The SJ 410 JL that's older than me!

[AntD]

So, picked up an '87 410 with all original docs and a little over 40k on the clock - never had a go before so looking to do some budget restoration and green laning before I move on to turning it into a real big boy's toy!

So, as picked up, current mods...

2 inch-ish shackle lift
Alfa Romeo leather seats
Ridiculous stickers
Wideboy rims
Big plastic arches
CD player

Currently...

IMG_20140407_124637.jpg (262.54 KiB) Viewed 7466 times

And the interior...

IMG_20140407_124552.jpg (197.55 KiB) Viewed 7466 times

Looking to do some restoration, learn how to do some body welding to cut and clear up the arches (body instead of shackle lift!) and make the most of the bumbly little old engine.

So far...

Added a few miles, taxed it again, given it a good clean in and out, taken out the rear bench and made contacts here.

First issue is to drop the shackle lift - thank you Ladaman and son for the standard shackles!
And while I'm at it, some roadworthy none-perished Bridgestones on original steel wheels to go on...

First question... There's a lot of play in steering, had a look under the bonnet and can just move the shaft left and right a fair way before there's any impact on steering box - can box be looked at to rectify this or do I swap the box?

[AntD]

Also - any advice, guidance or ideas of best ways to go (and mistakes to learn from!) much appreciated!

Not looking to engine swap... Yet!

[AntD]

Boot full of wheels, job for tomorrow!

[twiss]

Hi and welcome to the club! You'll want to engine swap eventually it is inevitable

I would take that front wheel arch off and see if you can sort that rusty but underneath it...

[AntD]

Yeah, all four arches need cutting out, I took one of the plastic arches off and was a little shocked - seen photos here where people talk of their 'terrible rot'... They've got nothing on my arches! I'll put some photos up tomorrow...

[Ladaman]

Also - any advice, guidance or ideas of best ways to go (and mistakes to learn from!) much appreciated!

Not looking to engine swap... Yet!

Get some chunky tyres, and get yourself out in it. Go to Tong or similar as soon as you can. (Will you be ready for next month? I will probably be going to Cowm, near Rochdale on the 27th April, you're more than welcome to tag along to there also) Then have a play. I'm sure you will be blown away with it's performance as it is.

I know I just modify mine because I enjoy doing it (as I'm sure it is the same for others) , but they are very impressive stock, even the 410.

[AntD]

Also is there much I can do with the bonnet corners other than cover or replace the bonnet?

[donkeychomp]

If that was my bonnet I'd cut out the dead metal, fibreglass it then smooth it out with filler.

As for the anus, what everyone else said, you are going to love it!

[dan_2k_uk]

The steering box can be tightened. There is a screw with a lock but on it on the top of the box. Don't over tighten it as the box will be more worn in the center than at full lock and you don't want it tight at lock.

[AntD]

Thanks Dan, that mean it'll need replacing if it needs to be over tight at lock?