Monty the rather rusty 2A - 37FG31

[andrewjsimpson1977]

Right, so I have finally found the time to get a first progress report up...

A little introduction first to Monty - Made in (i think) 1968 and entering service in '69 - all I know so far is he either served with the Army or the Marines. Chassis number is 23600494a (one of the first 500 production Lightweights). Military reg was 37FG31 - any pointers on where I can get further information would be much appreciated.

I still change my mind every five minutes about whether the chassis is salvageable - the front end is good, the back end looks like the Somme.
What I will say is - due to the age and condition of a lot of the bolts, screws and improvised fasteners Land Rover, previous owners and military mechanics / units have used over the years, about one in three have snapped so far, resulting in a LOT of smashed fingers, skinned knuckles, and copious shouting of words which I do hope my lovely wife and children did not hear across the yard.

I could waffle on about the condition but I think the pictures do a better job of explaining. I'm still in the strip-down process at the moment, so i'll keep the chat to a minimum - the pictures in this section represent about four sessions of two to three hours at a time.

Cheers,

Andy

[andrewjsimpson1977]

More pre-stripdown pics

[andrewjsimpson1977]

..and more

[andrewjsimpson1977]

...aaaand more..

[andrewjsimpson1977]

Mo' photos

[andrewjsimpson1977]

Disassembly begins..

[andrewjsimpson1977]

..and more..

[andrewjsimpson1977]

..still going...

[andrewjsimpson1977]

...everything takes soooo loooong. Two hours to get the upper tub sides off. Seat fasteners drilled out.

[andrewjsimpson1977]

...lower bulkhead is not as bad as suspected (footwells and hinge panels goosed though). Vent panel is more rust than steel but may be save-able with some cutting, welding, praying, ritual sacrifice etc..