[DANIEL PILMER, CLASSIC CAR RESTORER, EAST YORKSHIRE] 1984 SERIES III 109 V8

Was it originally a left-hand drive? Yes, but a previous owner converted it to right-hand drive. I have converted it back again. To do this I had to get hold of a LHD steering box and steering worm. Then I had to source a facia and blank off the gap on the right where the steering had been.

You love classic cars? I own Wild Rover Cars and I have always loved old cars. My dad had a Mk2 Jaguar which was the first car that I helped to restore. A few VW buses followed, and then came the Land Rovers. I have never looked back since.

Tell us about this Series III It was on ebay as a spares or repair and I bought it without seeing it. The chassis was beyond repair, but I realised it had been a genuine LHD and could be of interest to someone in the USA or Europe.

When did the restoration start? I had it for three years before starting the restoration last October. We began by sourcing a good replacement chassis. I foundnd one in Dorset, it was then grit blasted locally before I did some welding on it. Finally it was painted jet black. I took everything off the Land Rover and then rebuilt it onto the good chassis.

What about spares? I’ve used my other Stage One as a donor car and pinched the safari roof and the seats from it as they were in excellent condition. I think the person I bought it from had been pulling parts off it to use on other Land Rovers so I had to source a lot of parts, and all the doors were rusted in the usual places.

Have you had any help? While doing the work my eight-year-old niece, Laura, took an interest in what I was doing. I've had her sanding, painting, filling in and pop riveting, which is her favourite. She even painted up the old Land Rover badgee. She is very good at everything I show her. Any problems so far? I am at the most difficult stage, which is the electrics. I have a friend who has said he’ll help me get it started when I’ve put everything back together.

What has been the biggest job so far? Respraying the car as I’ve had to paint every inch, including the chassis.

How did the welding go? I have learned how to do it properly – a must for a classic car restorer.

Any other projects on the go? I like Stage Ones and have another one that I will be working on next. I’ve restored about six of these in the past and so know them well.

What does the future hold? I’m looking to set up a website very soon and for now readers can contact me via my Facebook page. I’m hoping that Wild Rover will grow into a respected all-round classic car restoration business.