I have fiound a Lightweight - Advice please.

[Mick_Marsh]

I'm in love.
She's gorgeous.
She could be all mine, at a price.

DSC_7285.JPG (239.65 KiB) Viewed 9686 times

So, gents, what do I need to know? What do I need to look out for? What ailments do these vehicles usually pick up and are they curable?

[GrumpyB formerly FULLTILT]

3mb engines , can use a bit of Engine oil but go for ever. Main gearbox , early have a ratchet reverse idler but a expensive conversion kit to Z shaft sorts , probably 3/4 synchro wear. Short rear 1/2 shaft breaks before long , you often read this - a friend had it happen , not self. Normally one of the first jobs I do is pull the rear 1/2 shafts & check for wear / any twist evidence at inboard / outboard splines. The original L'wt axles 5 fee o'all - a easy quick task, not so with later 'rationalized' axles, changes started with hybrid axles from abt. mid. 1980

I suppose chassis corrosion , at back end in main , however most L'wt in Oz seem ex- Hong Kong or some remote dry place - should be no problem.

You seem on 7.50 x 16 , handy the extra 1" diff clearance in bush , problem getting 6.50x16 - now a great problem.

[GrumpyB formerly FULLTILT]

btw , had another look at the picture - seems a FFR (spade lids on wing tops) - that started --HG-- 1980 , but in fact you have rationalized axles (have 11" front brakes , rather than early 10") & that puts you certainly after Nov. 1980 . No rear wheel arch toolbox (underbonnet from abt. 1980) . BIG plastic grille badge (is a dating feature , but I forget) KA I think - so I guess earliest 5mb engine is a --KA--

The odd contract did have a mix. of glass and plastic bug-eye lens , but you can't go on that.

Defender mirror(s) often fitted in service as soon as they became available.

Seems a local hood , roll up eaves buckles and flap - not a normal feature but good to have.

Seems all in order , few more pics and a bit of a think - I may be able to zero in on the build date better , could be a --KB-- or a --KC--