Okay to buy a Series Landy with a patched chassis?

[Benjaminpalma]

Hi folks

I'm looking at a Series 1 - for a very reasonable price - but I notice the chassis has been patched in a couple of places. It's got a new MOT. Should I just steer well clear? Do they have any value with a patched chassis?

Thanks.

[paintman]

As the Series 1 ceased production around 1961 you are going to be lucky to find one that either hasn't had welding work to various items or a replacement chassis.
If the welding is of good quality then there isn't an issue.
Be an idea to get an inspection done by someone who knows what they are looking at - both with the work AND that the vehicle really is a genuine Series 1.

As an aside, there are many Land Rovers on some 'for sale' sites that claim to be older than they really are. Pics often show them to be vehicles of a model that wasn't even in production in the year it's claimed to be!
DVLA couldn't care less, but AFAIAC these are just frauds to avoid paying car tax.

[Benjaminpalma]

Thanks for that - I can't seem to see for the wood for the trees!

[anonymous-user]

If you're really that bothered there are outfits around who'll re-chassis a wagon for you. Few hundred quid plus the chassis itself. Means you can replace with a galvo one and see to anything else that needs doing at the same time.

[West4x4]

a couple of patches is ok problem occour when you get patch upon patch upon patch. Series 1's were made with better steel than later series so should be pretty solid underneath

[300bhp/ton]

Benjaminpalma said:

Hi folks

I'm looking at a Series 1 - for a very reasonable price - but I notice the chassis has been patched in a couple of places. It's got a new MOT. Should I just steer well clear? Do they have any value with a patched chassis?

Thanks.

Why are you wanting it? I'd advise a little research into the World of Series Landy's. You should be able to answer your own questions then.

[Benjaminpalma]

Thanks, guys!

[schmalex]

300bhp/ton said:

Benjaminpalma said:

Hi folks

I'm looking at a Series 1 - for a very reasonable price - but I notice the chassis has been patched in a couple of places. It's got a new MOT. Should I just steer well clear? Do they have any value with a patched chassis?

Thanks.

Why are you wanting it? I'd advise a little research into the World of Series Landy's. You should be able to answer your own questions then.

^^^ What he said. Series Landies of any type are, in themselves, quite an ownership "experience". A Series 1 takes that to a whole new level. Most S1's that I know of are fully restored garage queens (or at least dry summer day queens) or are in the process of being restored. If you are looking to knock about in winter / do tip runs / bit of greenlaning or P&P off-roading, then you may be better getting a 2a or 3, as replacement parts are more plentiful and they generally have such mod cons as heating, working headlights, an alternator etc.

Back to the chassis, though. A few (or many more than a few) patches are absolutely fine. My S3 has loads of patches on the chassis, yet the chap who looks after it reckons it is still good for another 10 years or so with occasional repairs before I have to look at a new chassis. If you want it as a long term project, there are a number of people who sell a fully galvanised chassis for around £800. Add in a couple of days labour to re-build it onto that & you have yourself a fine truck (bear in mind, though, that for S1's especially, the afficionado's look for the original chassis when valuing them.)