1960 Series 2 Land Rover Restoration Photos

Purchased in October 2023, this 66 year old ex-Army Land Rover (Car/Chassis# 153001027) had served in Vietnam, ended up in Sydney, worked on a farm and then came to rest in Dalby, QLD where she sat in a field for over 10 Years. Her Army record shows ARN 111-387 as a "Truck, Flatbed, 3/4 Ton, GS, Radar Set AN/KPQ1, No 2 Loading" and she left the army on 6th Dec 1983 and ended up in NSW. The army record shows engine number 151018512, which was the 2l Land Rover engine, however when purchased she had a Holden 202 V6, which was a common change after the army days. After some tinkering, the engine started and ran for a while and then seized with a loud crunch. Parts for a new (old) Land Rover 2.25L engine were sourced from the Sunshine coast and $700 later, I had an engine (sort of).

All

Old

Engine

Paint

Build

Finished

Ex-army vintage utility truck framing transit parameters context box

Sep 2023 - On her way to a new home - Stopped in Esk, QLD

Rusty chassis elements framing engine cleanup details

Sep 2023 - Most of the spiders webs had blown away during the trip. Nothing fell off either!

Delivery day garage structural bay placement

Classic car restoration project staging framework outline

Sep 2023 - Delivery Day - Nothing has fallen off yet!

Holden engine engine bay layout diagnostic view

Sep 2023 - A Holden 202 was a common conversion back in the day when they wanted a bit more power

Dashboard instrument dials displaying old vehicle tracking metrics

Sep 2023 - According to the gauges, she had travelled 52,521 miles (first time round?)

Rear truck space packed with classic replacement components

Sep 2023 - A few freebies were included in the sale and were in the back.

Military control cluster interface display

Instrument control layout detailing historical radar toggle modules

Oct 2023 - Dash was still with its army features and she must have had a winch at one time from the switches.

Before restoration structural tracking perspective

Unrestored ex-military flatbed alignment capture panel

Oct 2023 - The final photo before the strip down started

Ex-army tactical driver cockpit cabin view

Oct 2023 - Inside was looking ok and still in its army design

Cleared chassis structural framework block

Cleaned rear bed layout platform matrix details

Oct 2023 - Junk removed and she is bigger than I thought

Dashboard wiring access point perspective

Automotive ignition metrics console tracking outline

Oct 2023 - Sep 2023 - Mission control for the Army Land Rover!

Vintage headlamp lens configuration view

Historical frontline tactical headlight design module

Oct 2023 - These headlights would have seen a few things in its Vietnam days.

Compliance metadata plate asset location

Solihull manufacturing details stamp indicator layout

Oct 2023 - She was made in the Birmingham (UK) and shipped in Aus.

Oct 2023 - Brake hydraulics didn't work, however the hand brake did, because it is on a lever.

Underbody transmission shaft diagnostic module

Differential linkage connection joint overview perspective

Oct 2023 - The propshaft hasn't turned for several years, so there is lots of work to be done!

Historical tactical grab handles and map lighting interfaces

Oct 2023 - The right hand side of the dashboard was from the army days.

Seized aftermarket engine block configuration before extraction

Oct 2023 - The old Holden 202 engine was able to be turned over when she arrived, but soon died.

Stripped driver utility layout panel staging setup

Oct 2023 - All rubbish removed and a nice sweep later, it is cleaner.

Damaged historical seat components inside dynamic classic restoration project dashboard frame container

Oct 2023 - Sadly the army seats had to be replaced due to a completely rotten frame and rotten foam.

Army identity text plate recovery staging

Oct 2023 - The army plate was buried under brown paint, so this will be cleaned off.

Clean passenger panel configuration showcase

Refurbished internal firewall bracket layout display

Oct 2023 - The passenger side after a clean up.

Unloading cast iron motor components row

Oct 2023 - Engine block being unloaded, which I later found out was full of oil and water slime.

Motor hoist framework alignment overview

Oct 2023 - Engine block being unloaded, which I later found out was full of oil and water slime.

Engine internal cylinder breakdown perspective

Oct 2023 - Engine block being unloaded, which I later found out was full of oil and water slime.

Serial identifier serial number stamp tracing tracking

Oct 2023 - Engine number 90123719A was from a Series3 Land Rover and newer than our Series2

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3, 2.25L Land Rover engine.

