WORK IN PROGRESS

NEIL BALDERSON, ENGINEER, WOLLASTON, NORTHAMPTON

How did you find this project? It all began with a simple phone call from my auntie, which I still remember very, very clearly. It went something like this. Auntie says “my neighbour is selling their Land Rover, do you want it?” I reply “what is it?” She answers “a blue one, of course”. The rest as they say is history. After purchasing it and doing some digging I realised that for only £1000 it was a great bargain.

What’s the story so far? It went like most serious projects, I suppose. First there was the simple strip and good old clean. This soon became a complete strip and rebuild, piece by painful piece. I’ve ended up spending hours sourcing original parts or restoring components where I can. Even the display dials had to be completely stripped. I went all out by refinishing the gear knobs and sourcing closed-head rivets. Some might say that is a bit much, but for me it has been a total labour of love. I’m really pleased with what I have done so far. I’ve enjoyed the process; in fact, it has been extremely cathartic.

How long have you owned it? So far it has taken me six years to get to where I am and I hope that by the end of summer it will be finished and back on the road. Any dramas with the engine? Luckily not and it still has the original one and it is running well. Yes, you guessed it, I did strip, clean and rebuild it, which is why it fired up on the very first crank. I love it when a plan comes together. No rattles or leaks. Just what the doctor ordered. What are your plans with it? I am going to drive and enjoy it once done. Why else would you do a project like this? I will probably go to some shows and display it. Hopefully my project will inspire others to finish theirs.

Have you struggled to find some bits for it? Fortunately, most bits were cleaned and replaced. When needed I sourced only original parts and where I could not find them I had to manufacture them myself. I was not the first to do this and I won’t be the last.

It’s been what I call a sympathetic rebuild so I have retained some of the patina and modifications made by the previous owner as this is a part of its history. I felt that I needed to recognise and celebrate this. My favourite part has been sourcing a cloth weave finish for the harness, a component hardly ever seen, but I know it’s there and that makes me happy.

What are the next jobs you will be doing on it? The roof next, it already has a primer on and it needs painting. Then it’s time for the front wings and bonnet

What is the hardest part of this project?

I’ve done this all on my own, which has been a personal challenge. You don’t know you can do something until you give it a bash. I want it finished in time to celebrate the end of this pandemic

Any other projects on the go? Actually no, not yet, but I do have my eye on another Series II. Is it true that once you start you can’t stop?

Anything to add? Just keep going and never ever rush anything. If you are not happy with something, stop and do it again, because it will only bug you later, and sometimes it is too late. I don’t have a blog but regularly share stuff on the Series II Facebook page.