Changes to Date

Seating

Within a few weeks of getting Dutchess home after purchase, it became apparent that her specification was far from ideal. Her front three seats were a mix of three different standard patterns, all in various stages of disintegration. The rear bench seats were unsatisfactory in both passenger comfort and location as they’d been located directly over the rear axle. Every bump and pothole sent the rear passengers into the air rather unceremoniously. Something had to be done.
I decided  to replace the front centre seat with a cubby box as front storage space is sadly lacking. This also solved the problem of where a passenger in that seat would put their feet, other than entangled in the forest of gear levers that poke outa the floor. I chose hi back replacement seats upholstered in Neptune cloth for the front, trying to combine a little comfort with durability.
For the rear, the replacements had to be located closer to the centre of the vehicle to reduce the pitching effect, offer a greater degree of comfort and not take up too much precious load space. As kids were to be the main occupants, low maintenance was a priority too. I chose a set of inward facing fold up seats in black vinyl.
 

Ignition

The first two years of ownership were a real learning process for me. Getting Dutchess to run right, and KEEP her like that was impossible. She had an insatiable appetite for ignition points, burning out a set within 6-8 weeks or so. Every replacement set was fitted with a new condenser, but the effect was the same. Replacing the plugs, leads, rotor arm, distributor cap, had no effect what so ever. I rebuilt the distributor, twice, no change. Eventually I’d had enough of points and feeler gauges and dwell angles. I bit the bullet and ordered a breakerless ignition set and a new coil. Fitting took less than an hour in spite of the rain, and I’ve never looked back. With no moving parts to wear out, the unit is totally maintenance free, and in four years I’ve never had a repeat of the ignition problems.
 

Headlamps

After putting up with the original equipment sealed beam headlamps for four years I decided enough was enough. The whole point of having headlamps is to see and be seen in the dark. Even with new units fitted, at best the illumination provided was on a par with oil lamps. I fitted direct replacement halogen lamps and changed the lamp surrounds at the same time. The difference was incredible.
 

Suspension

After enduring endless back jarring, teeth cracking, tongue biting thumps an crashes courtesy of the standard front and heavy duty rear springs, I decided enough was enough.  I ordered a set of parabolic springs mounted with Polybush bushes, and Explorer ES 3000 shocks. The transformation in ride and handling is startling. Bumps that used to pitch the front axle into the air are hardly felt. Body roll while cornering is a lot more progressive; hell, even the steering feels lighter and more responsive. To date, only the shocks and front springs are fitted, the rear springs being late delivery.  Although there’s an appreciable improvement in ride quality, it’s a long way from limousine smooth. But hell......she’s a Landrover, and coil springs are for wimps!!....
 

Chassis

After enduring ever increasing bills for chassis welding after each MoT inspection, I finally bit the bullet and decided that the only way forward was with a replacement chassis, galvanised and modified to my own specs. I had recovery points incorporated into the design utilising genuine part towing eyes for the front and a rotating jaw for the rear. All drilled holes were sleeved for added strength and the rear crossmember made from thicker plate. Mounts for a full external roll cage were added, the fuel pump bracket moved to just behind the bulkhead outrigger to permit fitting an auxiliary fuel tank under the front seats, and the gearbox crossmember is bolt in, making gear box removal a lot easier.
Six months on from the rebuild and I still appreciate the lack of creaks and groans from the chassis while cornering, and the peace of mind of not having to worry about getting the chassis legs plated and welded.