The Old Land Rover Arms
Landrover stuff => The Landrover Gallery => Topic started by: a twig on November 03, 2014, 09:26:53 pm
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Updates since April:
1)
Alfred's saga continues! :giddy:
So, after 7 months of arguing with the DVLA, everything finally came good last week!
So Saturday morning saw me hopping onto a very early train to Suffolk, where after a gentle 4 hour journey, I met up with another member of this parish, Mr Lightweight Nat, who has kindly been storing Alfred and re-submitting endless rounds of paperwork until the DVLA saw sense!
Some tea was drunk, some bollocks was talked, the new number plates were fitted, and I saddled up for the 260 mile trundle back to Somerset! Having faithfully promised my missus that it would only take 4 hours, and I would be home at 4pm, she was less then impressed when at 3:54 I was only at Reading services - still some 80 miles away! Overall journey time ended up 5:45 - oops!
To be honest I had valid excuses - firstly the speedo under reading by ~15mph didn't help - it took me a while to figure out why so many people were getting angry behind me! I've also never driven a land rover with an overdrive before, was very out of practice at non-power steering etc etc.
Anyhow, so Alfred now has a new guardian - plans, photos and more adventures to follow, though first off, fitting some soundproofing and adjusting the idle revs is in order!
In the meantime - I shall continue with my ringing ears, popeye arms and big **** eating grin as I trundle round everywhere! >rock<
2)
So, some small updates:
Fitted a cubby box instead of the middle seat, and knocked up a removable sleeping platform out of 2" x 4" and plywood so the missus and I could go camping last Bank Holiday weekend:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/006/IMG-20140524-085933140-HDR-zps445afda6,medium_large.1502396575.jpg)
Weather closed in a bit, so makeshift awning time!
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/004/IMG-20140523-141909320-HDR-zps5f5e18c1,medium_large.1502396571.jpg)
All worked well, and missus is now sold on the "camper landy" idea, so hopefully Euroleafing next year!
In the meantime Alfred has been my daily drive to work. A couple of slightly sketchy moments when braking heavily on wet tarmac (even though I was only doing 30) led to a purchase of 5 new tubeless steels with Michelins, comparison below:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/007/IMG-20140607-112445925-HDR-zps9a56514f,medium_large.1502396577.jpg)
So today I fitted them, here's a halfway through photo for comparison:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/008/IMG-20140607-113417994-zps565580a8,medium_large.1502396581.jpg)
The post with flowerpot is so I know where the sharp rocks are when reversing!
My brake pedal was also pretty spongey, and Alfred had developed a sharp dive to the left when braking. In a rare attach of CBA I dropped into my local independant garage on the way home from work on Friday, who for £10 bled the whole system. While definitely a DIY job, its a bit of a ballache so defo £10 well spent!
While Alfred was up on the ramp, I had a bit of a nose around, the front swivel is pissing oil, as is either the transfer box or gearbox (or maybe both, there was so much is was hard to tell).
So after payday I shall be investing in these:
(http://www.rockymountainspares.co.uk/rocky/images/27-zoomed.jpg)
(http://www.rockymountainspares.co.uk/rocky/images/74-zoomed.jpg)
Any recommendations for a swivel seal kit and some idiot proof instructions would be appreciated?
Next small job today is to apply some bitumen flashing tape to the doors, as the vibration is horrendous, some buggering around with the fuel injection pump has improved things, but still ear defenders the whole time when driving!
Motorway speeds are actually when Alfred is quietest, which is a bit odd! Anyhow, my war on vibration and engine noise is about to begin. I have a dB app on my phone - which while not calibrated, will give good relative readings so I can see how much of a difference things are making!
I have a 2A tropical roof off a station wagon and a gentleman from this parish is providing some hard top sides, so around September time the preparations for winter can begin! I do love the rag top, however I really need a bit more security than it can provide - often having to leave Alfred in an airport carpark etc. :(
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Well, after a week of faffing around with the brakes and getting nowhere I've given in.
So this morning, with close to no brakes at all, I very cautiously trundled the 8 miles to my local indy LR specialist to sort it all out, and adjust the engine timing/replace the engine mounts in an effort to reduce the teeth rattling vibrations at tickover.
My credit card will probably take a hammering but I need it back on the road for the weekend. Will post up the full damage report later!
