Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers
Vehicle Variants => Long Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) => Topic started by: Tommy on November 20, 2015, 02:31:28 PM
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Another ex SASR LRPV has been acquired and saved. A very early Mk1 (113-657). More info to come :D
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Firstly, a huge THANKYOU to REMLR member Mick Morrissey (Mick). What a champion he is 8). Mick made a trip out to Melton and inspected the vehicle for me and then made another trip this morning to supervise the loading onto the truck. I owe you a beer or two Mick ;D
LRPV 113-657 is now on a truck and heading for Western Australia :)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading1_zpsevmoht8o.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading2_zpsqvez5aka.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading3_zpsqhcffvj4.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/113-657%20ready%20for%20Perth%20trip_zpsdiewt5hq.jpg)
This Land Rover was put up for ebay auction recently as part of Douglas Tankards collection disposal, Melton, Victoria.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Ebay%20Advertisement_zpsimb411jz.jpg)
This is an extraordinary find. Not only does 113-657 still exist, but it was the very first Land Rover to be trialed as a LRPV by the SASR. 113-657 pre dates the 'Prototype' Mk1 LRPV 178-199. It was fitted with such modifications as the passenger dash mounted machine gun and the pedestal swivel mount for the tub machine gun. These mods were tested and improved on for later inclusion on the Prototype. The Land Rover still has the bolt holes for these mods.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Pedestal%20Holes_zpsf82vpzgs.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/MG%20Holes%20in%20Dash_zpsmut9fndp.jpg)
It would appear the suggestion that the chassis was replaced during it's service life may not be accurate. Both the nomenclature plate and chassis have the same chassis number - 25307310B. It would appear that the bodywork and chassis are all 113-657.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/113-657%20chassis%20number_zps7ssayu4v.jpg)
I have been researching all the information I have on the very early SASR Land Rovers and have very strong suspicions that the LRPV shown in the photo below is in fact 113-657. There are a number of characteristics that point to this being so. 113-657 was a suffix B vehicle so had the stainless steel spoked steering wheel. Only one LRPV had the spoked steering wheel...113-657. This then makes it easier to identify in photographs. I am currently chasing down tthe original of this photograph. What you see is a photocopy of the original.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/113-657a_zpsi6og1pse.jpg)
From photos I have received from REMLR members of the Land Rover, it appears to be in remarkable condition. The footwells appear to be rust free as does the chassis. Some rust is evident in the drivers side bulkhead pillar but that seems to be it. Along with the doors and windows, I suspect that the tattered canvas canopy would have protected the vehicle from the sun and rain for quite some time. The canopy would have eventually succumbed to the ravages of wind and weather and torn apart. Thankfully it lasted long enough to keep the rust at bay.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/657%20footwell_zpsbfokkqsb.jpg)
113-657 should be back in Perth by next Saturday so more info and photos to come.
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Great Job Tommy and great job REMLR community.
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Amazing what's out there. History saved.
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Great find Tommy ! Will the resto be as per that pic ?
Well done Mick :)
Cheers
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Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.
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Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.
You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.
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Great find Tommy ! Will the resto be as per that pic ?
Well done Mick :)
Cheers
Hey Pete
It is looking like it will be. I'm almost convinced that the vehicle shown in the photo is 113-657.
Today I modified the swivel pedestal MG mount ready for installation on '657. The mount required a support strut welded under the seat and lengthening of the upright outer post sleeve.
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Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.
You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.
When is he leaving?
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Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.
You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.
When is he leaving?
He should still be there as he will be arriving in Perth this coming Saturday. Mick has his mobile number. He may have some space left on board as he is taking another truck flat bed trailer with him to Perth.
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Yeah but I'm not.
If he will be in Perth Saturday, I doubt I'll be able to get the trailer on the truck in time.
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Sorry Mick,
You missed him. I doubt he had room anyway.
He will be back so I'll ask him to keep you in mind.
Mick
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Hey Tommy,
Has your new pride and joy arrived at his new home yet?
Cheers,
Mick
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Hey Tommy,
Has your new pride and joy arrived at his new home yet?
Cheers,
Mick
Mick
It's sitting in the transport yard, Welshpool. Arrived Saturday. Picking up tomorrow.
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Hi Tommy,
Bet you can't wait . . . . . . .
Have fun tomorrow.
Mick
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Picked up 113-657 today ;D.
