36 FG 71 Total Rebuild

[diffwhine]

I have 23600434A Rover 1 on which I am in the process of doing a total rebuild. It was released from Solihull 16th December 1968 and according to its B card, it went into service 24th Jan 1969. It was released in 1975 and we know not much about it since then. We think it was seen marshalling at AWDC events over the years with distinctive yellow wheels, but if anybody can shed any light on its history, I'd be grateful.
I bought it as a wreck last year having decided to rebuild a Land Rover the same age as me... Easy on the mental maths then!
It has the original engine, chassis and axles.
The knackered S3 gearbox has been scrapped and I have just rebuilt a late 2A box to go back to original spec.
The bulkhead was completely shot and that is with Pegasus panels in Redhill as a template to build a new top panel.
I have a S3 bulkhead which I'm going to modify to replicate the 2A layout.
Nice original features such as the 2A grab handle, the wiper motor cover, S Switch start and the bulkhead junction block are all still there.
Not so nice bits like the ghastly steering wheel and the S3 grille are in the skip.
Rear tub was butchered. Somebody cut the floor to fit a spare wheel well which made the usual corrosion spot even worse.
I'll post some images of what it was like and a few of progress as and when I get time.

[diffwhine]

A few early images...

[diffwhine]

And a few more.
The B Card is a bit spartan - nothing on the reverse!

[diffwhine]

Made some good progress today.
One rebuilt gearbox
One rear cross member fitted. Need to add the diamond plates and braces, but its there at last!
First of a complete set of outriggers to be replaced...
I'm working off the original chassis engineering drawings - its amazing how many errors there are in the original chassis build!
One the outriggers are fitted, I'll flip the chassis over and start rebuilding the underside of the chassis once I've got it all sorted up top.
The obvious solution would be to fit a new chassis, but I can save this one and this makes it more original that most out there, so worth saving. My welding course at Farnborough Technical College is paying dividends!

[Oneandtwo]

I have 23600434A Rover 1 on which I am in the process of doing a total rebuild. It was released from Solihull 16th December 1968 and according to its B card, it went into service 24th Jan 1969. It was released in 1975 and we know not much about it since then. We think it was seen marshalling at AWDC events over the years with distinctive yellow wheels, but if anybody can shed any light on its history, I'd be grateful.

It may have been PYE 741R which was at AWDC events which was also a 2a Lightweight.

[diffwhine]

It was! In fact it still is PYE 741R! I
That seems to follow and make sense. Judging by the overall condition of panels and fixtures, I don't think it was actually used much in anger at AWDC events. I heard that it might have been a regular marshal's car. If you know anything about it, or have any pictures, I'd be grateful.
I have managed to get DVLA to record it on the database as a 1968 vehicle thank to a BMHT certificate. Might try and get an age-related plate at some point, but its not exactly top priority.
Many thanks and all the best
Mark

[Wildefalcon]

That chassis doesn't look too bad, are you going to get it galvanised?

[diffwhine]

I've just noticed that you mention PYE 741R and this one is PYE 743R. I would guess that a few may have been released at the same time and a batch of registration numbers issued to whoever sold them into civilian life.
Somewhat intrigued as to the coincidence of 741 and 743 both with a link to AWDC events...
I know this one is correct to the original build - the only bit wrong is the gearbox which is hardly surprising. Engine and chassis numbers match factory records.

[diffwhine]

Chassis - galvanising...
I've thought long and hard over this. Finally decided not to get it galvanised. In the interests of originality, I'm keen to keep it as close to original spec as it left Solihull as possible. I'm going to strip it back to bare metal and build up back up with modern paints and primers which will do a good job at a lower cost. I regularly rebuild later vehicles and have a full Dinitrol injection kit left over from previous projects at Land Rover, so plan to go down the Dinitrol route for inside and outside of the chassis. Galvanising would mean having to paint it up again afterwards anyway - not sure if I could live with the galvanised finish! From past rebuilds, I know that galvanising adds significantly to the weight of the chassis. After all - it is supposed to be a Lightweight! It will also be dry stored in a garage from now on, so probably won't get exposed to the elements too much.

[BOMBER71]

Great pictures and you seem to be progressing well with the chassis. I agree with your comments about not galvanising the old chassis and have made the same desision with the 101 chassis that is now my current project . I look forward to forward to following your rebuild thread and its great to see another 2A saved !