Popular Post elbekko Posted January 2, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted January 2, 2019 (edited) Well, that wasn't exactly the plan, but it's what happened 🤦♂️ Popped over to the UK for New Year's to have a play at Bunny Lane, and combine it with the classic car show at Brooklands. Arrived at Bunny Lane around lunch after missing our ferry by 5 minutes because we were sat at border control in Calais for an hour with nobody bothering to work Bit miffed to have gotten up at 3 in the morning to then be waiting an hour for the next one... Unhooked the trailer with the Lotus on it, swapped the tyres and set off. Car seemed to work well, put on a bit of a show of V8 loudness and flying mud in places, all good. Then came across a little hill with a big rock in it. We were thinking maybe I'd hit the diff, no biggie, just do it slowly and see what happens. First try stopped just shy of getting up it, but no diff hitting, so all good. Backed up, gave it a bit more throttle (but not much), went up the hill, and... landed on the belly. Seemed to make a bit more noise that usual. Backed up, saw oil, instantly stopped the engine and got out to have a look. This happened: Must've hooked the handbrake drum on the rock... Drove back to the parking lot with loud crunchy noises, and breaking our record of breakage, now at half an hour on the site! Obviously a bit of an issue, as that was the tow car... so got the Lotus off the trailer, put the RR on, and started unbolting as much as possible. By the time the site closed, we had it all loose, but left a few bolts in the crossmember and transfer box so it wouldn't fall out when being towed. @miketomcat offered to tow it to his home behind the Ibex, which we gladly took him up on. But we still had to source a replacement box, because this wasn't going to be fixed with JB weld... Mike and @FridgeFreezer started calling around, when Piers showed up (not sure if he has an account on here?) and mentioned "oh, I have a P38 in a shed somewhere". It quickly became apparent that would be the only option, as everyone that could have one was closed until after New Year's, and the nearest one on eBay was in Bath... Fridge drove up to Piers' shed, which turned out to be many sheds filled to the brim with all kinds of treasure. And in the back of one, looking like it must've been there for 50 years (time travelling P38?), was a manual diesel P38 that had been put in there with a seized engine. Crawled under it, screamed at the amount of spiders, but decided it was our only option. Then realised it probably wouldn't fit because it's a manual, and mine's an auto, but some research showed that only the input gear should be different, and can be swapped fairly easily. Right then, undo many rusty bolts, preferably while minimally upsetting the spiders. Did I mention I really, really don't like spiders? Especially in cramped spaces. Anyway, after about 4 hours, we had it pried off the rusted output shaft and carried into Fridge's car. Made it to the hotel a little past midnight, and dropped like a brick. Including the time difference, that was a 22 hour day. Next day, off to Mike's place, to get the broken one out. That went fairly alright, apart from some exhaust studs at the downpipe breaking off, but we got those drilled and tapped. Inspecting it off the car, turns out it was cracked almost all the way around. The bit between @Escape's fingers is the only bit still attached: Still had the issue of the differing input gear on the other case though. But splitting the broken one open revealed that it should be fairly easy to just swap the output side from the new case onto the input side from the old case, without having to press the input gear out. That went smoothly except for one slight niggle that won't be named Had it all back together around 5, in time for New Year's celebrations, and made it to Brooklands the next day with the Lotus to put it among a bunch of very, very special cars there. And we made it home! Without too many strange crunchy noises. I'm fairly sure if I ever need to be declared clinically insane, this thread should count as plenty proof Thanks again to everyone involved for all the help! The only reason we can risk to go to the UK to do daft stuff like this is because of awesome friends that go above and beyond to help us out if (when) we break stuff. Edited January 2, 2019 by elbekko 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 Elbekko That is the joy of owning a P38 and going off roading. Sounds like an adventerous trip but a very successful one. Great to know there are people who can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 You niggle secret is safe with me. I have to admit it wasn't quite how I planned to spent new years eve (Though it was better than tiling my barhroom). One of the things I love about the land rover fraternity is the can do attitude and willing help from strangers and friends. I have been on the receiving end in the past and was glad to be able to give some back to the cause. Long may your daft trips to the UK continue and just be careful I have been known to venture across the channel. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 I was wondering how long before this showed up here glad to be of help, you guys are always great value entertainment! Oh and thanks for filling the Jag up too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallfry Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 And I have another transfer box you can have for nothing (Filip had the other one) should you want it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post miketomcat Posted January 3, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted January 3, 2019 The way things are going a complete spare p38 stored in the south of England might be a good idea. Mike 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 As I said on Faceache.... you did a good job of that! I wasn't too far away (in the New Forest with the good lady), wish I'd popped up now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 8 hours ago, miketomcat said: Long may your daft trips to the UK continue and just be careful I have been known to venture across the channel. Always welcome And there has been a mild hatching of plans to get you guys over for an off-road event at some point, there's a nice site in northern France that might be a fun club/forum outing. 