Suppliers and Products

There is nothing better than finding NOS. I tend to buy Genuine Parts, or if they are unobtainable or too expensive I go for OEM. Second hand tends to be preferable to pattern but sometimes one must.

Trawling though other vehicles that were made at the time can often bring good results. for example Sankey Narrow Track axle U-bolts are the same as those for the MGA.

I am a great believer that if something has been made it can be made again.

Here are details of the suppliers and products that I have used in case you are interested. It is not an endorsement of anyone or anything; just a record.

Chassis

I plumped for a galvanised chassis from Richards Chassis (www.richardschassis.co.uk). I ordered it on July 2, 2021 and it was delivered on October 18, 2021. Standard 12v RHD with gearbox tie bar lug.

Very few straggly bits of galvanising to be filed down, although there were some areas with quite heavy zinc build up which is to be expected. No complaints so far – alignment will be the real test.

Chassis Prep / Primer / Top Coat

The chassis was washed down with ‘Prep Clean 2802’ using scotch-brite followed by Mordant T wash solution applied by brush. I used a leaf blower to improve drying time in areas where water pooled. 5 litres of Prep clean were needed and about 2.5 litres of Mordant T Wash were used out of the 5 litres I bought.

The chassis is then primed with Raptor anti-corrosive epoxy primer. I reckon this 88″ chassis required about 700ml (mixed) per coat. I bought a 5 litre kit as the bulkhead will also be done in this.

The chassis top coat is tintable Raptor protective coating. A binderless colour (BS 356) is mixed to give the final colour which will tie in with he rest of the vehicle. I bought a 4 bottle kit which should give enough to do bulkhead too.

All the above was supplied by Paint Man (http://www.paintman.co.uk) who delivered extremely quickly (Ordered October 20, 2021 and delivered October 22, 2021) and with everything well packed.

Wiring Loom

I ordered a new main wiring loom from Autosparks (http://www.autosparks.co.uk) which includes all military wiring, two fog lights, and accessory socket on dash. Ordered on October 15, 2021 and it was delivered November 25, 2021. Website lists 10 weeks but some up to 16 – 18 due to Covid backlog so I was pleased with that time.

Bodywork paint

I have gone for a synthetic coach enamel from Paintman (http://www.paintman.co.uk). I shall decide on the primers / undercoats in due course. I also need to decide if I use a roller or only a brush.

Axles, propshafts and springs paint

I went for black chassis paint from Paintman (http://www.paintman.co.uk). I used a red oxide primer from Paragon Paints (https://www.paragonpaints.co.uk/) . The oxide primer has a high build and is pretty tough for sanding, and the chassis black goes on really well and looks very glossy.

Parts

This could be a very long list indeed, but the following are the main suppliers I have been using:

• P A Blanchard – lots of genuine parts for military Land Rovers
• John Richards Surplus – as above
• Turner Engineering – engine parts (OEM) and quality aftermarket
• Jaguar Land Rover Classic – Genuine Parts. It is amazing what uses bits still have.
• Land Rover Treasure Shop – As per the name a real treasure trove of Genuine Parts / Tools (or Satana equivalent). Only downside is it is Cyprus so import taxes can be an issue.
• Rimmer Bros – quick delivery and a good selection of Genuine Parts / OEM
• John Craddock – has some bits no-one else does. Annoyingly quite slow delivery and limited identification of suppliers.
• L.R. Series – some nuts and bolts that seem difficult elsewhere.
• Dingocroft – LR specific tools.