So - report so far, Master Cylinder was shot, now replaced. This had made some improvement.
Also the adjusters on the front axle (both sides) were seized, both cylinders on RH side front were leaking badly (what I thought was oil from the hub seal turned out not to be) thus the pads are also badly contaminated, and now need replacement... Joy...
Parts now on order, I may get Fredo back by Friday...
Right, week and a half later - finally got the 109 back from the garage with a fairly decent pedal, which I hope will improve as the brakes bed in.
Final tally:
New master cylinder - seals were shot on old one.
New shoes all round - a lot were contaminated from leaking brake cylinders so needed replacing.
Two new cylinders - drivers side front top and bottom were shot.
New adjusters - 3 were completely knackered.
Deep joy and a large labour bill to match, but hey ho, back on the round again at last. At least Alfred should fly through the MOT in October now!
On the plus side, also changed over the engine mount rubbers to the ones from Glencyone, huge difference! Cab is a much nicer place to be now, vibrations completely go at ~900rpm, rather than the 1200rpm of before!
So next on the list:
1) Getting to the bottom of the over-reading temp gauge, fuel gauge and speedo issues
2) Wright Off-road soundproofing kit
3) Ordering new rubber seals so I can convert to a hard top for winter.
First up though, clearing the couple of tons of rubble form the back garden that have been waiting for Alfred's return! :smile1
Once again, the motoring gods have had their wicked way, and Alfred is back off the road. Driving home on Friday, the exhaust downpipe decided to part company with the flange that was attaching it to the exhaust manifold. While the engine did sound great, it's not really an ideal way to motor!
As the downpipe was a custom cut and shut job, I've decided to bite the bullet and ordered a full Steve Parker system, and while I'm there order the series temp sender adaptor kit as well, so hopefully two birds with one stone! Once again though all the other jobs are shunted back down the list - although I have received delivery of some LEDs, so I can have some lighting on my gauges, as driving with a red fishing head torch at night isn't ideal!
Further investigation of the speedo over-reading issue is proving confusing, as most people with engine conversions etc tend to have speedos that under read afterwards! Planning to check the part numbers when I whip it out, but the only thing I can think of is that I have a 1-Ton speedo in there which would have a different ratio? I have a spare dash and gauges, so opportunities to play about there.
Will post photos etc of the Steve Parker exhaust when I fit it, hopefully one evening this week, although it's going to be tricky getting access to the manifold studs to bolt the thing up! Joy...
Onwards and upwards...
Well so far not so impressed with the Steve Parker exhaust. The routing is nicely tucked up under the chassis but this makes it a right PITA to get lined up. 4 and a half hours of buggering about last night, working in the rain and dark with a head torch, and still the fucker doesn't clear everything properly. On finishing my third attempt at 11:45pm last night and it still clanging either the cooling fins on the bottom of the transmission plate, or various bits of rear chassis, I threw my toys out the pram and went to bed. FRSsml
Plus, despite it stating on the website "Designed to hang on the standard chassis mountings", upon opening up the kit and reading the instructions it merrily states that you will probably have to make up the rear exhaust hanger as many chassis do not have it. Added to the fact that the silencer has a big blue Britpart label, I'm starting to regret not just taking it to an exhaust specialist and getting a custom set up done.
So far this exhaust has taken me around 7 hours to sort out, and probably will need another couple at least over the weekend.
I am getting increasingly confused about the chassis underneath. As well as a removable gearbox crossmember, the rear exhaust mount is for the "in front of rear shackle" route, and it has a rear fuel tank. Any suggestions? Or just someone getting carried away with the Richards' options list?
Well, this has been a busy month!
Despite my best efforts I could not get the Steve Parker exhaust to sit properly. I spoke to Steve on the phone, he was very helpful, and we went through everything. Turns out that my aftermarket galv chassis has extra bracing around the front cross member which is a lot wider than the norm. I personally still felt that the downpipe wasn't quite right, but hey ho. Some photos...
SP Downpipe
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/Downpipe_zps7a1af03a.jpg)
Fitted without rest of system, in full contact with all of the front crossmember.
