R3 Fabrications

05/09/2026

The 1965 Mustang is getting closer to paint.

The door gaps are now dialled in as we work through an extensive restoration of the entire vehicle. Next up is finishing the side scoops before the Mustang heads off for paint.

And the colour? Black.

A lot of hours have gone into getting the body to this stage, making sure the details are right before that first coat of paint goes on. We’re looking forward to seeing this one in black.

04/09/2026

Not normally something we do, but having completed the rest of the work on this 1965 Mustang, we were happy to modify the customer’s fibreglass Shelby scoops to get them fitting properly.

As supplied, the scoops simply didn’t fit. The shape was wrong for the body, so the original fl**ge was cut off and a new fl**ge made from scratch to follow the correct shape of the vehicle.

We also made mounting tabs so the scoops can be removed rather than permanently bonded to the bodywork. This means they can come off for painting, gives a much cleaner and more seamless finished look, and allows the owner to swap them for steel scoops in the future if they choose.

A fair bit of work to get them sitting right, but the result is well worth it.

02/09/2026

Nothing more beautiful than a freshly painted Land Rover chassis.

Another step forward on the 1961 Series II Land Rover here at R3 Fabrications. With the chassis cleaned up, repaired where needed and given a fresh coat of paint, we’re laying the foundations to get this old Land Rover back on the road.

Plenty more to come as we bring this one back to life while keeping the character it has earned over the years.

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

A Land Rover with a lot more than miles behind it.

This 1961 Land Rover Series II arrived at R3 Fabrications in mid-June 2026. It has been part of the same family for many years, travelled overland through numerous countries including the Middle East, and carries the marks and character of a life well lived.

The goal with this restoration isn’t to make it look brand new. It’s to get it back on the road while preserving as much of its history as possible.

When it arrived, the 2.25-litre engine had seized after sitting for a long period. Surprisingly, the chassis was in reasonably good condition, although the firewall has required considerably more work. While engines aren’t normally part of what we do, Glen has a particular passion for old Land Rovers, so this one is getting some extra attention and a careful mechanical refresh.

Under the bonnet, everything will be clean, fresh and ready for the road again. The exterior is a different story. Its original patina is staying.

The repaired firewall will be painted in Bronze Green before being carefully aged and brushed back to blend with the rest of the vehicle. The idea is simple: repair what needs repairing, preserve what tells its story.

And there’s a very special reason for getting this Land Rover back on the road.
Once it’s finished, it will make another big journey, this time back to Dunedin. The owner wants to take his mother for a ride in it again. Years ago, she travelled overland in this Land Rover with her late husband, creating memories across countries and thousands of kilometres.

So this isn’t about building a showpiece.

It’s about bringing an old Land Rover back to life, keeping every bit of character we can, and giving one family the chance to make another memory in a vehicle already full of them. We’re aiming to have it back on the road by late 2026.

24/08/2026

In the workshop with the pullmax! Just one of the tools that we use for shaping metal, predominantly for beading and swaging.

20/08/2026

Precision in every line

18/08/2026

An original 1944 BMW R75, proudly on display at the Brit & Euro Classic Car Show 2026. We have the privilege of maintaining this remarkable piece of history for its owner, ensuring it continues to run and present as it should. It's always a pleasure to see such an iconic motorcycle appreciated by fellow enthusiasts.

17/08/2026

A couple of iconic Land Rovers from the final Caffeine & Classics meet for 2026.

First up is Glen's 1961 Series II Truck Cab, a build that's been part of his life from the very beginning. It was his first ever vehicle and, over the years, it's been completely rebuilt not once, but twice. Sitting on a lengthened chassis and now powered by a modern 300Tdi engine with a 5 speed gearbox, it's the perfect blend of classic style and modern reliability.

Alongside it is Hamish's 1956 Series I Short Wheelbase Station Wagon. Hamish originally restored it over 20 years ago, and more recently Glen and the team at R3 Fabrications have helped take it to the next level, refining and upgrading it while staying true to its heritage.

Two incredible Land Rovers, two great stories, and a perfect way to wrap up the 2026 Caffeine & Classics season.

Which one are you taking home, the Series I or the Series II?

14/08/2026

1960s EH Holden Station Wagon