Land Rover Series 3 - The Perfect Classic Car Daily Driver?

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

#landrover #landroverseries #restoration
Could the Land Rover Series 3 be the perfect daily driver??? I take a look at the answer to this question in the context of my very own 1976 Land Rover Series 3 88" diesel restoration project.
Subscribe to my channel to catch more of the Land Rover restoration, the Toylander 1 build, the MGB GT rolling restoration, the Morris Minor and much more!!!

Пікірлер: 141

  • @mixupmick7191
    @mixupmick71914 жыл бұрын

    I notice you didn't need to reset the ecu, recalibrate the wheel sensors, or clean the dpf filter before starting. A Series Land rover simple and still effective as a daily driver. The holes in the floor let the rain water out. I took my Series Landy on a 4,500 mile camping trip to the arctic circle in Norway in winter!

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha, indeed! I would LOVE to do a trip like that someday! Brilliant!

  • @rustandoil
    @rustandoil Жыл бұрын

    I've been using my S2 88 as my daily driver for the last 6+ months, no problems for me 😊👍🏻

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice one! Keep it up 👍🏻

  • @bernardbarbour
    @bernardbarbour4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your honest assessment. I have a 109, use it daily. Parts and insurance are very cheap as you said. Great truck for DIY'ers. Thank you.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Would love a 109” as well but space is limited. Maybe one day!

  • @greatpariscars
    @greatpariscars2 жыл бұрын

    I daily drove a 1962 Series IIA 88 for years in the USA. I took it on long road trips to Montreal, Canada, and through many of the north eastern states in the USA. I put tens of thousands of miles on it and learned to adjust the valve clearances on an almost weekly basis and change the brushes in the generator every few months! I did all the work on it myself including removing the head to have new valves and springs installed.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice one! I’d love to do a really long trip in mine one day!

  • @caravaggiosaccomplice7841
    @caravaggiosaccomplice7841 Жыл бұрын

    I drove one as my commuter and general get-about for years. Every day was like heading out on holiday until I arrived at work.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    In a Land Rover; every journey is an adventure!

  • @frankmurray9172
    @frankmurray91723 жыл бұрын

    A friend of mine took a series 3 left hand drive all round Europe in the 1980's. It ran faultlessly for thousands of miles. He went as far as eastern Turkey where he was stoned going through a village. All went well until he had a crash in Spain not far from the Santana Land Rover factory. He came back with a plastic grill saying Santana on it. We worked together fitting post office screens all round the narrow back roads of South London. I used to get to drive it. I can relate to the previous comment about other vehicles giving way to you. Being left hand drive was good as you could keep an inch away from parked cars and let oncoming traffic decide what they wanted to do!

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice one, cool memories!

  • @GH-rr7tk
    @GH-rr7tk4 жыл бұрын

    Useful thanks, enjoying the series 👍

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

  • @jonowillmer
    @jonowillmer4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the great info, hopefully I'll be picking a series III up soon, your video's are very helpful and have a great friendly feel.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much! That’s great news, keep us posted. Glad you find the videos useful!

  • @AMPFIELDVISION

    @AMPFIELDVISION

    4 жыл бұрын

    As a daily driver?

  • @jonowillmer

    @jonowillmer

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@AMPFIELDVISION no it was for a weekend toy, but things feel through, I'm pretty disappointed, but one day it may work out.

  • @agilchrist73
    @agilchrist734 жыл бұрын

    My 88" Series 3 (2.25 petrol) was an excellent daily driver. Drums needed adjusting every so often, but simple rugged and easy to drive.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nice! Have limited experience with the petrol 2.25, admittedly, but would love to be able to drive a Series daily!

  • @saftevand
    @saftevand4 жыл бұрын

    I love my 1982 Series III but don't hate myself enough to drive it on a daily basis :-D

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha, this seems to be a common theme in the comments on this video!

  • @wildsidemtb
    @wildsidemtb4 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video and very accurate, I just finished working on my series 3 and sorted registration yesterday. I'm loving it. I'm fortunate to have an 88 and a 109 so I'll be sharing the daily drives

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mark, appreciate you watching. Would love a 109 one day, they’re great! Glad to hear you got your Landie sorted, enjoy!

