>>>someone had a like new frame for a Series III 88 and a Series III
lightweight with a rusted out frame, how much similarities between the
two?<<<
Having modified a RR chassis (frame) for my Lightweight hybrid I can confirm
that the only problematic areas are the bulkhead outriggers, and the rear
crossmember.
The outriggers are about an inch shorter to accommodate the narrower
bulkhead, as I was welding new outriggers onto the RR chassis I simply cut
the chassis end off to make them the right length. So you could do the same
by removing the outriggers and welding them back on again. It might be
difficult to shorten them from the outer end, though not impossible as the
bulkhead bolts on via tubed holes through the outrigger. I do not think that
the excess length would be enough to accommodate an exterior roll cage.
The rear crossmember can be simply cut down at the ends and the open ends
re-plated, but you may find that the lugs that the rear end of the tub bolt
to are also in the wrong place, no big deal here just cut them off and
re-position. For a realistic rear crossmember I have seen the ends "squared
up" to match the appearance of an original Lightweight crossmember as
apposed to the tapered version used on civillian series Land Rovers. This
would then allow you to re-attach the original Lightweight rear
bumper/overriders.
All other attachment points are virtually the same, some minor re-drilling
required here and there. A civilian frame however does not have holes for
the lifting eyes fitted to Lightweight front dumb irons and rear
crossmember, if you intend putting any stress on these you must tube the
holes you drill in the chassis. The only other thing missing I can think of
would be the front crossmember (immediately behind the front bumper) but
this would not be obvious to a casual observer. If however you are fussy
about these things it is very easy to fabricate one from a couple of bits of
steel plate.
Mike Rogers
Lightweight/Range Rover hybrid
Transferboxleverless 110 project
(if you can't get there in a Land Rover you can't get there)
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Thu Apr 26 2001 - 09:23:13 EDT