Here are some details as regards what the ROVER 1, 2, 3 etc on the MOD contract style chassis ID plates or VIN plates referes to.

These basic clasifications were good until the introduction of the SERIES III Land Rover.

Rover Mk 1 was the Series 1 80" with 1595cc engine

Rover Mk 2 was the Series 1 80" with 1997cc engine

Rover Mk 3 was the Series 1 86" with the 1997cc engine

Rover Mk 4 was the Series 1 107/109 with the 1997cc engine

Rover Mk 5 was the Series 1 88" with the 1997cc engine

Rover Mk 6 was the Series II 88"

Rover Mk 7 was the Series II 109"

Rover 8 was the Series IIA 88"

Rover 9 was the SeriesIIA 109"

Rover 10 was the Series IIA 88" from 1967

Rover 11 was the Series IIA 109" from 1967

Confusingly all Series IIA 88" half ton 4 x 4 trucks (including Lightweights) were initially classed as Rover Mk 1 or Rover 1 and were all Petrol's, 2286cc.

The Military Half Ton Trucks had their own chassis numbering system which differed from other Land Rover types.

Military Half Ton Lightweights were stamped as below

Series IIA

RHD  23600001 to 23601893

LHD  23900001 to 23901096

Series III

Diesel LHD  89500001 to 89501909

RHD  95100001 to 95105805

This information is not a complete list of chassis and VIN numbers for military vehicles or Land Rover's. In late 1979 all Land Rover vehicles were given a 17 digit Chassis, VIN, Frame number which incorperated more than just the production chassis serial number, usually 5 or 6 digits. 

thechiefsumpplugsucker

After having a few enquiries as regards Chassis ID Plates (VIN Plates) and what's on them for the MOT examiner.

I'm told by my local examiner at the Ministry Testing Centre, Ouzlewell Green, Nr Leeds, the MOT examiner is not checking the chassis number and registration numbers for validity or authenticity, only that they are correct as regards what is either on the V5c registration document, if you supply it when the vehicle is presented for testing, or what the computer shows as being on record at the DVLA for that registration and chassis number.

So that when he issues an MOT Certificate it matches the data on the CHASSIS ID PLATE,  and REGISTRATION NUMBER for that vehicle, and they match what the DVLA hold on record for that registration.

The examiner takes everything at face value. If for any reason they are not correct, or match the records at the DVLA it is not his job to investigate, the computer system will probably stop the test there and then or the examiner will and you will be given the reason why.

It may go beyond that as the DVLA have the powers to try to eliminate fraud.

thechiefsumpplugsucker

All car and light van MOT's are now recorded and issued via an online computer at the MOT testing station or garage. This computer checks the records at the DVLA in Swansea to check that the data held for that chassis number and registration number are correct.

The examiner will record the number   he takes from the chassis plate and the vehicle registration and these, and only these are the ID numbers going on to the MOT certificate, if he cannot read the Chassis (VIN) plate he will probably fail the vehicle because it is not his job to go seeking the chassis or frame numbers from wherever they are actually stamped on the vehicle.

If you supply the V5c, registration document he will probably enter the details to the computer from this, BUT he will then check that the details on the V5c match those on the chassis plate (VIN plate) if they do not match or are unreadable then you'll have problem's not him, he just issues a failure notice and states why it's issued.

The chief sump plug sucker.

After having a few enquiries as regards Chassis ID Plates (VIN Plates) and what's on them for the MOT examiner.

I'm told by my local examiner at the Ministry Testing Centre, Ouzlewell Green, Nr Leeds, the MOT examiner is not checking the chassis number and registration numbers for validity or authenticity, only that they are correct as regards what is either on the V5c registration document, if you supply it when the vehicle is presented for testing, or what the computer shows as being on record at the DVLA for that registration and chassis number. So that when he issues an MOT Certificate it matches the data on the CHASSIS ID PLATE,  and REGISTRATION NUMBER for that vehicle, and they match what the DVLA hold on record for that registration.

The examiner takes everything at face value. If for any reason they are not correct, or match the records at the DVLA it is not his job to investigate, the computer system will probably stop the test there and then or the examiner will and you will be given the reason why.