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/DownpipeClash_zps09520316.jpg)
Even with the rest of the system fitted so the weight would pull it down, still clashed and only ~3mm clearance in other places:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/041/MoreClashing-zpsed83bc7d,medium_large.1502396660.jpg)
After much cocking around, I scrapped the Steve Parker exhaust and went a got a very shiny custom stainless job from Infinity Exhausts just off the M4...
Pipe being fabbed:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/042/NewPipeOnBench-zpsc68395ac,medium_large.1502396662.jpg)
Almost finished fitment:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/043/NewPipeOnCar1-zps42199ba6,medium_large.1502396664.jpg)
Super shiny back box:
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/044/NewPipeOnCar2-zpscdbc5eb1,medium_large.1502396668.jpg)
Very very happy with the new exhaust, drives a lot better and less vibration! Although the fitters obviously didn't believe in locking washers or tightening up bolts properly, as stoppoing for fuel the other night I noticed all the mount bolts had gone, apart from the rearmost which had lost its nut and about to go! So very glad I noticed that in time! Trusty in car tub of random bolts and buts and 5 minutes of rolling around the forecourt later - all good!
On to more productive things - a bit of a dash refurb and the idea from the "Speedo illumination" thread lead to this!
(http://foghornblog.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/040/LEDGauge-zps09768aaa,medium_large.1502396657.jpg)
I'd had no illumination on any gauges since I bought Alfred. The speedo was just a blown bulb, but the other was a weird fitting and a bit knackered. So, I had picked up a spare dash from ebay, and pulled out the gauge from that, fitted the LEDs and whacked it in. While in there, a new solid state voltage stabiliser went in as well.
I can now see both Fuel and Temp at night, and, due to the voltage stabiliser, the gauge will now read below 1/4! :) While red LEDs may seem a bit chavvy to some, I picked them purely as they don't knacker your night vision as much, which until I can improve the current state of the original headlights is a must!
Finally resolved long running engine temp issues as per separate thread in Tech section. New gauge, new voltage stabiliser, new temp sender, and it turned out just to be the thermostat! At least it's sorted out now!
So, in the last 31 days, Alfred has been off the road for over half of them, but MOT time next week, so fingers crossed everything is peaking at just the right time!
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Ref the speedo, take it Ruud and Nat told ya we fitted 3:54 diff to Alfred along with the Tdi?
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So that is just about up to date, MOT this Friday arvo, reckon the "excess play" on the steering might be a pickle, but other than that...
lozza - yeah, Nat mentioned it, but that should make it under read, whereas it currently over reads by about 10mph!? Confused...
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Yep your right should under read, just had to pop out and check Ralphs speedo as we put stickers on that after fitting 3:54 diffs lol
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bdcing bdcing Rock Rock Alfred passed the MOT! Clean bill - no advisories! RCK thsh Rock Celbrt
Usual last minute panic this morning when I went to indicate, and both hazards were flashing, in between which the dash was lighting up like a christmas tree! So a frantic plough through the wiring diagram and attacking terminals with a multimeter diagnosed a fault in the dash switch for the lights - which was causing the indicators to partially earth back up through the dash!
After much panicking and messing about with a soldering iron, I remembered I had a old genuine jobby knocking around inside, tested it and all good. Quick clean of the terminals, in it went, and happy days!
Genuinely can't remember the last time I had a clean MOT so seriously happy! Fireworks and beer time methinks!
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Wow - so I haven't updated this in a very long time!
Not a huge amount of work has been done though - which explains it. However, to make up for the lack of attention, there has been a few goodies more recently.
At the start of this year I fitted a Wright Offroad Soundproofing kit. Absolutely brilliant, and something I wish I had fitted sooner! The matting at the back was trapping a lot of moisture against the rear tub - leading to some rustalicious ruin - so I binned that and bought some playground mats - like this
(http://www.rubbermattingco.co.uk/media/catalog/product/g/r/grassmats_203.jpg)
This has drastically reduced drumming in the rear, but the handy knobbly design allows the back to be hosed out and doesn't trap water, no more rustico and improved sound deadening!
I'll take a photo of the back next time it is all empty!
EDIT: Finally had a nearly empty truck - so photo!
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20170323_145851_zpsw3fn6mx8.jpg)
Biggest change was completed this weekend though as I finally fitted LED headlights (something I have wanted to do for ages):
My headlights had been an MOT advisory for a while - the adjusters were corroded, and as the chap had had to ram cardboard in there to get the height right at the last time, I thought I would replace the whole headlight assemblies as well as switch to LEDs.
