Matilda's trip home from Gympie

[Scallops]

Hello Folks,

I have just returned home from collecting Matilda - our 1955 86 inch Series 1. Here are a few pics of the collection....

Once they could finally extract me from cutting laps around the place, it was tie down time...

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7361/dsc0004ry.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/dsc0004ry.jpg/)

Heya everyone - this is our Series 1! :)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9241/dsc0010hb.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/dsc0010hb.jpg/)

In the absence of a pith helmet, I have gone with the Andy Capp look...

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8132/dsc0007c.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/i/dsc0007c.jpg/)

So here she is - on the trailer, ready to come home...

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4296/dsc0002fo.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/dsc0002fo.jpg/)

Another "she's ready to come home" pic...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://img515.imageshack.us/i/dsc0003iu.jpg/)

I'll take some more detailed pics next weekend and begin to ask all sorts of questions - but for now, I'm happy to own a Series 1! :)

[chris1983rangie]

hi,

congratulations on your new toy, its in good nik.

enjoy it. and happy landrovering......!

cheers,

Chris;)

[ellard]

Hi there

Well done - it looks to be a nice rig indeed.

All the best

Wayne

[bayrover]

Welcome to the 'disease'. Next phase is another
Enjoy

[The ho har's]

well scallops you know where the hoist is for the oil changes:D

can't wait to see it

[Lost Landy]

Nice looking Landy, though it looks to have 88" front pannels ( radiator pannel, front wings) fitted instead of 86" pannels.

[Scallops]

Nice looking Landy, though it looks to have 88" front pannels ( radiator pannel, front wings) fitted instead of 86" pannels.

Hello Brendan,

That is interesting - I need to check for myself the chassis and engine numbers (just haven't had a chance yet).

The chassis number on the rego slip is 57662061 (indicates a 1955 86 inch) yet the engine number is 111707417 (indicates a 1957 88 inch - see below).

The rego slip does have errors though - it also states her to be a LWB!


1 Type: Land Rover
11 Model: Land Rover, Series I
Body type: Basic
Wheel base: 88in (Short Wheel Base, SWB)
Engine: Petrol
Destination: Right-hand drive (RHD), home market
7 Model year: 1957
07417 Serial number

So first thing for me to do is check both chassis and engine numbers.

[Shonky]

Looks great! :D

[Scallops]

I'm after some wingtop mirrors for her too - it already has the holes to fit them! :p Any ideas on where to start looking? :angel:

[Outlaw]

Congratulations again... looking good :D

[solmanic]

The chassis number on the rego slip is 57662061 (indicates a 1955 86 inch) yet the engine number is 111707417 (indicates a 1957 88 inch - see below).

Maybe it had its engine replaced under warranty a'la Dullbird & Muddymech :p.

[solmanic]

Here's my photos from Matilda's trip home...

First view. What a relief to find that it did in fact have a left side after all. Only the right hand side was visible in the for sale photos.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0002.jpg

Scallops & Kat Woman mount up for their first spin around the paddock...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0006.jpg

Then another...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0010.jpg

Then we had a turn and I can testify to Scallops' skill in changing gears without crunching...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0023.jpg

Here's a bunch of guys pretending to know what they're looking at under the bonnet...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0017.jpg

Loading up on the trailer...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0028.jpg

Now here's that bunch of guys again pretending to know what we're doing. I'm actually looking for the crank handle behind the front seat, but it doesn't have one. (crank handle that is - all the seats are there).