Donor engine auxiliary layout configuration panel

Manifold alignment layout tracking metrics

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3, 2.25L Land Rover engine.

Flywheel back side connection hub frame details

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3, 2.25L Land Rover engine.

Rocker cover component cleaning step view

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3 Rocker Cover and been buried in sand.

Cylinder valve assembly head layer layout

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3 engine head been buried in sand.

Combustion chamber visual track asset layer

Under valve configuration track parameters screen

Oct 2023 - The replacement, and rusty, 1973 Series 3 engine head been buried in sand.

Seized piston configuration inside bore track

Stuck mechanical linkage assembly frame grid

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block was in a bad way and the pistons were completely stuck.

Internal crankcase contamination visual tracker

Oil gallery contamination details overview panel

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block was full of oil/water slime.

Sludge cleaning operation step framework container

Internal motor block details display track

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block was full of oil/water slime.

Crankshaft journal layout status inspection

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block Crank Shaft looked salvageable.

Hardened crankshaft counterweights tracking line details

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block Crank Shaft looked salvageable.

Piston rod configuration visual grid display

Disassembled block alignment row overview screen

Oct 2023 - The replacement engine block Crank Shaft removed and pistons stuck.

Hydraulic shop press extraction sequence asset

High pressure component extraction setup view panel

Oct 2023 - 20 tonne press removed the stuck pistons, with a huge bang!

Scored cylinder sleeve diagnostics module visual track

Damaged sleeve walls overview alignment configuration details

Oct 2023 - 20 tonne press removed the stuck pistons, now the cylinders were bad

Precision engine boring operation outcome display

Machined cylinder wall crosshatch grid line tracking layout

Nov 2023 - Mick Baker Engineering rescued the engine, bored the cylinders, added .03 inserts

Unrestored combustion chamber surface configurations layer

Nov 2023 - The engine head and valves were in a bad way after sitting outside for years

Water damaged clutch friction plate display module

Rusted pressure plate alignment context screen data

Nov 2023 - The clutch had sat in water for years and had to be replaced.

Valves guide alignment restoration layer display parameters

Dec 2023 - The engine head needed some serious TLC.

Reassembled 2330cc motor layout configuration matrix

Assembled short block overview dynamic alignment interface

Jan 2024 - Starting to look much better and the engine is now 2330cc and no longer 2286cc.

Unleaded valve seat inserts installation tracking line

Dec 2023 - The cylinder head was looking much better after a good clean, machining and valve seats added.

New heavy duty clutch component placement tracker

Polished pressure plate alignment system detailed panel

Mar 2024 - Best ever looking Land Rover clutch.

Reground journal surfaces configuration blueprint panel

Hardened steel crankshaft balancing overview tracking grid

Mar 2024 - Mick Baker Engineering rescued the crank shaft, where it was ground and hardened.

Finished engine assembly in showroom beige color tracker

Apr 2024 - Engine # 90123719A is complete and ready for install. Cummins Beige and Aluminium paint colours.

Engine bay integration checklist tracking panel display

Mounted engine block under firewall clearance boundaries

Mar 2024 - Finally the refurbished engine is now installed.

Engine crane removal operation sequence visualization row

Holden motor extraction step outline map grid tracking

Jan 2024 - Old engine out - Thanks Holden 202, you are no longer needed

Holden 202 motor hanging from chains track panel

Empty engine bay bay framework outline perspective view

Jan 2024 - Old engine out - Thanks Holden 202, you are no longer needed

Standalone engine side view layout tracking template data

Distributor side engine layout configurations display view

May 2024 - Last picture of the engine on the stand before the install

Corroded brass radiator testing step visualization track

Oct 2023 - I loved and nursed the old radiator and as soon as I filled it up with coolant, it leaked

Polished aluminum core radiator install view template row

Upgraded cooling lines mapping configuration boundaries window

Mar 2024 - New radiator installed.

Cut down wheel openings panel trace layout grid

Nov 2024 - I loved the history of the old 'Cut-Out' army wheel arches, however time to go more original.

Dashboard wiring spaghetti mess access block details

Positive ground automotive layout diagnostic view indicator panel

Oct 2023 - Series 2 were originally a +ve earth electrical system and a spaghetti mess of wires

Welded firewall panel verification layout layer data

Epoxy primed bulkhead interface area tracking chart outline

Oct 2023 - The front firewall had quite a bit of rust and new air vent panels were welded in and coated with Epoxy Primer.