So - these arrived: (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_153051_zpsc6a2rped.jpg)
Upon opening,
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_153058_zpsa3kqwjvm.jpg)
Bin the instructions which tell you how to fit them to a jeep, and you bin the leads provided which allow you to fit them to a boingy...
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_153110_zpsqvnhsqec.jpg)
Start taking apart the seized and knackered old jobbies:
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_155056_zpsew9kkeu9.jpg)
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_155248_zpse9jct4zv.jpg)
All the wires are black and theres a funky spring-style socket...
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_155254_zpsun720isr.jpg)
Bin all of that, fit new genuine Lucas housings, metal work (to get the decent adjusters) and shiny chromed retaining ring:
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/s-l500_zpsmmmqbpcu.jpg)
Then fire up the first to compare:
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_175821_zpsrbbfcy6j.jpg)
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_175851_zpsajjsqt16.jpg)
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161111_180010_zpsazpc5q5d.jpg)
Decide its getting too dark and cold - come back the next day and fit the other - take it out for a test drive and get your passenger to take a photo of the dipped beam:
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161113_183440_zpstpvbmkrj.jpg)
Difference is unbelievable. The sharp cut off from the LED units mean that despite there being a lot more light output, there is much less glare to dazzle other drivers, as the beam pattern is much more tightly controlled. As a result the vision is so much better - driving at night is actually enjoyable again, as I'm not peering through the darkness, trying to guess the upcoming road direction and conditions.
Before the naysayers say "Ah yes, thats unfair as they're tired old sealed beams, new sealed beams would have been fine," Bollocks :) The ones I took out were fairly modern Wipac jobbies (>6 years old), so there :P
Another bonus - the current draw of these LED lights is a darn sight lower as well (only 3A!!!), so no more need to worry about relays and wiring. Less current going through the stalk which is always good as well.
I bought mine from SP Global via their ebay shop (spglobalparts) - other providers are available, however these were the cheapest decent ones that I found - £145 for the pair.
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have you got a pic of the outside. im interested to see what it looks like.
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have you got a pic of the outside. im interested to see what it looks like.
Day time or night time?
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day time. I like the idea and just wondered what they look like. I know its not going to have the standard look but there only a bolt on bit and I'm not a rivet counter. cheers and great 109.
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day time. I like the idea and just wondered what they look like. I know its not going to have the standard look but there only a bolt on bit and I'm not a rivet counter. cheers and great 109.
Ta-da, only noticed after uploading the pic that there's still a bit of moisture/frost on the bottom of the lenses, but it gives the general idea:
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20161130_142252_zps7tmek09w.jpg)
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Sorry, post in wrong threat.
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Alfred was collected today by orkneydave - who now starts his epic road trip back to the Orkneys. Fair play to him, an epic undertaking! Will miss Alfred but look forward to seeing his future exploits on here.
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/eddiefry/Alfred/IMG_20170405_174657_zpsn7qrt4qt.jpg)
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Sorry for the delay in posting on here but Alfred and I made it safely and in once peice to Orkney!
I flew from Orkney to Bristol on Wednesday and was met at the airport by a twig. After a sort out of paperwork and spares and a cuppa to keep me going Alfred and I were on our way north.
I stopped for fuel about 20 miles north of a twig's and had my first 'mishap'! In an effort to ensure I didn't run out of fuel on the way up I overfilled the tank. I didn't realise that it would overflow at the front of the tank so it looked like I had a fuel leak. With daylight hours starting to fade, I called the AA to check and make sure all was okay.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2939/33951010155_98fa753328.jpg)
Once I got the all clear, it was a rather tiring drive in the dark up to friends in Cumbria. With various closures on the M5 and M6, the fuse for the lights rattling loose and a broken indicator stalk, I eventually arrived in Cumbria at around 1am (shortly after being flashed by a speed camera whstle).
My view on Thursday morning:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2833/33951011355_b1e7f688f8.jpg)
After a good sleep and breakfast I set off for Aberdeen to catch ferry home to Orkney. The drive was pretty uneventful with only a high temperature gauge causing concern (this turned out to be a air lock in the cooling system caused by a loose hose).