  • @amosismael4060

    @amosismael4060

    2 жыл бұрын

    Instablaster.

  • @jakehoward4755
    @jakehoward475510 ай бұрын

    My 67 2a 109 has been my daily driver for nearly 20 years, dog an I even lived in it for a year. Happy days. R I P pippy

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @tonyalways7174
    @tonyalways71744 жыл бұрын

    Lovely car. I have a Puma Defender 110 which is a great truck but the charm of Series vehicles is way nicer. Thanks for a great video.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I’d love a Puma-era Defender as a daily!

  • @sundown798
    @sundown798 Жыл бұрын

    Drove one in High school in the early 90's in the NE US when these were cheap to buy and parts weren't to expensive. Parts blew up when the RR started getting popular with rich folks. The 93' 110" and the 94' 90" Defender NA came to the US aiming to wealthy people. It literally changed the folks that still drove rag tag NA Land Rovers that were in small off-road clubs and trucks that were left over since the 60's and 70's in the US as they stopped bringing in the trucks due to regulations mid 70's. Those early days at events like at Rovers North or camp outs at Atlantic British were defiantly the golden days.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    Sounds great! Vehicle and parts prices have gone a bit crazy here too

  • @jasoncorlett8186
    @jasoncorlett81864 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I now know the colour scheme I want to do on mine. Looks perfect

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jason, much appreciated! Keep me posted on your work!

  • @pauljenkins2501
    @pauljenkins25014 жыл бұрын

    I had a swb 2.25 petrol for a few years, and I miss it so much.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    They are great fun, aren’t they!!!

  • @samwestenskow
    @samwestenskow3 жыл бұрын

    I have 1973 88" Petrol and I only paid $41 USD for the whole year and I am 16!

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice one!!!!

  • @mattryan2536
    @mattryan25364 жыл бұрын

    That Defender has more Style than most cars on the road. 👍I wish she was mine.🇺🇸

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Hard to beat such a classic design and simplicity!

  • @josephsaid756

    @josephsaid756

    4 жыл бұрын

    :D that's a Series3 ... Defender name/concept/model appeared in the 1990s

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    This is true, same blood line though!

  • @josephsaid756

    @josephsaid756

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga well apart from body shape, solid axle and ladder chassis construction they are quite different 😄

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Fair enough, can't argue with that!

  • @cataros82
    @cataros824 жыл бұрын

    I had a 1978 series III diesel, limestone with the safari top. I tried to use it as a daily driver but, as you said, it's not suitable for long commuting. Sadly I had to sell it but I miss a lot my landy.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nice one! Shame you had to sell, but there’s always a readon to buy another for fun!

  • @robertmitchell9415
    @robertmitchell94153 жыл бұрын

    We are about to cross the finishing line with our '79 series 3, she should be on the road by October fingers x.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice one! 88”?

  • @niallntaz
    @niallntaz3 жыл бұрын

    Love it!

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @aldyhabibie9717
    @aldyhabibie97174 жыл бұрын

    Apparently my mom seems to be interested in this car since she was in.... high school?! lol I've been thinking about getting one of these later when i made enough positive numbers in my bank.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha, they are great vehicles!

  • @gregnorman2698
    @gregnorman26982 жыл бұрын

    I have a 58 petrol series 2 Safari wagon that I use every day. The comment here is correct that I rarely drive more than 5 miles each way. If I have to go 20 miles plus I use a different car, especially if expecting traffic. The controls are very heavy for stop start motoring.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    2 жыл бұрын

    A fair point!

  • @nimeshvala1793
    @nimeshvala17939 ай бұрын

    Nice

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    9 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @aeropunk4127
    @aeropunk41274 жыл бұрын

    I love driving my series 3 petrol 109 ragtop, but at 14 mpg on my 46 mile round trip commute I would be destitute if I used it as a daily driver. Still great fun in the sun though.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ouch, that would be an expensive commute!