This was the first time I have been able to look at the vehicle in person. My first impression...not too shabby at all :) Better than I expected from a vehicle that has been sitting out in the elements for 25 years.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Transport%20Yard_zpsiq99imde.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Transport%20Yard2_zpsemmsfkkf.jpg)
Back home.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Home_zps932enjpn.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Tub_zps9bgbe5ui.jpg)
The overall rust free condition of this Land Rover has pleasantly surprised me. Both the LHS and RHS foot wells are completely rust free. The lower door sections (which will remain on this LRPV) are in perfect shape. Rear cross member is virtually rust free, as is the entire chassis. It continues to amaze me that a Land Rover of this vintage (1964) can still be in such great condition. I suppose it helped that 113-657 was sold off quite late (1990) in the disposal of S2As from the army.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/LHS%20Footwell_zpsuihx9vs0.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/RHS%20Footwell_zpsefbnpg9s.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/No%20Go_zpsxni4vnbn.jpg)
The inside of the drivers door (as shown above) has this written notation - No Go. The engine number of this Land Rover is - 25218828G. Not the original motor for 113-657.
My suspicions tell me that the original motor may have 'irreparably' broken down. Thus the 'No Go'. By the excellent state of the Duck Egg Blue paint and the fact that this engine number does not correspond with any other army Land Rover, I think it may be a crate replacement.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Engine%20Number_zps4rszmdyk.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor_zpsbbtzkaq8.jpg)
Other interesting finds on this Land Rover are -
Tub bolt holes for the rear MG pedestal mount.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/MG%20Pedestal%20Holes_zpsqzxhvo74.jpg)
Bolt holes in front spring hangers for steel plate rock guard.
Other interesting bolt holes in strange places.
And all four tires hold air and appear to be in acceptable condition.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Tire_zpsbjhinx1o.jpg)
More photos to come after I clean up the Land Rover and give it a good going over with the high pressure water gun.
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Post a picket asap...
if SASRHC get a look ;)
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Post a picket asap...
if SASRHC get a look ;)
Please explain? ???
Way too cryptic for my small brain Ross ;)
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Spent this afternoon blasting all that Victorian lichen off the Land Rover ;). Came up a treat.
Motor looks like it is relatively new. Everything on it looks clean and tidy. I hope it runs.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor_zpsbbtzkaq8.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor2_zpsfa6agddv.jpg)
Tub has been cleaned out. Rear seats will stay put as they were not removed during the early days of LRPV trials. A few holes around the tub that look strange. Will compare these with another FFT here in Perth.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Tub2_zpspyq61s00.jpg)
Happy with the interior. Again, strange holes in bulkhead. Most of these had black duct tape over them. I presume to keep out dust and water.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Cockpit_zpsweqa7ytv.jpg)
Not sure about the Bridge Weight Plate. Definitely 'unit made' whilst in service. Is painted yellow on front and back. Has 'DB' under olive drab paint. High pressure spray revealed these letters.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/TAC%20Plate_zpsuxhqqsen.jpg)
657 looks much better now. Next job is to strip off the unwanted parts.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/064%202_zpsd7ogbjgv.jpg)
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Post a picket asap...
if SASRHC get a look ;)
Please explain? ???
Way too cryptic for my small brain Ross ;)
My guess:
Post a picquet - post a sentry in case some bugger pinches it.
SASRHC - Special Air Service Regiment Historical Committee
Nice find Tommy!
Cheers Charlie
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Great to see she made it safe and sound.
Cheers,
Mick
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Post a picket asap...
if SASRHC get a look ;)
Please explain? ???
Way too cryptic for my small brain Ross ;)
My guess:
Post a picquet - post a sentry in case some bugger pinches it.
SASRHC - Special Air Service Regiment Historical Committee
Nice find Tommy!
Cheers Charlie
Thanks Charlie. 'Post a Picket' must be an old military term ;)
With all this text auto correct on computers and ipads now, I'm not quite sure if the word posted is the one the writer intended to use.
By the way, I will be letting the SAS Historical Foundation know about this Land Rover.
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Had a play with 657 today.
I removed all the unnecessary parts and replaced some with LRPV parts. This is a trial fit to see what fits and what I need to do/make to finish the SASR modifications.
Comparison photos.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/657%20comp2_zps9qgq6z5q.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/657comp_zpssn5vujva.jpg)
The spares mounted to the brush bar will need realigning by bringing them closer together. The FFT front exhaust will need to go and a standard GS exhaust fitted. Passenger side rear tub seat will come out. PSP Mat brackets will need to be made as will the dash mounted MG mount. Tub pedestal MG mount is complete and will require bolting to floor by utilising existing/original holes.