Anyway, made it to Aberdeen in time for the ferry. I stupidly left the fan on though during the crossing (6 hours from Aberdeen) so the battery was flat on arrival in Orkney. A quick push by the stevedors and I was on my way for the last 18 miles our journey home whoo
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2939/33910093906_4a4c6cedda.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/33821072791_c85f3bcfb4.jpg)
Alfred now has his own Instagram page (@alfredthe109) for those that do but I will keep posting our adventures on here with detail of any work I do.
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Well done, Dave. Loosebearings17 was sorry to have missed you.
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Great effort! I'm impressed you managed to get flashed by a camera, that's something I never managed in my years of LR ownership!
Hope you get the niggles sorted and he gives you many years of enjoyment.
Let me know shipping details and I'll get those door seals sent up.
All the best
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
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Well done, Dave. Loosebearings17 was sorry to have missed you.
Thanks Matt, was sad that my trip didn't tie in with hers but she'll no doubt see Alfred around up here!
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Great effort! I'm impressed you managed to get flashed by a camera, that's something I never managed in my years of LR ownership!
Hope you get the niggles sorted and he gives you many years of enjoyment.
Let me know shipping details and I'll get those door seals sent up.
All the best
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Thanks, hoping I don't get a ticket in the post but have warned the wife and she laughed!
Niggles will be fine and were expected, especially given the length and timescale of the drive. Overall it was a good drive up and Alfred proved to be reliable.
I'll send you a message tonight with postage details for the seals.
Cheers,
Dave
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Loosebearings17 was flashed by a Camra member, does that count?
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Haha, I'm not sure it does!!
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**Warning - Picture Heavy**
I thought an update on Alfred was long overdue (especially for those not on Instagram)!
Since collecting Alfred way back in April I have mostly just been using him as my daily driver and for weekend drives etc. I have carried out a few small upgrades/modifications but not changed a lot really.
After tightening up the fuse holders the next job was to fit 3 point seat belts to the front. Whilst I loved the free feeling of lap belts I thought best to go down this route with Alfred being my daily driver and with the potential of trips south. Seatbelts and bar (to allow soft top to be kept) ordered from Exmoor and arrived several bolts short ???
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4156/34673383675_9b13ea4170_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4268/34895028161_5c7d21f6ce_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4248/34846476202_abda75c113_b.jpg)
I also bought some 2 man benches for the back so that I can take the kids (well technically one is an adult!) a run too...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4272/34877989881_74ec276c06_b.jpg)
I have since changed the configuration of the benches to face each other and give more cargo space at the rear
I decided a rug would be a great addition to the back
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4267/34986759366_a8a5ef3c69_b.jpg)
and then took the oppurtunity of a dry day to take the roof off (I've done this a few times now!!)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4198/34846473682_29ca8fa2da_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4275/34895182621_131406279a_b.jpg)
I then thought the rear crossmember could do with a tidy up
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4198/34987126096_b8d5699fc8_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4196/34863760232_916ee02f85_b.jpg)
and with new rear step fitted
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4258/34269452043_65f20d7e04_b.jpg)
and a trip to the beach!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4249/34692763320_344e26e124_b.jpg)
At some point whilst taking a detour to work to look at a nicely worn series 1 I managed to loose the wiper seal from my door window and then run it over!! Time to strip down the door top and fit new seals...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/34291104863_d57ae7890a_b.jpg)
I've also fitted a radio to the back of the cubby box (with speaker pods riveted to the bulkhead behind the seats). Not much use over 30mph though!!!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4219/34477841914_9d88b7238b_b.jpg)
My son has a ex MOD 110 and had pestered me for ages for the spare wheel well in Alfred as I was never going to use it apparently! I said if he got me a sheet of aluminium to cover the wheel box he could have it. This would also allow me to relocate the bench seat further forward and cover up all the old holes in the wheel box
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4214/35835199215_4804ea3043_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4265/35025261283_0cf8e09a46_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4241/35025263663_c6308d115f_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4257/35025264193_327d0fb24a_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/34994801404_475de2e492_b.jpg)
and with seat back in
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/35837411675_3d249ae5e7_b.jpg)
and then off for a day trip to Shetland for work
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35838599725_e743c8cfab_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35450408940_17e0691c2d_b.jpg)
View from the bridge
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4254/35798204196_d0c8edff1c_b.jpg)
Had to launch a friends boat last week so thought I'd fit this
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4319/35309894543_a9f22b09e8_b.jpg)
which made life so much easier for this
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/36118076165_5e0d5dc06a_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4321/35309863253_0b5b84a436_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/36118072735_04878c6fd2_b.jpg)
And that's summer over...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4302/36065225436_1f77ae69b9_b.jpg)
Next to do is:
1. replace fuel tank with one that doesn't resemble a seive (might be a slight over exaggeration as I'm still getting over 30mpg!)!
