Drove it for the first time today (only took two or three years)!

[GrFa]

Date of purchase: 10-26-05
Date of first drive: 1-16-08

I had originally planned to have the truck done for the Winter Romp 06, didn't make it. Then 07 flew by also. 08, might just make it.

Before:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/G95M3/land%20rover/Picture121.jpg

During:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/G95M3/land%20rover/Picture076.jpg

After:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/G95M3/land%20rover/drivingLR001.jpg

It is still not officially done. Still need to finish trimming the interior, install new seals and weather stripping, rebuild the hardtop (seals/window tracks/headliner/paint), rebuild rear body, and find some decent front fenders, and finally paint.

At this point I have spent more than twice what I thought I would in total. And its still not done. It was pretty fun to drive it for the first time. And instead of doing the restoration the quick and easy/get it on the road way, I decided early on to do it the right way so I won't have to do things over again. At this point the only major original pieces are the engine long block, the front fenders, and the rear body.

It's been fun so far, can't wait for whats to come.

[64 Wagon]

CONGRATULATIONS!:thumb-up:

[4flattires]

Bravo... ol'e chap!

Jeff

[SeaMiler]

Congrats - she's beautiful. Is that a SI bonnet?

[Tim Smith]

Congrats! You've just graduated to "rolling resto" I think.

You should put it into service immediately if you are thinking on going to the romp. Local trips should be a good way to find that loose water pump or those missing hinge bolts that will most likely show up on your way to WR.

[jp-]

The first drive! Quite nice when you get to that stage! Everything either works, or starts to fall apart...

[GrFa]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I did take it around the block up there (its at the rover shop that did all the work I didn't feel comfortable doing). But it is making the 100 mile trip home within the next week.

My 16x7 wheels just arrived from Gulf Coast Rover. Brand new only $66 a piece and are for use with radial tires (NO TUBES!). I have had a set of 235/85/16 BFG ATs sitting outside for over a year waiting for the truck to be up and running. I need to get them mounted up tomorrow and then drive them up to drive the truck home. The gearing is RIDICULOUS with the 28 inch tall tires that are on it.

The bonnet is a standard series IIa unit, not a deluxe or dished. It is drilled for a spare tire mount which needs to be installed. Looking back I almost wish I'd gone for a deluxe or dished bonnet. Still time though, the bonnet is technically original also (it was a straight trade used for used). My original was also in great shape but was not drilled for the spare tire carrier.