Preparing the Landy

The first steps in preparing the vehicle was to ensure it was mechanically sound for a long overland trip. A number of repairs and alterations were carried out before it was deemed ready for an overland trip of this nature. A list of these repairs is included below:

Above: Katie in the Land Rover

Firstly - for the MOT a service was carried out. Welding was done to the rear of the vehicles chassis. Brake lines were changed and new wipers were fitted.

At Deep South Land Rovers:

1. Brakes: The front discs, pads and oil seals were replaced. The rear drums, shoes, wheel cylinders and two rear brake pipes were replaced.


2. Cambelt: Cambelt and tensioner were replaced - this included gaskets and anti-freeze.


3. Suspension: Front and rear shock absorbers, springs and retaining rings needed to be replaced.


4. Cylinder Head: Cylinder head was removed, checked and valves were lapped in and valve seals replaced. (This included all gaskets).


5. Exhaust: Entire exhaust system was replaced from front pipe, backwards.


6. Radiator: Was replaced.


7. Water pump: A new water pump was installed.


8. Thermostat:


9. Lift pump:


10. Alternator: The alternator was replaced.


11. Full Service was carried out.

Further repairs:

• We bought a new battery from a scrapeyard to use to replace the fault leisure battery.

Above: The Landy

Before we leave there are still a number of things that need to be done to the Land Rover. For example it needs a new clutch!