Hi from a new Landy Owner

Hi There

I am Murray or 'Muzz' to most people! I have worked with an driven Land Rovers since the 70's in the RAF but never owned one sadly - until now! I have always adored the vehicles since seeing the Zebra Striped one on a very old TV series in the 60's called 'Daktari'! (and yes I have done a Zerbra striped one but more on that another time!) I especially like the Safari as its very adaptable wagon.

So the other day I spotted one on Ebay, a 1968 very tatty one in Limestone it was a runner but has failed its MOT on welding it needs new supension mounts front and rear plus the rear axle is busted but the seller included a heavy duty one to fit! The owner is a bit worried so I BOUGHT IT! Then realised i have nowhere to keep it except a tiny rented garage with no power but she is TOO HIGH to get in. So for £1700 Im now a proud owner of a heap......but NOT for long. I have a large generator and Mig and will weld out in a field! (Thank you forces field training! lol)

I once changed a Defender engine and gearbox complete in 4 hours so these cars do NOT scare me. Also driven thousands of miles in MOD Landys in various global locations. Including the Falklands! We had a very tatty LWB sort top with no 1st or Reverse gear but otherwise a runner! Our MT chappie welded double rims on the back to handle the sloppy mud - it was named "The Antichrist" and drove like it! But htis was 30 years ago and Im now an 'elderly engineer so any helkp is greatly appreciated I am far from being an 'expert'

My 'new' Safari has been christened with a bottle of Cobra "Pamela" (as in Pamela Landy in the Jason Bourne films...[groan]...lol) I have to drive a transporter up to Lincoln on Friday to collect her! THEN she gets a long overdue makeover. She was a 'working vehicle' owned by the local council (who professionally fitted a 3 litre Diesel Landcruiser engine and she has been thrashed and abused PLUS they have RUINED her lovely 2A 'face' so I want to try to put that right but the big diesel has pushed the rad forward, I would rather have a Discovery TDi lump! But sadly cant afford £3000+ for one

Welcome to the Fellowship of Looneyzoos. Yes by you photos your Landy is rough as dogs but that will fade soon with the Rose Tinted glasses and feel happy to throw away the the white stick when you bought her. You mentioned the Falklands, I too was there in 87 and 90 Port Stanley when the Costels were about to end MPA and then Hillcove. 90 at Foxbay. Do you still have your Nosh Rods and good supply of Bog Rolls by your bed. Does your misses still remind you to go up a gear as they come 1-5 with a token reverse for those odd occasions.

If it’s any help everything I’ve done to my Landy - which is a long list including axel, gearbox and engine rebuilds - I’ve done without a garage and on the side of the road. There’s nothing stopping you!

Many thanks guys frankly I would never have bought a bright shiny Defender, I would be afraid to take it boggin' or green laning! Ive restored an old Scammell explorer before making an adaptor to respray her using her own air tanks lol. I cant stand the 'Chelsea Tractor' brigade (someone told me they sell 'spray on aerosol mud' to convince the neighbours of valid off road use lol)

Yes Saxavordian once I left the Falklands ( I applied to double tour I loved it) I had to use more gears! We also had a captured Argy Unimog that was great to drive in 4 feet deep mud! We were based at San Carlos on Chinooks I was an engineer on them. Cant wait to get 'stuck in' to sorting that old tatty wagon out!

Hi and welcome!

That looks like a great Project! Let us know how you get on.

Welcome sounds like you like a challenge and are not phased by a bit of hard work look forward to seeing the progress
Build threads go down well on here

Many thanks folks its going to take some time as I lost EVERYTHING a few years ago in a flood I have to buy tools, grinder, welder, equipment you name it but I'll get there! Shes going to be CONCOURSE in ooooh.....10 years X)

Welcome

Well I guess you are going to be busy.
But it sounds like you understand it’s gonna to throw up a few challenges.

Flat tyres or no tyres can sometimes help get in a garage sure you can work out a way.

Enjoy

J

Welcome to the forum