- Joined
- Feb 17, 2006
- Messages
- 18,180
- Car(s)
- '12 MX-5 PRHT, '02 Freelander, '90 Disco 1 Bobtail
Update: This thread was completely lacking any introduction so here we go. Back in early 2017 Keely was properly broken and a familiar truck showed up on eBay, one that had been built a number of years previous by a friend in a local off road club. I had always watched it at events and admired it, hoping one day to turn Keely into something similar. Well, with things the way they were I wasn't going to miss this opportunity and bought it. Meet (stubby) Bob - my scaffolding-clad, 200Tdi Discovery 1.
Bob was featured in Land Rover Owner magazine when it was owned by its builder, a chap called Pete. Here are the pages from the mag:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
They also made a video.
So, the kit it has and the comparison to Keely. Where to start...
Interior
"A slick dash"
Closer look at the switches
Rear differential lock switch. The push button is a 30 amp switch, never seen these strange things before but they work. They're made in Germany and I think they have an internal fuse but I haven't found out how to get to it yet...
Relays
Some fuses
Fuel gauge (seriously, it's a sight tube!)
Proof pic
Height comparison with Bugsy...
I intend to have a lot of fun with this thing.
Bob was featured in Land Rover Owner magazine when it was owned by its builder, a chap called Pete. Here are the pages from the mag:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
They also made a video.
So, the kit it has and the comparison to Keely. Where to start...
- Bobtail chop - the most obvious thing and the biggest difference from Keely. This massively improves off road performance by removing the overhang. Less to rust too...
- Roll cage - stops me caving in the corners and obviously protects from rolling. Since the guy was a fabricator I'm inclined to trust it.
- Rock sliders - Tied in to the roll cage and incorporating strengthening box section in place of the rust-prone sills. I always wanted these on Keely but the bolt on versions tend to find weak points...
- Big tyres - Much larger than mine (not sure of the exact size) and with a much more aggressive pattern. They're worn but no more than you would expect and far from causing me any issues with road legality.
- Electric rear locker - Arguably stronger than the air locker I have in Keely and gives me better access should it need maintenance.
- Front limited slip - Don't have one, makes it go even better. No intention of replacing with a manual locker yet.
- Front winch - I don't have any winches on Keely, this one is a Warn 8274 that has been upgraded with a more powerful motor and has thick synthetic rope. This would be expensive all on its own.
- Rear winch - 2 is better than one, this is the kind of winch I would've bought for Keely. Currently needs a bit of attention. Both winches have wireless remotes.
- CB radio - OK so I have one but this is very neatly mounted and has a speaker.
- Hi-lift jack - I don't have one, useful extra.
- Waffle boards - fibreglass equivalents of sand ladders. I don't have any of these either so another bonus.
- Front spot lights - Yet another option I didn't have, not critical but they are already fitted and neatly wired in.
- Rear work light - as above.
- Snorkel - have one, this is basically the same but easier to ensure it's sealed.
- 40 litre fuel tank - not as big but big enough and not vulnerable to damage. There is a shut-off tap for safety and it stops anyone driving off with it.
- Twin battery system - Haven't looked in to this fully but the winches run off a separate battery and unlike the single one in Keely they both work. One is brand new! Nice big isolation switches for the winch power under the bonnet.
- Under-bonnet LED strips - A bit of a gimmick and as they're mostly dead I can't see how good they can be but handy and cheap to replace.
- Flashing amber recovery LEDs - this was used in a 4x4 response group for a number of years. Not a whole lot of use to me but flashing lights is flashing lights...
- Boost gauge - always wanted one.
- Wheel bearing to be replaced.
- Steering damper bracket is broken, replacement should be easy to source.
- Rear door lock not working right but is fine for now(parts from Keely).
- Both front door locks sticking (parts from Keely).
- Drivers window sticks (parts from Keely).
- Rear wiper broken off (guess what - parts from Keely).
- Find out what is going on with rear winch (wiring issue).
- Either get more locking wheel nuts or get rid - nice to have but they throw the wheel balance off.
- Some security bolts for stuff.
Interior
"A slick dash"
Closer look at the switches
Rear differential lock switch. The push button is a 30 amp switch, never seen these strange things before but they work. They're made in Germany and I think they have an internal fuse but I haven't found out how to get to it yet...
Relays
Some fuses
Fuel gauge (seriously, it's a sight tube!)
Proof pic
Height comparison with Bugsy...
I intend to have a lot of fun with this thing.
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