Fun with Photoshop

Just to get an idea of what the Landy may look like in the future, if all goes well. : )

Further Inspection and Some Work Done

Removed the hydraulic pump, as the plow is going to be disposed of, and can finally have a good look at the entire engine compartment with ease.

 Removal of the seatbox panels, to reveal the fuel tank, hand-brake, and condition of the chassis. Black tar-like substance on the seat box is the aweful 'glue' used to stick the insulation on. Not fun to get off.

Decided to inspect/replace all of the bearings, plus the brakes. Small hurdle here was having to cut off a very stuck brake drum. Other side just popped off. Haven't tried the rear ones yet.

Valve cover removed revealed everything pretty much in good order, although a valve job will be done.

A further view of the centre-section, including, on the muffler, a fish hook I found. Along with a bullet lodged in the firewall, it gives a clue to one previous owner's pass-times, I would guess.

The fuel tank, which had been replaced by a "Mr Gas Tank" replacement unit at some point. Sender functionality still to be determined.

Windshield off, and paint stripped from all galvanizing. New glazing will be installed, as one windshield was cracked.

An atmospheric shot of the engine. You can just about read "Made in England" on the dynamo. Arrangement features an early 'goose-neck' exhaust manifold, which will be replaced with a more traditional and reportedly less problematic 'straight-down' type (and a new exhaust system).

A new galvanized chassis has been ordered from Rovers North (from Richards in the UK). In order to organize the garage, I asked Rovers North for a photo, and here's a view of the new chassis preparing to leave their Vermont location.

The Arrival

I am the third owner of this Land Rover Series 2 in the 50 years of its existance. The first is in unknown, but the second obtained the Landy in 1973 and it was kept in the family even after his death. It's sole function, according to the last owner's son-in-law, was to plow the family's driveway, and that's all. When it snowed, they would open the garage door, drive the Land Rover to the end of the driveway, then put it back in the garage. Hence, in 50 years, it only accumulated 21,000 miles.

It also accumulated a gold paint job, thanks to a neighbor of theirs when the old factory paint faded. This, however, will revert back to Pastel Green and Limestone (a type of off-white), if all goes well. Just another chapter in this Land Rover's history.

This is how the Land Rover looked on arrival, complete with plow, after its 200 mile trip on a flatbed towtruck. The Landy was not road-worthy at this point, although I had driven it around a parking lot before purchase. Those are the original 50 year old tires, by the way.

The reltively original and un-altered interior, minus the lower seat cushions which had been removed as I poked around.

Original interior again, complete with Canadian-dealer-installed Kodiak heater and insulation. The fan is a nice touch, but I think it's a later addition. Note the rusted-out footwells, so common on old Land Rovers, and the metal plate used to cover it over.

The interior of the 'tub', in very good condition. Those are the original factory colours in there, and I hope to leave them untouched.

The 2.25 litre, four-cylinder engine, looking very much as it should. The previous owner had the vehicle sprayed with oil a few times over the years as rust protection, and it had done wonders at preserving things - as had the occasional spraying hydraulic fluid from the pump which raised and lowered the plow. The engine and ancillaries need a general light overhaul, but on the whole runs very well.