2. replace the hood with one with side windows and buckles so that I can roll up the sides (anyone interested in a well aged FFR tilt?)
3. wire in the reverse light (supplied by a twig, fitted by me but not wired in yet)
4. overhaul the steering. I'm used to it now but it's far heavier and has far more play than it should!
5. look to add more sound deadening, may not be possible
6. paint job. Still deciding on colours but will most likely be green of some sort. Really like Keswick green but not sure if it will look out of place. Also considering Eastnor green.
7. full service
No doubt there will be more to add to the list but that will be as time and money and ambition allow!
Will try and keep the updates a bit more frequent than before!
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Photo with the hamper is absolutely spot-on!
lkebtn
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lkebtn
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Great thread and pics. Love the rug in the back.
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Great pics, good to see another Series in daily use :D Loving the rug in the back :D
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Went out to see the new carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth this morning...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/36194680131_58fb09da51_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4297/35522625513_74b740934f_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4307/35495416494_d510480593_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/35495409144_fdb7b516cf_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4385/36331127195_5aaee39919_b.jpg)
She was in to mark the 100th anniversary of the first landing of an aircraft on a moving deck by Cdr Dunning.
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Looking goooood!
My Exmoor seatbelt bar was also short of a few bolts - the ones that you fasten the bar to the cappings with. Mine also had a slight twist in it but it pulled straight when fitted.
wdesmle
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Time for another update (trying to keep these reasonably regular!)...
The weekend before last I took Alfred to the local vintage Rally. Most of the vehicles there normally live in sheds and are only used occasionally, however I think Alfred looked good even as a daily driver.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/35768108784_dfbe28d445_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/36603527945_2fdd6e08df_b.jpg)
Once the sun came out...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4397/36466131591_e6934fa8ac_b.jpg)
Not sure this one was on display!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4379/36465585421_ae3a66aef6_b.jpg)
And a few other exhibits...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/36465622191_159e3440b7_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4372/36557441266_93a6b37388_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4353/35794179373_1702fd3baa_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/35768637394_2257e50cb0_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4423/35794270213_271c90f3e5_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4333/36706659966_18349fe587_z.jpg)
Then round to a job I have been meaning to do for a while - fit a reversing camera! The camera came with my sat nav (which I really just use as a speedo ;D) but with the poor visability out the back with the top rolled down I thought I might as well fit the camera. Fairly easy installation as the transmitter is wireless so just need to take power from the reverse light. Only problem is that whilst I have a reverse light fitted, I'm still to get round to running power to it (an fitting a gearbox switch). Hopefully get round to that next weekend!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/36706636896_fc80b335b1_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4365/35919148894_d3b88615d9_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4418/36614126111_34095302c9_z.jpg)
I've got a new fuel tank home to fit next to stop some of the leaks and am about to order a new tilt. I've pretty much made my mind up on sand for the colour but not 100% sure on side windows yet. Could do with ones behind the doors to help with visibility at junctions but not sure I want ones further back. Any ideas greatly appreciated! Will have to make my mind up and get an order off.
Also trying to decide on body colour as Alfred's paintwork is looking a bit crap now. Thinking to stick with green (Alfred was originally marine blue) but not sure on the shade. I love Keswick green but feel this might be a bit "modern" and like pictures I've seen of Eastnor green but not seen this in the flesh. Probably be a while before I get round to paint anyway!!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/35944566113_5b91b6d5ea_z.jpg)
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Death wobble was down to a loose track rod :shock: Two minute fix and all okay! Now swivels, track rod, drag link etc have been replaced I need to concentrate my efforts further up to get the steering how I want (still too much play for my liking!
