What to take..? What to leave..?

 

It’s easy to get carried away and totally paranoid about the subject of what to take when travelling;

 ‘What should I take? What shouldn’t I take? What if I don’t take this but need it? What if take this but never need it and it’s wasting space?’

it’s also easy to say ‘sod it’! I’ll just take what I have and make do whilst I’m out there!’.

Fortunately I’m not going to a totally uninhabited 3rd world region on this trip, I’m traveling about 4000 miles which, to some, may be a long way but it’s mainly on good roads, with access to fuel, service stations, towns, and supplies en route. I’m not that concerned.

So what am I taking?

iPad with CoPilot Satnav app installed Garmin Satnav iPhone Asus Laptop Canon 350D DSLR GoPro Hero 2 Tripod Gorillapod 12v Shower European Road Maps

Trangia Stove Hi-lift Jack Assortment of tools Socket set Cable Ties Duck Tape Gas Soldering Iron Spare Cables & Fuses First aid kits Spirit fuel Basha & Poles Paracord Light My fire Firesteels Light my Fire Tinder on a rope and Tindersticks BBQ Grill

Sachets of instant coffee Sachets of Hot Chocolate 20 ltrs of water Tins of soup & stew Tinned hot dogs Selection of tinned veg Pasta 2 ltrs of Long Life Milk Washing & Shower items Sugar Henderson’s Relish Porridge Pots Toilet Paper Wet wipes Clothes Walking boots

Oh and a 1990 Land rover Defender 200 TDI 110 complete with Bed installed….

The Big Body Issues…..

To give some idea of the task ahead, I thought I’d share some photos of the areas of most concern for this project.

This post is all about the body.

Doors, floor rails, C posts, capping, wheels; all need replacing.

Over the time of this blog I’ll be showing the attempts I make at this. Bearing in mind I haven’t welded or performed any bodywork restoration previously, It’ll be interesting (for me anyway) to learn how to do all of this.

In addition to the lack of experience, there are other things to overcome such as not having a workshop or garage of any kind in which to do the work….

We’ll see how I get on…

Starting At The Beginning….

I've started the restoration by removing items that are surplus to requirement, too rusty to keep or simply items that don't fit with the end result I'm looking for.

 

Starting at the front of the Landy, I've removed the rusty light guards, the very rusty spotlights, replaced all of the remaining lights and panels.

 

I've also added a little cosmetic paint to the underside and fitted a new number plate.

 

All totally superficial items at this stage.

 

Posted from my iPad

From Beast to Beauty?

So, this is the base vehicle for the restoration.

She's a 1990 200tdi 110. Currently on around 250,000 miles and seems to be going strong. There are a few oil leaks from the transmission, and there are a few bodywork and chassis issues to resolve. All of these will come to light over the coming posts but just wanted to start out by showing off the starting point.

 

Posted from my iPad

Welcome!!

For many years I’ve wanted to write, either a novel, short story, poetry, or even a blog.

The problem is, having something to write about. I wouldn’t say I have a dull life, it’s had it’s moments, it’s been eventful at times but then who wants to read about failed attempts at online dating? Or even a couple of successful attempts if I do say so myself..!

Anyway, this blog is going to be about me, my Land Rover Defender renovation project, the travels I’ll be going on, maybe something about work and most likely my take on life.

All in all, this will be Steve in real life.