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[A-Ro]

Hi, I'm not sure which section this goes in so I'll start here. After a 3 month wait to get my LWB back from the restorer I now find myself in a bit of a situation. I've now been told that I shouldn't drive the completely rebuilt 6 pot the 70+ miles home instead I should get it transported, meanwhile the restorer's normal guy can no longer do it. So I'm looking for a company who can pick up my SWB in Oxford and take it down to Kent and pick up my LWB and bring it back here. Does anyone know where I might be able to get hold of a driver and transporter or at least a good place to start looking.

Thanks

Andrew

[Robin]

... I've now been told that I shouldn't drive the completely rebuilt 6 pot the 70+ miles home instead I should get it transported, ...

Why not?

At some point you are going to want to drive it - so why not drive it home   

[Calum]

What it apparently going to happen if you drive it?

Treat it gently - keep the revs reasonably low, smooth throttle actions and don't labour the engine too much. Hopefully the 70 miles is varied A/B road driving rather than just down the motorway. Simply put - don't drive it like a hooligan and it should be fine, providing it has been put together well!

[A-Ro]

Why not?

At some point you are going to want to drive it - so why not drive it home   

I was hoping that would be the case but the guy is now saying that it needs to be run in and the trip from Kent to Oxford is to much for a very first run on a rebuilt engine. I'd be happy to take any advice on that.

[genocache]

I think that is old thinking, nowadays it's break it in like you are going drive it. Then consider it's a Land Rover, Drive it a couple of miles and check for leaks, take the side roads home, check it again in 10 miles and again in 30 etc. Use the drive home as part of the break in period.  My $.02

[A-Ro]

I think that is old thinking, nowadays it's break it in like you are going drive it. Then consider it's a Land Rover, Drive it a couple of miles and check for leaks, take the side roads home, check it again in 10 miles and again in 30 etc. Use the drive home as part of the break in period.  My $.02

That makes sense to me, I'll put that to him and if I start getting more excuses then I might start to worry a little.

[martinthefirst]

One presumes it has been road tested for a few miles to ensure the basics are correct, in which case a 70 mile run would be an ideal start to running in a rebuilt engine.

[Wittsend]

  to all responses ...

What better way to run the engine in.

One assume the vehicle is road worthy, brakes and steering working.

Drive it home, don't labour the engine.

You might want to change the oil and filter after about 500 miles.


 

[Davidss]

I'd agree with the advice from Calum & Genocache, with the safety net of taking out, if it didn't already exist, membership of a roadside recovery organisation.
If you want to be really safety first, do the first 50 miles going 25 in the wrong direction (away from home), drive the next 25 back to the restorer so he can cast his experienced eye and ear over it. My numbers aren't meant to be precise, merely stated to illustrate the principle. If 50 miles is too much for you, reduce to 25 or 30, but make it more than a spin round the block.
Point out to him that he is then assured of the quality of workmanship of the person who did the 1st run check (himself).

It might not be pleasing to read, but his concern may not be that his workmanship is not up to scratch, but that he thinks the drivers (your) analytical skill is 'unproven', so an unnoticed simple problem may be left to become severe.

I have done something similar, finishing the rebuild of a MGB engine the day before I was to drive 220 miles to South Wales.
The early life failure was a thermostat stuck closed, noticed within 2 miles of home. Immediate return to home, new thermostat, and I was on my way again. The interesting bit was a DSJ inspired valve clearance check in a tree shaded layby on the way home.

Have fun.

[Betsy1969]

If you still want to transport it , try the firm I work for Ecomotive Logistics, based In Leicester . They have a website and Facebook presence . Very professional with good quality equipment and fully insured .

Please remove this post if not allowed .

[Wittsend]

The post is allowed 

[Old80]

ENDE ltd
Nick Dent 07721 377331
[email protected]
Based in Stroud Gloucestershire
Good guy to deal with, I used him earlier this year to transportation my 109” from London to Herefordshire very professional operation.

[martinrh]

When I bought my Land Rover I hired a car transporter for the 300 mile round trip. Easy to use and drive and worked out really well.
I rented from Abacus and if I recall correctly if was about £150 all in last year.

[A-Ro]

Thanks for all the replies, there's a lot of good ideas and information there. I knew this was the best place to start. Hopefully piccies by the weekend.

[Moogling]

http://www.abtrailers.co.uk/

These guys do all my landy moving as the owner is an enthusiast with a few series 1s and 2s.  Handily also based at a mid point  between your  two locations.

Give them a call and explain what you want as it's not offered up front