Will it run? Abandoned for 24 years... Land Rover series 3 Offroad Build

[@ST_RC]

100% feeling the stealth vibe. i think it would be so sick to see a "near stock" looking defender just massively flexed out, but still just sitting above stock hight!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

This would be really capable keeping it small and lightweight as well... the stealth build is very appealing...

[@dble5896]

I second this stealth idea.

[@upscaleshack]

It's not a defender.

[@MrBillsfishin]

​@@upscaleshackhe said that.

[@Bmpaul02]

12v Cummins sleeper build

[@The_BeardedBandit69]

I think the sleeper build would be pretty badass. Just imagine seeing a semi stock series 3 on the trail and next thing you know, it starts articulating like a damn spider 💪🏽

[@tomdavis5878]

As a brit this makes me feel at home. Owned and built plenty of landrovers. The 200tdi (2.5 diesel) engines are great for swaps and last forever. I like the stealth plan, shout if you need me to send parts!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Can you find me a 200 tdi for a decent price? After owning many idi diesels I would prefer to swap a direct injected motor into this thing.

[@EricaMTB]

​@@DirtLifestyle what did you buy? A Series 2.25 na diesel?

[@nickmccollum5836]

@@DirtLifestyle There's one for sale in VA on forums for $1500 right now. The problem with 200Tdi's is that some parts are unobtainable. I prefer the 200Tdi but you can find parts for the 300Tdi much easier. I daily a 200 Tdi Defender in the United States and it just _barely_ has enough power to not be a problem on American roads. I've got the injection pump just about maxed out with a newer turbo. It's still slower than my stock D1 but handles hills without downshifting like I have to with the D1.

[@Bridgemechanical4x4]

Every other 4x4 is a landrover here in the UK all most of us want is a American truck lol

[@borderguy8299]

@@DirtLifestyleTake it from a yank with a 93 D90…. skip the 200tdi and go straight for the 300tdi. The parts are so much easier to come by and are a bit cheaper. Both motors respond great to a bit of mechanical tuning… boost pins and rings, VNT turbos and also bigger intercoolers from Alisport.

[@scooter1261]

Stealth build!!!! You’re never going to not want to drive it. And if you have to trailer it everywhere, you’re not driving it. The joy of a classic is driving it around and enjoying it. Not hiding it in a garage and not on the back of a trailer.

[@bc30cal99]

Good morning from the BC side of the south Okanagan, thanks for the video. As a grandfather who has been driving and playing with 4x4 rigs for more than 4 decades, I usually enjoy your content just to see what others are doing, new developments, etc., but seeing your kids participating really made me smile this morning. Thanks much for that, I hope you all had a great time at the fair.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man 🙌 I'm very fortunate to have these kiddos!

[@menzenski]

Just when I think the builds on this channel can’t get any cooler, Nate drops this one. Super excited about this Series 3!

[@PNW_Rodeo]

Like I said in the precious video...savage suspension on 35s! Don't over do it, and take away from that awesome classic look. I'm excited to see this build.

[@chuckieswickedgoodfab]

I like the stealth vibe. I also think you sit back, take a minute to think about it while you work on your other builds and then comeback to it with a fresh enthusiasm

[@TheExpenditionForge]

Awesome Nate! I was in the military in the UK and I imported a diesel Defender 110 and a diesel 80 series Land Cruiser! I live right over in Idaho and I'd love to come out wheeling with you when this Rover is done! Awesome find, Nate!

[@DirtLifestyle]

It sounds like you have great taste 😎

[@DaveNZ3339]

Hey mate, Dave from Australia here. I have the identical Series 3 with the petrol engine. I had a terrible time getting it to run properly and went through all the steps you went through: Electronic ignition, new coil, plugs, wires etc. It turned out to be the carburetor. I bought a Weber carb from Paddock Spares and it fired up immediately and now it purrs so smooth! I don't know when you filmed this video, so maybe you already got fed up and swapped in the diesel motor. But if you haven't, chuck that old carb in the bin. I've only had mine for a year, so I'm no Land Rover loyalist, but I'm in the same mind as you: build it to drive like it was meant to be driven, not just to get coffee!

[@andymckane7271]

Great reply from DaveNZ3339 in Australia (or New Zealand?) I'll love Land-Rovers for the remainder of my life and beyond. Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Hawaii.

