Thread: 1956 Series 1 with PTO welder (home made)

Originally Posted by shamirj

Just a word of warning re that number plate location, i know there is not much in way of options for number plate locations on these trailers but i recently hired one with number plate in same location with a tilt in the rear as yours and almost ripped the number plate off. by the looks of the number plate i was not the first either. they just hang far too low not a problem when driving on flat surfaces but the minute you drive into a drive way which may have a angle they scrape badly. just a thought otherwise keep up the good work.

That’s why I hinged it so that it swings out of the way if it contacts the ground.

Colin

Just took the trailer for a test run, need to sorts some straps out during the week before heading to Cooma.

IMG_1582 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

IMG_1583 by Colin Radley, on Flickr


Towed well and brakes worked OK. It's fitted with both electric & override brakes but I'm only using the override (car isn't wired for electric).


Colin

OK so 10 years ago I drove it to the 60th this time I trailered it to the 70th.

The trailer handled perfectly, if you hit a rough patch of road it swayed a bit but quickly settled down. I need to sort out how the ramps will fix into/onto the trailer so they were in the back of the tow vehicle for this trip.

On the way up I stopped to help a Series III owner with a puncture. I introduced myself and he said "do you live in Narre Warren", I sad "yes", he then reminded me that a few years ago he gave me a roofrack ! Saw him on the way home, hope you had a safe journey home Ian.

The Series I has probably never traveled as fast as it did on the trailer. Problem was the aerodynamics of the Territory meant the insects travelled with the airflow over the roof then hit the non-aerodynamic windscreen of the Land Rover !

Good to catch up with a few people from the forum, my two boys loved it but did get a bit bored at the Gala night listening to all the advertorials. Some of the speakers were interesting but the awards dragged on a bit.
There was mention of a 75th celebration but we'll have to wait & see if this is 'picked up'. Philip Bashall said that if a 75th goes ahead he'll do his best to get the OTAL (One Ton Amphibious Lightweight) out here. This was designed for the Australian Army, shipped out for trials but never went ahead.

Managed to get in the second row of the parade lineup.

DSCF7373 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Series I's from row two/three back. Series II's & III's in the distance

DSCF7380 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Front row at the showgrounds.

DSCF7394 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Managed to pick up a " Highly Commended Series I 86" Original" award ( found a certificate on the drivers seat when I came back to the car).

Lots of discussions about the welder, lots of people (especially Alien) winding me up about trying the welder out. Someone took a photo of the generator legend plate and was trying to find out what aircraft it came from.....there is the possibility the generator is worth quite a bit on it's own.

Speaking to one of the guys that came over with Gus a tentative 'offer' was made. I said it was in my will to Aidan one of my sons, he turned to Aidan and asked if he had a will......... !

A great time had by all. On the way home my boys were trying to decide which Land Rover they will be driving (for me !) to the 75th or 80th. There were no Dormobiles there and no Tanami's so maybe the welder gets left behind next time ?


Colin

Colin, I did see you in the parade, I was standing near the intersection Sharp st and Boundary rd I did call out to you but you did not respond I guess maybe too much noise and concentrating on the vehicle in front added to that the bunching up at the corner, anyway I couldn't find you later at the showground either LOL maybe next time cheers Dennis

Originally Posted by Dinty

Colin, I did see you in the parade, I was standing near the intersection Sharp st and Boundary rd I did call out to you but you did not respond I guess maybe too much noise and concentrating on the vehicle in front added to that the bunching up at the corner, anyway I couldn't find you later at the showground either LOL maybe next time cheers Dennis

Dennis,

Several people found the Series I but not me.......I had my two boys with me so we wandered off a few times when they got bored or, more often, when they were hungry.

Next time we need an AULRO stand or need more discussion on who's going, where we can meet etc. etc. Maybe at the 75th if it comes to fruition......

Caught up with several Victorians but mainly because I had their phone numbers. Also caught up with Bevan Fenner a few times (he put me on to the Dormobile I now own). At the 60th his brother John, who has sadly passed, won the best Series I with his LWB ute. On the way home the tow car broke down and they had to tow the tow car home with the show car !! Met John at a Historic Commercial Vehicle rally at Sandown racecourse a couple of years later and he pointed out the stone chips he got on the way back.......


Colin

Found this when I returned to the Series I on the Sunday.

IMG_1604 by Colin Radley, on Flickr

Sometime soon I'll check the wiring and test the welder but I think it's time for a different Land Rover to go to the 75th or 80th.



Colin

It's been a few months now since Cooma........thought it was about time I cleaned the Series I.
The trip to Cooma & back (on a trailer) was the fastest the old girl has ever traveled so there were a few squashed flies on the windscreen.

Started first time, not bad because the petrol has been in the tank for a long while.
Need to check her over and look at the ignition timing. Runs OK but seems down on power, was backfiring on shut off until I adjusted the points. Timing hasn't been touched since I got her 11 years ago so maybe worth a look.

DSCN4946 by Colin Radley, on Flickr


Colin

As I think you know, this Series 1 has fascinated me from the time I first saw it at the 60th. And I appreciate anything you write about it.