Project "Orvis": The Un-Argentinizing of a 107 [Archive]

Wolf Fabrication

June 12th, 2011, 07:03 PM

By odd popular demand, I am starting a build thread on my recent 1958 Series I 107 purchase. The truck is a LHD export model originally sent to the Argentine military where it allegedly served as a parade vehicle. Judging by the frame and body it definitely did not have a hard military life. The truck was "restored" in Argentina in 2001 and found it's way to the US 2004. I am the second US owner.

I have plans for a full body off nut and bolt restoration in the coming year, but will keep it a rolling resto as I acquire the necessary parts. The truck is relatively complete, but is missing some of the correct small parts and has some weird Argentina added doodads.

My goal for the truck is a period correct expedition truck with matching accessories, tools, and camping gear.

Here are two pics of the truck prior to purchase.

That massive rear bumper and grab bar did not make it past the first day home.

So far I have checked all the fluids, and make sure it was roadworthy.

My first major project is replacing the crossmember and then getting some decent tires on it.

Wolf Fabrication

June 12th, 2011, 07:16 PM

First things first, the Argentina custom bumper had to go! Sadly whoever put it on cut the ears off the rear crossmember.

Wolf Fabrication

June 12th, 2011, 07:24 PM

The 107 crossmember is probably the simplest one made and easiest to replace. It's basically two sections of 11ga C channel spot welded together. It is not tapered like other Rover models.

Cutting the old one out was easy. I then cleaned up the ends of the frame and welded up the old bumper holes.

Manimal

June 12th, 2011, 09:18 PM

Subcribed! Can't wait to see the progress. Orvis?

texrover

June 12th, 2011, 09:40 PM

holy mccracken, that's a sweet rig. congrats!

Wolf Fabrication

June 13th, 2011, 04:32 AM

Subcribed! Can't wait to see the progress. Orvis?

I'm a big fan of Orvis and one of the founders who wrote a book called Around the World in a Jeep, who did just that in the 70's. Plus the truck is the Orvis colors.

Wolf Fabrication

June 13th, 2011, 04:34 AM

A few more pics....

ssbartley1

June 13th, 2011, 07:39 AM

Nice Rover Jonathan!

cgalpin

June 13th, 2011, 07:41 AM

Are you bringing it to HH tomorrow?

Wolf Fabrication

June 13th, 2011, 08:01 AM

Are you bringing it to HH tomorrow?

Not this time. I have the rear crossmember off and will be fixing it Wednesday. Orvis is still a little shy - he needs some new shoes before he meets the other Rovers.

cgalpin

June 13th, 2011, 08:21 AM

Bah, poor planning :)

jaygoss

June 13th, 2011, 09:18 AM

I'm a big fan of Orvis and one of the founders who wrote a book called Around the World in a Jeep, who did just that in the 70's. Plus the truck is the Orvis colors.

It's also a good way to add 2000% to the value of the 107 when it's finished- IF you place an Orvis sticker on it!!! Anyone follow the ending auction of Lanny Clark's latest Series restoration that was commissioned by Orvis? Well over 6 figures. CA-CHINGGGGGG!!!! I think he's done two for Orvis now- and he's working in #3.

http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=7751

Look forward to following along on this one- I'm a fan of Series Rovers and have always wanted a 107. Keep the pics coming please!!!

evilfij

June 13th, 2011, 05:42 PM

what size tires are on it now?

Wolf Fabrication

June 13th, 2011, 05:55 PM

what size tires are on it now?

215/80/16 radials. Correct tire for the 107 is a 7.00x16. I'm going slightly bigger to 7.5x16 Michelin XZLs.

jaygoss

June 13th, 2011, 09:33 PM

If you're striking out on parts, and you're at the point where you'll do anything to get that last rare part, you could give Cheshire Foreign Auto a shot:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cheshire+foreign+auto+marlborough+nh&fb=1&gl=us&hq=cheshire+foreign+auto&hnear=0x89e170ea81a06895:0xe04f827b8dfe4eb4,Marlbo rough,+NH&cid=13473089976653638385

They don't have a website- this is their "place page" in google maps. About 20 years ago, with Rovers North's recommendation, I took my first Series Rover to this guy. He's a complete hack. I think his name was Dick...but that may have been what I thought of him (can't quite remember). He took advantage of the fact that I was a complete newbie and I eventually had to undo everything he charged me for- which lead to my buying a book and dismantling the Series IIa myself. I learned a lot and it was rewarding in the end but he unfortunately took me for a few grand. I'd never refer anyone to this guy for work...but he sure had a lot of Rovers behind his shop for parts. He had some 107's and 86" Series I's at that time. If worse comes to worse you could try him. Make sure he sends you lots of pictures if he claims to have what you're looking for as he doesn't make my list of "genuine" folks. Proceed with caution with this weasel.

