Tub Work

Now that the bulkhead is in position, and knowing that a Land Rover body is essentially installed from the rear forwards due to the mounting points, it seemed the right time to prepare the tub for installation. This way the bulkhead, doors and tub can be aligned correctly, before anythig else is done.

In this view, with the Pastel Green looking distinctly bluer than it is, the tub bottom has been cleaned (with the exception of the 'lower' wheel well), which has exposed the factory spray pattern plus a great deal of bare aluminum with surface oxidization pockets. The cross-members, or 'spreaders', have been also been cleaned with a wire wheel, and given a thorough coating of Dom 16 rust paint. The cross-members had been sprayed Pastel Green originally, at least in some areas - Land Rover apparently didn't paint the entire underside.

Here, once as much oxidization was removed as possible, the bottom surface was given a light coat of self-etch primer to help seal the aluminum. The 'lower' wheel well and things that side will be done when the tub is turned over on to its other side, to make things easier and also to make sure those areas are done as thoroughly. Once all is primed, the underside will get a coat of Pastel Green. Then the tub can go on the chassis for alignment purposes, and the exterior painted later.