It may go beyond that as the DVLA have the powers to try to eliminate fraud.

I   see some very distinct advantages to having a personalised chassis ID (VIN) plate on a Land Rover.

1       If the vehicle registration is added to the VIN plate, the likelihood of it being stolen and used on another stolen vehicle is seriously reduced.

2       If you also add your post code it adds to the reasons for it not to be used on another stolen vehicle.

3       Adding other information such as your name and the particulars of the vehicle, Series IIA 88" Diesel 1969. All this information will deter it's theft and mis-use.

4       This type of information will also help the police if the vehicle is stolen and recovered or found. The first place they usually look after the number plates is at the VIN plate.

                      The chief snap plug sucker.

All car and light van MOT's are now recorded and issued via an online computer at the MOT testing station or garage. This computer checks the records at the DVLA in Swansea to check that the data held for that chassis number and registration number are correct.

The examiner will record the number   he takes from the chassis plate and the vehicle registration and these, and only these are the ID numbers going on to the MOT certificate, if he cannot read the Chassis (VIN) plate he will probably fail the vehicle because it is not his job to go seeking the chassis or frame numbers from wherever they are actually stamped on the vehicle.

If you supply the V5c, registration document he will probably enter the details to the computer from this, BUT he will then check that the details on the V5c match those on the chassis plate (VIN plate) if they do not match or are unreadable then you'll have problem's not him, he just issues a failure notice and states why it's issued.

The chief sump plug sucker.

It started with a new chassis, heavy duty army pattern with removable G/Box crossmember. It was Waxoiled twice internally and baked, between applications, once upside-down from new by the makers. While still warm it was cleaned externally and primed for paint, it then had three coats of a special chassis black.

As I still have the V5c, chassis VIN plate and some of the old MOT test certificates it will be tax exempt being a 1970 SIIA SWB Petrol.. and still on a SORN.

It will be a hybrid, the bulkhead is new and for a 300Tdi, it has been fully galvanised and has no twists or kinks. It dropped straight on to the outriggers with just the aid of a screwdriver to hold it while the bolts were fitted. The inner chassis mounts for it will need removing and the standard SIIA bulkhesd supports will be fitted to support the steering box and bulkhead as normal. The brake pedal mounting box will need a slight modification to allow the use of the SIIA steering box, it only needs a small cut and a small section removing and then rewelding to seal it again.

The axles are fully reconditioned via the Dutch army and have all new bearings, seals and brake parts, cylinders, shoes etc. They have all new shackles, bolts, pins and sadles along with new bump stops and straps.

The gearbox is a SII with a SIII bellhousing for the better clutch hydraulics. The SII is by far the stronger of the series gearboxes and a favorite  to hang on the back of the V8 conversions for this reason. The crash 1st and 2nd gears are not a problem to anyone who can drive and doesn't just aim and stop a motor.

The engine is a factory new unit minus the head. All the bottom is new and at standard, bores, pistons, crank,camshaft etc, with all new ancilary parts, waterpump and distributor. The head has had hardened seats, new valves, guides and springs along with some new rocker arms and spacers.

See the Gallery for more photo's of the rebuild project.

LAND ROVERS FOR NON TECHNOS:

Ten Things you May Not Know About Them:

 

The popularity of the Series Land Rover, perhaps owing to the unspoilt lines of this uncomplicated vehicle, continues to grow with some models, series 1 to series 111 achieving "collectors" status and beginning to appreciate in value. The Series Land Rover undoubtedly has a universal appeal, from enthusiasts to the ‘county set’ and has even arrived with avengance to the "Yuppys"of the capital being known colloquially in London as the "Chelsea Tractor".

 

* Born in 1948 as the brain child of the Wilks brothers, Maurice and Spencer, the Rover company original viewed the Land Rover as an agricultural machine but this was to prove a misnomer especially when the military and the Post Office began to take an interest in the following year as did the "Automobile Association" for their patrol vehicles. Here are nine more things you may not know about Land Rovers:

* Although production was off to a slow start, due to steel supply restrictions after the war, by 1952 civilian demand was strong and the production had increased fourfold, since inception, to some 400 units per week. Rover was soon producing more Land Rovers than cars.

