SERIES III SWB SANTANA
ECKHARD AND MALTE SCHLUENDER, BLACK FOREST, GERMANY
Tell us a little about yourselves Malte my son is still a grammar school pupil while I am an industrial engineer who works as a Purchasing Manager for furniture fittings, architectural hardware, lighting and electronic devices.
How did you find this project? I have been a Land Rover enthusiast for many years. I married my wife in a Defender in 1999 and probably infected Malte, too. Malte is very skilled in crafts and when we thought about a father-son project four years ago, we came up with the idea of restoring a Series Land Rover.
What’s the story so far? At the end of 2019 we decided to buy a Spanish Land Rover Series III Santana. They have a reputation for being less prone to rusting due to the dry climate in Spain, though often they are technically neglected. We found this one in the north of Germany for €5000. Due to the pandemic we only took ownership of it in September 2020. Lots of time to prepare the garage at least…
How is the engine running? The engine is running pretty well so it will obviously stay.
What are your plans with it? Originally we had planned a light resto which would involve cosmetic and technical repairs. However, the more we dived into the project, the more we found that needed doing. We now call it a frame-off light resto. Only the engine, gearbox and bulkhead remained on the frame.
What have you done so far? With the exception of the engine, gearbox and bulkhead, all parts were removed from the chassis. The engine and gearbox were degreased, then cleaned by high-pressure washer and hand. The exhaust system was changed to a new stainless steel one. I also put in a new alternator.
The vacuum pump was completely reworked. We sanded the chassis, derusted it and coated it three times. The front and rear axle leaf springs were changed for new ones, so too the front and rear dampers. I completely overhauled the front and rear axles, including swivels, half shafts, propshafts, universal joints and ball bearings. Then the front and rear brakes were renewed. I also replaced the master brake cylinder, steering/track rods, front doors and rear tailgate. It was all prepared for painting and this too involved lots of sanding, of course. I then took the bonnet apart, sandblasted the steel frame and galvanised it. It too was painted.
There was lots of rust on the bulkhead so that took some time to sort out. Everything that had some rust was blasted and treated. I covered the dash with new vinyl as the old one was finished. I plan on eventually changing it from a hard top to a soft top.
What are the next jobs you will be doing on it? All the brake/clutch pipes will be changed to the Kunifer system. We will also change it from a single- to dual-line brake system. I have to change all the remaining engine and gearbox seals and gaskets.
I want new and better lights. Then the window frames and body cappings will be hot-dip galvanised. As for painting it all I might leave that to the pros. I also need to finish the dashboard. Then we can hopefully start to reassemble it all. Finally I want a wooden teak deck in the back.
What is the hardest part of this project? No serious problems to date, but we are a little afraid of the small matter of the electrics though!
When will it be finished? Hopefully early summer 2022 we can pass the German TÜV (MOT) and bring it back to the road as a classic English cult object.
Who is helping you with the project?
All jobs have been done by ourselves except for some small bits of chassis welding. We are part of a chat group of Series enthusiasts and different national and international internet forums, and it’s been great for advice.