Cannonball 1970 Land Rover Series IIA conversion

[Oldmopars]

This year for the Cannonball Run we are doing Year of Birth. I wanted to do a Land Rover, but the Revell kit is a Series III and they did not make those untill 1972. So, I am making my SIII into a 1970 SIIA. The good news is that there is not a huge difference between the two. The biggest changes were the dash and the grill. 

SIIA for 1968-1971 had the headlights moved out to the "Wings" or fenders to comply with export requirements like to the USA. This stayed the same for the 1972 Series III. However the SIII did get a new plastic grill, the SIIA had a metal wire grill. 

The SIII also received a new dash. This moved the guage cluster from the cnter of the dash to ether the right or the left depending on drive side. It also was padded and a completely different dash than the SIIA.

With these changes in mind I started with the grill. I carved back the kit grill area and cut it open. I then made a new bulkhead out of sheet and cut out the correct opening. I then glued that inplace over the old one. I found some aluminum windo screen at the hardware store to create the metal SIIA grill.

The dash was more work. I had to create it from scratch. The kit dash is so different that t can't be used at all. I used mostly .250 strip and some thin sheet. An 1/8 rod for the steering column and the kit steering wheel. I still have more work to do here and details to be added, but it is getting close. I also added wiper motors to the windshield frame like the SIIA has. 

Last picture is an SIIA

Edited January 3, 2022 by Oldmopars

[MeatMan]

Looks like a nice project Scott!

[Oldmopars]

It has been a while since my last update. I am on hold right now for two things. 1. The wheels and tires I ordered before Christmas are still on the way from the Ukraine. I need these to make sure the ride height is correct before I can move on. 
2. Snow, we still have snow on the ground and cold weather. Painting is not ideal right now. 
 

I did create a cooler for the back seat that I will post shortly. 
So, not forgotten, just slightly delayed. Good thing I have 10 more months to finish it. 

[Oldmopars]

Here is the cooler I made fo the back seat area. I figure that the driver and co-driver will need snacks and drinks for the long drive. 

This was carved out of a dense sign foam. Kind of like Renshape or proofing foam. I like this stuff, I can carve anything I want out of it. Only limit is my lack of skill. 

In this case the texture of the foam worked to my advantage as it replicates the texture on the real Igloo style coolers. 

Also shown is the extended range fuel tank I got from the latest AMT Jimmy kit. I have cut and modified the floor at the rear to sink it down into the rear floor. 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Oldmopars

[Oldmopars]

Because I have too many irons in the fire right now, this project has been moving very slowly. I was waiting  for the tires and wheels to arrive from Ebay, howeever when they did I was very disappointed in them and I will not  be using them for this project. 

I had a set of tires I ordered for another project, but they didn't work for that one, so I am using them here. They are really nice Fireball weighted 1/24 Mud King 33x12.50x15 tires. A slight stretch allows them to fit over the 16in Land Rover wheels. 

This required me  to lift the truck as these tires are taller than the stock tires. The easiest way to do this was to file down where the axle fits the springs and this lifted the axles. I like the tough look this gives the truck. 

I built the Monagram CJ-7 last year iinto a Daisy Duke Jeep, and there were left over parts. One of them is the winch. I put that together and mounted it on the modified front bumper of the Land Rover. After it is painted I will wrap it with some "Cable". 

Next step is more interior work. I need to add a bed, a sleeping bag, radio equipment, maybe a lap top. 

I think Fireball or Scenes Unlimited offers a High Lift Jack, I may add that also. 

I know as a "Race Car" this will not be the fasted thing on the road. But, I hope it looks good getting there. 

[Oldmopars]

It has been slow going on this one. I made a platform for the driver to rest on while the co-driver drives. I also made some sleeping bags and a box from Amazon that holds all his spare parts and other supplies. I still need to paint and etail the sleeping bags.

I made a center consol out of rigid foam for all the drivers needs. 

[Bainford]

That's looking great. The SIIA grill is spot on. Very nice work on the accessories in the back. 

Edited February 21, 2022 by Bainford

[Oldmopars]

I have had a chance to get bck to this build. With last years theme in mind it seemed right to hide in plain sight. I figure that the U.S. Marshals are in every state and that the state and local police just don't mess with them, and they rarely even know what they are up to. So, this SIIA is now part of the Marshal Service. US Government plates and all. 

I have seen quitea few Land Rovers with the aluminum tread plates on the frnt fenders. I liked it and so I made some for this one. 

Currently the wheels are un-painted and I am not sure about the engine. I may change it. I have a 3D file for a Land Rover 300TDI and a Cumins 4BT. I think I will print both out and see if I like one over the other. I think if the 300TDI comes out good, I will use it. It has much finer details and I think it would be nice to keep it all Land Rover. 

I will also be printing out some oter interior parts. I have a GPS, Radar Detector and a Lap Top Computer. The GPS and Radar Detector will be in view of the driver, the lap top will be in front of the driver. 

I may also add some bottles, cans and fast food wrappers. The wheels are also subject to change, we will see. 

[MeatMan]

Beautiful work Scott!

[Oldmopars]

I gotsome more work done on the SIIA. I decided to go with the Cummins 4BT. I had to modify it a lot, I had to add the turbo, change the piping, move the oil filter and add all the pulleys, alternator etc. 

[slusher]

Impressive work and cleanly done!

[NOBLNG]

Sweet! I love it! Excellent work!

[Oldmopars]

I am calling this one done. I will post more pictures under glass. 

[Belugawrx]

Really nice work on the Rover Scott!

Edited May 7, 2022 by Belugawrx

[Sam I Am]

It may not be the fastest entry, but with that extended range fuel tank and 4x4, it is definitely able to take plenty of shortcuts. 

[dino246gt]

Fantastic build, love all the extras, sweet!