Radiator Muffs

As the cold weather is here (well, not too bad yet, but definitely chilly) it seemed the right time to install a radiator muff in order to keep the engine temperatures up.

3 Bros, kindly supplied two versions to try. The first was from Rovers North, the second from Britpart. In the end, I chose the Britpart one.

Both will do the job. The Rovers North one is of somewhat higher quality, but more difficult to install and remove, and I could see the fabric being difficult to clean if necessary. The Britpart one was very easy to install, just requiring some tie-wraps (one set of which comes with the muff, and are cheap to purchase afterwards in any case), and the vinyl surface will be easy to keep clean. The Rovers North muff provides more choices of opening sizes, but the adjustable flap folds and hangs down over and against the apron, which looked to me as if it could wear away the paint once dirt and wind are involved, while the Britpart one is either open or closed, but I prefer the way it rolls up.

There is about a $20 difference in price between the two, with the Rovers North one being the less expensive.

Below: Britpart radiator muff installed.

The Rovers North radiator muff. Comes with a nicely done Rovers North label on it, too. It fits snugly over the corners of the grill, but in my case would require removing the grill to install, and the captive nuts are loose enough already.

Pottering Around

When for a customary lunch time Land Rover drive today, for a bit of fresh air and to let the vehicle stretch its legs. At one point, there were deer standing by the road, and they continued to stay there when I stopped the Landy  - and so I took a photo. Not exactly African wildlife, but taking pictures of animals from Land Rovers does sort of go with the traditional image. :)

Getting colder outside, -4 C today, and I notice the coolant temp shows that the engine is only at full temperature when at higher rpm's. Ordered a radiator muff a while ago, which I understand will be here in the next few days, and it looks as if it will be useful. In the photo below, taken today, the tires and mudflaps are showing that not all driving is being done on smooth paved surfaces.... :)

Still Autumn

Took the Land Rover out for a drive at lunch, and once back at home discovered this leafy reminder of Autumn gracing the grill. Makes a nice badge all by itself.

Tow Hitch

Nothing major, but decided it was time to put on the last assembly that would bring the Land Rover back to the configuration it was in when purchased. I wanted to keep the original pin-type fitting, partly for authenticity and partly as it's useful for recovery, plus a ball mount for versatility.
 provided the complete kit, which included the bolts, nuts and a generous supply of galvanized washers. The mounting and backing plates were galvanized by 3 Bros. - they don't come from the supplier this way. A very nice consideration by 3 Bros..

The only issues during assembly: the galvanizing of the chassis had made the bolt holes too small by a small fraction, and had to be drilled out. A larger problem was that the holes of the mounting plate and those of the chassis didn't line up - the top right was out of position. This had to be corrected for the bolt to go through.

Below, the kit, with tow ball masked off in preparation for priming and painting. The ball/pin casting is zinc plated.

Just a view of the casting with self-etch primer so the paint will adhere to the zinc, and after painting.

On the left, the original pin-only fitting (welded to mounting plate, in turn welded to rear cross member when the previous owners made their own replacement cross member).

The Workshop Manual illustrations (supplied by 3 Bros.) for attaching the tow assembly. While the double-nut method worked well for the smaller upper bolts, it wasn't possible for the lower, due to the flange on the rear cross member (see next photo).

The thick backing plate has to be placed in location first (to prevent pull-through of the bolts when under load), then the nuts, and then the bolts put through from the outside. There isn't room for lock washers. A check for tightness will be needed now and then. The hitch bolts will need to be longer if double nuts are to be used.

The final assembly.

Workhorses

When walking back to the Land Rover today, I noticed this tableau. Probably 50 years here between the two trucks. I wonder if either of these has a chance of still being around in another 50 years?

Fall Colours

When for a drive at lunch today. Fall colours just coming in, and will only last a week or two at best. Always a nice time of year.

(click on the picture for full-size view)