Replacements

I picked up a rolling chassis yesterday to use it for spare parts. It’s a 1972 SIII 4cy 109 (one of the earliest SIIIs).

The chassis was rotten, the engine missing and the leaf springs in poor shape, but the axles and steering which I bought it for were in very good condition. I’ll be swapping the brake cylinders and shoes from my existing axles to these oler units, but they’re leak-free and in fine mechanical condition. They just need wire brushing and painting before fitting.

I also picked up the entire steering assy to replace my worn box. It’s also in good condition, though the outer column sheath was missing. No problem – it’ll slip straight into the currently fitted column with no trouble. I’ll replace the rod ends and use these rods as they’re all very straight and fairly rust-free. I think I’ll keep the brand new relay, though, rather than fit the seized 1972 unit!

The gearbox seems a little dirty but OK too. I’ll open it up and see if it’s good.

I also picked up the gearbox, which is a “D” suffix with the one-piece layshaft. This is a stonger unit than the older types, and the selectors are in top condition, so once I’ve checked all the bearings, I’ll fit that to the Land Rover in place of the existing unit.