Land Rover : Other 2 door Model 86

1955 Landrover Model 86, one of the originals! This Landy shows 43000 miles on the original odometer and given its history that is likely accurate. It was owned by a well known local radio personality until sometime in the seventies and then was stored in a heated garage. In January 2014 I bought it and proceeded to complete a practical rebuild. Work done is as follows:
Complete new brake lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake shoes, flexible lines and associated pieces. Brakes and brake lights work well. New tires installed and balanced. Transmission brake (emergency brake system restored and adjusted, works well.
Completely reconditioned front steering and axle system including new bearings, seals, reconditioned hubs, new tie rod and steering ends complete, Railko Conversion Kit, and all associated parts. New rear springs, all new shocks and bushings. Truck steers and operates as original.
All springs were inspected for condition and new original type rear springs and bushing were installed.
Reconditioned electrical and lighting, installing new rear lights, new front headlight trim rings, adjusted voltage regulator and cleaned all connections insuring all wiring and electrical units work including electric fuel pump, wipers, heater, running lights, signal lights, dash lights and horn.
Fuel system was inspected and tested to insure operational. New electric fuel pump, filter and lines installed along with fuel pressure regulator. Carb was overhauled and a new kit installed. All pressures adjusted, truck starts on first turn and runs well as original.
Cooling system was pressure checked, new thermo gasket installed, new heater lines. Heater radiator and water pump work well as original. Manual shut off at engine works for summer operation, original equipment.
Engine was pressure checked and one exhaust valve was changed as it was cracked. New head gasket and all other intake and exhaust gaskets changed with valve change. Tappets adjusted as per work shop manual. Engine starts on first turn, coil and points good , new plugs wires and boots. Engine comes up to temp as expected and runs at normal temp. Radiator and system leak checked. Compression check shows all cylinders good. Oil pressure is 50 at idle as original. New oil filter and oil changed. New original air filter was sourced in UK rebuilt and installed, oil bath type.
Transmission works in all ranges as original. Clutch is good and adjusted to original specs. Fluid is clean no noises or vibrations. Front and rear differentials inspected, fluid adjusted as required and operate correctly free of noise or vibration.
Older Land Rover frames and front bulkheads are known areas susceptible to rust. These were inspected closely and found to be in very good condition. They were painted with rust paint prior to complete re-spray. Aluminum shows normal age wear and was stripped and painted leaving the patina of 60 years under fresh paint. This is not a concourse body but shows well given the age and use of the truck. Side door and rear hatch windows were replaced with new Lexan. Rear top windows and rear hatch have all new rubber seals. Most rubber seals replaced, doors, upper and lower windscreen, front cowl vents, associated hatch etc. Interior and exterior re-sprayed in original RAF Blue with Limestone top and wheels. New shift boots and knobs for controls. Steering wheel reconditioned with epoxy and black gloss paint. Front seats rebuilt, recovered and installed with rubber stops and leather straps as per original. New rubber floor coverings, front and rear area. Spare tire mounts either on front hood or insider rear of truck. Instruments and lights reconditioned and new oil and temp manual gauges installed.
This is a not a concourse restoration but the vehicle has as many original features as possible with a few enhancements for driveability.
Non Original Items
Fuel pump is after market inline Holley reliable electric pump along with Holley adjustable pressure regulator. Original SU working electric fuel pump will be supplied with the truck if new owner wishes to convert. My experience with SU pulse pumps in other British cars led me to replace it.
Master Cylinder is an aftermarket Wilwood type with remote reservoir both mounted in original locations and using original linkage. Brake light switch is hydraulic operated, not manual as original. Original switch is very open to rain, rust and dirt so it was replaced with hydraulic type. Originals are available if required.
Mixture light system removed. This system illuminated a light on the dash if the choke was still on after the engine had been warmed up.
Original oil pressure and temp gauges were replaced with Sunpro mechanical units mounted in dash.
Front bumper is not original and was replaced prior to my purchase. It is stronger and welded to frame.
Rear lights are close to original but not exact.
Front Headlight trim rings on this year were actually painted the same color as the body however I purchased new stainless steel units.
Additional Parts
Green Book workshop Manual
Original SU Fuel pump and filter
Other miscellaneous small parts

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