Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series I 2.0 diesel › Workshop guide › Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing

Land Rover Series I 2.0 diesel: chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing

Body & chassis · Series I (1948–58) · 1957–1958

How often: every year. Steel chassis and bulkheads rot from the inside. Catching it early saves a chassis swap.

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Cavity wax (e.g. Dinitrol, Waxoyl)
Chassis paint / underseal (if needed)

Tools

Torch
Small hammer or screwdriver
Pressure washer

Step by step

Wash the underside thoroughly and let it dry.
Tap the chassis with a small hammer. A dull thud or flaking means rust. Check the rear crossmember, the outriggers, the spring hangers and around the rear body mounts.
Check the bulkhead footwells, the door pillar bottoms and the top rail under the windscreen. Lift the footwell mats and look for daylight.
Check the fuel tank straps and brake pipe clips.
Inject cavity wax into the chassis rails through the existing holes and treat any bare metal.

More Land Rover Series I 2.0 diesel servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Heater plug & starting check every 12,000 mi or year
Injector test & service every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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