[@joannehart9624]

When I was young, my father and I toured Africa. That's where I gained a love of old Rovers. And with the safari top, this looks amazing. I can't wait to see what you do with it. 😍

[@federalxxfunn]

I dig the stealth idea! Plus that keeps it everyday drivable 🤘🏼

[@wscrig00]

5 grand?!? I’ve been looking for one of those for 30 years. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see the build. You do you. It’ll be excellent.

[@ryansearlybronco]

Coolest build since your 80 series

[@Mitch_Bierma]

I was working on a 68 a couple months ago. And got my 77 running last year. Never trust an old tank. New lines, carb rebuilt, and coil and timing made them go. Can’t wait to see what you do

[@kev9501]

Your channel is a breath of fresh air. When all the other folks are ooing and awwing about the newest, latest and greatest vehicle. Meanwhile, you are giving an off road icon a second chance. Good on you!

[@steves7345]

I see this land rover and all I see is Ace Ventura parking it 😆 😂 😆 Like a glove!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol

[@brandonb88]

My thoughts 😂

[@rupertgumban9251]

That’s build like a tank , build it off-road ready Nate,you’re the expert with it, can’t wait to see how it looks and runs into trails!!!

[@shakenout4980]

Agreed! Build it hardcore. When you find one at that price point and have all the means to build something no one else can, you have to go all the way.

[@bungieking9468]

1973 Rover Grenadier! 35’s and turbo diesel! So much fun! Good luck with the new build!

[@RobertJacobson-d8q]

Talk about winning the lottery with that find definitely a sleeper can’t wait to see what you do to it dream vehicle of mine just awesome

[@willb3018]

Great find. Do what you do to make it make it your style. Axles as you say. I like the deisel. Rock sliders? Subtle but beefier bumpers? Maybe slightly larger tires.....but not too large. Just don't go too crazy to retain a good portion of the classic look.

[@pierpalicious]

Stealth plan without a doubt. You said it yourself- you are attracted to the Rover because of how it looks. So don't change how it looks! You also like to wheel. So build a rig that can wheel! This means build a sleeper!! It would be so unique and would fit into your fleet nicely. You have the Samurai for hardcore rock crawling. You have the discovery for overlanding. You have a tow rig. You have the gladiator for mild truck stuff and camping. Now you "need" a fun classic that you can cruise around town in on a sunny day, but also take wheeling.

[@russjowett2137]

I second this. Would round out your collection. A sleeper build. With lots of cool tricks. Keep it looking close to stock. Narrow 35’s. Stock looking rims. Just a more normal wheeler. With hidden flexi suspension. I assume those land cruiser axles are going under this?

[@dustinsnider1646]

I can't imagine a cooler project. I haven't seen anyone build one of these old land rovers and again I am so excited for the future of this channel!!

[@JeremyMakesThings]

The first 7 seconds of this are so extremely relatable. We’ve actually got a group chat called “projects we don’t need” for sending each other stuff.

[@tobibeneke6236]

Something as Classic as this needs to stay as original as possible in my opinion

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It should be kept original, just my opinion.

[@peterharden4777]

Agreed, the beauty of these vehicles is their inherent simplicity. Modernising them excessively detracts from the whole point

[@nickcrill7718]

Sleeper build. I’ve never been into land rovers I’m a old Toyota guy but does like like a fun project.

[@jordanharris3749]

In my opinion the stealth rover would be sick, keep it looking somewhat factory and make it a hell of a crawler

[@Rangemog88]

I vote for almost stock size tires with beefed locked axles and take it on medium scenic trails. It really set it in when you pulled the crazy land Rover next to it... you've got a crazy one make this one look stock and beefed.

[@tb77073]

Nate, this is so so cool if my vote counts, please keep it as close to original as you can; you don’t find vehicles like this every day. This looks awesome!

[@snowysysadmin59]

I dont know anything about land rovers or old land rovers, but all i can say is that thing is AWESOME. wow, what a killer find. Good luck getting it running and driving!

[@drulfer]

I know it’s almost a cliché now on 4wd build videos, but I think it would be awesome to see a classic Land Rover sitting on PORTALS. To see that built out and then out and about on the trail would be something to see. GO BIG!!

[@joshuagumm8485]

That would be dope.

[@DirtLifestyle]

That would be so rad

[@dancarter2963]

There's a few series Land rovers on portals in the UK. One was used as a support vehicle for a UK team doing the Ladoga trophy and has been driven to Russia and back a couple of times.

[@NZSLIM2.0]

As a cool point about the old Landy is that when filling up with a jerry can, there is an extension sleeve that pulls out from the filler neck to make it easier to fill without a plastic nozzle👍

[@brycewilliam1984]

Give it the Dirt Lifestyle Nate treatment. Diesel power, manual transmission, custom suspension, and loads of fab work. It’s going to be awesome!

