Potential new owner inbound...

[rhysthomassteff]

Hi everyone,

Reasonable insurance pending (I'm 19) I may end up purchasing a landcrab. Aside from the usual BL 70s rust, especially sills, floor panels etc is there anything I ought to look for/ avoid in one? I don't have a huge budget - maybe £2500. I've restored a series 3 Land Rover so am familiar with general BL "characteristsics", and most mechanical things I'm able to do myself. Just want to avoid too much welding. Compared to a landy, crabs seem infinitely more advanced - ultimately I want something that is that bit more pleasant on longer drives.

Thanks!

[Penguin45]

Hello, welcome aboard.

Glad to see a young person showing an interest in these fine old beasts. Yes, it was an interesting, nay, sophisticated car back in the day, with the most amazing magic carpet ride. Knocks the spots of Series Land Rovers by miles.

Prices have risen significantly over the last few years with most nice examples now topping £4k and upwards. £2.5k will get you a decent example, but it will require work to some degree. There are a couple of cheapies on eBay at the moment. Do not buy the black one in Colchester... We know about that one... The green one in Colchester is a far better bet and was the property of David on here many years ago. It deserves to go to someone who will try and take care of it.

Rust is the enemy. They can (and will) rot just about anywhere, so vigilance is required. My own red one is like painting the Forth rail bridge. After ten years, I'm into my third tranche of structural repairs. Have a good look round the site. The restoration stories are very revealing and there's even a photo section entitled Rust which is not for the faint hearted. Part of the problem is that the cars are immensely strong, so problems can get left too long. Panel availability is also becoming an issue, with one rather eccentric gent holding a barn full of ex-MoD spares. He will not deliver and he will not ship. Collection is the only option.

That said, the rest of the car is simple, even the much maligned Hydrolastic suspension system. It's all pretty standard Sixties BMC stuff with regard to electrics, hydraulics and engines so there are no great mysteries on that front.

I hope you choose to join us. They're a great car. A bit unusual, a bit rare, highly distinctive and a great drive.

Chris.

[rhysthomassteff]

Thank you - I am coincidentally looking at the green one in Colchester - will plan to have a look when I drive back to london from Edinburgh next week. Luckily I know some welders, I just don't want to end up spending just as much as the purchase price on getting it safe. Basically anything else mechanical, as long as it drives and stops, is well within my reach as a mechanic and for the most part all the bits should be lighter than Land Rover ones!

If I do end up with one, it'll be based in south London so would be great to get to know anyone in the same rough area.

Rhys

[Penguin45]

DFD's last owner was a member on here. The thread is HERE. The kindest thing I can say is that they didn't help themselves very well.

C.

[rhysthomassteff]

Nov 28, 2023 13:46:44 GMT Penguin45 said:

DFD's last owner was a member on here. The thread is HERE. The kindest thing I can say is that they didn't help themselves very well.

C.

Thanks for linking that - had a read through and it’s certainly… interesting. I’ve had running problems with my landy so know all about sorting out everything else before the carb. Throughout the family we’ve 3 BL cars, one of them a midget with a 1750cc (i think) so will definitely be able to source parts. Looking at everything that’s happened to that car it seems within my reach or that of family friends/known mechanics. Budget and personal desires mean I’d rather it running well and structurally sound rather than a show pony.

Frankly if it’s more watertight than a colander and not a huge safety risk in terms of rust I’d be fairly happy with it. It’d be dry stored most of the year anyway.

Rhys