New member and first posting

Hi all,

Newby here, and no doubt will be asking lots of questions, and perhaps hopefully answering a few!

Although we had several landy's when I worked on the family farm in the 70's not been around them much since leaving to work elsewhere. Till now that is: Just bought ex utility 110 white (aren't they all) 98R hardtop.

Done about 130k miles, but bodily very good. Bit of backlash in drivetrain, but I seen to remember the new one they had on the farm in late seventies had similar? And what a surprise to find that these late defenders have a turning circle less than the QE2!

Anyway, have done a few bits already... new drivers' door hinges, new indicator stalk, and a few other bits.

Chassis looks completely solid, but has lots of surface rust. What's the general thought on that? How long till it falls apart and what is best way to prevent that? DIY waxoyl or similar? Suggestions much appreciated.

Shocks are knackered too. What are the best (most economical) replacements?

Any fors and against for spare wheel mounting. It hasn't got one at the moment, and I quite fancy a bonnet mount.

Finally.... for this first post........ what are best value tyres for standard width steel wheels? Some dual ability required but don't need a full on mud tyre.

Sorry to ask so much on first post, and will try to contribute myself in future!!!

thanks

Will

Hello and welcome to landyzone
Sound like you've got a good one,but get that chassis waxoled asap its the best time for it warm and dry etc..
For spare parts i use a place called Buckley Bros its in Darwen Lancs but is mainly mail order and mostly britpart stuff and cheap there number is 01254208042 www.landroverspares.co.uk usually very good! Personally i would put the spare on the back door as your forward vision is affected if on the bonnet especially if offroading! As for tyres Bf goodrich all terrains are superb but about £100 each! A Very good remold i have found is called the insa turbo See www.paddockspares.com i have these fitted to my disco in the mud terrain which is very similar to the Bfgoodrich mud terrain, they have been on since Christmas, used an the motorway at speeds up to 90 every day and have lost about 3mm of tread onthe steering axle in the last 8.000 miles which isnt bad and they drive well handling etc
hope to have been of some help
Graham

Well that's a good start thanks Graham, I'll give them both a try.

Would you do waxoyling yourself? Looks like a major job unless you've got a lift, and lots of bits to miss! Is there anyone in the Midlands that does a waxoyling service?

Also, I would like a full length (alloy) roof rack. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Will

Sounds like a gud 'un.

If you've got a local Land Rover dealer try them fir spares I've had gaskets from Stratstones at similar prices as Paddocks and you don't have the hassle of postage if they are the wrong ones.

I decided against mounting the spare on the back 'cos I don't want to make the vehicle any "longer", when I get round to it I'll mount it on the roof, apparently it works as a theft deterent as the vehicle wont fit into a container for export without them taking it off.

Just sit your spare on the bonnet to realise how much it restricts your vision.

If money is a bit scarce try Bronco tyres, I've got their Roughriders on and so far they seem ok, don't know how they'll last though.

Most economical shocks must be Armstrong, cheap as muck.

Everyone has their preference for location of the spare and I think I have had them in every available place - bonnet, roof, rear door (with and without a wheel carrier), inside upright on the right, inside behind the rear bulkhead. Each location has its pros and cons. I've never found visibility a problem on the bonnet (might be my height), but with a lot of dirt-road use, the bonnet cracks. On the roof, its out of the way but it is a pain getting the wheel up and down and remember the wheel alone is the maximum quoted weight for a LR roof. Back door is convenient, but makes the door heavy and can knacker the hinges (a rear wheel carrier is good). Inside was safe, but the mounting transferred every jolt through to the body-work and loosened the panels. On the back of the rear bulkhead in the SWB was good, but a pain when you needed the spare if the vehicle was full of other junk. In the end, back door wins for me - with a hinged wheel-carrier if you can afford it. If you get the bonnet mounting fitted as well then you can carry two spares as and when you need to.

I'm not a fan of roof racks - temptation to put too much weight up there which dramatically reduces your roll-over angle (on swerve or unexpected rock/hole, not just crossing slopes). If you do insist, make sure it is of a type that transfers weight down to the waist level of the body, not just attached to the roof gutter.