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

You found treasure, no matter what work it needs!

[@mrjohnsonclarke]

Dude I build these old landys for a living. I'm so glad you bought one and very keen to see what you can build out of the old rig. Cheers from AU.

[@BPDRacing1]

Run some 255/85 16 tires(a tad over 33") and keep it all under the fenders. If you can squeeze those axles and all that suspension in there with out cutting the fenders it would be so cool.

[@peterfranzese6577]

Sleeper/restomod style build! Street friendly offroad warrior with all the creature comforts.

[@MrBillsfishin]

That beauty was a steal. Awesome find. As cool as the 40's sound if you can go 35's and not hurt it wheeling because of the trails you think you have planned for it then it will look closer to stock and be more true to its original form. I think. Lol

[@lancesjoholm9078]

Keep it close to stock. Parabolic springs and modern tires. Then do a trail video comparing driving this vs your discovery.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I can't believe it isn't completely rusted out... that is a heck of a find and an awesome price.

[@davidbutler5114]

Fire wall is steel and the body is aluminum. Biggest problem is the frame.

[@alexanderhei2066]

Sweet Baby Jesus finally someone building a a Land Rover and making good quality build videos ! Please make an awesome crawler !

[@Fparrish]

100% following this build. I own 2 Land Rover series cars. One is an 63/ 88” and I also have a 109” series2a 🤙🏼 Let’s go ! Also at that price you stole it! 😮

[@DirtLifestyle]

A 109! I love those trucks

[@rainwatercold1507]

Maybe do a series on it where you fix it up here and there ,adding stuff to it like someone who works full time,and would have time here and there to work on it, and add what it needs to run. Then what you would do first to just take it wheeling. Slowly build it up....?? Just thinking out loud. You do what makes you happy tho. Love the channel Bo!

[@Will_N4WIL]

Something restomod-ish. Modern, capable drivetrain and suspension that maintains the original vibe. I mean, come on man… do you really need another rig on 40’s ?

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol "need" is such a tricky word...

[@jackwormald5195]

Amazing!! From a Defender man, please do this girl justice ❤

[@sjoutdoors0514]

Definitely go with the stealthy route. That rover is so nice stock.

[@danm9874]

you must keep this build classic! 35's would be perfect.

[@ryanbarber231]

Stealth crawler for sure, these trucks are just so cool in stock form otherwise. Get this thing running and driving for the local show/cruise next week! It'll be the coolest thing downtown.

[@Gravityfed777]

Please do the sleeper. It’ll respect the vehicle and it’ll be a machine on the trails. Everyone will love it . If you do a full build you’ll get alot of hate down the road.

[@jojo67c]

I agree 100% with the sleeper build. Defenders just have a presence about them that's so cool. Having a stock look to honor the heritage. But let's face it, us builders will never be satisfied with stock 😂. Whatever you decide to do with it I'm here for it!

[@rafaelwferri]

That is the perfect platform for a cummins R2.8. Would love to see that coming! Love your videos. Keep up the good work man! Cheers

[@abelgonzalez1945]

Build it however you like. I'm sure is going to be a great Build series

[@phillims1]

Keep the look, upgrade the capabilities.

[@bmxerben]

Always a sucker for a sleeper build. Everything doesn’t need to be on tons and 40s.

[@derekjarman1638]

Wow - $5k for what looks like a decent Ser III - good score! Like the stealth idea - the 80's axles on some super flexy parabolic leafs to keep the original look would be pretty cool.

[@johncortese745]

I'd keep it low and 35s with some magic suspension underneath. I love these old LRs

[@gilligantheyahoo]

YES!!! used to have a SIII, just a toy not offroader. Build it mild please! It's too nice to chop up!

[@seanroe9671]

It would be really cool to see a 4bt Cummins, with the axles that you bought on 35s, giving it the capabilities for trails but keeping it a classic

[@colinbalme3064]

If it were me, I’d just get it running and enjoy it. It’s not the toughest offroad but they do put up with a lot in stock form. I’m on Vancouver Island let me know if you need any parts I have a barn full of them

[@Crashfistfight80]

Put that diesel in. And definitely do the stealth build. Congrats on acquiring an amazing project.

[@Rivetroad]

No no no! Rover guy here so glad to see someone else get one of these and do a build on KZbin. Forestrac rover is the coolest by far though.