Removed hardtop configuration structural layout panel text

Disassembled body tub alignment overview details map track

Dec 2023 - The roof is off and the replacement wheel arches and A/B pillars are in the back.

Bare chassis frame coating tracking module line view

Stripped rail alignment structure parameters layout window

Mar 2024 - Back to the chassis rails and that is about it. Multiple rusted bolts had to be cut off.

Empty chassis front engine compartment section outline

Removed wing assemblies panel space boundaries blueprint grid

Mar 2024 - The army wheel arches are off and the now seized Holden 202 is about to get removed.

Rear tub rebuilding structural component placement tracker

Aluminum panels alignment tracing configuration screen details

Mar 2024 - Slowly coming together and Epoxy Primer still needs to be sprayed on the main tub.

Grey epoxy primer bulkhead layer display panel format

Coated dashboard framing sheet metal alignment index graph

Jun 2024 - Epoxy Primer on the bulkhead and dashboard.

Loose fit outer wings surface coverage track layout

Front body configuration panels in primer protection layout

Jun 2024 - Epoxy primer on the front panels, which are loosely bolted on.

Deep green paint application booth setup view row

High build primer gloss topcoat tracking metric system

Sep 2024 - Painting has started! Epoxy Primer, High Build Primer x2, Final Green!

Gloss green panel alignment overview framework container

Freshly painted panel parts inventory alignment parameters data

Sep 2024 - Painting has started! Epoxy Primer, High Build Primer x2, Final Green!

Instrument panel color detail trace asset tracking

Polished dial tracking base plate panel overlay outline

Sep 2024 - Painting has started on the instrument console as a pick me up after days of block sanding.

Liquid paint can chemical labels validation capture

2K polyurethane classic color mixing index specifications

Jun 2024 - Painting will start soon and this is the paint.

Custom switchboard sheet metal fabrication showcase panel

Dash modifier switch cutout template tracking guide mapping

Aug 2024 - A new panel for the dashboard. This will have the starter key, Master switch and a few other switches.

Abrasive medium cabinet item blast processing step panel

Sandblasted steel door hinge elements structural inventory grid

Dec 2024 - Sand blasting all of the small parts, including door hinges.

Shiny finished top canopy structure overview alignment map

Limestone white roof surface coverage test panel tracking lines

Jan 2025 - The roof all shiny in its new colour. Two coats of Epoxy primer, two coats of High build primer and three coats of 2k Solid

Finished green firewall unit inside workshop framework bay

Mar 2025 - The final part to go. Now all body work is green, it is time to look at the doors.

Painted panel components drying array verification outline data

Green component matrix outline tracker map chart parameters

Mar 2025 - The final part to go. Now all body work is green, it is time to look at the doors.

Tailgate structural steel reinforcement tracking checklist layout

Rusted door frame tracking analysis matrix overview lines data

Mar 2025 - Finally to the doors and the back door frame is steel and appears to have had a few repairs in the past.

Stripped door frame layout sheet metal parameters view

Chemically stripped door panel alignment parameters check index

Mar 2025 - Finally to the doors - Front doors black paint is removed.

Bare aluminum outer skin configuration index row panel

Rear door stripping procedure step capture visualization line

Mar 2025 - Finally to the doors - Backdoors black paint is removed

Rusty steel wheel rims grid layout tracking matrix panel

Corroded split rim wheel layout diagnostic details screen view

Apr 2025 - Tyres removed and the rust became evident.

Sandblasted wheel rim row setup overview tracking display

Primed wheel components list boundary alignment structure view

Apr 2025 - Tyres removed and next stage is primer.

Gloss green painted wheel rim stack template showcase row

Refurbished wheel assemblies display layout specifications window

Apr 2025 - Tyres removed, rust removed and now finally painted.

Assembled painted body side structure overview perspective

Polished bronze green panel surface coverage checking details

Feb 2025 - A wall of green and the main green painting is complete.

Glossy green panels display line tracking details overview panel

Completed color coding check inventory panel parameters screen

Feb 2025 - A wall of green and the main green painting is complete.

Refurbished panel arrays list alignment status report trace

Final coating checklist map tracking parameters screen framework

Feb 2025 - A wall of green and the main green painting is complete.

Reassembly rear box panel alignment staging setup layout

Hardtop canopy side panels bolting sequence checklist view

Dec 2024 - Starting to put things back together now and all green and the hard top sides have been bolted on.