Another guy- one whom I've had great dealings with is Sean at Blue Ridge Rover works:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1263&bih=702&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=rovers+%26+asheville+north+carolina&fb=1&gl=us&hq=rovers+%26&hnear=0x88598ca93c0f6f09:0x94ef31c106343a5d,Ashevi lle,+NC&cid=4018377969153466190

A few years ago he bought a ton of early Series parts (many were NOS) from an old Land Rover dealer and repair shop (Harrells) in Western North Carolina. Sean is a Rover enthusiast and would be thrilled to know that you're restoring a 107. If he has a part to sell you I'd be very surprised if it didn't arrive as described at a decent price. Tell him I sent you if you happen to call him.

I'll keep thinking of places I've done business with over the years and chime in as they come to me.

Jpayne

June 14th, 2011, 07:48 AM

X2 for Sean. He has tons of parts laying around, mostly Series stuff. I wouldn't know what pertains to your particular model, but there is no shortage of items tucked in and around his building. Nice guy and completely nuts for Rovers.

jefferson

June 14th, 2011, 01:18 PM

I grew up near this place, and while I never did any business with them, I remember meeting the owner and marveling at all of the old series trucks he had there. He must have had 50-60 series trucks in various states of disassembly. Some nicely restored, early examples too. Sadly it no longer exists. At some point in the last 5-10 years they cleared all of those trucks out and I have no idea where they went. It is still an auto dealership (same name, I think), but the lot is filled with Chevy and Ford sedans. I passed by there recently and noticed a lone SIII Lightweight in the back, which looked to be in excellent condition. I would be very interested to know what happened to all of those other trucks.

Wolf Fabrication

June 15th, 2011, 04:09 PM

Finished up fabricating the new rear crossmember today. The 107 has a straight crossmember which looks funky, but that's the way LR did it. It's just two sections of C channel spot welded together and has open ends. I also sleeved the holes like the original.

The last thing to do is fabricate a folding rear step to match the original.

o2batsea

June 15th, 2011, 06:43 PM

Wolf Fabrication

June 15th, 2011, 07:00 PM

Was the rear cross member originally bolted or welded on?
The engine is suffering from a great deal of wrongness. Was it not positive earth 6 volt or 12V? The horn, the alternator, the rubber intake horn, the battery, and it looks like the radiator, all have to go of course. Have you been able to find that sort of stuff?
Awfully damn cool truck.

Crossmembers were welded on. Should be positive earth 12v. Radiator is correct, or from my research I thought it was.

I'm having trouble finding Series 1 parts of course....

o2batsea

June 16th, 2011, 07:14 AM

I'm having trouble finding Series 1 parts of course.... Well, if it was easy everyone would be doing it.

I also notice that you have about half a forever's worth of pop rivets to replace with round head rivets.

jaygoss

June 16th, 2011, 05:55 PM

Crossmembers were welded on. Should be positive earth 12v. Radiator is correct, or from my research I thought it was.

I'm having trouble finding Series 1 parts of course....

That looks like an alternator; not a generator- but I could be wrong. If it's an alternator I would think someone has converted to negative earth.

Wolf Fabrication

June 16th, 2011, 06:16 PM

That looks like an alternator; not a generator- but I could be wrong. If it's an alternator I would think someone has converted to negative earth.

It is an alternator. I was commenting on the fact it should have a 12v generator, positive earth.

Ren Ching

June 16th, 2011, 10:57 PM

I know where a few of them went

And some of the parts too.

I grew up near this place, and while I never did any business with them, I remember meeting the owner and marveling at all of the old series trucks he had there. He must have had 50-60 series trucks in various states of disassembly. Some nicely restored, early examples too. Sadly it no longer exists. At some point in the last 5-10 years they cleared all of those trucks out and I have no idea where they went. It is still an auto dealership (same name, I think), but the lot is filled with Chevy and Ford sedans. I passed by there recently and noticed a lone SIII Lightweight in the back, which looked to be in excellent condition. I would be very interested to know what happened to all of those other trucks.

