1976 Series 3 Lightweight / Lower tailboard

[NichollsA]

Good morning, looking for some advice on my 1976 Series 3 tailboard. I have what looks to be the MTC1199 lower tailboard with the fittings for the drop-down number plate. Would I be correct in assuming this tailboard is the correct one for my year, or should mine be fitted with the later tailboard without the number plate drop down fittings? Many thanks in advance, Andy.

[Fossibear]

Hi Andy,
my Lightweight is from 6 / 1976. There were some differences to a normal Series III in the front so that it looks like a IIA. But I am quite sure, that the tailgate is original. The holder of the numberplate was missing (I made it on my own) but the square hole was in the lower part where the bracket finds place.
So I assume: yours should be with drop down fittings

Steve

F39ED6BA-619D-40B1-9E73-D4EFD8C6ED31.jpeg (100.09 KiB) Viewed 2615 times

[brinv8]

A simple way to find out if the number plate was located on the lower tailgate section, the number plate light wiring exit in-between the chassis and the rear body and terminate onto the rear chassis member, or is routed through the body floor in the left rear corner.

Photo of mine, part original, I added an earth/neutral cable to the number plate light, so not reliant on body earth on tailgate.

[Jamie]

I think the numberplate moved and tailgate changed in 1981

[stuey]

I have seen 3 different layouts of Lightweight tailgate:
Early: number plate fitted and pioneer tools mounts
Mid: number plate not fitted, however the holes still exist for the number plate and to cover them up, they use the Land Rover (moved from the tub) badge and a blanking grommet
Late: No cutouts whatsoever for the upper and lower tailgates
All of these happened during the series 3 lifespan, the mid one seems to appear in around 1979 and disappear around 1981/82.

[Bob Fell]

Good morning, looking for some advice on my 1976 Series 3 tailboard. I have what looks to be the MTC1199 lower tailboard with the fittings for the drop-down number plate. Would I be correct in assuming this tailboard is the correct one for my year, or should mine be fitted with the later tailboard without the number plate drop down fittings? Many thanks in advance, Andy.

Hi,
You are spot on, tailboard is correct for year, drop down plate mounting disappeared June 82 as part of rationalization to best of my knowledge.
Regards
Bob

[AR4412]

I think Stuey is right with his dating. My 'HG', built October 80, (And another from that contract we have at work), have the badge covering the catch hole in the tailgate and the numberplate on the tub rear panel. I have also seen pics of 'HF's' with this set up, which puts the change point, to me, at some point in '79.

Regards,

[NichollsA]

Wonderful information everyone, many thanks for your replies. Much appreciated.