Landrover Discovery
times I went back to it, it hadn’t improved. I kicked myself for not being braver and sorting this before the RMA had gone for paint.
Anyway, we removed the screens and frame and were greeted with oxide edges. It needed clearing out and starting again. Before starting we created cardboard templates and then we cut out the filth. Repair panels were carefully constructed in six in sections and then, after I had revealed the limits of my talent as a welder, Clive Mig’d them into place like a pro. I do the structural stuff… I’m no artist.
Next up, steering rack. I had deconstructed it and now with shims from a spare rack, Matt and I cleaned and greased like men possessed, before reconstructing the rack with new shims.
Also on the bench, we played with the brake master cylinder. It was deconstructed after about two hours or so of swearing from Matt. Although the seals and bore appeared to be in good condition, the amount of debris was pretty
scary. The new kit from RM spares department couldn’t come too soon. During my visit to I also bought a new roof. The RM series were blessed with a vinyl roof, which is stretched over wadding and tacked into place along the edges. This is finished and held in place with an alloy gutter. It is a tough thing to fit properly and the quality of the materials is paramount. All off the shelf at Buntingford and supplied with clear fitting instructions… better than IKEA.
This will be the next big job, along with the fitting of a new loom, building up the engine, making new carpets, and fitting up the brake and fuel lines and hoses. So not much then. It is essential that this project runs to time though. Previous owner Ron is coming to the show on the Sunday and will be handed the keys so he can drive the car he never managed to restore with his dad offstage, the first time it has driven under its own power in 45 years.