Intro and Info

[Pondo]

Awesome, thanks for the response. I’ve already got the rear lights but will need to sort some front headlights then......if anyone knows where’s good to get a set with the internal sidelights that give a decent illumination at night I would be grateful.

Mike it has some T3 tie rods on it. Would you recommend putting it through the mot properly, I had planned on getting it tested anyway.

 

[Pondo]

 

[uk66fastback]

For the cost of an MoT - £30 or so - it's worth doing. I'm sure those track rods are more than adequate!

You want these headlamps I think ... others may confirm. Just standard 7" H4s with integral sidelight.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Defender-90-Range-Rover-CLASSIC-7-INCH-Headlamps-MAIN-LIGHTS-BA070/142926038400?fits=Car+Make:Land+Rover&epid=1936848531&hash=item21470e4580:g:ie0AAOSwn6RbjUlw

 

[Huw]

I have a spare set of headlights with the internal side lights if you are interested. Made by Ring I think.

Huw

 

[Pondo]

Sent you a pm Hue.

.....thanks Mike appreciate it.

 

[toopy]

Any 7" headlight will do, but if you want better light output, i would suggest a newer type lamp with the much better reflector arrangement

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-CLASSI...625206&hash=item41cea3aaa2:g:4lYAAOSwjoFZrq33

Also worth mentioning, if your lights are still a bit dim, it's far better to rewire with relays, so as to avoid the full wattage passing through the column switch + all the old wiring etc

 

[uk66fastback]

Depends whether you want to retain the original look or see where you’re going!

I exaggerate but you know what I mean. I’m just not a fan of the more modern looking flat headlamps!

 

[Pondo]

I hear you. I think as still waiting to take delivery my priority is to get it on the road and start using the car and see what feels right aesthetically. Although I can fully appreciate why you would want to fit the best lights possible.

 

[toopy]

Depends whether you want to retain the original look or see where you’re going!

I exaggerate but you know what I mean. I’m just not a fan of the more modern looking flat headlamps!

These are mine, I prefer the more modern look, for the lights anyway, I also rewired, so they do actually throw some light in front of you!

 

[AliK]

A different perspective - I put LED headlamps in mine (3000lm v 2000lm for decent halogens) and it's transformed my night driving without causing dazzle. It's also reduced the load on the alternator and old wiring.

Those have been replaced by these ...

￡26.80 31％ Off | VANSSI H4 LED Car Headlight HB2 9003 Hi/Lo 40W 4000lm 6000K White High Performance Auto Headlight Fog Bulb Conversion Kit
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bRzOCidE

Some of the other LED headlights are too bright and too blue-ish white for my liking. They come with bulb "gels" that can make them yellower if you wish.These are great at night but I keep the "classic" look, albeit with H4 lenses.

Here's a comparison in daylight without the yellow gels - LED on left of pic, halogen right ...

 

[Pondo]

Car has finally arrived, Woohoo....big thanks to Steve for helping me collect it, what a top bloke and also Mike in Cali as its awesome. Unfortunately didn’t get to see Robbie car which had also arrived as Hallie wasn’t quick enough getting it on the trailer before we left!

Ok so I’m on the paperwork now and I have a manufacture date of 11/71 but I’m unsure where I might find my date of registration, not sure if I leave this blank on the v55/5 as I don’t know or is there an easy way of telling?

Also what’s the opinion on evidence for the v112 form regarding the age, will I be needing a dating letter from the club or will pictures of the plates on the car be enough to satisfy them.

For anyone else going through this process HMRC have asked for
£55 cheque
V55/5 form
Proof of name and address Driving License photocopy is ok
Certificate of title (American title).
NOVA cert which was sent on from shippers (I used Hill Shipping).
V112 which is declaration exemption from MOT

I think that’s it, they haven’t asked for MOT or insurance......yet.

 

[hallie]

I didnt get Robs car for 2 hours!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though I had the release form apparently customs hadnt cleared it yet grrrr. Plus I got soaked when it was eventually brought out.

Your car looked great when are you hoping to drive it on the road?

Need to get on with registering my car too.

 

[moggy240]

Pondo, You don't need insurance to register it as you are doing it Mot exempt.

 

[Pondo]

Ok so I’m now registered as a historic vehicle, got to drive the car to get mot’d which left me with a massive grin and also get the carbs set and he altered the timing so I’m now ready for Donington Saturday. I’m not sure of the figures and how they should stack up but on the dyno he told me it was registering 128bhp at the wheels. Does that sound about right?

Looking forward to the weekend big time now.

 

[AliK]

Ok so I’m now registered as a historic vehicle, got to drive the car to get mot’d which left me with a massive grin and also get the carbs set and he altered the timing so I’m now ready for Donington Saturday. I’m not sure of the figures and how they should stack up but on the dyno he told me it was registering 128bhp at the wheels. Does that sound about right?

Looking forward to the weekend big time now.

Wow that is good!!! Add 25% for transmission losses and you have flywheel power (160bhp) which sounds like a healthy engine you have there!

Did you see what the curves looked like? My torque curve on old smokie engine was a table top mountain between 2000- 5000 rpm which was lovely to use on B roads.

 

[Pondo]

Unfortunately I had to pick up the car when no one was about so only got to talk over the phone. That’s good news though, it certainly felt great for a 48year old car. I can’t wait to give it a good run out tomorrow, just hoping we make it.