Operation Ming

[Crs]

I pleased to report a new Land Rover for our fleet. :alien:
I just returned from the Seattle area with my new purchase: a 1997 Discovery SE7.

Unlike the Rangie, this one is ready for adventures off road. As well as off road biased tires, roof rack and winch, it also has enough scratches and dents that a few more aren't really going to be noticeable. :mrgreen: (That's good, as I just got the wheels repaired on the Rangie Monday. They rather suffered during the Wheels event.)

Of course, it will need a little TLC and some pesky paperwork, then she should be ready to go. :D

Okay, you're wondering about the title of the posting, right? The previous owner named her "Ming the Merciless" and she has a big art stencil on the side. Well, the stencil is coming off ASAP, but the name has stuck.

So, anyone up for a January adventure?

[skeena river rover]

Congrats! post some pics:)

[ANDYD]

Excellent news Craig ..... looking forward to seeing "Ming" on the trails!

Hopefully the BC inspection goes well and Don doesn't find too much to fix! Remember, doesn't have to be perfect... as long as the brakes work! :rolly:

[Crs]

Well, it has brakes, but Don thought steering was important, so it's getting new panhard rod bushings. I knew it wouldn't drive like the Range Rover, but its behaviour seemed quite extreme. I should get a list of the other necessaries Monday. So far, it needs a centre brake light. I never even noticed it was missing! :shock: It also has a dead dry cell battery. Anyone have an opinion as to whether they're worth the premium :?: Oh, and it may need an alternator. It's got one of dubious origin and dubious performance. I don't fancy a new LR one at >$800, so I'm open to ideas. Other than that, until I hear from Don, the only other issue is it seems to be about as watertight as Titanic :mrgreen:

[Doc Tari]

Congrats on the purchase Craig. Before dropping $800 on a new alternator, get yours tested and rebuilt, if necessary.

Regards,
Pete

[chrismac]

Congrats on the new Disco. Lots of off roading fun in your future! I was checking out Ming, good purchase.

[Crs]

Thanks all! :D Advice noted, Pete. Wow, Chris - 2 97 Discos? You must know your Discos.

What's the difference in how the V8 and the tdi drive?

Now, to get things sorted without too much $. :shock:

[StuartL]

Hi Craig,

I have a unused newly rebuilt 100 amp alternator that Don said wouldn't fit my defender and was for a disco if you are interested.

Just call me 604.619.1418

[Crs]

Hi Stuart,

That's VERY much appreciated! THANK YOU! It seems the battery was so bad, the alternator couldn't charge it and keep the car going. It seems that, with a decent battery, the alternator checks out OK after all! :D

[Crs]

Well, Ming is finally registered and home after the kind and skillful ministrations of Don and the guys at Rovalution. The steering wheel now has some say in the direction of travel of the car and Don traded the blinking lights on the dash for signal and brake lights that work. :D

I did some work on it yesterday to remove the window decal and my dad helped me install one rear seat. The second in on the agenda for today, along with getting a tarp as Ming must live outside and is still not waterproof. :shock:

I'm posting some photos, as requested.

Some questions for the Disco experts.
1) The front fender says it's an SE, but it has rear jump seats. SE or SE7?
2) Anyone have (or has a lead to) a CHEAP front dash top parcel shelf? Mine is missing and there is just an ugly hole in the dash.
3) Batteries: The car came with a dual battery set up using DRY CELL batteries. The primary was shot and Don switched over the secondary so it runs fine as a solo battery car. Any ideas on where to get a GOOD, CHEAP dry cell replacement?

So, now I'm ready for some adventures! :D :mrgreen: :D :mrgreen: :alien:

[Glenn D.]

I always get good service at:

http://www.davidsonbattery.com/home/

broadway near fraser in vancouver.

Glenn

[e.prevost94]

Wow! She looks fully loaded! Good find.

[chrismac]

I agree with Davidson battery. Always have had good service and advice from them.

[Crs]

Thanks for the battery info. I'll check it out! :D