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0039.jpg

Sad farewells and last minute briefing from the previous owners...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0047.jpg

Matilda being towed home by (shock) a Prado! My father-in-law has occasionally asked if he could come on club off-roading days and I told him "not in that get-up". Now I guess his Toyota has earned its stripes and we may have to let him tag along. Needless to say, we're all now getting electronic trailer brake controllers fitted to our Defenders so this appalling situation doesn't occur again :D.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0044.jpg

All the way home being tailgated by a Series 1 with the most impressive lift you've ever seen...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0051.jpg

Lunch stop and we couldn't keep the Scallop out of his new toy. If he couldn't drive it then he wanted to ride it home this way...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0055.jpg

Keeping an eye on those tie-down chains... check out the luminous smile...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0058.jpg

Slow and steady but surprisingly no traffic...
(damn! Got another foreigner in this shot)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0059.jpg

And finally at home with Grover in her new house...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/091004Matilda0060.jpg

Thanks for Scallops & Kat Woman for letting us be a part of this momentous occasion. It ranks right up there with childbirth and finding cake in the back of the fridge for significance. Congratulations on your purchase... the family is complete.

[Col.Coleman]

Very nice Dan. Glad you got it home OK, being towed by a pretendo and all:p

Now for the interesting stuff.

Seems to be:
86" chassis
88" guards and late radiator panel ie not '55
late horn switch stalk and button
'57 motor

rear left spring hanger should reveal the numbers you need.

Let the games begin:D

CC

[spudboy]

She's pretty cute :D

Congrats.

[101RRS]

The radiator panel is a 88 panel - the front guards are 88s. (on 86 guards the lower bolt is close to the wheel arch and these are set back about 2"). As they are 2" longer than 86 guards they would not fit properly on a 86 chassis - the wheel would not be centred in the wheel arch but be 2" back.

I suspect this is an 88 but the chassis numbers will tell the story.

Garry

[Col.Coleman]

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5071/dsc0003iu.jpg (http://img515.imageshack.us/i/dsc0003iu.jpg/)


It's these side on photo's that tell the story for me.

See the light through the guards. The radiator panel should be more forward on the guards, as well as more distance between the front bumper and the front of the guards.

The front wheels should be towards the front of the guard wheel cut out, and centre under suspension compression.

Also the bottom lip of the guard should follow the chassis curve more precisely. A poofteenth in it I know though

My 55 has a 86 guard on it's right, but an 88 outer skin sandwiched onto a 86 inner panel.

I'll bet my right one it is an 86, (not that they work anymore):D, just not sure what year.

CC

[The ho har's]

I'm after some wingtop mirrors for her too - it already has the holes to fit them! :p Any ideas on where to start looking? :angel:

oohh scallops were do you think;)

Mrs ho har:angel:

[Scallops]

Hello Folks - the chassis is an 86 inch - I measured it centre, hub to hub. The chassis number I couldn't find - but the engine number is correct, but there was also another number - 212192 stamped on top the block above it. :confused:

Now - the chassis number - my book (the actual manual - thanks again hodgo) says it should be "stamped on the left-hand rear spring shackle bracket". I can't see it - probably just me being a dilic, but I tend to believe the quoted chassis number 57662061 seeing it is absolutely, definitely, an 86 incher.

I'm sure we can sort the mystery at Matilda's christening. :D

PS - Just read the Colonel's reply - I think our learned colleague "the top brass", has it right - cos it is indeed an 86"

[dane h]

hi nice find.

Now the fun starts working out some of the history :)

Chassis number on my 86 (55 model) was on the LH chassis rail top at the front. About level with the front cross member and under the rad panel. Might need some cleaning to find it. Needed some sand blasting for me.

I think the oz ckd ones had the number stamped other than the uk ones but may differ depending on which distributor they came through.

Cheers

Dane

[solmanic]

...as well as more distance between the front bumper and the front of the guards.

Actually, as we noted yesterday, the front bumper is on upside down as the crank hole doesn't line up with the hole in the front cross member. Possibly even not the right bumper. I wonder if it had some front end damage at some stage and several bits (bumper, radiator panel and guards) were replaced by later model ones?

[Larry]

I'm after some wingtop mirrors for her too - it already has the holes to fit them! :p Any ideas on where to start looking? :angel:

Motorcycle mirrors are very similar size.

I'm sure you will have a ball with Matilda dispite her imperfections.:p

[cjc_td5]

Nice looking 86" there. Looks like it has some nice straight panels which is at least one step in front of me!:D

Those tyres look about in the right proportion to the vehicle. What size are they??

