Possible next project

[marcmax]

I seem to need a project going all the time and think I may have found the next one. About a mile from my house is a 1972 Series III Land Rover with a 4Sale sign in the window. I haven't been able to reach anyone at the number from the sign and think it may be a local Navy guy at sea with the 'yacht club'.

I have noticed some of the members on this forum talking about different models of Land Rover and wondered if anyone has any recommended forums to pick up some information and make an informed decision about this vehicle. I know very little about pros and cons of different models, parts availability, etc. I have always loved the way they look but know very little about them. Still it is 40 years old so the technology can't be too sophisticated.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

...money pit.

[marcmax]

I know all about money pits. Some years ago I bought a bargain priced Saab Sonnet for $600. Two years and $9k later I had a fully restored car that eventually sold for about half what I had in it.

Its all about bringing something old back to life. Plus it keeps me off the streets and out or bars.

[Motu]

I used to work on a lot of Landrovers in the '90's, they were still the best 4x4 before the Japanese got their act together.  They were mainly IIa's, but a few earlier and later models.  The main thing I remember is how labour intensive they were - the is a lot  of work to do for something that is simple on other vehicles.  For yourself labour times are not going to be a problem.

[MR.E]

Do it you'll never look back!

I'm a big lover of Land Rovers, and after a series myself at the minute.
They make take some of your spare cash but what 40yr old car doesn't.
Parts are all readily available if you keep it stock but if not they'll take an engine up to 300tdi.......i'm looking into whether a TD5 could work - what a series that would be!!!

Got any pics of it?
if you can get to it, take some pics of the chassis, axles, tub and bulkhead if i can see anything needing attention i'll point it out.

Elliott

[Luca]

You could try a boat... that is, a hole in the water surrounded by wood into which you pour money.  You eventually sell this pocket of negative space to pay for your Land Rover  [smiley=grin.gif]

sorry... I couldn't resist.  Land Rovers are very cool though.  Jeep parts are cheaper, however, and those things always fetch a good chunk of change if you ever sell them.

[marcmax]

I finally talked myself out of it. I have been down the old car restoration path before. I think I'll stick to old motorcycles, less of a money pit and it is easier to keep a few in the garage.

[Bob_Roller]

I started 'accumulating' 4 wheel vehicles, didn't take long to realize they took up too much space in a three car garage .

Then I started 'accumulating' motorcycles, still have room for 3 more, before the garage is 'saturated' .

[MR.E]

Looks like i just got my next project, though i've told the wife 3 bikes will go, the red r65 (not the race bike or spare engine), the KTM 950SE and the BSA C11g.

But it's worth it, i've an indian scout coming!!
its 99% there but need assembling and some bits making for it (brake rods etc).
The indian isn't my normal kind of bike, i'm not a fan of the style, but an indians an indian!!

I'll post some pics as and when i get it.

[montmil]

I sure can't throw stones at folks who choose expensive hobbies; be they restoring motorcycles crafted from unobtanium, aircraft, wooden boats, vintage cars and trucks... the list can get lengthy. Plus pricey.
I have several vices -some I won't mention  but I will confess to becoming deeply immersed in constructing and flying a couple FAA Experimental Category aircraft. Did it just because I wanted to.

However, when hangar rent hit $550/monthly, a little voice said, "Eject Eject". These days, my motorcycles (5) and the old Cabriolet seem very reasonably priced hobbies.

In reality, these personal choices can be viewed as rather economical mental health pursuits.

I'm reminded of the old dead guy's tombstone epitaph: [size=14]If I'd only spent more time at the office...  [/size]

11 May 2013:  Reposted due to the need to correct "Less" time to "more". Now makes the point.