Ren Ching

June 17th, 2011, 06:46 AM

The engine is suffering from a great deal of wrongness. Was it not positive earth 6 volt or 12V? The horn, the alternator, the rubber intake horn, the battery, and it looks like the radiator, all have to go of course.

I would leave the alternator, looks like a clean conversion. Easy enough to change the air horn on the weber carb. But, who cares, looks like a well maintained engine bay to me.

Wolf Fabrication

June 17th, 2011, 07:14 AM

Oh no, electrical system will stay until the very end and will likely not get changed.

o2batsea

June 17th, 2011, 12:06 PM

I would leave the alternator, looks like a clean conversion. Easy enough to change the air horn on the weber carb. But, who cares, looks like a well maintained engine bay to me.
I assumed that J was attempting to return it to original stock:My goal for the truck is a period correct expedition truck with matching accessories, tools, and camping gear. If it's a resto-mod then it doesn't matter in the least. It just won't be "period correct".

Wolf Fabrication

July 14th, 2011, 12:40 PM

Been pretty busy making the truck roadworthy: seatbelts, checking and bleeding brakes, replacing all the turn signal, brake, and running lights, plus fixing little things.

Also fixed the non-stock turn signal switch and added a personal touch. The switch and wiring are fine so I decided not to mess with it.

The best addition so far has been the Michelin XZLs on Wolfs. The truck looks a lot better and like it should.

Next up is a whole crate of stock original parts coming from Pangolin 4x4 to include a crank driven Koenig winch!

LFORGUE8

July 14th, 2011, 12:56 PM

i have to say wolf that is one nice rig! makes me jealous that mine is in such disrepair in my garage

airbornrover

July 14th, 2011, 01:10 PM

Nice job.

mikeslandrover

July 14th, 2011, 06:03 PM

looking VERY good:)

rijosho

July 14th, 2011, 06:09 PM

How about a profile shot so we can compare the rubber. Looks good though!

Wolf Fabrication

July 14th, 2011, 06:45 PM

How about a profile shot so we can compare the rubber. Looks good though!

This is as good as it gets.

airbornrover

July 14th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Do the guys on base/gate tease that it should be in one of the training scenarios ?

Wolf Fabrication

July 14th, 2011, 08:02 PM

Do the guys on base/gate tease that it should be in one of the training scenarios ?

They know better than to tease me :)

airbornrover

July 14th, 2011, 08:15 PM

Yeah thats what the Gunny would say that I use to work with at Kilroys where he moonlighted. Still fun poking the Gunny thou.;)

Jpayne

July 14th, 2011, 09:03 PM

That looks great. What a cool truck.

Some of that vintage seem to have the roof matching the body color and some have the roof matching the heat shield. Any idea if that is the original roof color?

jaygoss

July 14th, 2011, 10:57 PM

That looks great. What a cool truck.

Some of that vintage seem to have the roof matching the body color and some have the roof matching the heat shield. Any idea if that is the original roof color?

I don't believe they came stock with limestone roof and sun sheet until the late IIa's or Series III's. If it were stock config it should be white/limestone sun sheet only and roof sides body color (in this case bronze green). I think it looks good though- with the modern looking top and modern wheels.

Wolf Fabrication

July 15th, 2011, 04:24 AM

I don't believe they came stock with limestone roof and sun sheet until the late IIa's or Series III's. If it were stock config it should be white/limestone sun sheet only and roof sides body color (in this case bronze green). I think it looks good though- with the modern looking top and modern wheels.

Jay is correct, the top should be body color and the safari roof white. Rims should be body color as well. Someday it will go back....

achampagne

July 15th, 2011, 06:36 AM

The Chesire Foriegn auto place closed shop a few years ago, theres nothing left there at all.

Wolf Fabrication

July 15th, 2011, 07:15 AM

A few pics from this morning...

Rugbier

July 15th, 2011, 05:33 PM

This is as good as it gets.

J,

I know it is your truck but you have an awesome looking truck that it doesn't deserve those wheels/tyres.

Maybe the tyres but I will put back on the original rims..so freaking sexy without the wholes

Wolf Fabrication

July 15th, 2011, 05:46 PM

J,

I know it is your truck but you have an awesome looking truck that it doesn't deserve those wheels/tyres.

Maybe the tyres but I will put back on the original rims..so freaking sexy without the wholes

Yes Goose, I know. The Wolf rims are temporary until I find correct Series I rims. The ones I took off are not correct.

Wolf Fabrication

July 18th, 2011, 09:43 AM

Just got this pic of the 107 in Argentina prior to restoration.