Cheers,
Chris

[Scallops]

Nice looking 86" there. Looks like it has some nice straight panels which is at least one step in front of me!:D

Those tyres look about in the right proportion to the vehicle. What size are they??

Cheers,
Chris

Hello Chris,

Thank you, sir. Yes - Matilda is in good nick all around - the tyres are 205R16LT size.

[lenmctodd]

Looks like an 88" to me. Have you got the measuring tape out.

Grille panel, Wings, Della beacon tail lights!! Smells 88" and taste's 88".

[Scallops]

Looks like an 88" to me. Have you got the measuring tape out.

Grille panel, Wings, Della beacon tail lights!! Smells 88" and taste's 88".

Mate - I did measure the distance hub centre to hub centre - 7 foot 2 inches. The chassis number confirms it too - it's an 86.

[lenmctodd]

Oh well that sounds right then.

[Col.Coleman]

Mate - I'm not your (deleted) mate! There not Pork pies there Della Beacons!

Mate.

Pull your head in.

It's an '86, with a few changes.

The grill is not an 88" grill. It is a late model grill as fitted to '56 on '88's, 107's and 109's.

The guards are as fitted to 88's and 109's. Not pork pies but SO WHAT.

Is it so strange that a 54 year old car has had a few changes?

Give Scallops a break. It is all new to him and is on a step learning curve. He has been kind enough to share and doesn't need some tosspot raining on his parade, especially when they are wrong.

57662061 stamped on the rear spring hanger, that makes it a 1955 86" Mr know all.

CC

[Scallops]

:( gee - I think I missed something here. Since when is it not OK to call someone mate? :(

It wasn't meant to be offensive, lenmctodd. And I'm just assuming from the Colonel's quoted comment of yours that you took some offence (?) :confused:

I now know the back lights aren't original and that I have some work to do to make her so. So, to the Colonel and everyone else who has offered encouragement and support - thank you, it is a steep learning curve, more so once the spanners come out!

PS - perhaps Della Beacon lights might be original but for an 88? See the lighting specs down the page.....

http://home.lyse.net/BJensen/BJLR/series1Paint.htm

[Shonky]

:eek:

Obviously 2 inches means a lot to him...

[Mooloolah-Paul]

Scallops,
Lovely vehicle, much nicer condition than mine. My VN is 57662054, only 7 before yours. The VN also is stamped on the 4WD plate on the bulkhead. Mine was built by Annand & Thompson about May 1955 so yours could be about June give or take.

I notice the tyres are radials and the size equates to about 6.50-16. I just bought an Otani 7.00-16 bias ply with a similar traction tread to match my four Bridgstones. The best value bias ply tyres I found are MRF which come in all sizes from 6.00 to 7.50 - 16 in all treads including military bar. About $185 each and very tough. Most dealers can get them.

By the way I need a pair of porkpie taillights and a new exhaust / silencer. Can anyone help with sources?

Paul :eek:

[Scallops]

Scallops,


By the way I need a pair of porkpie taillights and a new exhaust / silencer. Can anyone help with sources?

Paul :eek:

I need a new exhaust too! I have been told that it is fairly inexpensive to just get one made.

[Mooloolah-Paul]

I was going to draw it up on autocad and get one made locally. I need a couple of dimensions i can't get from the parts and shop manuals.

Paul :eek:

[Scallops]

I was going to draw it up on autocad and get one made locally. I need a couple of dimensions i can't get from the parts and shop manuals.

Paul :eek:

Maybe when we get the dimensions we could get 2 made. :)

[Mooloolah-Paul]

Great idea! I'll work on the drawings and keep you posted. Yours is like mine so no chance of measuring off it. I've allowed people to email me so we could discuss offline. Paul :)

[solmanic]

Maybe when we get the dimensions we could get 2 made. :)

A guy I knew who restored his old Alfa always told me - get THREE of everything.

1 will be the perfect fit.
1 can be kept as a spare.
...and the last one you can sell 5 years later when no-one's making them anymore to pay for the cost of all three.

