Two Dimensions

With the Jeep now finished and thoroughly tested on the Matt Savage ‘Tansley’ test track, I was finally allowed to take it for a spin. I chose a cafe at the War Tunnels Museum, in Jersey for its first outing. Handling was commendable the small patch of and under the tyres, but once on the ceramic tiles the old bar grips felt a bit two dimensional. I am hoping to get some better tyres soon for the authentic military split rims I have, now painted to match the rest of the chassis.

It goes!

Behold. An mpeg of the Jeep on the extensive Matt Savage test track near Matlock.

Click on the question mark!

A chat afterwards confirmed that all was well. The gamble was that the gearbox, transfer box and axles may have been duff as these are the (only) parts not new, but they were fine. Even the radiator held water okay, but a laid back Californian mouse had made a nest in there some years ago. Debris cleared all was fine. Next is finish off the rear lights (me!) and give it a coat of paint, then an MOT.

Twisting wires together.

A flurry of activity on the Jeep last week sees it very nearly running. I was entrusted with sorting out headlights, bolting in the seats, screwing on the rear reflectors and a few other menial tasks. Matt connected up the fuel pump and plumbing. By the time we had finished for the day another hour would have had it running, but these things are best not rushed, so that highlight will wait for a few more days. Still on the shopping list is a pair of seats. All I have is the steel shells and even with my ample padding, I shall need the original style canvas padded ones to maintain any vague comfort. A pair of old sofa cushions will do for the MOT though.

Chasing Rainbows.

Nothing to do with the Jeep (of which more very soon), but this was the view through the Land Rover screen yesterday on the M69. Torrential rain and yet the sun was out, causing a 60 mph following rainbow, just visible here. Never any Global Warming when you want it is there?

Another mindless purchase.

After writing in Land Rover World, last month: ‘Tucked behind a barn, was a 1952, 80 inch. It looked as though it could have been there for about 20 years. I resisted asking the farmer as to whether it was for sale or not. I have a weakness for such things and really, really, don’t need any more.’ And here it is, safely tucked up in Jo’s garage. It’s the male equivalent of buying a new pair of designer shoes. Illogical, but irresistible and I know I’m preaching to the converted. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it yet, but the signs are good. Yesterday I managed to get the engine to turn over, first on the starting handle, then on the starter motor. There was a spark, but the petrol had been in there for ten years, so ignition was not forthcoming. Lovely patina though, eh?

Leaps and Bounds.

A surge of activity last week sees the Jeep looking more Jeep like, and these latest pictures give a clue to it’s intended use, for those in the know. Purists will be pleased to see that it is a repro grille, from the Philippines, that has been butchered with the angle grinder. We have saved the 1943 one, just in case it is ever restored to a ‘normal’ green Jeep again. Next stage is the wiring and I have to lift a finger and restore the two ‘Italian’ rear lights. I have an old trailer board with some lights on it and hope to incorporate those feeble plastic lenses into the 12 gauge steel of the original lights. Built when Men were Men and stuff was built to win Wars!

Hubble Bubble toil and trouble.

It was in the summer of ‘69. A Messerschmitt KR 175 swapped for £3 and a BSA B31 single, in bits, from a chap called ‘Stocker’ in Measham, who had it abandoned in his garden. This is what started it all. I cleaned it up, painted it yellow and hit the road, with my Mum in the back giving me ‘lessons’. She must have been terrified! It was a 1953 Cabin Scooter and I still have the number plate here in the garage, LDR 509. The photo was taken by Dad on one of those new Polaroid cameras. It was, of course, only 16 years old then and parts were easy enough to get from an outfit called Pride and Clark, in that London. Big ad in the back page of Exchange & Mart. Cue Diplo & A F-A. I didn’t have the Messy shit long and was thrilled to get £15 when I sold it a few months later to replace it with an Isetta Bubble car. Now it would be worth several thousand. There are some very funny vids on Youtube of others.