Land Rover Series 3 88" - Is it really a practical classic???

[@NORTHERNROVER1]

Quite enjoyed this video so thank you! I have a S3 88"SW that I have owned since 1989 and I think it is a perfect Classic vehicle, for me anyway. Over the years it has become less practical and not much fun as a daily driver in modern traffic here in Canada however it is wonderful in our rural areas of which we have a lot and I still thoroughly enjoy driving it. Some mods like parabolic springs, electronic ignition and a Weber carb have made it quite comfortable and reliable. Also, it's simple to work on, parts are affordable and very easy to find. About 25 years ago I had to swap the chassis and installed a galvanized one which I highly recommend. This year she will get galvanized framed doors and door tops which have just arrived from the UK. Cheers!

[@restosaga]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! Your Landy sounds great and tastefully upgraded too!

[@stco2426]

Hi. A S3 LR like yours is definitely a great practical classic as long as you don't have to go too far (or too short) a journey. Either of those cause problems and yes it's completely down to keeping on top of work, regardless of the vehicle. A classic must ideally be under cover and pampered a bit more than a daily car, too. If it's a chore to drive then the fun fades. I'm sure your S3 bring a smile to everyone. A practical classic is what everyone would drive, but they don't.

[@restosaga]

Well said, thanks for watching!

[@stephenwalker6823]

I'm looking at 109s at the moment. We have an EV that does almost everything that we need, so our Zafira is doing very few miles (less than 200 last year). The perfect time to buy and old Land Rover purely for the fun of it and let it replace the Zafira. What do we NEED it for, just towing a trailer to the tip, local journeys with our family of 5 and 1 or 2 friends, carrying DIY items back from the store, tip runs and, the possibility of very rare, long journeys where charging would be a problem (once a year UK or Ireland holidays or an emergency drive to a funeral in Ireland).

[@restosaga]

Sounds like it’s time for a Landy in your life! A 109” would suit the needs you’ve mentioned very well indeed. Do it!

[@stephenwalker6823]

I nearly bought one the other day, but it's not quite the right time, as I'm waiting to see if my contract continues at work. I should know in the next few weeks.

[@restosaga]

@stephenwalker6823 Fingers crossed you are able to go ahead!

[@stevefilby2838]

A very good straight talking honest review which has helped me a lot. Cheers, keep the videos coming

[@restosaga]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@spratnk]

I use mine all the time.. Never fails to start and is a good workhorse. Just have to keep on top of the maintenance.

[@restosaga]

I’d be lost without mine! Perfect for those trips to the dump, especially!

[@MegaSkypes]

I have a 1976 SWB petrol and love it to bits I do all my own maintenance work had a fairy overdrive but it blew up so I have a toro to install soon and replace the head gasket just finding the time ATM!!

[@restosaga]

There’s always something needing done, right?

[@MegaSkypes]

@@restosaga absolutely but that’s the charm and character of them!

[@restosaga]

I agree!

[@steamwally]

I think it really depends on your lifestyle- they are the kind of vehicle that suits those who appreciate the slower pace of life. If you're joining the commuter traffic to the office every day, you're probably going to hate it quite quickly. I live in an increasingly busy area of Southern England and that was a large part of why my Series 3 is only used occasionally for commuting to work now. At one time I was doing over 10k miles a year, and it was arduous as you say- but I will say she really looked after me with the regular use. But it's an incredibly useful vehicle, generally quite simple to keep going and the parts availability is exceptional. The flip side is that quality components are increasingly expensive and they are absolutely not the relatively cheap transport they once were. I think it's also worth mentioning that they can be a miserable experience in winter and really make you appreciate the creature comforts of more modern vehicles.

[@restosaga]

Excellent points. Parts are a whole discussion in and of themselves - great availability but variable quality these days and rising prices. Thanks!

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Mine was a rag top 1973 brand new imported from the UK SWB brought it from Fauls yes I had a faily OD worked a treat

[@restosaga]

Nice one, thanks for watching!

[@highdownmartin]

A thick felt mat loosely attached to the bonnet as large as possible, absorbs a lot of top end rattle. Foam glued underneath bonnet is rubbish. Double shag pile carpet is what you want. And I found a good transmission tunnel cover and thick mats in the footwells grab a fair bit of noise too. You have the latter but it may get darker but I sound deadened the underside of my roof and some of the sides and put foam soundproofing on as well. I’ve painted it grey so it doesn’t look very obvious, but the condensation is dramatically reduced and the echo box has the edge taken off it. 200 tdi in mine, also not a quiet engine, and it’s quite reasonable at 50/55 volume wise.

