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1964 Hi-Floatation for Shell Oil

 

Jim Joss in Canada

 

Jet-1 1950

 

 

80" at Quail Lodge.

 

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Boating Nevada style!

 

It's Not a Christmas Party 2005.

Our Fire Crew 2006!

 

 

 

 

 

West Coast British is proud to present you their latest LAND-ROVER restoration. This 1953 LAND-ROVER 80", Chassis #36132614 was produced as a LHD Export Model, and was modified at Solihull to suit the North American market.

This particular vehicle has spent its entire life in "Sunny California", the lack of rust and rot bears this out. Purchased by its current owner in December 1997 via the Land Rover Exchange, the 80" was towed from Southern California to West Coast British, where it was run up and down Airway Blvd., more than a few times before work began, its surprising how well it ran.

By January 1998 Michael Green of West Coast British began work, the goal was to restore the 80" back to its former glory, meaning a restoration in its truest meaning. During the period when the vehicle was being stripped only three (3) bolts had to be cut off due to rust, and these were all ¼-bsf body bolts. Every spring bolt un-did and came right out, everyone still having its factory plating! The factory green paint was still visible on the chassis once the body had been removed.

The firewall had been butchered at one time in its life, someone must have attempted to fit a better heater, thus the RH side had to be repaired, which involved a bit of fabrication and welding. The rear crossmember had been damaged in a minor accident, thus needed straightening. The chassis and firewall would then undergo sandblasting and powder-coating in its original green. Axles were stripped and cleaned, and these too would be powder-coated (gloss black) prior to overhauling. New swivels balls replaced the worn-out ones, and the RH/F spindle had to be replaced due to excessive wear. All bearings, seals, and anything else suspect has been renewed, regardless of expense (it’s the only way to do it). New rear road spring had to be made locally due to broken leafs, while the fronts were rebuilt, and the chassis re-bushed with genuine bushings.

All the original hardware (BSF) has been saved for re-use, pieces un-useable were replaced. As the body was taken apart each nut, bolt and washer was inspected and cleaned, and repaired as needed. All body bolts were kept separate from chassis and drive train hardware, which underwent the same process. Once everything was clean, it would then be taken to the plating shop…. Body hardware would be Clear Cad (as new), while chassis and drive train hardware would be done in Black Zinc. It’s the detail that makes or breaks a restoration.

As the chassis progressed the gearbox was stripped and cleaned, the cases brought back to their former glory. Inside, no one was more surprised than Michael Green that everything was in near perfect condition, the exception being the bearings. Once the gearbox and transfer was overhauled it was covered up and placed on a shelf for future fitment.

The little 2-Litre IOE was next on the list and would bring a few surprises, such as the oil filter had most likely never been changed. The crank looked as though it had been running in grinding paste for some years, hence it would need re-grinding. Three out of four bores were serviceable, but in the end would be bored .040" and new pistons fitted (as well as small end bushings in the rods). In addition, all valves, guides and rocker-shafts would be replaced. The block and head have been painted the same shade as the chassis, while all alloy parts were again brought back to their former glory. Engine hardware would be re-blacked (zinc).

During this same period the radiator, oil cooler and fuel tank was sent to a local specialist for cleaning and repairing… the fuel tank is un-useable due to numerous pinholes, I guess two out of three isn’t too bad, as the radiator and cooler were in perfect condition upon their return to WCB.

Nearly everything needed to complete this project thus far has been available in England via West Coast British suppliers.