UnfrozenCaveman

July 18th, 2011, 02:07 PM

Yes Goose, I know. The Wolf rims are temporary until I find correct Series I rims. The ones I took off are not correct.

I've got a set of 7.50 XZL's on 5.5" wheels that make their way on to the 80" from time to time.

They fit fine...I've cheated and use the 1-1/16th lug nuts from a II that still fit the small studs...but are just tall enough to rub on the frame without steering stop adjustment..

Unless you're really set on the 4.5" rims, don't discount using 5.5" ones.

mikeslandrover

July 18th, 2011, 04:16 PM

Didn't the 107/109" have a 5.5" wheel with a lot of inset that looked like a 4.5" wheel when fitted? I had one such wheel a long time ago, got rid of it - it did nothing for the turning circle.:rolleyes

Wolf Fabrication

July 18th, 2011, 06:14 PM

airbornrover

July 18th, 2011, 09:07 PM

There have been a seemingly lot of series 1 parts for sale on the uk ebay site.

Wolf Fabrication

July 19th, 2011, 09:44 AM

Finally got my crate of small bits for the 107. Got the crossmember grab handles, all 4 interior door pulls, interior S2 rearview mirror, and drivers side mirror installed. Also found an original grill badge that turned out pretty good after a repaint. sanding, and polishing.

mikeslandrover

July 19th, 2011, 11:26 AM

Looking good:grin

Wolf Fabrication

July 30th, 2011, 02:39 PM

Finally finished the install of the Koenig crank driven winch with cab controls, as well as the refurbishment and installation of an original rear step.

Next up: tranny swap :(

Antichrist

July 30th, 2011, 03:46 PM

Great looking Rover. Not too often am I really envious. This is one instance.

For period correct tires there's Avon Traction Mileage from Vintage tires. For less money there's a close look-a-like from Specialty Tires of America. http://www.stausaonline.com/light-truck/super-traxion.html

If you are interested unusual period wheels I have a set of two part rims (PN 217267) I'd consider parting with.
If you aren't familiar with them, they look like this.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q100/easo2/daniels%20stuff/sally%20anne/100_1134.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q100/easo2/daniels%20stuff/sally%20anne/100_1133.jpg

They were designed for 6.00x16 or 7.00x16 but I always ran 7.50x16's on them without issue.

James Pierce

July 30th, 2011, 03:53 PM

That's a massive winch! Is it heavy? Looks Good!

Those are some pretty cool looking rims Tom. What years / models did they come on?

Wolf Fabrication

July 30th, 2011, 03:58 PM

That's a massive winch! Is it heavy? Looks Good!

Those are some pretty cool looking rims Tom. What years / models did they come on?

Winch weighs 217lbs with the massive mounting plate.

They look to be split (military style) rims. More correct for early Series Is.

Antichrist

July 31st, 2011, 07:17 AM

Those are some pretty cool looking rims Tom. What years / models did they come on?They were used on '49's and in to the '60's. They were an option for civilian. The military used them more.

airbornrover

July 31st, 2011, 05:49 PM

Thing is looking like a monster.

Wolf Fabrication

August 1st, 2011, 05:22 PM

This is why I love Rovers. I had the seatbox, floor, and tranny/tcase out in less than 2 hours.

So if it wasn't obvious, I am swapping in a new tranny....

James Pierce

August 1st, 2011, 05:38 PM

This is why I love Rovers. I had the seatbox, floor, and tranny/tcase out in less than 2 hours.

So if it wasn't obvious, I am swapping in a new tranny....

So what took so long?:grin Did you fall asleep on your creeper again?

evilfij

August 1st, 2011, 11:14 PM

Clean, grind, POR15/primer/rust converter/paint the top of the frame while you are in there. I have seen the frames rust out on the top under the bulkhead area. I would also spray waxoyl into the holes on the top, especially the curved outriggers. Clean out the drain holes under it first.

Hope to see you soon, but I doubt you will drive that truck up my way (although I would love to see it).

Wolf Fabrication

August 2nd, 2011, 06:52 AM

Clean, grind, POR15/primer/rust converter/paint the top of the frame while you are in there.

Won't waste my time. There is galvanizing in the frame's future!!! But this frame is strangely solid with only a few minor issue.

mikeslandrover

August 2nd, 2011, 08:08 AM

Won't waste my time. There is galvanizing in the frame's future!!! But this frame is strangely solid with only a few minor issue.

