"SweePea" The 1953 Land Rover Series I 80"

Vehicle Overview

When developing SweePea, our 1953 Land Rover Series I 80", the primary goal was to create a what Jeff Petrowich and Stan Fuller call a “Locker Stocker." This meant optimizing the vehicle for trail performance while maintaining its original features and appearance as much as possible. Instead of incorporating modern enhancements like power steering or power disc brakes, which would deviate too far from stock for such a classic build, we opted for modifications that stayed true to the Rover components and era. In this spirit SweePea is propelled by the Rover carbureted 4 cylinder petrol motor, Rover 4 speed transmission, and Rover transfer case, and an aftermarket overdrive. SweePea is also manual steering and manual drum brakes. Every obstacle SweePea conquers is being done with vintage components and technology with some carefully chosen refinements.

"Goose" givin SweePea a run up Moab's famous Hell's Gate.

What makes SweePea an amazing off-road performer and a joy to drive on even the hardest trails are a collection of subtle enhancements that are largely invisible. Starting at the front of the vehicle, the front fenders were slightly bobbed and opened up to accommodate greater wheel travel and improve SweePea’s approach angle. An internal tubular structure was built under the front fenders to keep them from collapsing upon contact with obstacles. A shortened galvanized facsimile of the factory front bumper was built with integral rock ramps to allow SweePea to get a bite on large obstacles and make a big improvement in off-roadability. And like the bumper, the factory axles have been optimized to provide better clearance, thanks to a little shaving and the elimination of the U-bolts using the smooth-surfaced Timmco high-clearance spring plates. The original axles have also been strengthened with Timmco 32 spline axle shafts and massive CV joints, as well as Ashcroft air lockers that have been modified to accommodate the 1.400” diameter, 32 spline half shafts. The rear axle shafts, which appear completely stock from the outside of the vehicle, retain the original semi-floating configuration, but also include a massively upgraded bearing and seal arrangement. The suspension makes use of the original late 80” front springs while the rear springs have been upgraded to the later, wider 86/88” style. Shocks have been upgraded to 9” travel Bilstein monotube models on all four corners; these shocks are mounted using Timmco shock relocation mounts, which tuck the lower shock mounts up and out of harm’s way while cleaning up the undercarriage. Moreover, SweePea’s construction has been improved by fully boxing the outer ends of the rear cross member, adding boat side protection with integral rock sliders, and integrating tubular reinforcements under the bodywork to allow it to bump on and slide over obstacles. …and let’s not forget what we call the “safety package” (ha ha), a very tastefully integrated roll cage, three point seatbelts, and a true dual circuit brake system.

We’ve made a number of changes to this little 80” and there are more to come, but we think we’ve succeeded in maintaining SweePea’s features and stock appearance. If you’re curious about just what SweePea can do, check out the photos and videos below. Pretty amazing stuff!

Details

Basics

Rover 4 cylinder Rover motor
Rover four speed transmission
Rover transfer case
Roverdrive overdrive unit (temporary as we are developing an upgrade for this)
Manual steering, later Series 1 recirculating ball steering box
Manual 11” front drum brakes, rear 10” drums upgraded with LWB cylinders in rear

Additional Upgrades & Modifications

Original Rover Series I axle housings shaved to increase clearance, 32 spline Timmco axle shafts, front and rear modified Ashcroft locking differentials
Front springs are stock from late 80" model, rear springs are stock 86-88" rear springs
Thick-wall ultimate approach winch bumper
Boat side / Rock slider combination rock protection
Warn/Bellevue 8000lbs. winch
Timmco high-clearance spring plates
Timmco shock relocation mounts
Bobbed front fenders for high clearance
Tubular reinforcements under front fenders and rear quarter panels to withstand serious contact with obstacles
Fully boxed outer ends of rear crossmember
Fully structural and supported grill panel to support the hood and protect the radiator in the case of a roll over
Custom steel wheels, 16x7 Ford hoops (reversed to prevent popped beads) on zero offset original centers, "rim slider" reinforcements on outer edges
7.50R16 Michelin XZL tires (31.5")
Custom, tastefully integrated roll cage tied into bulkhead and frame, mimicing stock hood sticks
Stock Clayton heater
On-board air compressor (2x faster than dual ARB)
Dual master cylinder brake system for safety
3 point seat belts

Builder
Timm Cooper

Article Credits

Authors: Jesse Coombs and Timm Cooper. Photos: Todd Stewart. Male model: Gustav Thelen Dow (a.k.a. "Goose")

Photos & Video

More...

Evolving the Rover Type Differential

After 35 + years of living with, working on and modifying Land Rovers - and wheeling them hard - Timm Cooper has observed (and participated in) the evolution of aftermarket upgrades to one of the legendary vehicle's classic problem areas....... The "Rover Type" differential.