  • @temsbab1565

    @temsbab1565

    3 жыл бұрын

    carburettor must have been tuned wrong mine got about 25 mpg

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    You could be right!

  • @aeropunk4127

    @aeropunk4127

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@temsbab1565 It doesn't help that I am running the old Goodyear Xtragrips on it. That probably accounts for a few mpg as it turns energy into noise.

  • @ramarover
    @ramarover4 жыл бұрын

    I drove two different petrol lightweights, one with range rover diffs, another with overdrive, as my only vehicle late 90's, early 00"s, everything from short rural journeys, to regular 50 mile round trips to Belfast etc. Always took a lot of continual maintenance,but we're generally very reliable. Although never comfortable or economical, so I happily moved onto a car as a main vehicle from then on and landys for weekend fun. That being said, every once in a while, if I have to press my current series 3 diesel into service for transport to work, it does so very satisfyingly.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lovely! I would really like to be able to use my Series more often. NI roads aren’t too bad for daily use of older cars I feel

  • @rosshanley8398
    @rosshanley83983 жыл бұрын

    I have a 109, upgraded with bigger engine, high speed diffs, high speed transfer box and 5 speed overdrive box. It also has a Detroit Locker installed in the rear diff so it’s permanently locked and drags the tyres on every turn. It has a terrible turning circle too, such that you have to plan your turns well in advance. If you wanna turn into a street you start making the turn two streets back from the one you want and if it’s wet you just pop the clutch and powerslide into the street. Interesting vehicles.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Haha, sounds brilliant though!

  • @thebnicho
    @thebnicho4 жыл бұрын

    I too have a 72 Series 3 88 Diesel with overdrive in Hardtop UK spec. I drive an FL2 daily though as I have a 70km commute. My work also requires Airbags and ABS to visit work sites. So I just can't do it in my 88. For the record, my 88 lets in more water than the canvas top on my Mini Moke. I haven't decided whether to try and cure the leaks or just live with them. The previous owner kept a sponge tucked above the windscreen corner to catch the leaks and he would wring it out after each wet journey.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    That’s a shame that regulations prohibit you using your Series. Sometimes I wonder if I would be drier without a roof entirely!!!

  • @MrLegograbber99
    @MrLegograbber994 жыл бұрын

    I love those roof bars, whered you get them ?

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Got them off eBay actually. The make is called Aiko, they’re still for sale!

  • @cfagil
    @cfagil3 жыл бұрын

    Many Thanks to share your Series 3 experience. Just bought a 82 model patrol. Fun to drive. On fast A roads or Motorways could be a challenge because keeping the car straight with a steering with much play requires some concentration. I wonder how you get on with the steering on a straight road at anything about 40 mph?

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi, thanks for watching! That sounds like a lot of play in your steering! I would start by checking your ball joints throughout, there are six to check. My steering requires minimal input to maintain a straight line all the way to 55mph

  • @cfagil

    @cfagil

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga Many Thanks. Will do that.

  • @mkent1213
    @mkent1213 Жыл бұрын

    Have you tryed fitting crossply tyers instead of radial tyers, i have some on my t25 and makes a hella diffrence

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    I haven’t, no. Slightly scared by them to be honest. I’ve settled into these new narrower tyres abd quite like them now!

  • @robertgardner2484
    @robertgardner24844 жыл бұрын

    Yes you can Daily drive them, I daily a 2a petrol , slow and noisy but if you can put up with it fine cars

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lovely! Sadly my job doesn’t lend itself to using a classic daily but maybe one day!!!

  • @SanderRave
    @SanderRave Жыл бұрын

    Did you fit the aftermarket safety belts and which ones dit you select?

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    I have a lap belt fitted in the rear which I got from eBay. Securon is the make I believe.

  • @chrisc3197
    @chrisc31974 жыл бұрын

    With the new defender the price of the old Land Rover models will go through the roof

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I think so too. Keep an eye out for this week’s video looking at this very topic!

