Dormobile

[yakcam]

Well done Chris. Hope it is not too long before it is touring again. What engine has it - 6 pot?

Thanks Alex.

The old six pot is long gone and now its got a 200 Tdi but without the turbo, intercooler and oil cooler. Not sure how it will drive but I've read some internet articles about the 200 Di set up and seems it could be better than a 2.25 regular land rover diesel. Any way there seems to be plenty of room under the bonnet for changes if need be. Some previous auction papers I found on line suggest the bulkhead has been changed, possibly for a series 3, 6 pot version but whatever it is its been modified to accommodate the starter motor . The gearbox looks to be original but the back axle is of the Rover type whereas the suffix H 2a's were fitted with the salisbury axle so I've read! There's an overdrive on the gearbox.

So lots to research and sort out but hey the good thing is that most of the Dormobile conversion is present and will provide a good basis for future improvements.

Can't wait for it too arrive home to find out more!!

Cheers and kind regards Chris

[yakcam]

Thanks Mike,

Yes it's also the sense of freedom that appeals to me too.

I'm retired now and there really is not enough hours in the day to achieve all that I would like to. Think I'm going to be busy!!

I've wanted to do something like this for ages so just like your lad in the photo, some boyish enthusiasm is coming to the surface!!

Massive potential with endless possibilities - brilliant.

With kind regards and thanks for your help and interest.

Chris

[yakcam]

Pleased to say good progress is being made on the restoration of AKM 217K.

Turned out to be in need of a lot of TLC as it had been severely interfered with over many years.

The rolling chassis is nearly finished and the body will soon be going back on.

The original gas cylinder holders under the drivers seat had been lost when it seems the seat base must have been replaced and the seats repaired/modified.

Could any kind Dormobile enthusiast help me please understand how the gas cylinder holder should be fitted and how access to it is achieved by removing the drivers seat to change the cylinders. Would be great if you could let me see some pictures of how it should all work please. Also if anyone has a gas cylinder holder for sale please let me know.

Some pictures for interest attached.

[AlexB]

Chris
Give us a ring on 07799278578 or 01484682496 and I will talk you through the gas bottle cage

alex

[yakcam]

Thanks Alex,

Kind regards

Chris

[yakcam]

Well, its back on the road again and I'm starting to sort the interior out whilst I use it as my daily driver.

I have gleaned a lot of help from this forum so thanks to all those who have posted Dormobile information.

You can see from the attached I'm chuffed to bits to have got it home just before Christmas.

Will be replacing the doors and finish getting it painted soon!

Looking to find a dished deluxe bonnet - please see detail in wanted section!!

With kind regards

Chris M

[DrivingDutchman]

That looks awesome...
Love that gally chassis...

How did you mount the intercooler? I'm busy rebuilding a series 3 SWB softtop with a 200TDi. I'm trying to get ideas as to how to do the intercooler in the best possible way.

[AlexB]

Chris
One word of warning on second row doors - make sure you measure prospective replacements
there are no decent ones and several sub standard ones about. Up to 10mm too short which makes sealing problematic

[Klusenhusen]

Looks really nice, I wish my 109 has come as far as yours.
All the welding has been done, but when I began with the new electrics, it came to an abrupt halt.

I agree with Alex, I have seen some new produced second row doors, and they are substandard.
Might be wise to repair the ones you have, I changed the bottom steel profile on one of my doors.

It seems as if I also will join the ranks of the retired, applying for a job when you are 61 is hopeless in Norway.
But it will give me plenty time to fix my LR, once all the jobs my spouse gives me is done…………..

[yakcam]

Driving Dutchman - 300 tdi intercooler fitted between front chassis cross member and top of front panel in rubber bushes. After market oil cooler fitted on other side of front panel. Best of luck with your project.

Alex B - thanks for tip on middle row doors. As you say there is not much choice out there in the market place. My existing middle row doors weren't too bad even though they had been repaired at the bottom. I bought the replacements from Paddocks and they seem ok size wise. I decided to replace all the doors as I'm having the rest of the Dormobile resprayed. I read the thread about your dished bonnet. The one I found turned out to be too far gone on the steel frame but had a good spare wheel carrier. I'm putting that on my existing bonnet. Will carry on looking for a dished version but not sure if my 235/85 R16 tyre will fit?

Klusenhusen - The restoration of my Dormobile has been undertaken for me by a local land rover specialist. I wouldn't have been able to achieve the end result myself. I did however have a vision of what I wanted to achieve and indeed I'm very pleased with the result!
Retirement is good and for me means plenty of time to sort the Dormobile ready to use in the Summer.

With kind regards Chris