How will you remove any rust from the inside of the chassis rails before galvanising?

airbornrover

August 2nd, 2011, 09:00 AM

Acid ?

Wolf Fabrication

August 2nd, 2011, 11:49 AM

How will you remove any rust from the inside of the chassis rails before galvanising?

It's going to be acid dipped before galavanizing, so any closed cavities need to have some holes drill anyway. My frame is pretty solid though.

leafsprung

August 2nd, 2011, 07:59 PM

Looking really great. The winch is killer. Definitely the icing on the cake. Nice work.

-Ike

mikeslandrover

August 2nd, 2011, 08:17 PM

Looking really great. The winch is killer. Definitely the icing on the cake. Nice work.

-Ike

X2:clap

Wolf Fabrication

August 8th, 2011, 08:44 AM

Tranny swap is complete and the truck is back on the road. The new trannsmission is nice and tight and quiet - like how I like my women. It also pays to actually read and follow the Workshop Manual. I thought I could outsmart the tranny during reassembly and it kicked my ass for a long time, until I read the manual and was like "ohhhh, so THAT's how it goes back together"!!!

I think I have learned that no matter how hard you try, these trucks will always leak.

Next up is simple baseline maintenence (hoses and belts), and replacing the rear springs so I can get rid of the dragster look.

airbornrover

August 8th, 2011, 09:04 AM

Marines like them quiet (of course):), airborne likes them loud.:):crazy:lol

Wolf Fabrication

August 16th, 2011, 06:54 PM

The one thing I think Series Ones lack are sills. They look very unfinished. While my truck will not see any and serious rocks, I decided to build some sliders to finished off the bottom of the truck.

These are 2" square 3/16" wall tube, notched to fit the firewall/outrigger. They are painted silver now, but will be galvanized on my next run.

nathanwind

August 16th, 2011, 07:08 PM

Dude I'm prob going to miss HH this week...I may have to take a cruise down to your place to check this thing out in person when I get back. I'm totally in love with it...

cgalpin

August 17th, 2011, 07:52 AM

Looking good. So are you bringing it to HH?

Wolf Fabrication

August 17th, 2011, 08:01 AM

Looking good. So are you bringing it to HH?

That's the plan.

cgalpin

August 17th, 2011, 08:02 AM

Awesome. I'll bring the series too.

Wolf Fabrication

November 8th, 2011, 07:06 AM

There has not been a whole lot of overt progress on the truck, but the past two months have been filled with sourcing original parts and pieceing together a heating system. The attached pic pretty much sums up all the progress, and despite the new dash paint not matching the rest of the truck, my dash is now back to original.

Here's a list of the recent additions:
1. Sourced a correct, uncut S1 dash panel (Thanks Bobeck!)
2. Installed correct panel lights switch (Pangolin)
3. Installed Smiths dual oil pressure / water temp guage (Thanks Bobeck for the panel!)
4. Installed correct turn signal switch (Pangolin)
5. Installed a Smiths round heater (Thanks Bobeck!) just in time for winter
6. Installed a correct horn button and bracket (Thanks to John from Guns and Rovers)
7. Installed a headlight dimmer switch

A. Should have some correct demisters coming in the mail this week
B. Correct lug nuts and axle limit straps coming from Rovahfarm

My last major project is figuring out how to level the rear of the truck. I may attempt to remove a leaf, or simply install new parabolics.

Ren Ching

November 8th, 2011, 07:25 AM

Looks good! Glad I was able to help out. Let me know how you like the heat from the little shin-burner...

my dash is now back to original.

Wolf Fabrication

November 8th, 2011, 07:27 AM

Looks good! Glad I was able to help out. Let me know how you like the heat from the little shin-burner...

I already like it. It works great and no leaks. I'm looking forward to freezing the top half of my body and burning the lower half.

D90user

November 8th, 2011, 10:07 AM

Looks great!
Is that the correct order for #3 and #4 in your picture?
I ask out of genuine curiosity as my S1 did not have an extra gauge (but will have one).

Wolf Fabrication

November 8th, 2011, 10:09 AM

Looks great!
Is that the correct order for #3 and #4 in your picture?
I ask out of genuine curiosity as my S1 did not have an extra gauge (but will have one).

Good eye. Techincally the turn signal switch seems to always be closest to the gauge panel, but due to holes already drilled in the firewall I put the Smiths gauge in that location. In the end, nothing really seems to be standard when it comes to aftermarket additions on these trucks.