Anyway, time for a long overdue update on what I've done so far:
Wire up reverse light
Following on from fitting the reversing camera previously, I still had to wire up the reverse light and gearbox switch! This was surprisingly easier to do than I expected.
Floor up
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4337/36845058492_91168a904f_c.jpg)
Hole in selector re-tapped and switch fitted
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4397/36845059732_93d8d90f25_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4337/36845060252_6e874495b4_c.jpg)
and wires connected
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/37016381645_ce93391277_c.jpg)
Fitted interior light
This was a £3.99 find at a filling station whilst on my travels south. I plan on wiring in a more permanent solution at some point but this works well for now! I covered it in black insulating tape to help it blend in a bit!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4392/23667647438_345df5b83d_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4511/37471731146_034a3b786f_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4469/37261410520_93b3fb619d_c.jpg)
New hood
When bought, Alfred came with a rather old but reasonably watertight FFR tilt. Whilst it kept me mostly dry, I wanted to improve how Alfred looked, have the ability to roll up the sides and have side windows. After a bit of research I opted for a new hood from Undercover Covers (despite the rubbish website!). After a wait of around 6 weeks, the new hood arrived and was fitted.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4512/37963090371_52eb287894_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/24112120538_9469d964f2_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4487/26187527989_a2ac9a9987_c.jpg)
Christmas tree duties :D
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/38268937364_108aa9b7a9_c.jpg)
Rescued my son when he got stuck in his Defender :D
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4596/38268943234_dc62b18700_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/38268948584_521732a770_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/27207737469_f89c24dca1_c.jpg)
Fitted new tailgate hinges
Having seen these elsewhere on the tinternet I decided to get a set of two-way tailgate hinges from Purely Metal. I had to wait a bit as he had no galvanised ones in stock but it was worth the wait.
The kit:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4738/38682136815_53f16b0990_c.jpg)
It was fairly simple to fit and has made the back of Alfred so much easier to use and get in and out of. Would highly recommend this!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4737/24710768177_b51e2839d4_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/40365293822_b956bd5c5f_c.jpg)
Fitted new door handles
I got a bit fed up of my passenger door flying open randomly and didn't think usung dog leads to secure it was going to be a long term solution
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/25708182788_e369f2552f_c.jpg)
I also found cracks in the driver's side mechanism
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4728/39548947662_4b95cafd82_c.jpg)
So I ordered some anti-burst door locks from SP4X4. I got the kit that included all the bits required including a step drill bit (I already have a set but have found the one supplied useful for drilling out rounded off screws etc!)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4734/39578128241_fa5dddb896_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/25708171688_dafbd0e72f_c.jpg)
Oddly, one of the strikers seemed to have been previously opened and had mis-matched screws holding the rubber block :?
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/38869796284_dd52b6c77d_c.jpg)
Anyway, old handles off
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4640/38869799014_d2e364e33f_c.jpg)
and new ones fitted
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/39578159141_f38d5d9095_c.jpg)
Much better now but still require a bit of fettling. The driver's door works fine although the handle is a little stiff, however the passenger door first proved almost impossible to open. I have adjusted it a fair bit but now the door doesn't close as tight as I would like. I think the doors themselves may need adjusting at the hinges so plan to tackle this on a sunny weekend sometime.
Swapped cord on tailgate flap for bungee
I'd been meaning to do this since fitting the new hood at the end of September but wanted to wait until the hood had been through a few wet/dry/hot/cold cycles so as to reduce the chances of shrinkage. Anyway, this was a fairly easy job. I ordered a 2m length of bungee from Amazon and found an online chandlrey that could supply crimps to allow me to create eyelets at either end. I put the first eyelet in before threading the bungee though the flap and fitting the eyelet on the other end. I used heat shrink to seal over the crimps and hopefully protect a bit from the salty air here. Along with the new tail gate hinges, this has made a massive difference to getting acces into the back of Alfred.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4668/39662599882_0f398b2c46_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4674/24825520747_e412c916f4_c.jpg)
Moved my son's kayak
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/28046075439_ab8d2bba36_c.jpg)
Drove through the Highlands in the snow
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4602/40082617942_430d5c920a_c.jpg)
Fitted excellent lower dash vents
Not much to say about these other than that I am really pleased with them (there's lots more here http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic59006.html)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/26586478048_2fe43977c0_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4760/39766418524_2a9bcbe57a_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/39580890915_75d0ba0266_c.jpg)
Soundproof the rear
As Alfred is my daily driver and I spend at least an hour a day at the helm I was a little concerned about the effect on my hearing. I ordered 2 boxes of 3mm Silent Coat from deadening.co.uk and a 2m roll of 6mm ribbed rubber mat from Amazon (actually from a seller in Bristol and significanlty cheaper than any Land Rover parts supplier). Obviously I picked the coldest day of the year to fit so it was out with the heat gun. Took less time to fit than I expected and was pretty easy to do. The hardest part was removing the seats.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4660/40582102562_2ce5b4689a_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/40582099242_760127b584_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/39913785784_71fc06e84d_c.jpg)
I have left the upright surfaces for now as I want to retain a little originality and patina in the back. I have lined the inside of the tool box and need to re-fit the catch pin.