Rear load space panel installation checklist tracking map

Rear tub alignment metrics tracking context data screen layout

Jan 2025 - Tray installed (and secured) and hard top sides bolted on and she is starting to look like a Model T Ford!

Side panel framing structure review dynamic line layout view

Canopy installation tracking parameters overlay index capture data

Jan 2025 - Tray installed (and secured) and hard top sides bolted on and she is starting to look like a Model T Ford!

Vehicle body structure perspective matching template panel grid

Mar 2025 - I am trying to work out if she looks like a 1960s bread delivery truck or a car out of the Bugsy Malone movie.

Box body assembly outline parameter specifications screen view data

Mar 2025 - I am trying to work out if she looks like a 1960s bread delivery truck or a car out of the Bugsy Malone movie.

Front window frame track installation details layout pane

Windscreen glass mounting boundaries tracking graphic indicator line

Apr 2025 - Windows and windscreen are in and she is starting to take shape and look like a car again!

Iconic side window assembly glass configuration view template

Hardtop glass seals tracking map specification border overlay

Apr 2025 - Windows and windscreen are in, including the iconic back windows of a Land Rover Hard Top!

Front grille area component tracking panel showcase matrix

Headlight panel elements layout configuration index window data

Apr 2025 - Windows and windscreen are in, and the Landy has eyes again!

Outer wings and bonnet assembly setup verification timeline

Completed front clip alignment overview framework diagnostic row

Mar 2025 - The bonnet and front wings are finally on, just in time for a cyclone to arrive and the Landy moved out of the shed.

Assembled body outer skin tracking context details overlay view

Mar 2025 - The bonnet and front wings are finally on, just in time for a cyclone to arrive and the Landy moved out of the shed.

Rear mounting access ladder trace asset tracking sequence

Galvanized steel ladder tracking alignment overlay specifications

Mar 2025 - The Series Land Rover (and later Land Rovers) had a ladder installed to help get to the roof.

Bonnet panel mounting track blueprint checking model data

Delivered body assembly tracking context detail overlay format

Mar 2025 - The bonnet and front wings are finally on, just in time for a cyclone to arrive and the Landy moved out of the shed.

Door hinges component connection status index display row

Installed door panels tracking parameters chart overview data

Apr 2025 - The doors are finally on, but the new rubbers make them very hard to close. Work needed there!

Door rubber seal diagnostics matching configuration window

Adjusted body skin panels tracking context detail panel display

Apr 2025 - The doors are finally on, but the new rubbers make them very hard to close. Work needed there!

Assembled door locks verification list matrix track overview line

Apr 2025 - The doors are finally on, but the new rubbers make them very hard to close. Work needed there!

Heavy military ply tyre tread trace alignment check module

New 16 ply tires setup showcase row framework overview panel

May 2025 - Wheels and new tyres. I went for 16 ply army tyres that are almost bullet proof for a real rustic look.

Mounted multi ply offroad tyres layout configurations display

Rugged steel wheel setup showcase index list border parameters

May 2025 - Wheels and new tyres. I went for 16 ply army tyres that are almost bullet proof for a real rustic look.

Finished rolling chassis alignment metrics checklist layout tracking

Rustic utility wheel assemblies verification list details window

May 2025 - Wheels and new tyres. I went for 16 ply army tyres that are almost bullet proof for a real rustic look.

First road registration checklist test tracking grid block

Jun 2025 - I purchased all of the required paperwork and took her for her first test drive and found that the brakes didn't work.

Road shakedown test failure sequence tracking detail data screen

Hydraulic lines checking list blueprint format tracking markers

Jun 2025 - I purchased all of the required paperwork and took her for her first test drive and found that the brakes didn't work.

Master cylinder leakage overview context layout diagram mapping panel

Brake lines modification checklist report parameters index table

Jun 2025 - I purchased all of the required paperwork and took her for her first test drive and found that the brakes didn't work.

Front bumper winch assembly install checkpoint layout grid line

Electric heavy recovery setup showcase row outline validation details

Aug 2025 - Now is the fun part and making the Landy Rover more like an expedition vehicle, now with a winch!

Winch system power connection parameters interface monitor screen

Heavy utility recovery line placement tracking guide check matrix

Aug 2025 - Now is the fun part and making the Landy Rover more like an expedition vehicle, now with a winch!