* It has been a popular vehicle with the rich and famous since its inception - as demonstrated by the fact that even Britain’s, arguably most venerable statesman, Winston Churchill could be counted amongst one the first owners.

* Chassis for the Land Rovers where stamped with a serial number at the time of manufacture with a prefix of 3 or 4 digits denoting the destination market (home or abroad), wheel base, fuel type and engine size. An alphabetic suffix was later introduced when production exceeded the 6 digits limit. This stamped number was situated on the offside front dumb iron - very inaccessible and often illegible. It later became a legal requirement for a chassis, or a V.I.N. (vehicle identification number) plate to be attached to the main bulkhead, around the gearbox tunnelling, depending on the model, for easy inspection.

* The Land Rover has a very light aluminium durable body with no welding only bolt on body parts-panels with the consequent ease of replacement.

* It has an independent chassis made of heavy gauge welded box section steel - very unusual especially in modern day vehicles.

 

* Designed to be easy to work on with the idea of doing to repairs "on the fly" as it were. Spares are readily available and reasonably priced making this an affordable, flexible and sought after vehicle in the civilian market both here and abroad.

 

* A modern bonus is that the diesel engines are easily converted to run on vegetable oil - something becoming increasingly more "in vogue" with the greens. The vegetable oil would need to be preheated to around 80 C which is easily achieved by the engine cooling system or by the fitting of an inexpensive electric pre-heater. Most models have twin fuel tanks which is a built-in necessary advantage for this type of conversion cutting the costs dramatically.

 

 

* Many models are fitted with twin 12 volt batteries providing more amperage for less power, by let’s say a factor of four, making them "overpowered electrically" which in turn makes for no starting problems whatever during adverse climatic conditions.

 

Simon Rothwell is the author of "Land Rovers for non Technos" and recommends you visit http://www.landroverchasssisplates.co.uk/   to complete your restoration or rebuild.

Series Land Rover Chassis and VIN plates

Here are some basic and simple methods of identifying replacement and non-standard chassis ID and VIN plates on Series Land Rovers.

From Series 1 through to the middle of the Series 3 production run, late 1979, all genuine chassis  ID  plate's wherever fitted, bulkhead in the cab or bulkhead in the engine compartment, or anywhere else, seatbox, radiator cowel or frame, a genuine Land Rover chassis ID plate (VIN) was made from an aluminium alloy called Dural and would be 0.020" ( 0.5mm) Twenty   thousand's of an inch thick. It is resistant to scratching and quite resistant to folding, almost springy. The reverse was always untreated and was black, because it was untreated, not aluminium looking. The marking's background colour and lettering on the genuine chassis plates was very resistant to chemicals and abrasion.   I have   experimented on plates I have removed from vehicles I have broken and scrapped. I have left them immersed in paint thinner's and paint remover overnight and then attacked them with petrol and wire wool to try and remover the makings. all to no avail because it is not painted on.

So to some basic pointers,

1   If it is printed on or painted on soft aluminium, it's almost certain to be a reproduction plate.

2   If it is more than 0.5mm (0.020" inch) thick then it's almost certain to be a reproduction plate.

 

   

Decoding the 17 digit Land Rover Chassis Number (VIN)

It will always start with "SALL" if it doesn't be very suspicious and check it's authenticity.

1st digit  S  = Region and S is Europe

2nd   "    A  = U. K.

3rd   "     L  = British Leyland-Land Rover

4th & 5th  Digits LB  = Sieries III's, lightweights and Stage 1

                     LD  = 90 and 110

                     LH  =Range Rover Mk1

                     LJ   = Discovery

                     LN  = Freelander

                     LP  = Range Rover Mk 2

                     LT  = Discovery Series II

6th  Digit  = Wheelbase 

                     A  =  88" or Freelander, & 109" on Range Rover Mk1

                     C  =  109" and 1 Ton Truck

                     G  =  100"

                     H  =   110" and 147"

                     K  =   127"

                     M  =   All Specials

                     R  =   110"

                     S  =   Military 110"

                     V  =   92.3"

