M-Coffey's 101

[m-coffey]

G'day all,

Its been a while coming but father Christmas has finally delivered!
I originally was looking for a Inter, but the Mrs wouldn't have driving around it in the driveway, so I went smaller.
After a bit of a lap around the block yesterday, I now have my own 101
according to Clifton, it is a FFR 1972- 1977 chassis No 96100170A
From the gentlemen I purchased it off of it is supposed to be ex RAF, yet to prove anything oneway or the other.
Its had a bit of a brush paint job on everything inside and out, that's going to take some removing!
Time to get on with it!

[Carzee]

  Christmas presents like that are v nice.

When you had a drive I assume the brakes and engine/driveline all worked satisfactorily?

Whats in the big box?

[m-coffey]

Hi Carzee,
It starts and runs very sweet, there is a brake dragging somewhere, but considering the amount of rust in the bottom of the vehicle that's not surprising.
as for the box, anybody's guess at the moment, onboard supply of spares and manuals!
My first part of the project is to see if the rims are salvageable and to get the brakes fully operational, plan is to have it on the road for the Melrose Land Rover show at Easter.

[Carzee]

Well, my first guess - if that cabinet is original to the vehicle could it be a commander unit?

Is it in the registry already? I haven't caught up with the whole website as yet.

[Tommy]

G'day M

Nice purchase

As for the brushed on paint job, try a super high pressure hot water clean of the bodywork. Previous experience has shown that hand brush paint tends to come off fairly easily when subjected to some persuasion . It may also allow you to see the original mil coat and markings underneath.

Good luck with the resto as it looks like a unique vehicle.

[aussiegregmac]

Lockable box inside body ---  Secure storage for codes, freqs etc.
Maybe the Regi. Sig Officers vehicle for example.

[m-coffey]

did a bit of google research this morning, managed to come up with vehicle 170 the last of that years run of home 24v 101, bronze green and in 29th april out 19th july 1977 and delivered to Farnborough.
Only time will tell and a lot of elbow grease.
I suppose the paint job was enough to stick the crap together to get it through customs?
I still haven't got the grin off of my face yet.

As I was unloading it this morning, an elderly fellow I worked with 20 years ago was walking past, He said He thought he recognized what I had, He recons the last year of service he did in the UK was the first year these were issued for service, he reckoned there was more space in these trucks for the officer, driver and operator plus kit! than the 109's, he even had enough room to stretch out and have a kip!
It amazes me how small this world really is!

[Mick_Marsh]

Nice one.
I've seen that 101 a few times. The body on it is very well built.
Looking forward to see it at Melrose.

[Ellard]

Hi there Mark

After seeing it in the flesh yesterday its a complete and original truck - most importantly its a nice Christmas present.

Well done and see you next week....back at work safe and sound (although there for-casted 48 tomorrow)

All the best

Wayne

[Ellard]

Hi there all

Before flying out for work on Monday - caught up with Mark on the highway (pictures)

all the best

Wayne



]

[Ellard]

Enjoy

Wayne

[digger]

Nice!!

They didnt do much for me but then I had a run in Ho Hars, now I have a whole new 'slant on them!!'

The bit where you think you are about the faceplant through the screen into the ground as you head down steep hill is better than any rollercoaster
(and Im pretty sure Harry though I was a bit of a bunny!   ) and it handled excellently.

Im sure you'll have lots of fun.. is that a hard top?
aiming for UK MOD or like an aus 101 when you do it?





Congrats...your missus must be a keeper!!
Digger

[Ellard]

Hi there Digger

I also did the trip in Harrys 101 at Melrose........very capable machine but felt like it wanted to lay over for a rest

But the unique and very capable trucks

Wayne

[Polizei]

So is the plan to keep it original or are you thinking of repowering it… Lots of threads on the pros/cons of diesel

Looks great either way!

[m-coffey]

thanks for the extra photos Wayne,

as for repowering it, at the moment that's a long way off considering how the motor is running at the moment.
admittedly I have only driven around my block as it isn't registered for SA yet.
My biggest issues are some obvious rust in the chassis and the wiring, basically I think rewiring the unit from scratch would be beneficial and give peace of mind.
I bought the vehicle with a canvas and enough hood pieces to make up a complete soft top, but the hard top is growing on me, I think I will tidy the vehicle up as is and get it running then think about it.
If I have to remove the rear body, I will think about fitting the canvas, just need to source a crane to remove it!

does anyone have a couple of photos of the spare wheel bracket please, mine is missing completely.