Category Archives: vehicle
Running Topless
I took the top off of The Rover earlier in the week. It is the first time I’ve lifted the top, and my main reason is that the seals between the top and bed really need to be replaced. Not to mention the fact that snow flies into the cab from between the lid and windscreen when I’m driving down winter’s road. There is nothing enjoyable about that.
What is enjoyable, is zipping around town without the roof. It’s a blast, so I may have to test drive it a bit more to get the feel for things before I replace the roof. Maybe even pull the spare tire off the bonnet and drop the windscreen down.
There’s nothing like driving with the top down through the smoke-filled air of Interior Alaska.
2 Million
Land Rover announced in May that they have built 2 million Series and Defender model vehicles.
A 1955 Series I
Starting in 1948 with the Series I and ending in 2015 with the Defender, 2 million have rolled off the Solihull assembly line.
The 2 millionth Land Rover Defender.
The 2,000,000th vehicle is a silver Defender 90, which will have several special features including custom upholstery and, of course, logos. A team of dignitaries and celebrities, which included Tim Slessor of First Overland fame, took part in the “wrench turning” on the special Defender 90.
The two millionth Defender will be auctioned off in December.
Found: One Fageol Interurban Safety Coach
A 1924 Fageol Safety Coach in Denali National Park. Photo credit:Frances Erickson
During the 1930’s, the Mt. McKinley Tourist & Transportation Company used a Fageol Safety Coach to haul visitors into Denali National Park. The Fageol had a 218-inch wheelbase and could carry 22 passengers. In 1941, MMT&T Co lost the National Park concession, and the Fageol was brought to Fairbanks, where it has sat outside for the past 70+ years.
The Fageol Interurban Coach after 70 years of Fairbanks weather. Photo credit: Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
An old photo of the coach in Denali, led to a rumor that the coach was in Fairbanks. It was found, surrounded by willows. After sitting out in the elements for 73 years, the Fageol Interurban was in extremely rough shape. The coach was donated to Fountainhead Auto Museum in Fairbanks, which went about preserving the vehicle for exhibit.
Photo credit: Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The refurbished Fageol Interurban Coach, complete with its Hall-Scott 4 cylinder engine, can now be seen on display at McKinley Chalet Resort.
CCKW
A Flashback Friday Edition:
The GMC ‘Deuce and a Half’ driver’s training during WWII
There were 562,750 CCKW’s produced by GMC between 1941 and 1945, only the “Jeep” saw higher war production numbers. Officially they remained in service with the U.S. Army until 1956, but unofficially the CCKW saw service for a decade after that.
“C”, designed in 1941
“C”, conventional cab
“K”, all-wheel drive
“W”, dual rear axles
New Carburetor
Time to get back to some Rover-izing.
I’ve wanted to replace the old Weber carb on the Rover for some time. The obvious choice, was the Rochester B, which was a popular GM carburetor back in the 1950’s & early 60’s. The Rochester B, appeared on many 216 & 235 Chevy motors.
The mounting holes on the Rochester B flange needs to be elongated for it to fit on the Rover 2.25L, which I have done. The linkage also needs to be adapted for the Series Rover, which I am in the middle of doing.
Luckily, there are quite a few Rochester B carbs out there, and rebuild parts are very easy to come by. The “B” carb has the manual choke and the “BC” version has an automatic choke.
The Rochester B alongside the Weber 34ICH.
Heritage Driving Center
Land Rover has announced its Heritage Experience Driving Center where one can drive examples of their iconic fleet at the test track facility at Fen End, Warwickshire.
Starting with a 1948 Series I, one can then move onto a Series III 109 wagon, a Military 101 Forward Control, a 70’s era Range Rover as well as the models currently available today. If the off road vehicles don’t have enough speed, you can leave the off-road for the pavement in an E-Type Jaguar.
Photos & video courtesy of Land Rover
Memories
I cleaned out the entire back of The Rover. Time to re-plan the layout and rebuild parts cubbies and living quarters. While doing so, I found little tempered reminders of Chanhassen.
I knew then that I would be finding glass pieces for years.
Creative Commons
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