I am now trying to determine whether the vehicle was painted Bronze Green or Olive Drab when with the SASR. As the Land Rover would have only been six years old when the SASR used it, it may have still retained it's Bronze Green paint. Be great if it did as it would make a change from the standard OD.
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It is a term used by the military but it is spelt picquet. Basically a guard.
Howard
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Great photos, thanks :)
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Looks good Tommy,
I'm voting for bronze green!
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Update...
Yesterday, 113-657s motor was started for the first time in...20 years?
REMLR member Gary was called in once more to check things out before the motor was started. After prepping the pistons and bore with diesel, we slowly turned the motor over with the crank handle to make sure all the internals got their fair share of lubrication. After many revolutions we tried the starter. Nothing. A quick check found that the coil was deceased. Down to the local auto parts supplier to pick up a new Bosch unit. Installed the coil and got that spark we were looking for.
As the fuel tank was a sealed unit (no military dip stick), we decided to rig a simple gravity feed fuel supply (funnel) straight to the carby. Topped it up and ready to go. Pressed the starter button and the motor flew into life. Ran like a charm. Sweetest sounding 2.25ltr motor I have ever heard. No smoke from any of the breathers or exhaust. None.
Very happy with this motor. Now for the clutch and brake pedals :(
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR-IE2b0pJo
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Wow that's fantastic Tommy, let's hope Road Patrol starts and runs as smooth.
how much Diesel and how long did you soak the pistons?
regards
Scott
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Wow that's fantastic Tommy, let's hope Road Patrol starts and runs as smooth.
how much Diesel and how long did you soak the pistons?
regards
Scott
Hello Scott
You must not start a motor that has been sitting around for 20 odd years without prepping it first. The bore linings are likely to have a small amount of surface rust from moisture that may have been present in the motor. Better to be safe than sorry.
Firstly remove spark plugs. Make sure you tag the leads as you can get these mixed up. Remove the oil bath air filter. Using a compressor and spray gun, spray diesel into each cylinder under good pressure. You will find that one cylinder will have it's inlet valve open so spray will come out of the carby. Just place your hand over it and continue spraying. You do not need to drench the cylinder with diesel. As long as diesel gets into all the nooks and crannies in the bore and pistons rings etc, you should be OK.
Now turn the motor over using the crank handle. Do this for a couple of dozen revolutions and you will be ready to go. This should also free up all the valves and lubricate the motor. Check that you have a spark as my original coil had dropped dead at some stage in the past. Clean the points and give the dizzy a good spray of CRC.
I used a jury rigged fuel system as I was not comfortable with 20 year old fuel etc. The oil in the motor was as good as the day it was put in so I did not replace it.
The ignition switch was not working so I bypassed it. Motor started first time. Ran like it was brand new.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
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Wow that's fantastic Tommy, let's hope Road Patrol starts and runs as smooth.
how much Diesel and how long did you soak the pistons?
regards
Scott
Hello Scott
You must not start a motor that has been sitting around for 20 odd years without prepping it first. The bore linings are likely to have a small amount of surface rust from moisture that may have been present in the motor. Better to be safe than sorry.
Firstly remove spark plugs. Make sure you tag the leads as you can get these mixed up. Remove the oil bath air filter. Using a compressor and spray gun, spray diesel into each cylinder under good pressure. You will find that one cylinder will have it's inlet valve open so spray will come out of the carby. Just place your hand over it and continue spraying. You do not need to drench the cylinder with diesel. As long as diesel gets into all the nooks and crannies in the bore and pistons rings etc, you should be OK.
Now turn the motor over using the crank handle. Do this for a couple of dozen revolutions and you will be ready to go. This should also free up all the valves and lubricate the motor. Check that you have a spark as my original coil had dropped dead at some stage in the past. Clean the points and give the dizzy a good spray of CRC.
I used a jury rigged fuel system as I was not comfortable with 20 year old fuel etc. The oil in the motor was as good as the day it was put in so I did not replace it.
The ignition switch was not working so I bypassed it. Motor started first time. Ran like it was brand new.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Very helpful, thanks Tommy.
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Started the paint strip today. Thought I would coat the Land Rover with paint stripper and see how the paint reacts. The bonnet appears to be the most reactive with the guards and bodywork less co-operative.
I suspect that the yellow undercoat is zinc chromate but not sure of the pink undercoat. Any suggestions? These two paint colours are only on the bonnet.
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Looks good, these LRPV's are very cool! Keep up the good work.