UdderlyOffroad

Yep, like I say I use it to loosen crud and allow the nut to wind over the bolt easier - not as a penetrant (which saves using expensive plusgas where it's not needed). Also, my local RFD told me never to use WD-40 on firearms as it affects the blueing. Whether he was just trying to sell me expensive gun oil I'll leave up to your judgment.

Yep, I too get my Plusgas fix from a 'proper' motor factors. Ebay/cromwell/etc also do it. As Mmgemini says, the can actually lasts quite well, as you use it sparingly 'cos it works! Also keep plenty of WD-40 handy, it's not a penetrant but it does 'lube' threads so that muck/cr*p falls off easier, especially on suspension components. I always try to give a squirt of WD-40 the night before starting a job, followed by a stiff wire-brushing to remove the schmutz. If, after that, the fastener still looks like it'll cause grief, it gets wiped off and doused in Plusgas. Matt

Strict spanish "MOT" rules - am sure OT can elborate, but from all I've read, having accessories fitted with the correct paperwork would add to the value of a secondhand truck. Unlike in the UK - where people look to buy clean, unmolested trucks and fit toys themselves to their taste.

Ahh that makes things clearer! And it seems you need far fewer parts than I first thought! Do you have 'utility' sides without rear quarter lights? If so I might be able to swap for a set of station-wagon sides (see the piccie in the thread I linked to). Ahem. Back on topic, the 'do it right, once' mantra has a lot to reccomend it. Landies appear to attract more than their fair share of bodgit nscarper owners! And ignore the County Police! Interior trim can range from stable mats through to Alcantara - and it's all pretty easy to do yourself. Sourcing original fit plastic trim Isnt though Matt

Ok, there's some confusion here on the subject of van (hard top) to station wagon conversions. Note, avoid the word 'utility' as that's a station wagon (five doors) but no rear windows. What I assume you currently have (given it's D-reg) is a three-door van. First of all it's perfectly possible, but you do need a lot of parts. Contrary to what some will tell you, there are no differences in the chassis, save for bolt-on brackets and an extra bolt on beam. All of these are available from aftermarket suppliers. I bought Britpart items and had them galv'd, My somewhat rambling thread on it is here Matt

They're not carling, the're LR type. PaulMC on here is the expert, hopefully he'll be along shortly :-)

Careful that's us gallons, you're actually getting 37.3 mpg (imperial or UK gallons). That's still pretty bad for a small fiat, are you driving it like you stole it? :-) Matt

I've also come accross no rear lifting eye on 200Tdis. As has been suggested, use the lashing eye. Whatever you do, be safe - not worth risking quite serious injury (I know two people who have permanent leg damage after lifting accidents) for your hobby! I purchased a rated soft strop from machine mart for less than a tenner, for instance.

Bought and fitted! Will have a look tomorrow (will be dark before I get home tonight).

I've taken a chance on Britpart 'G' ones too, but given my current rate of progress, it might be a while before I can report back!!

But try finding a later Rover axle for sensible money! That said, it's also easy to get "nickel and dimed" when assembling the parts to do a Salisbury conversion.

Equally, don't get too grinder-happy. Some bolts on the suspension are high tensile, fine thread items. Panhard rod bush bolts are M14 (!). Bolt kits are available, as has been mentioned. A couple of days before re-chassis, apply WD-40 to flush the muck off the threads before attempting to undo, and if necessary Plusgas on anything really rusted! Then, come the day of rebuild, if anything is really stuck, angry grind off! This, in my experience at least is the fastest way to go.

I might be wrong Jeff, but fairly certain I managed to get MrAngryGrinder in there to cut the bolt heads off, M10x110.

Why would you though? Just take to your local scrappie & weigh it in for cash (ok a cheque, thanks gubmint). Or offer it on here for scrap value & it will live again or at least parts of it will! Matt

Now that is nice. However no PAS and a 2.25 l petrol. Bet that was a loooong, noisy drive down from Scotland. Your co-driver probably could set up a camp bed in the back though. Could probably manage 'blades tuning' driver changes too!

Thanks for the heads-up Rovernut! I know the awkward bit will be running some power to the feed the bypass relay, haven't quite figured out how to do that one yet. As for the brake circuit thing, yes I had seen the slightly more expensive bypass relays and wondered what they were for. Will probably fit 13-pin socket to future proof myself (but not the caravan bit, can't see myself ever wanting to tow one with a Pug when I have a Landie!). Apparently all new braked trailers have to have a reverse light (not just caravans) therefore 13-pin electrics are standard, but I can't find a source for this fact. Back on-topic, at one stage I did start to write a vehicle electrics fault-finding thread - but gave up (because I ran out of time on my lunchbreak...)will dig it out and post up, maybe others could contribute and we could create something useful for the tech archive.

Yikes! I was thinking of getting a tow-bar place to fit a towbar to my Eurobox (Pug 308), as it requires either a bypass relay, or the dedicated Peugeot loom and a trip to the main stealer to change some of the settings in the ECU. Don't think I'll bother, will fit the bypass myself, and not have scotchloks anywhere near it! Back on topic, vehicle electrics aren't difficult, but one needs Some theoretical knowledge A good meter AND test lamp The right consumables & means to install them (viz. decent crimper) An anal perfectionist mindset Back to pop culture, first rule of Auto-sparks club: Do not use scotchloksSecond rule of Auto-sparks club....etc My coat and hat? Why thank you!

I'm going to frame that post!

Anyvan.co.uk, uship.com, shiply.com With luck a transport company near you will have a truck driving home empty that they'll want to fill with your load for not much £££. Beats the hell out of hiring a trailer and then fuelling a towing vehicle there and back!

My advice? Go to your nearest welding factor (not easy I know as they don't tend to be open at the weekend and your transport is in bits in the back garden!), and do a deal - whether new or s/h. The point being that, should you have issues, you can take it back to them and get it sorted! Remember welding factors tend not to stay in business by flogging rubbish machines to the public (they stay in business by flogging spares for the rubbish welders to the public) Also, remember the first rule of welder club: Avoid Gasless And the second rule of welder club: Avoid Gasless

True - I guess I was pointing out that 200 Tdis are getting hard to source, but complete scrap discoverys with 300s in can be picked up on Ebay for not much. This could be the quickest/cheapest option for you. If you can live with the 300 foibles, that is...

Mike, I was taking a gander at Ebay last night - seems to be quite a few 300 TDI Discoverys around that 'require some welding for MOT'. Would keep it nice and LR standard.... Congrats on number 2! Matt

Just a side note, I've been impressed by the quality of both Paddocks & Terrafirma HD drive flanges. Nice tight fit & no silly plastic cap to loose.

Then why not just put on a decent c-section girder to replace the cross-member & run the Defender as long as possible? From previous experience you will need a decent vehicle to restore boats!

Thanks for the tip re driving in Spain, I suspect that will start to affect more and more tourists as these things have suddenly reached the public conciousness following the meteor showers and the viral videos of ‘good samaritan’ acts. To be clear – in the UK there are requirements too, to display a sign that CCTV recording is happening IAW the Data Protection Act and who to contact. But I believe recording video footage in a public place (such as the public highway) does not come under that. IANAL though so am happy to be corrected!