[@aaronwermers4160]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Years ago I helped on a project 109. We ended up putting it onto a Disco 1 frame that we stretched. Put in an older diesel and it is awesome. It looks completely stock but drives and performs so much better. I really look forward to what you do here! Miss your DII also!

[@Caravaggio999]

The best thing about Landies is their iconic character and purposeful nature. I wouldn’t jazz it up too much, but it’s yours and being a Yank you’ll probably make it heaps better!

[@jacobwilson9205]

I’ve seen some stealth ones on 31s that does some of the hardest trails without a problem haha. I think the stealth options is super cool

[@stevenoe6395]

Better off with old stuff than the new vehicle anyway!!!!! Build a big ass go anywhere thrue anything rig never leave them stock!!!!!!! Love your videos man wish i could get my 6 wheel e150 suoer build going just seems like something always happens to keep me from it lol

[@workshopnut]

I know it’s not your thing, but if I owned that I would keep it “mostly” stock and make it my daily driver. It looks like it’s all there and in good shape, and really cool. I wouldn’t cut any body panels or make any major mods. They’re only original once!

[@truck93]

I love it! I love the stealth idea, with a daily driver option. Stock looking, modern underneath. That is what I did to my 77 CJ7 that I daily drive, and man do I love it.

[@casper8994]

Absolutely love that you’re doing this build, the series 3 is near and dear to my heart and have built a couple up between mild to wild. Stealth build should be the way you go and if you need any parts here in the US let me know. Imported a bunch and shipped stuff back stateside when I was stationed over in the UK

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

I'm a sucker for the classic pre-Defender Land Rovers. I think they're awesome looking just as they are. I would keep it stock-ish/close to stock looking. It's like seeing a classic flat fender 40s Jeep thats been modded. It just doesn't sit right.

[@matta5534]

The old split window vw bus sitting in the driveway is super sweet too! Cool vid!

[@jeffengland8136]

You're seriously living my next dream with this one. Same vision, just maybe three years out from here for me. Really looking forward to your build as an example. Lot's of options out there for retaining the classic look, looking forward to a Series 3 version of your Disco for me!

[@thegmanfromsf]

Option 1 all day! Crawler builds on 40s are a dime a dozen on KZbin. Keeping it as close to classic stock AND off road capable would be extremely rare and interesting

[@ricoolivier]

Love from South Africa! I had a '73 Series 3 lwb with a Rover 2.6 six cylinder with two SU carbs on. Also had the "safari" roof like yours...early "keep cool solutions"!Your video brought back so many fantastic memories 🎉! Thanks for that! Good luck and I'm glad she found a great home!😅

[@DomRican]

Great find! I would go stealth !

[@TACTICALNOMADOFFICIAL]

@DirtLifestyle, Nate, My vote is Option #2. Stock looks with sleeper suspension. You already have the Suzukinator for rocklanding.

[@stuartmorton3083]

This is why it's fun watching your channel, not just sticking to one brand. I've wanted one of these since I was a little kid and going to the British car show, I think used to be in Puyallup at the time, and someone had the long wheel base with a kitchen setup in the back. I'll get one one day.

[@TripleXclown]

Those S3 body panels are easy to straighten.. been waiting a couple days for a moment to watch this! Did not disappoint!

[@kevinclevenger8741]

It was so great seeing your kids loving just being out in it around the fields with them .I think the 35 ideal would be killer

[@timmcooper294]

I have been wheeling these hard for almost 40 years all over the western states. They are the most under rated platform , by far, here in the USA.... My current wheeler is a "Super Stock" build , LS powered, SM420, 4:1 transfer case, and built stock axles with 1.400" 32 spline shafts that I made myself. It is true stealth, 7.50-16 tires and all. I just did a 7 day wheeling trip in the Sierras doing Fordyce Creek, Barret Lake, Dusy Ershim, and the Rubicon back to back, DRIVING it between trails. Oh, and I don't take the bypasses. I have been running 38-40 inch tires since the end of the 1990's, but I'm having WAY MORE FUN in my "super stock" 88" Land Rover on 31" tall pizza cutters !!! While I like the 80 series axles, my original front axle is built stronger than you can build that 80 series front.... I hogged out the unboltable knuckle balls to accept 100 series LC ifs CV joints , which are WAY bigger than 80 series birfs !! Built to run at higher angles (IFS) under a heavier, more powerful truck. Plus, the super distinct 5 on 6.5" bolt pattern wheels are a MUST if you pretend to be a "sleeper" 6 or 8 lug sticks out like a fart in church and blows the whole thing. Don't waste your time with any Land Rover engine !! after almost 40 years of playing with these things.....They are dog s**t..... Iron block LS keeps the nose weight you want for ledge climbs (I drove straight up the steps of rocker knocker on Pritchett Canyon, on 7.50-16 tires) 35 inch tires are not stealth......... If you want real stealth, go 16" stock style zero offset reverse hoop rims, max 33" tall skinnys, and keep that super distinct 5 on 6.5" bolt pattern, as it's really a big part of the old Land Rovers style !! Those stock rear springs flex like crazy, more than YJ or 52" GM ...... just build new rear shock mounts for long travel shocks. You would be surprised how much you can get out of those short front springs, but going a little longer is a good thing. Lots of bad info on the internet about these...... most builds involve just the body and frame, with he same old generic parts that every boo bird uses.... Don't call it "stealth" or "sleeper" unless you really mean it !!! Looking forward to this build.