Rubber matting was cut to fit and laid before re-fitting the seats
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4694/40582207722_dd1b67bfa9_c.jpg)
and most importantly rug back down
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4791/38814670840_b1dae42192_c.jpg)
I still have 1 box and 1 whole sheet of Silent Coat left over but I plan to apply this to the cab area shortly. I already have a Wright Off-Road cab mat fitted but hope that the Silent Coat will improve things further. With this fitted in the back I think i have lost about 6db when driving at 55mph (according to my phone anyway) but can have the radio turned down a bit low and can hear it all the time now. I still need to fit a rear seal and retaining strip on the floor at the back (the old one crumbled away a while ago).
Roll up the sides
Having had the new hood for 6 months I finally managed to get the sides rolled up yesterday before heading home from work! :D
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4800/38897712130_90cce5d3c8_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4798/39812522115_0bee5a14a6_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/40665310512_893f276965_c.jpg)
Sides rolled up again today but no pictures yet!
Still to do:
-Continue to improve the steering
-Fit soundproofing in the cab area
-Fit MPH speedo, spare instrument dial (still to be refurbished) and new instrument panel
-Source and fit new lower dash (found mine is rather tender when fitting the vents)
-Adjust the doors (or even replace them). I also plan to make door cards.
-Wire up a front pair of speakers so that I can use my bluetooth hands free (aparrently doesnt work through the rear speakers but there has been little point with no soundproofing)
Apologies for the long post. Hopefully I won't leave it so long before updating again!
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Looking good! Will be impressed if you finally fix the wobbly steering - as it baffled me for years! The steering relay was replaced the year before I bought it but I think it was a Britpart one that went in, so worth checking that as it has been in a few years now.
Might be worth rummaging through the bits you collected from me as I'm pretty sure there was a spare speedo in there? Or was that the one you were referring to fitting? rbchn
If I remember correctly the drivers door was a "pattern part" so might fit a bit funkily but the passenger was original so should be fine with a bit of adjustment at the hinges! :)
One more thought, if you still have the thick rubber matting that was in it when you collected it - putting that on top of your new shiny soundproofing might help, as it should minimise the "drumming" coming through. Might be worth putting your left over sound proofing onto the the B bulkhead as I remember that used to vibrate like a mad thing - the WOR kit is pretty heavy duty.
Most importantly, where are those shiny black and silver number plates you were talking about on insta! :D
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Thanks Eddie! Steering not so wobbly as such but still too much play. The relay looks okay but think the steering box is past its best and the ball joint between the box and relay is badly worn too. Both on the list to be looked at (I started from the bottom and have worked my way up).
Yes, planning to calibrate the spare speedo you had to suit the diffs. The current speedo reads in kph (with mph in small numbers) and doesn't reflect the actual speed traveled, hence the speeding ticket within 8 hours owning Alfred ;D The odometer bit has also stopped working.
Passenger door fits pretty well but just needs more time adjusting the new catch to close properly. The bottom of the door frame has seen better days though. Drivers door is a poor fit. I've got the door top raised at the rear with extra rubber to close the gaps a but better but will need work at the hinges.
I plan to add some soundproofing on the B bulkhead, especially behind where the speakers are but will have to wait for a slightly warmer day. My son has "borrowed" the playground matting for his Defender but may have to grab it back and try under the rubber mat.
Silver and black plates to be ordered soon ;D