  • @frankmurray9172
    @frankmurray91723 жыл бұрын

    Another plus is these trucks won't depreciate !

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    3 жыл бұрын

    You’re right!

  • @Nog311
    @Nog3114 жыл бұрын

    I had a Series 3a and used it in central London as a daily driver....I used FWH all the time.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nice one! Not its natural habitat either to be fair! Would love a set if FWH. Thanks for watching!

  • @Nog311

    @Nog311

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga To be honest it was great never had a scrape no other cars would come near me.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha, I’m sure! The other drivers love a good galv bumper and exposed chassis, a proper deterrant to stupid driving and parking!

  • @arbit3r
    @arbit3r4 жыл бұрын

    I have one with a 200tdi, defender diffs and ashcroft high range. Great everyday car. 30mpg. Keeps up with traffic.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Very nice!!! If I had converted to 200tdi I think a high range box would have been good.

  • @arbit3r

    @arbit3r

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga defender axles or diffs are far cheaper and easier to install. With both installed cruising at 70mph is no problem.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I didn’t realise that Defender diffs where longer geared, thought they had to be Ranger Rover?

  • @arbit3r

    @arbit3r

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga defenders have 3.54 diffs and series 4.7. it's a simple swap that gives you a 31 percent increase in top end. You see them going for £50 to £100

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Super, might look into this! Both my diffs are a little noisey and leaky!

  • @je6017
    @je60174 жыл бұрын

    Rocky Mountain Parabolic Springs in Canada sells a spin on adapter. I was chatting with the owner when I picked up some parts. He says they are very easy to fit and make oil changes a snap. Nice guy, a bit slow to respond to emails, but a nice guy. Check them out.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I will, thanks! The last time I checked with Rocky Mountain they had none in stock but I’ll try again. They make really nice stuff!

  • @simonbarclay9507

    @simonbarclay9507

    4 жыл бұрын

    The Santana ones fit and are still available also.. look on eBay GENUINE SANTANA LAND ROVER OIL FILTER ASSEMBLY PART NO 112486

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!!!!

  • @michaelgaskell6808
    @michaelgaskell68084 жыл бұрын

    Now that is a proper Landi.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! And thanks for watching too!

  • @adeh503
    @adeh5034 жыл бұрын

    I've had a series three for nearly 30 year's and it's never leaked through the bulkhead like that, used to get a bit though the doors but not as extreme as yours, do you reckon there's a problem with the screen frame

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I think you are right, the water seems to be tracking down from the windscreen frame, needs removed and re-sealed

  • @threeboardsfour

    @threeboardsfour

    4 жыл бұрын

    Agree, I've got an 1982 series three which was bought new by my father and it's never done that.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Screws have been bought, just need to bite the bullet and do it!

  • @highdownmartin
    @highdownmartin4 жыл бұрын

    61 LWB used daily. Stnd tyres and gearing. 200 tdi I put in last years has transformed it as the ol petrol engine was v tired. FWH are good especially noticeable at low speed parking full lock situations. Stick it in FWD frequently to spin the front uj's that flings oil up the railko bushes. Or they'll Seize

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Would really like a pair of FWH but their prices seem to go up every time I check. Nice one for using yours daily!

  • @pagangardener
    @pagangardener Жыл бұрын

    Don't know how any one could use these as a daily drive cramped driving position. Steering wandering drink fuel gears clunking not for me but don't get me wrong I like what they represent and the nostalgia

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    Each to their own I suppose, but agree, the aspiration of adventure adds a lot!

  • @seanfarrell5341
    @seanfarrell53414 жыл бұрын

    Great video... I'm 6' 2.... Will I fit, head room act... Or will I be ducking down all the time.. Seriously thinking of one , it would be handy to get the turf home and a bit of shooting here in laois and the slieve blooms

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! My brothers have both driven my Landy and they’re both 6’ 2”, I think you might need to consider a smaller steering wheel to fit your knees in more comfortably. Problem with this is that it increases the effort required for steering! If just for short trips you maybe able to manage as is?