7th  Digit  =  Body Type

                     A  =   Truck cab  & Soft Top

                     B  =   3 Door Station Wagon  or Freelander

                          E  =     2 Door Crew Cab

                          F  =     4 Door Crew Cab

                          H  =    High Capacity Pick-Up 

                          M  =    5 Door Station Wagon and 7 Door S W

                          R  =    Monteverdi RRover

8th  Digit  =   Engine

                          B  =  2.5 4 cyl Turbo Diesel 

                          C  =  2.5 N A Diesel

                          D  =  2.5 4Cyl Petrol

                          F  =  200 & 300 Tdi  2.5 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel

                         G  =  2.25  Diesel and Freelander V6

                         H  =  2.25 Petrol

                         M  =  3.9 V8 Injection

                         P  =  2.6  6 Cyl Petrol

                         V  =  3.5 V8 Petrol (Carbs)

                         Y  =  2.0  T16 Petrol

                         Z  =  3.9 Izuzu Diesel

                         8  =  Td5

9th  Digit  =  Steering & Transmission

                        1  =  RHD 4 Speed

                        2  =  LHD 4 Speed

                       3  =  RHD Auto

                       4  =  LHD Auto

                       5  =  RHD 4 Speed + Overdrive

                       6  =  LHD 4 Speed + Overdrive

                       7  =  RHD 5 Speed

                       8  =  LHD 5 Speed    

10th  Digit  =  Model - Year

                       A  =  up to 1983

                       B  =  1985

                       E  =  1988

                       F  =  1989

                       G  =  1990

                       H  =  1991

                       J  =   1992

                       K  =  1993

                       L  =  1994

                       M  =  1995

                       N  =  1996

                       ?  =  1997

                       ?  =  1998

                       W  =  1999

                       ?  =  2000

                        1  =  2001

                        2  =  2002

11th  Digit =  Assembly Location

                         A  =  Solihull

                         F  =  CKD

                         V  =  South Africa

12th to 17th Digits are the Chassis Serial Number

Decoding the Early Land Rover Chassis numbers (VIN's)

 

The chassis number on the SII, IIa and III were 9 or 8 digits with a suffix letter and brake down as follows.

I will not at this moment give a breakdown of SI chassis numbers because I cannot verify the information I have as being correct for any of the SI vehicles.

Chassis/VIN's for the SII,  SIIA and SIII breakdown as follows.

141xxxxxx to 145 = SII 88" Pet

146xxxxxx to 150 = SII 88" Diesel

151xxxxxx to 155 = SII 109" Pet

156 to 160 = SII 109" Diesel

161 to 165 = SII 109" Pet Station Wagon

166 to 170 = SII 109" Diesel S W

222 to 229 =SIIA 109" Petrol  6Cylinder 1 Ton Truck

231 to 235 = SIIA 109" Pet 1 Ton (2.25)

236 to 239 =SIIA 88" Pet Airportable (Lightweight)

241 to 245 = SIIA 88" Pet

246 to 250 = SIIA 109" Pet 1 Ton

251 to 255 = SIIA 109" Pet

256 to 259 = SIII 88" Petrol

261 to 265 = SIIA 109" Pet Station Wagon

266 to 270 = SIIA 109" Pet 6 Cyl  1 Ton

271 to 275 = SIIA 88" Diesel

276 to 280 = SIIA 109" Diesel

281 to 285 = SIIA 109" Diesel Station Wagon

286 to 290 = SIIA Forward Control

300 to 304 = SIIA Forward Control 6 Cyl

305 to 309 = SIIA F C Diesel

310 to 314 = SIIA 109" Airportable (Military)

315 to 319 = SIIA 88" Pet Station Wagon

320 to 324 = SIIA 882 Diesel S W

325 to 329 = SIIB Forward Control Petrol

330 to 334 = SIIB F C Petrol 6 Cylinder

335 to 339 = SIIB F C Diesel

343 to 344 = SIIA 109" 6 Cyl Station Wagon (North America ONLY)

345 to 349 = SIIA 109" Pet 6 Cyl

350 to 354 = SIIA 109" Pet 6 Cyl Station Wagon

524 to 524 = SIIA 88" Pet Station Wagon (North America ONLY)

