WORK IN PROCESS
YVES KOBES, TATTOO ARTIST, DORTMUND, GERMANY
What’s It’s a former so special British about Army your vehicle Series that III? had been stationed in Germany (among other places). It’s a truck cab FFR (fitted for radio), LHD (left-hand-drive) Series III. I’ve checked the records and it entered service on December 21, 1982. How did you find it?
I came across it via a sales site here in Germany. I was enchanted by the looks of it – and I simply had to buy it. What sort of condition was it in?
Not brilliant. It has spent the previous 18 years sat in the corner of a yard, under some trees. It had a 2.25-litre petrol engine, but I couldn’t test-drive it because it was a non-runner.. What was your first task?
Getting it home! But once it was there, I got to work and started by replacing the starter motor, followed by the ignition system, then a bit of fiddling around to get it running again. Then what?
After that I sorted out the steering components and a bit of wiring. I also replaced the blower motor. Next up will be the brakes and then probably the hardest part of project – the rear quarter chassis. It will be a long-term project because 24 hours per day is definitely not enough.
How are you going to get it finished then? Well, hopefully my mechanic friends at Ruhrpott Outdoor (Support 1815) will give me a hand at some point . . . Have you unearthed much history?
When I was working on the clutch I found traces of desert sand, which I think is probably from the first Gulf War, about 1990. It all fits in, because the car served around that time with 12 AD Regiment, which was deployed there at that time.
She also served with 681 Vehicle Troop and 40 Regiment Royal Artillery (aka the Lowland Gunners). She was sent for disposal in Germany on May 4, 1993.
If any of your readers have got any pictures of my truck (Reg 90KA76) in service, I’d be very happy if could share them with me. What are your future plans?
I hope to give the old lady the respect and the honour she deserves for her life in service. I have decided the scars and bruises of time will remain on the outside, because they tell a story and are the most unique look you can achieve.
Finally, if anyone wants to donate old working parts that they don’t need but would fit my vehicle, I’d be very happy to hear from you.