  • @seanfarrell5341

    @seanfarrell5341

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga looking at one on done deal 5800 ,1977 ,I haven't gone down to look at her yet, won't have the fund for another few weeks...take a look and tell me what you think. I would really appreciate it

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Have you got a link?

  • @wildsidemtb

    @wildsidemtb

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm 6'2 and no problems at all, the only thing I've done is remove the rubber bumpers behind the drivers seat backrest, just gives you an extra Ince or so. Height is no problem

  • @seanfarrell5341

    @seanfarrell5341

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@wildsidemtb about bloody time, he he thanks

  • @bobp6742
    @bobp67424 жыл бұрын

    Think if you fasten down your windscreen it might help with stopping some of the water getting in. Same as someone else on here I converted my 67 2a to a 200tdi with disco diffs used every day and get well over 30mpg and still got its original crash box. On a galvy chassis same as yours Biggest problem, people constantly offering me money for it my paintwork is no where near as good as yours and still had offers over 6k. Tho I do have hydraulics on it.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes, the windscreen is a job I keep meaning to get around to! Yours sounds like a good and usable vehicle, nice one!

  • @blackbird8632
    @blackbird86324 жыл бұрын

    What kind of seats are these?

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I bought them from Sam’s Trim about 10 years ago. Company disappeared for a while then resurfaced on eBay. Never answers phone or email though which is a shame as they are good quality!

  • @fishingwiththomas
    @fishingwiththomas4 жыл бұрын

    I would daily drive mine if I could afford to keep the V8 fed. I get about 10mpg 😁 I am on classic rego in Australia to so that stops me too. But rego for a year is $46au and insurance is $99au.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha, I’d imagine the V8 could be thirsty! What’s rego by the way? Nice to hear from you down under!!

  • @fishingwiththomas

    @fishingwiththomas

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga Rego is registration or what you guys call road tax I think. Normally would be $800 a year if it was everyday use.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ah right! That’s quite sensible that it gets proportionately reduced with use, unlike the UK all or nothing system

  • @rockystone1821
    @rockystone18214 жыл бұрын

    Hi what type of diesel engine is in your land rover 3

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi! This is the original Land Rover 2 1/4 diesel engine. Normally aspirated and 3 main bearing. I like it, though it is not the most popular power unit!

  • @rockystone1821

    @rockystone1821

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@restosaga thanks, how do you rate the 5 bearing diesel?

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    I’ve never driven one, but other than a perceived stronger crank, I cannot see how it would be any different!

  • @jjt1093
    @jjt10934 жыл бұрын

    They do sell the screw on oil filter adapter but its bloody expensive

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    It really is. The only one I know of is Rocky Mountain but it has been unavailable for years.

  • @Dez456

    @Dez456

    4 жыл бұрын

    These had cartridge type oil filters. The adapters can be found on old engines and bolt straight to the 2.25 block. They used to be a tenner second hand but now about 40 quid on ebay. Make sure to change the gasket between the adapter and block. Fitted one to my Series 3 County.

  • @Dez456

    @Dez456

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sorry, missed off the main bit: the 2.5 n/a in the Land Rover 90 and 110 (before the Defender) had cartridge type oil filters.

  • @flight2k5
    @flight2k54 жыл бұрын

    If it’s not leaking you don’t really need to check fluids.

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha, they are always leaking! If any of my classics are sitting for a length of time then I like to double check all the essentials are at the correct level. Better safe than sorry!

  • @EzylrybSoren
    @EzylrybSoren4 жыл бұрын

    to aser your question bot the free wheeling hubs if you use it a lot it will save you fuel but you need to remember to at lest once a month engage the hubs to lubricate the front drive chain otherwise it will knacker up the axles internals but is you are ether forgetful ore don't used it a lot don't bother because you might lost at most 5 mpg

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Great, thanks! Good to know!

  • @christianmarteau3444
    @christianmarteau3444 Жыл бұрын

    les jantes sont quand même très moches......

  • @restosaga

    @restosaga

    Жыл бұрын

    What a constructive comment, thank you. These are the original wheels and remember, looks are subjective.

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