[@DirtLifestyle]

You are right! I guess I don't want it to be true stealth. I like the idea of making it look chunky and rad without it being a buggy. Putting it on 33s or 35s while hitting nasty trails is stealthy to me, but true stealth would be making it appear stock. I'm not interested in that. 🤘

[@timmcooper294]

@@DirtLifestyle Hey, as long as you don't link it, "stretch" it or "comp cut " it, I'm all good. 33's are too small to need an axle swap, so 35"s and moving the rear axle back 2" -4" with a simple fender rim and re-roll get my vote. I warn you about that engine......You WILL be sorry !!! Do the right thing and put some real engine in it !! This rig is unique enough that you can use a common engine that really works. I love my iron block LS with quiet exhaust i just flat always works, and has a wide, thick powerband , far better than any small diesel. Have you though of the Toyota UZ V8 wih it's trans and HF2A, my favorite transfer case ???? Similar reliability to LS, but unique appeal....

[@JS-wr9zu]

Love the stealth idea. Killer suspension and drivetrain with the old classic look👌

[@junkyardsearcher6407]

So cool! I loved riding in my grandpa’s 64 with a diesel… I’m looking forward to more on this!

[@TriggerHapySheep]

I’m actually like really stoked for this to become a series! Such a cool rig!

[@jonastoigodesouza222]

This thing looks awesome. I'm so excited to see the upcoming videos about this project.

[@rjbfreelander2]

Brilliant project, would love a series Landy in the stable. Look forward to seeing where this goes.

[@abpsd73]

Awesome score. Finding all the extra parts for cheap is the icing on the cake.

[@nealcarpenter7364]

I'm a beach cruiser fan for an old series. It is a bucket list.

[@carykennedy9467]

Definitely has the most unique style of any vehicle on the property straight out the box! A capable sleeper would be badass to see! Keep it real.

[@blastworksllc]

I had a ‘62 Series 2A. I left it in stock form it was a beast. It had 4:71 gears and would walk. Mine was a positive ground system.

[@JacobShepherdEngineer]

What a fun project for the kids to ride in. Love the back seats.

[@westernwanderer8397]

For 5 grand! Wow, what a find! Every Land Rover loved dreams of this kind of find. I would love to own one to restore. Found one once in Idaho, but it was so far gone, all the panels were going in different directions. I guess they are out there.

[@JamesTremblay]

Anything but cutting it up!!!!! Cool catch!

[@HardcountsAdventures]

It’s pretty clean, I kinda think it would be an awesome hunting rig. Something that can get you out there but bring the game home to be processed.

[@minidoido1]

Great project. Looking forward to see more of this project.

[@4xPhil]

Keeping it close to stock will just be like every other restomod defender video out there so hard core land rover fans will be happy but a lot of us wont be bothered to tune in.. i’d watch some crazy custom suspension and make it capable while keeping og looks!

[@1LRLRG]

used to have a series IIA 68-88 it was a lot of fun to drive and work on. We had a group of friends that all had land rovers of various models

[@joeeasterling5652]

Those old Rovers are cool. I am going to just hang in there to see what you decide to do with it.

[@austinskidgel2690]

We are who we are!!!! Build it man make it like a rock lander. Use it to be highway worthy but can do most all the trails you want. Give it some 37’s+ and some 1 tons

[@homemaintenancebyclive153]

The extra roof over the roof is called a safari roof. Neat Landy you got there

[@joulemine]

Poor TJ is still stuck watching everything else get fixed but it 😢

[@DirtLifestyle]

I want to at least start the TJ rebirth this winter 👍

[@elceemo4383]

This build is going to be sick. Looking forward to see the end result!