895 to 895 = SIII 88" Diesel Airportable (Lightweight military export ONLY)

901 to 905 = SIII 88" Pet

906 to 910 = SIII 88" Diesel

911 to 915 = SIII 109" Pet

916 to 920 = SIII 109 Diesel

921 to 925 = SIII 88" Pet Station Wagon

926 to 930 = SIII 88" Diesel S Wagon

931 to 935 = SIII 109" Pet S Wagon

936 to 940 = SIII 109" Diesel S Wagon

941 to 945 = SIII 109" 6 Cyl Pet

946 to 950 = SIII 109" 6 Cyl Pet S Wagon

951 to 955 = SIII 88" Pet Airportable Lightweight

956 to 960 = 101 Forward Control 12 volt

961 to 965 = 101 Forward Control 24 volt

This list is not a complete listing as there are many more variations for military vehicles.

 

My aim is to supply Land Rover chassis and VIN plates (often refered to as VIN Tags) for vintage Land Rover's and also   for   present day vehicles.

Many individuals require new and replacement Chassis ID-VIN plates   because of   loss,damage or theft. A large number of people,   Landy enthusiasts, rebuild Land Rover's of all ages to display at shows or just to use as an every day runabout.   Such enthusiasts   quite often require new or replacement Chassis ID and VIN plates to finish off a rebuild or restoration project.

There are also the enthusiasts who build off-on road hybrids, these types of vehicles also quite oftten require a new Chassis ID-VIN plate.

Which type of plate to choose is often quite difficult, what   was the vehicle's modelyear, when was it made, when was it first registered, is it ex-MOD army, navy, air force etc. All valid questions which need answering if an educated choice is to be made   as regards the purchase of a Chassis ID or VIN plate for a vehicle.

I do my best to try and supply information so people may have some idea of what   Chassis ID and VIN plates are available, for what variation of the Land Rover you have.

I will in the very near future be listing a guide as to the approximate dates of manufacture of Series 1-2-2A-3-90 and 110 versions of our beloved Land Rover.

Here are some dates and info to help make an informed choice as to which Chassis ID - VIN plate should be correct for your vehicle.

                                                                The series 1 is born

1947 The first Land Rovers were produced (80") and shown at the Amsterdam Car Show in late April.

1953 Wheelbase lengthened from 80" to 86"  

1954 100,000th Land Rover produced.

1956 The 107 is introduced

Santana Version of the Land Rover started in Spain, they produce 18,000 vehicles between1956 and 1980.

1958 March The Series II is born.

1961 September Series IIA is announced

1962 SIIA 109 announced for home market, 109 Forward Control announced

1967 June - July Range Rover prototype No 1 built, Rover Motor Company merges with Leyland

1968 Air Portable Lightweight in to production

1970 Range Rover has it's first public showing

1971 September Series III Announced

1979 Stage 1 V8 Announced

1983 March 110 Announced, 127" (also called 130") Crew cab made available to UK

1984 June 90 (92.9") Launched

1988 British Aerospace buy Rover Group from British Goverment for £150,000,000

 

Chassis ID & Vehicle Identification Numbers, VIN Plates

 

The Series Land Rover, Series I to the middle of the Series III run of production, has an eight (8) or nine (9) digit Identification Number .

After this Rover-British Leyland U.K.Ltd started using a 16 Digit code, usually starting SALL

This unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on the chassi, (hence chassis number) usually on the front section by the front spring, front hanger bracket, also known as "The Dumb Irons".

This number is also usually on a seperate plate mounted on the bulkhead, usually inside the cab and in the area of the gear leaver, but not always.

This unique number is basically 2 numbers or sets of number, one part being to identify the vehicle and the other to tells which variation it was built as. This is done via the first 3 digits, 246, 344, 248 etc etc. These 3 digits denote Home or Export, Wheelbase and Engine size and fuel.

This number to my knowlege doesn't contain a hidded code for the year of manufacture on vehicles manufactured after 1961.

I will in the near future be listing some details of what is contained in the chassis numbers and where to find them.