Things have gone quickly and we are now only a few days away from MOT! Well to be honest this might turn into a few weeks as I'm trying to find someone who can follow me down to the test centre just in case something happens, and then to bring me back. Most of the people who would usually be there to help are unfortunately busy for the next couple of weeks, so unless I can find an alternative I have to wait. The new V5 arrived yesterday with the correct engine number listed, and today I sorted out my insurance, which thankfully was very reasonable. I went via the brokers at Sureterm, who were very helpful and efficient..thank you Lindsay! :)

Last Friday (8th) I took the day off and my Uncle returned for the last of the outstanding pre MOT work. We fitted the new brake cylinder to the in place of the one that had failed when we had previously replaced the oil seal. We also replaced the missing rivets on the rear tub, some of which may need redoing as we didn't have the right sort of rivets. He kindly plated up the front wing too as a temporary repair using a small piece of aluminium, which should keep the MOT boys happy until we can fit some better wings. Lastly we fitted the new water valve to the heater system, which means it can now be turned off for the summer! :) Unfortunately there was a small piece missing so we couldn't connect this up to the dash panel controls.

On the following Sunday (10th) I spent a little while cable-tying up wires and pipes around the vehicle as well as removing most of the tools and unfitted parts from the rear. Just small jobs but ones that all have to be done before the vehicle goes to the garage, as I don't want it to like an uncared for shed. The paint work makes the vehicle look bad enough, and I don't want the garage fishing for extra work, which they may well do if they spot possible opportunities. Whislt clearing out, I also noticed my gear lever was not like the one I'd seen in a recent Land Rover publication, mine cants rearward, when it should lean to the right. Investigation showed the reason for this was my gear lever has broken at some point in the distant past and had been welded back on, sadly in the wrong direction. Since the gearbox is to be rebuilt, I'll get a new one put it at the same time, as it will mean the job is done properly.

Monday's (11th) job was to go down to RJ's and get the missing part for the heater valve, which I did, and while I was there, got a decent second hand lever, things are falling into place! Still no sign of the 15" Mountney wheel I've ordered though, maybe next time.