“Jade”
1960s Series 2A Land Rover Restoration
Hey there, Land Rover / Rad Rover fans! Come say hello to Jade. A Series 2/2A/3 hybrid that was a bit thrown together, to put it mildly. The owner found Rad Rovers after his brakes locked up: “I can stop, but that’s the problem… I can’t go again!” A great Flintstone Land Rover is quickly becoming a Rad Rover.
Gallery
Click any image to enlarge.
The Story
A local rescue project.
So for about a month now we at Rad Rovers have been working on a 1960’s Series 2 or Series 2A or Series 3 Land Rover! I say it that way because we are not quite sure what it is — the first builder used a Series 2A chassis, a Series 3 transmission, and a Series 2 bulkhead.
The owner commissioned someone to build him a Rover… this Rover. It was a bit thrown together, to put it mildly. Just days later after ownership, he found Rad Rovers and said: “I can stop, but that’s the problem… I can’t go again! The brakes are all locked up! Can you help me?”
Sure thing, boss! Send it over here. Interestingly enough, we live in the same hometown of Sarasota, Florida! So after I get it fixed, I can still see it kickin’ around town! So that’s fun. Lovely guy and his wife too, happy to help.
The Work
From Flintstone Land Rover to Rad Rover.
Brakes & Drivetrain
- All wheels 100% rebuilt from axle housing flange outward — new U-joints on half shafts, new race bearings, new swivel balls, new bearings, new lip seals, new shoes, new everything
- E-brake 100% overhauled from transfer case back
- Rear drive shaft overhauled
- Rear differential pinion flange and lip seal rebuilt
- No oil anywhere in transmission or steering/swivel ball housings
Pedals & Controls
- All three pedals removed and rebuilt
- Clutch master cylinder replaced — original was built-in under the fender (LHD), swapped to isolated reservoir
- Brake cylinder was for a 109 with double-line servo system — not possible, system was overloaded with pressure
- Throttle was so loose in all linkages — replaced with custom cable-controlled system (clean, simple, precise)
- Steering wheel had no cancel wheel for the blinker
Electrical
- Wiring was a rats nest — electrician removed 2/3 of what was there
- About a dozen stripped and exposed hot/live wires floating behind the gauge cluster
- Emergency battery cut-off switch added
- USB charging station dock and 12V outlet added
- LEDs everywhere — green LED strips inside cab and under bonnet
- All marker/driving lights changed to Defender fully waterproof housing units
Fuel, Exhaust & Misc
- Muffler was dangling by two plastic zip ties — fixed
- Brand new fully custom fuel line from tank to carb
- Doors wouldn’t stay closed — fixed
- Custom spare tire mounting bracket on tailgate with jerry can (planned)
Want It Done Right?
If you want it done right and want to live longer, come visit Rad Rovers. Contact Jason to discuss your Land Rover project.
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