The most important part of the refurbishment program, was to select a good donor vehicle. This vehicle (original MOD number 88 KA 18) was chosen, (along with Nancy Gregory's Land Rover 88 KA 10 see her page too !) from over 3,000 Land Rovers that were for sale at the disposal agents. Totally at random, both vehicles had served together with the same unit, and were only 8 chassis numbers apart. We were looking for 3 main features: 1. Excellent chassis 2. Excellent bulkhead 3. excellent mechanics. Most everything else (bodywork etc) will be replaced.Note the camouflage paint - that would take a lot of effort to remove
The mechanical preparation included fully servicing the vehicle, overhauling the brakes, suspension, steering, and axles etc, as well as checking all electrical units. New tyres, unleaded (TURNER) cylinder head, exhaust and shock absorbers were also fitted, along with a reconditioned gearbox, and new clutch. Obviously items such as engine hoses and belts were replaced as a matter of course. We then began the refurbishment of the bodywork, which entails stripping off all old external panels.
With the majority of the mechanical work complete, attention turned to the bodywork. Interior areas were re-painted whilst the vehicle is stripped down. The colour was especially chosen by Brad, and is a General Motors/Chevrolet colour called Light Sandrift Metallic. The chassis was also steam cleaned at this point, and repainted with chassis black paint whilst it was still accessible. Note the military rear cross member (on the picture to the right), as well as the military tow electric socket still fitted.
Here we see the front cab area, prior to repainting. Note the under seat fuel tanks - 10 gallons per side, as is standard on most Military Land Rovers. Also being a late model SIII it is fitted with the later "Anti - burst" door locks. Note also the corrosion free bulkhead and footwell area.
Here we can see the front wings, and radiator panel, repainted on the inner faces prior to fitting to the Land Rover. All are new panels are used for ease of preparation, and quality of the final appearance.
Here we can see the interior of the cab area after painting. Note the left hand drive steering, adjustable drivers seats, military identity plate (on seat box - left hand picture), and the military light switches (centre of the dash panel - right hand picture). Upholstery will be fitted at a later stage.
The fitting of the front wings tidies up the engine bay. All loose wires and pipes can be tidied away. Whilst this will not be a "SHOW" vehicle, Brad wanted something completely different, and I think we can see it starting to take shape. Note also that this is the later 5 bearing petrol engine, with the orange filler cap located on top of the rocker cover. The cylindrical air filter is an oil bath type filter, that is ideal in dusty conditions.
Once the Land Rover is painted, the re-fitting of the interior can begin. Brad went for "Brushwood" cloth trim, including 3 front seats, and 4 rear bench seats, making room for up to 11 people. Seats are bought in, but all carpet sets and trims are hand made in our own trim department. Note also the side windows, these are the original type that would have been a factory option when the vehicle was manufactured.
The Land Rover really begins to take shape. New grill, bumper and light fittings give it an "AS NEW" look. Note also the Defender style door mirrors (Fitted to many late SIII models), bonnet mounted spare (optional), and civilian style headlamp surrounds.
At the rear, we can now see the civilian type tow ball and socket in place. All light units are new, and you can also see the hooks and clips fitted to the rear of the body, to facilitate the fitting of the optional soft top that had been requested with this Land Rover. As this one has been rebuilt with a safari rear door, we also needed to paint a new tailgate to match - this is fitted in place of the door when the soft top is on. Brad also had us supply a truck cab (pick up) roof, painted to match, giving him the choice of 3 body styles.
Before and roof fitting. This is left until almost the last job. The roof is painted Ivory White to match the wheels. At this point we are down to checking over our "To do" list to ensure that everything has been included. The paperwork necessary for export is completed at this point, and a civilian UK registration number is allocated. We try and "clock-up" at least 100 miles on the completed vehicle, to iron out any risk of teething problems - such as water leaks, oil leaks etc. Remember that an X-Military vehicle may have been stood for many months prior to disposal.
The day of delivery (finally) arrives. We are based in the North of England, so it entails a 500 mile round trip to Southampton Docks. The Discovery makes an ideal towing vehicle, and the Brian James Trailer makes for easy transportation, and simple loading procedure.
Well - This is the end of the road for us - Southampton Docks. It has been a vehicle that has taken over 6 months from the initial planning stages, to the final product, delivered and ready to go. The Land Rover is in good company, alongside some North American Spec Discovery's also being shipped. It will only take 7 days to arrive in Halifax, and probably the same again for Brad to have it transported across to Calgary.
