I am glad to be a new member of REMLR - its just like old times.
I learnt to drive and took my licence test in a Series 1 in the British Army. Drove a Series 2 in the Malayan campaign for 3 years and another with the UN in the tribal lands of Southern Rhodesia for 4 years. Travelled from South Africa to Nepal in a Series IIa with a couple of mates for a year. Worked in mineral exploration in the WA Goldfields, Cobar and Mt Isa district using another couple of Series IIa for 4 years up to 1970. So a Landie was my daily companion continuously for 12 years. After that I became citified (and farmified), changing to a 1985 Mitsubishi Pajero (which I kept until 2003 and drove all over Australia) and a 4WD dualcab ute.
Now, going through a late life retirement crisis at the tender age of 76, I have lashed out and bought a Perentie GS (REMLR No 411) and hope to take off to the desert country from time to time in an old friend again. At least its closer to my era than the Discos and Xtremes and already I wouldn't change it for quids.
As you would expect in such a mature vehicle, there are a few, mainly electrical issues to sort out, before venturing too far, but fortunately it had a major rebuild from the chassis up 5000 kms ago, with almost everything replaced, except the engine which was reconditioned, so mechanically its in excellent order. This is fortunate since I'm probably the world's worst mechanic! The body luckily has retained the odd battle scar or two so it looks workmanlike and comfortable in a bushie-like way.
With so much expertise and experience floating round at REMLR, I'm hoping to come back up to speed with Landrover general knowledge and maintenance through your forums.
cheers
Mike
