LANDY TO LONDON

Back from the shop

We took our Landy back to Bob at Church Road Garage a few weeks ago. Here's the low down on what he did for us...

We don't know when the cam belt was last changed on the vehicle. Not wanting to risk a cam belt going en route we opted to get this changed. Turns out it was a good time to do it. The wear and tear on the old belt indicated it was time for a new one. Alas, whilst Bob was changing the belt he noticed that our radiator wasn't looking so hot. Figuring this is another important piece of kit we opted to have the old one reconditioned. Overheating is a common problem for Defenders especially in hot climates. The heat gauge on the dashboard now settles at half the temperature it was at before the change. Definitely an improvement.

Now that the major mechanical problems (well, most of them) have been dealt with it was time for some overland installations. Bob installed a split chargers system for us. The vehicle origionally had one but it was removed. We now have a car radio (barely audible over the sound of the engine), CB radio, work lights, front spots and an inverter all connected up. The Landy is starting to return to its former glory.

The next installations will be a safe, bull bar and swing away wheel carrier. Watch this space.

12hours, many blisters and two sore backs later...

The new door is finally suited and booted.

Spot the difference. Pleeeease tell me you can spot the difference (the one on the left is the new one).

Proud, sore and tired mechanics!! Stupidly enough we thought we had done the hard part.

Two hours after this smug photo shoot we finally got the door on and locked. We thought putting the door back onto the vehicle would be as easy as taking it off. Wishful thinking!! I have the blisters to prove it. Our first three attempts, frustratingly enough, allowed the door to close but not lock.

HELPFULL TIP to any brave soldier who tries this same feat: close the door until it locks properly then tighten bolts. One person needs to hold the door in position (Thomo was the only one strong enough for this) while the other sad minion turns the bolts blister by blister. Believe me, when it is so cold outside that your nose won't stop running and your hands are shaking and you have been at this game for hours this isn't a lot of fun.

The most important thing is that the door is on and in good working order. Go team!!!

still working on the new door...several hours later!

It has taken the best part of our day to get all the parts off the old door and onto the new one. Thomo is such a trooper having done most of the research and hard work on today's project. My nimble fingers proved invaluable on the small tricky screws and bolts, but mostly I acted as a prop to hold the door in place while my man worked. What a super hero he is :)