In its Element

It been a great few days for Land Rover driving. Perhaps the snow isn't quite as deep as could be wished, and it's only -6 C, but the roads are slippery and few other people are about and it's still fun to do four-wheel drifts in a Series. :)

Just a couple of pics from today:

There may be a clue in this photo as to why rear-window wipers were invented. :)

More Local Land Rovers

Mr friend Tony (who is restoring the 1962 Series 2a) had heard of a Series Land Rover somewhere north of here, that was sitting outdoors. Knowing the approximate location, after a brief search we found it. It had been one of two offered to the present owner, but had ended up with just the one. Originally sold locally, it's age is hard to pin down, as it appears made up of a combination of a 2a  and a later, possibly Series 3 vehicle. There are no plans at present for restoration, but the owner isn't interested in letting it go or selling parts, either.

Spring Clean

After another winter of enjoyment, gave the Land Rover a good clean today, inside and out. Some exterior screw heads starting to show small signs of corrosion, and one loose bolt in the driver's foot well, that limits throttle pedal travel, needed tightening. Will check the oil levels in differentials, steering box, gear box etc., next week, today after the cleaning it was time for a perfect drive in the sunshine.

Springtime Land Rovers

Just a view of two Land Rovers in the Springtime sun today, one 56 years old, the other 15 years, and both going strong after yet another winter. Almost warm enough to take the radiator muff off of the older one.

1962 Project Visit

Spend a very happy couple of hours this afternoon helping to remove the bulkhead and radiator, plus do a little in-depth exploration of the engine.

Below, the bulkhead now off and resting on the chassis. The bulkhead, which appears to be in very good condition rust-wise, will soon be off for refurbishment. A decision has been made to most likely replace the existing chassis with a new galvanized one, for the sake of worry-free longevity. After this, the engine was drained of coolant and the radiator removed, leaving easy access to every part of the engine.

The, um, wiring loom, soon to be removed entirely. This will be replaced with a new loom from Autosparks.

Project Start Part 2

Paid another visit to the Land Rover restoration project now under way, just a few kilometres north of here, this time accompanied by yet another Land Rover Series enthusiast, highly knowledgeable, who has turned up nearby. Drove my own Series up, to get both trucks properly introduced. :)

Below, the owner was able to finally uncover the serial number of his Series (the bulkhead data plate has been lost over time), buried under layers of corrosion and dirt. It turns out this vehicle is in fact a 1962 model, not 1965 as was previously believed.

Below, a general view of the chassis, (which includes a rear bumper replacement section created by the previous owner), which appears in good, but not perfect, shape. No decision has been made as of yet as to whether or not a new galvanized chassis will be the preferred way to go, for long-term reliability.

An overall view. Note the trolleys under the wheels.

The visited Land Rover just visible through the open garage door.