[cooee]

well done scallops :)
you have many enjoyable drives in series 1 iam just just in proccess of rebuilding 88 inch so look foward to share drive experince with you :D
cheers cooee

[Lost Landy]

If you get stuck for the measurements for your exhaust system I have an orignal system fitted on my 88" that you could measure/copy from, even has both hard to get mud sheilds fitted too.
As for the Pork-pie tail lights I wouldnt even bother too hard to get & to much $$$ the ones that you have look very period & if your not sure about the rear blinkers you could go somthing like these
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-LUCAS-TRIUMPH-SPITFIRE-MK-1-2-INDICATOR-LAMPS-AMBER_W0QQitemZ400078264282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_C arsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item5d2685d7da&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Scallops]

If you get stuck for the measurements for your exhaust system I have an orignal system fitted on my 88" that you could measure/copy from, even has both hard to get mud sheilds fitted too.
As for the Pork-pie tail lights I wouldnt even bother too hard to get & to much $$$ the ones that you have look very period & if your not sure about the rear blinkers you could go somthing like these
NEW LUCAS TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MK 1/2 INDICATOR LAMPS AMBER - eBay, Mini, Classic Car Parts, Vehicle Parts Accessories. (end time 10-Nov-09 06:02:58 AEDST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-LUCAS-TRIUMPH-SPITFIRE-MK-1-2-INDICATOR-LAMPS-AMBER_W0QQitemZ400078264282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_C arsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item5d2685d7da&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

Thanks Lost Landy - would you mind if I pass on your contact details to Paul ?(who is getting the exhausts made up)

The tail lights are Della Beacons which are actually what the vehicle came with from factory - stock on later Series 1's. ;)

[Lost Landy]

Sure Dan you can pass them onto Paul, no worrys.

[numpty]

Thanks Lost Landy - would you mind if I pass on your contact details to Paul ?(who is getting the exhausts made up)

The tail lights are Della Beacons which are actually what the vehicle came with from factory - stock on later Series 1's. ;)

Not on all Dan. Both Thomas ('55) and Leon ('57) have Pork Pie lights.;)

[Killer]

Looks nice Dan, I shall look forward to seeing it in the flesh one day.

Cheers, Mick.

[Scallops]

Looks nice Dan, I shall look forward to seeing it in the flesh one day.

Cheers, Mick.

Mate - when we have the "christening" (sausage sizzle) - you're invited! I'll let you know - but you're always welcome to drop over anytime. :)

[solmanic]

Mate - when we have the ...

Now Scallops, you've been warned about using that kind of inflammatory language. :p

[LRO53]

Maybe when we get the dimensions we could get 2 made. :)

I have found it cheaper just to buy direct from UK and with the current exchange rate it's silly not to.

Prices from John Craddocks:

# Part Number: 562858 = 13.60 GBP = 23.73 AUD

EXHAUST FRONT PIPE DIESEL 88 1957 TO
SEPT 1973 & 2 LITRE PETROL 1954-58

# Part Number: 244449 = 12.40 GBP = 21.63 AUD

EXHAUST INTERMEDIATE PIPE DIESEL 1957 TO
SEPT 1973 & PETROL 1954-58.

# Part Number: 562731 = 13.50 GBP = 23.55 AUD

SILENCER LWB/SWB 1954-84 NOT STATION
WAGON AFTER 1964

I got an 80" exhaust sent 2 months ago and that was 75 GBP post.

So total landed at your door in Australia.

$199.76 AUD

[Killer]

Now Scallops, you've been warned about using that kind of inflammatory language. :p

Don't worry Solmanic, I consider it it an honour for me to be called a mate by Dan.:)

Cheers, Mick.

[Lost Landy]

Does the exhaust system from the UK include the mud/heat shields? if not I have a set that could be used for a pattern.

[LRO53]

I'm not sure about the later Series 1 exhausts as i have never ordered one. But they are Brit Part so you might have to ask them?

I would say not even if they did have them they would not be correct.