Hi All,
My P38 has been off the road since December 2023. I have always done my own repairs and kept it in very good condition. I am now 78 years old and am unable to work under the car anymore due to health. I am still able to do any repairs elsewhere if I don't have to lie down. The car should have gone in for an mot in January. The old mot had air suspension tank rust advisory and side steps also starting to rust. So I thought I would fit new side steps and a refurbished tank. Ever since January I have been trying to find a mobile mechanic Near to me, everyone I have asked to call out has said they would but as soon as I say it is a P38 They don't want to work on it. They must think it is a rusty old knacker that they don't want to get there hands dirty or they think it is to complicated to work on. I can not afford Land Rover prices, but I am not tight I will pay a mobile mechanic good money.

If the rust isn't too bad it might be worth cleaning it up and treating it then a coat of paint. Possibly just take the side steps off. Then if you can book it in for an MOT and drive it there legally, if it fails you'll have an up to date list of jobs to get it through one. I don't know of any mobile mechanics who'd take it on to be honest. I think the p38s undeserved reputation precedes it with most mainstream mechanics unfortunately.

If you get an up to date fail sheet (if it fails after rust treatment) I'm sure members on here would advise and potentially lend a hand.

I'd be happy to have a look around it for you if you're struggling to get under it, get an idea of what it might need after being laid up but I wouldn't be prepared to work on it, I've got loads going on at home and work currently.

The side steps are off and I have brand new ones ready to fit. I have bought a good tank from a breakers and I have sanded it all down and resprayed it ready to fit. Cheers.

As you have another tank ready, show the local mechanics that it's only the airline & two bolts to change the tank !!

If they are scared of the airline , just pull the airline at the valve block yourself, and get them to do the tank.

pwood999 said:

As you have another tank ready, show the local mechanics that it's only the airline & two bolts to change the tank !!

If they are scared of the airline , just pull the airline at the valve block yourself, and get them to do the tank.

View attachment 328922

Click to expand...

Getting the bolts out can be a real challenge

or go to a local body shop, and get them to clean up the rust & paint the tank !! MoT guy should then be happy !! Does he actually know it's an air tank ??