Well we've hit the beginning of November 2000 and I'm eight months into the project.. Since my last update with the weather beig good I've been busy in the garden, but the good news is that the winter is coming (Never thought I'd hear myself saying that! ) Although it will be a little cooler in the garage fortunately I've done most of the work that requires me to be on my back. I've invested in a gas bottle for the Calor heater too!

Having acquired a set of Stage one axles from Neil off  the alt.fan.landrover newsgroup, I've now got them fitted. The only modification required was the removal of the rear spring pads and the relocation a little closer in to the diff as the LWB springs are mounted on outriggers from the Chassis making the distance a little wider. The SWB has the springs attached direct to the Chassis.

Since I last wrote the Fleetline Rangerover has been sold, due to increasing petrol prices and an expanding family then something had to give, especially with the completion day for the project getting closer. Since selling the Rangie we've had all the fuel protests which has taken the sting out of letting it go, it will also be something else to tell the grandchildren about one day.

The good news is that the Stage one axles have the 11 inch drums and wider brake shoes. This will give the best factory designed braking that I'll get. I also got the dual circuit servo and Stage one master cylinder so that should make a considerable difference to the brakes.

The further good news is that the Axles which are Salisbury rear and rover front have the 3.6:1 ratio diffs fitted which means better economy, all be it slight, it will be very noticeable on the pocket at the present fuel prices. LPG is going to be a serious consideration once the project is on the road.

A trip to Billing proved to be quite profitable, I've managed to drop on a 90 front centre piece minus the grill for £5 which will, once fitted, give the IIa a totally new look. I've also virtually completed the exhaust now, I just need a couple of flanges to finish it off.

The propshafts have been shortened by myself. I've taken them to a local welders to have the arc welding done as my mig is only good for 4mm steel and I don't really want to run the risk of loosing drive.

Oh that reminds me the front prop as it happened was just fowling the sump oil drain plug by about 1mm. I've managed to use the centre bearing from the old Jag prop to put a slight dogs leg in the prop. I didn't want to risk it as close as it was when considering the extra movement when the chassis articulates. As the front prop isn't going to be under load 95% of the time then the UJ's wearing is not so much of an issue.

I've made a bracket for the radiator which locates the 90 front centre grill panel nicely and I've also managed to get hold of the water system hoses from L & H Hoses and Brakes who are at Lichfield Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent. I have to say these guys are great and had got all the right bits I needed. I've now fitted the hoses, just need a few more bits. Unfortunately the hoses from the Jag engine to the heater are a different size than the original Landrover heater.

With a little initiative I've managed to plumb the hoses around the  outside of the chassis. Here the steering is on full lock so there's no chance of the tyres catching. I will make a guard to  keep the
weather and elements at bay later.

I'm hoping to pop out and buy the petrol piping tomorrow. There are a few problems again  between different sizes of pipe from the Landrover Tank outlet and the Rangerover fuel pump.
Fortunately the pipe from the pump to the Carb seems to be the same. I also need to pop down to the local breakers yard and purchase an extra fuel tank outlet for the return supply. Fortunately on this occasion Landrover appear to have seen me coming as there is a blanking plate on the tank for just such a thing...I suppose it's for diesels or twin tanks, something along those lines.

Well I think that's about all the progress since last time.. by my next update I will have removed the rear tub and painted the axles, finished off the centre tunnel, plumbed in the new brakes and lastly plumbed in the fuel line and petrol pump…. things appear to be shaping up nicely! Albeit slowly!