Thread: Walter the Dormobile

Originally Posted by dreamin'

Colin

Before powdercoating the seat frames, check how closely the moving parts fit. I recall reading on a UK forum someone who painted their seat frames then needed to sand them back so they would fold properly due to thickness of the paint.

Just a thought

Roger

Thanks Roger,

This had crossed my mind but Dormobile had to get them painted so I wonder if they were dipped, sprayed, powder coated ??
I don't want to completely dismantle them so I'll take one apart and see how we go.

Colin

Decided to start stripping the front axle today.
I want to check the brakes, reseal the wheel cylinders, fit replacement swivel hubs & seals as well as check wheel bearings.

Found the flexible brake pipe was cracking (intended to replace this anyway) and one of the brake shoes was sitting out-of-square so has worn lopsided. Time for new shoes.....

DSCN3788 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

The swivel hub still contained some (very black) oil so the taper roller bearing may still be usable.
Brake drum had no wear lip so it's either been re-machined or it's relatively new.


Colin

So many bits to check, overhaul & re-paint.

The springs have been fitted with poly bushes, problem is the crush tubes weren't greased so they have rusted & swollen. I had to cut the crush tubes & then get the poly bush out. Fitted conventional bushes in their place.

Swivel chrome wasn't great so salvaged swivels from an ex military axle and will fit those instead.

Parts stripped & painted.



DSCN3799 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

DSCN3801 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

DSCN3804 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Swivel hub assembled & pre-load set.

DSCN3808 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

I've cut the end off a scrap axle, welded it to a piece of plate which is then clamped in the vice. A couple of bolts hold the swivel hub in place and make it easy to set/adjust the pre-load.

Parts arrived from Dormobile today.

DSCN3812 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Sink, bunk covers, badges, material for repairs etc.

Seat covers have been shipped by Exmoor, now need to strip the front seats ready (the covers are badly damaged, rears are OK'ish). Purchased some hessian the other day to cover the seat springs (as original) and some synthetic wadding for the top surfaces of the seats. Original was cotton based but cannot find it so synthetic it is.....


Colin

Seat covers arrived today.
The 'elephant hide' is a good match to the original.

DSCN3814 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Have to sell one of the kids to pay for them now !


Colin

Looking great and loving reading your progress on Walter.

Just scored a Fairey overdrive in Bendigo.
Supposedly reconditioned, I'll know more when I strip it down. On the plus side the input end looks unworn.

No operating lever but it was a bargain price. I already have a lever from another overdrive that came on a vehicle purchased some time ago. The input on that one was badly worn and I haven't even bothered to take it apart.

Between the two I should be able to give Walter longer legs......


Colin

Gday Colin does Walter have the rear seat stowing straps still? If so could you please post some pictures of them? Also I'm very eager see your seat refurb!

Cheers

Glen

Originally Posted by litelandy

Gday Colin does Walter have the rear seat stowing straps still? If so could you please post some pictures of them? Also I'm very eager see your seat refurb!

Cheers

Glen

Glen,

There are a lot of brackets/straps etc. added by previous owners but I couldn't find rear seat stowing straps (didn't know that they could be 'stowed').
OK just found a picture on Terri Ann's website http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/...ile/seats.html

If you ask on the Land Rover Classic Campers forum I'm sure someone will provide pictures. http://www.lrcc.org.uk/


Seat refurb may be some time away but I'll post any pictures.

What year/model is yours ?


Colin