New (old!) 63 2A

[Mick.66]

Hi Guys

I have recently become the proud owner of a 63 series 2A Landrover.  It almost certainly ex military (paint, fixtures, etc) but whatever history the vehicle had with it has been lost.  I have a Chassis number (25328108D) and have had a solid look at the REMLR web pages but am unable to find the register of ARNs that the War Memorial site described having been transcribed by this fantastic site.  The vehicle is currently being brought up to a good running standard with a more comprehensive restoration scheduled when i have a bit more time!  In the meantime, I would appreciate any help to see if I can find out a bit more abut this old girl.  From what I have read so far, this site certainly seems to be the right place to start!

[FFRMAN]

here you go

174-436    109    1969    -    Series 2A    6028    Truck, Utility, 3/4 Ton, GS, Cargo    25329811K    25328108D    -    750x16       On ebay as a (incorectly) 63 model with hard top and other mods. 2011.    12.01.83


click on the website link top right in header, it takes you to the REMLR webpage, click on ARN registrations in the left had menu column and away you go!

welcome and photos please

regards
Scott

[Mick.66]

Absolute champion!

Thanks very much Scott.  Will have to amend the post to a "69" Land Rover..

[AGAS 5]

Hi Mick & welcome to the REMLR forum. That's a nice landy you have there

Pete

[Mick.66]

Thanks Pete

Scott has got me pointed in the correct direction for a bit of detective work.  The next step will be to see where this vehicle has traveled.  the register of SVN vehicles would seem to only be the ones that have been damaged.  Is there a way to find out if this particular vehicle has spent any time overseas if it hasn't been reported damaged?.  Or even if it is possible to see where it has been stationed out of (can find a few markings for then possibly) Apologies in advance if this is a question asked a 1000 times by newbies like me.

Regards

Mick

[Diana Alan]

While its not definitive, the vehicles that went to SVN almost always went through the 2 Base Workshop rebuild line upon return. After the rebuild an aluminium plate was affixed in the LHS parcel shelf  showing the location, date and standard.

Given that usually only special census vehicles like, ambulances, workshops and gunbuggies got rebuilds without going overseas, the presence of a rebuild plate (dated in the early 70s) on a GS or FFT vehicle would tend to indicate overseas service.

[Mick.66]

Thanks Diana

Much appreciated. This is the only thing i can see from the pics I have with me, no dates on it so probably not what you mean.

Regards

Mick

[Diana Alan]

There are a couple or three different styles of the plates.

The first ones are usual for major repairs but infrequently for full rebuilds (the images are difficult to read, the plates in question are the ones at the top)

One on the seatbox

Sometimes the plates were merely a square or rectangle of aluminium with all the details stamped in with a letter/number punches rather than pre-printed plates.  (I'll see if I can find some examples)

The ones below are the usual ones for the vehicles that went through 2 base workshops rebuild lines (there were multiple lines at 2 Base Workshops Sydney, one for the Land Rovers, another for the M113 APC etc. The International trucks went through 3 Base Workshops in Melbourne).

[AGAS 5]

Thanks Pete

Scott has got me pointed in the correct direction for a bit of detective work.  The next step will be to see where this vehicle has traveled.  the register of SVN vehicles would seem to only be the ones that have been damaged.  Is there a way to find out if this particular vehicle has spent any time overseas if it hasn't been reported damaged?.  Or even if it is possible to see where it has been stationed out of (can find a few markings for then possibly) Apologies in advance if this is a question asked a 1000 times by newbies like me.

Regards

Mick

Mick,

There are a few ways to tell:
1) the page relating to Vietnam service on REMLR;
2) the ARN entry in the REMLR database with VTF or some other Vietnam comment (these are likely in the Vietnam service page;
3) photographic evidence;
4) more indepth research of unit or ship records at the AWM; and
5) a personal account from someone who was there.

Most other theories are just hearsay speculation and don't prove very much.

Enjoy your time researching, but get that baby back on the road soon and enjoy the drive.

Cheers,

Pete

[Mick.66]

Thanks Pete

Will follow up, Canberra might be a bit excessive though!! 

The vehicle is getting some basic work done so it wont hurt anyone and can be driven, but then it is waiting for some bigger jobs to get it up to roadworthy and long term health.  The usual Firewall and bits underneath, its not too bad and I have the replacement bits for the worst of it, just needing the time to do it. 

I am planning to keep this vehicle as oriional as possible.  WIll leave the paint as it is: a bit "weathered", and refurbishing as much as I can, as opposed to replacement.  It wont look like new but will reflect its age and history. Hence my digging into its past to make it as accurate as I can.

Appreciate your help.

Mick

[Mick.66]

Thanks very much Diana

I will have close look when I get back to it.

Regards

Mick