the dash to plastic than to move the lights to the wings?) so there is no reason in my view to draw too much of a distinction. Any mechanical advice or parts supplies information is more likely to be forthcoming on this forum than anywhere else.

Alec
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 16, 2019, 08:00:03 PM
The Series 3 models were what would be called today as a "face lift" of the Series 2A.

People call it a "plastic" dash panel, but it's really a plastic skin over metal - is it not ???

The BL bean counters wanted a more "modern" look/driving experience.
The instruments were moved in front of the driver along with a decent fresh air/heating system with modern controls - there was a column ignition/steering lock AND a synchromesh gearbox on all 4 forward gears!
The plastic steering wheel, lights in the grille etc. came over from the Series 2A.

The Series 3 was a natural evolution from the 2A.


 :RHD
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Porkscratching on September 16, 2019, 08:54:38 PM
Quite correct, in fact I'd say there's good reason to have an actual series 3 section on this forum..
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: TimV on September 16, 2019, 09:05:26 PM
I would say no need for a separate section, there are sufficient similarities to mean that a Series 3 question can be answered anywhere.

Also, say I have an early Series 2, but it's fitted with a series 3 engine and gearbox (not impossible). Where would I ask questions about any mechanical problems?
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Formerlyjeremy on September 16, 2019, 09:20:38 PM
There's very little difference between the late 2a and most S3 engines.  There are a number of changes to S2 and 2a engines during production but by about 1967 things seem to have settled down.  The next major change was about 1980 when the engine grew 2 more crank bearings - then there was some metrication soon after - then enlargement to 2.5 litres soon after the 90/110 were introduced.  This is all explained in the parts books - and some suppliers websites are very helpful for alternative parts.

S3 gearboxes come in 4 types - indentified by a suffix , A, B, C and D.  Helpfully there is no number on the gearbox case - its on the front of the top of the transfer box arm.  This means that its possible to dismantle what you think is an A only to find its a C.  Its all set out in the parts books - but briefly B is an A with less feeble reverse - which means a different 1st/2nd synchro hub as reverse teeth are on the outside.  C has chemically machined teeth and D has coffin - shaped engagement teeth as well.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 16, 2019, 09:49:36 PM
There will be no separate Series 3 section on the forum, there's no need to split them off.

We are happy to take any questions about Series 3s in the various sections on the forum.


 :RHD
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Exile on September 16, 2019, 10:11:18 PM
Series Threes are OK.

But these?

Ban them!

Ban them!

Ban them!

Horrible things. :neener

Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: LandCasco on September 16, 2019, 11:34:39 PM
I'm agree with many opinions here, I had a S1 for 15 years, and now I have a S3. I came here because there not a S3 forum with the quality of LRSOC or this forum.
I'm very comfortable here, S2 and S3 are very similar, very good kwnoledge here. I will stay here for a long time with my ugly plastic grille!

Best Regards!
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: rowehillmaster on September 17, 2019, 12:49:51 PM
... funny how things change in 9 years, I posted pictures of my newly purchased 1970 2A that had been saved from terminal rust in the bulkhead, rear cross member and front dumb irons by the PO three years previously. It had been at the limits of his technical ability and he had used a Series 3 bulkhead - I was berated, accused of furthering registration rape and being ignorant (nice welcome to the forum !) I was happy with it's credentials but to some I was an outcast and it was a not a 2 but the dreaded Series 3 (I did not give them the satisfaction of the research I had done, I just didn't join the club)
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 17, 2019, 01:05:24 PM
Nice ...

Shame you were put off and "outcast" by one or two on here.

That was years ago - we have changed - the days of "that's not a Series 2, b$@&* off" have long since gone.

 :-\
Remember 
It's your Land Rover. You can paint it with pink stripes, you can chop it up and feed it to the dogs.
But if anyone wants to know what colour it might have been or what the dash panel, etc. should look like - we can tell you.


 :cheers


Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: vod80 on September 17, 2019, 03:06:40 PM
Yes. What ever happened to Crashbox? He had a somewhat jaundiced view of the Series 3  :-X
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: 2286 on September 17, 2019, 04:21:05 PM
Land Rover Series III 88" & 109" 1982-83 UK Market Sales Brochure

If you can see online or beg borrow or steal a copy it has the full 'county' spec.

My late 2a and early 3 a re indistinguishable in looks and drive.

80 inch and 86 s1's I have driven were in another world, non hydraulic clutch,non syncro gears, unsafely vague steering (80 inch).

I did like the galvanised doors and door tops of the 86 but the 80 inch door tops were like a cross between a pram and a cloche.

Even so I wish had taken the opportunity to purchase them both as now they are beyond reach even if they would just be to look at!



Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Old Hywel on September 17, 2019, 07:00:03 PM
I think the chief ‘S3 is the work of the devil’ believer is no longer on the forum.
Never knew him, but he did appear to have an extensive knowledge of the S2, and intense dislike of the other.

Oops, someone else thinks like me.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Exile on September 17, 2019, 09:08:22 PM
Yes. What ever happened to Crashbox? He had a somewhat jaundiced view of the Series 3  :-X

He did indeed!

However, he was a font of information on Series Twos, and this forum is duller without him.
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: vod80 on September 17, 2019, 09:32:54 PM
Fully agree about his knowledge and love of the Series 2, just I was always bemused by his dislike of the Series 3. For a long time, I actually prefered the Series 3 because of its design features - I started off my Land Rover. Oyage with an early (still had the Series 2 style « four sheets » chassis) 2.6litre 109 pick up. Loved it to bits!
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: w3526602 on September 19, 2019, 08:04:24 AM
Hi,

I don't didn't make a habit of robbing S3s to keep my S2s running. I suspect that in the early-ish days of S3s, they robbed the tired S2s. In fact, I was more likely to rob both S2s and S3s to keep my S1s running.

602
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 19, 2019, 09:57:59 AM
I have an early 58 SWB and there are quite a number of parts carried over from the S1 on it, remember that LR still made the S1 107 Station Wagon alongside the S2 until late in 1958.

Some club members have more than 1 land rover of different generations, a number of S3 owners are members because there is no S3 club AND sea are authorised by DVLA under the V765 scheme to inspect S3s

Our club is a broad church and as long as you show some interest in Land Rovers you will be made welcome

Peter
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: gcc130 on September 19, 2019, 10:25:34 AM
There is a Series 3 club an it is quite active in some areas, my son used to be a member.

They don’t seem to have a forum that it is anywhere near as good as this one or the Series one club forum
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 19, 2019, 03:10:42 PM
Nor are they authorised by DVLA as our club and the S1 club are.

Peter
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Wittsend on September 19, 2019, 05:30:16 PM
... which brings us neatly back round to the original poster's question.


 :RHD
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: andyjb on September 19, 2019, 06:16:55 PM
I'd just like to say that I am a fully paid up member. I ask questions and glean information from here keeping my Series running. I attend club meeting and local events. I am known for my run outs on the way to club meetings.In fact an event listed on the forum was my idea in the first place.
I own a 72 Series 3 and i am welcome on these pages or at the club meetings or events. No need for any seperate forum/section for me.
Thanks
Title: Re: Series Three historical info?
Post by: Peter Holden on September 19, 2019, 07:31:48 PM
Well said Andy.

Peter