1 hour ago, miketomcat said: The way things are going a complete spare p38 stored in the south of England might be a good idea. It's not the worst idea... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arjan Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 This is how it works with true LR people.. I have been helped many times in the deep dark night on the side of the road and try to give it back, too.. Well done guys ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Bl**dy foreigners comin' over 'ere, takin' our transfer boxes... Funny enough I was wondering about events abroad for a bit of a change / club outing - let us know! 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 I better renew my/the kids passports then. Mind I might wait a couple of weeks to save some confusion. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arjan Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Yes.... It is us bl..dy foreigners taking away lots of things.... Don't get me started on the Franch who buy all the nice Renault 4 & 2CV's in Holland.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 The one I was thinking about was Marquenterre: http://www.faire-du-4x4.fr/le-centre-4x4-domaine-du-marquenterre.html It's a sandy site, 110km from Calais. Very pretty, and some challenging bits. There's camping on site, and houses to rent available for who wants too. There are a few others, but a bit further away for you guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy_SP Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Well done to those who helped out! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 4 hours ago, elbekko said: The one I was thinking about was Marquenterre: http://www.faire-du-4x4.fr/le-centre-4x4-domaine-du-marquenterre.html It's a sandy site, 110km from Calais. Very pretty, and some challenging bits. There's camping on site, and houses to rent available for who wants too. There are a few others, but a bit further away for you guys. No good, that website's all in foreign! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 Yeah I know, I couldn't find much info. We were there a few years ago with the Freelander club, good fun. Will have to see if I can find some pictures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 I think @Mo Murphy/ @V8 Freak / @Retroanaconda Were over there recently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballcock Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 It's always good to see like minded people helping each other when they can. I also have been on the receiving end and the returning of the favour. long may it continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 55 minutes ago, landroversforever said: I think @Mo Murphy/ @V8 Freak / @Retroanaconda Were over there recently? Was there in June last year. Nice place, huge site. Big wheels and lots of power are the way to get around there with ease 👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 It certainly is a great place for a weekend away. Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daan Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Never give up chaps. Daan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Poore Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 15 hours ago, miketomcat said: The way things are going a complete spare p38 stored in the south of England might be a good idea. Mike I know someone with two in the SE. Not sure if he'd have parted with the transfer boxes, maybe by buying the whole car... 10 hours ago, Arjan said: Don't get me started on the Franch who buy all the nice Renault 4 I also know someone in the SE buying up the Renault 4s in the UK... 11 hours ago, FridgeFreezer said: Funny enough I was wondering about events abroad for a bit of a change / club outing - let us know! Have a very useful friend north of Paris. Mind you he is a little bonkers but is very much into offroading, the 44" tyres he has for his old Land Cruiser on DIY portals are the "small" set. There's a special set for Scottish peat bogs . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSD Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 17 hours ago, miketomcat said: The way things are going a complete spare p38 stored in the south of England might be a good idea. All you need is some gullible idiot with plenty of garden space who will fall for the 'just for a few weeks' ploy... Aah... No... Hang on! <grabs coat> <runs> 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Big thanks from me to everyone who helped out as well! If any of you ever need any help over here, the Workshop is at your disposal. Despite the stress and work, we had a real good time celebrating on new years eve and enjoyed the company at Brooklands. On 1/3/2019 at 12:28 AM, FridgeFreezer said: Oh and thanks for filling the Jag up too That was the least we could do! I actually enjoyed driving it, and seriously considered getting one as a sensible daily drive. Looked in the classifieds, found a few interesting ones. Quite cheap in UK! In Belgium you find nothing but the 2.0 diesel anyway, and I want the 2.5 or 3.0 V6 petrol. Then looked at taxes and decided it wasn't sensible at all... 😞 @Ed Poore do you have any more info on the P38s for spares? I'm about to take a '99 4.6 apart for spares, even though it's in far too good a shape to do so. So an alternative might be interesting. Or we could just buy it and leave it over there in *someone's* garden just in case we come over to play again. Filip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Poore Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 17 minutes ago, Escape said: @Ed Poore do you have any more info on the P38s for spares? I'm about to take a '99 4.6 apart for spares, even though it's in far too good a shape to do so. So an alternative might be interesting. Or we could just buy it and leave it over there in *someone's* garden just in case we come over to play again. There's two, one which is up for sale. Probably asking way too much for a spares vehicle however it's been kitted out for offroad / camping use (acts as a guide in the UK for predominantly French and Belgium groups coming over). Been well maintained as well, 2.5 BMW 6 cylinder manual with a chipped ECU. [edit]It's a T plate so 99 again[/edit] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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