[@restosaga]

Thanks! These sound like great solutions to the noise issue!

[@vido4x4]

I would not recommend carpeting on any Series. Not a good idea on vehicles are not watertight. Ask me how I know. 😊

[@highdownmartin]

@@vido4x4 the felt under the bonnet isn’t c glued it’s suspended by four studs I welded on to the bonnet frame. The thick mats in the front are solid rubber. I didn’t put any absorbent stuff glued to any steel! You know the reasons!

[@gwizz9175]

Really fancy a Series LR for my next classic, would be a great garage companion for my mk1 Mini. I think I'll treat myself to one as a retirement present in a couple of years. Would be tempted by one with a 200 or 300tdi conversion, the standard 2 1/4 diesel does have a reputation of being sloooow. Maybe a standard petrol would be slightly better?

[@restosaga]

Sounds like a great stablemate for a Mk1 Mini! I do love my diesel for its simplicity but the petrol has a better reputation for usefulness. Depends what you plan to use it for? I would try and test both!

[@Sam-tc1op]

Enjoy your content been watching for awhile. Just acquired a series 3 similar era to yours. All engine gearbox running gear seem fairly standard. Needs a full rebuild. Good part On a galvanized chassis. Any advice would be appreciated Sam

[@restosaga]

Hi Sam! Thanks for watching! Sounds like you’ve got a great project. Just take your time at disassembly and record everything and store carefully. Throw nothing away!!! I made that mistake and it can be expensive when you find out certain parts prices. Keep in touch!

[@123654789Eduardo]

Very nice 👌

[@restosaga]

Thank you!

[@johncunningham4820]

You are right about the 109 being even more practical, once you adapt to the TURNING CIRCLE . Think , 5 acre paddock . You can actually load 1500kg in the back with no ill effects to the Vehicle . That improves the shit out of the Ride quality too , lol .

[@restosaga]

I’d love another go in a 109”, feel like it’s been too long!

[@johncunningham4820]

@@restosaga . Also , you CAN sleep comfortably in the Back of them . A full size mattress drops in the hole perfectly . What's called 3/4 size , that MOST people actually use for Single beds .

[@restosaga]

@johncunningham4820 That is a major bonus! They make such a cool classic camper

[@johncunningham4820]

@@restosaga .Yup !

[@highdownmartin]

Not 1500 kg. That’s one and a half tons. More like 3/4 ton. Increasing stopping distance considerably!

[@rustyrovers7924]

Love your videos keep them rolling. Do you have a email address to share I don’t do so social media as such and would like some support with my series when needs must. Thanks

[@restosaga]

Thank you, and thanks for watching! I don’t actually have a share-able email for here, must get one sorted. Happy for questions in comments though, the traffic helps the channel!

[@DavidSmith-hg9jw]

Have a 71. 2a. Pickup fitted electronic ignition parabolic all round stainless steel exhaust gas shocks new doors backs came with free wheeling hubs long wheel base hubs 265x75. Tyres 88inch base paid 400 pounds in 201 spent. 2000. On it also fitted halogen lights used for cruising in the Cotswolds picking up logs and. Deer stalking 🦊👍

[@restosaga]

Amazing! Those are great upgrades you have made!

[@daviemaclean61]

I recently sold my 1972 88" petrol soft top which I owned for 9 years. I can report that I had no problems keeping warm, indeed I rarely ever drove it with the drivers door window fully shut. Nice review of a solid aged Landie. Cheers

[@restosaga]

Thanks for this! I do have a phases of wishing for a soft top and have always been curious about warmth!

[@daviemaclean61]

@@restosaga When I bought it the sand soft top was about 20 years old and almost white. It was also doing a good impression of a colander! I bought a brand new tilt from Exmoor, and while I was splashing out I bought the fume curtain too. I never fitted it as I didn't feel the need. I could see it being an advantage in a 109 with the bigger volume to heat. Cheers

[@restosaga]

@daviemaclean61 I like the idea of a bikini hood, but not much chance of the weather to suit it here in Nothern Ireland!

[@daviemaclean61]

@@restosaga I'm just over the water in the west of Scotland. I agree ;-)

[@mkent1213]

I have to drive with my windows open even in winter coz my windows steam up😂