I returned to the museum where it is currently stored to give it a small check over and see if there was any life still left in the engine after sitting for a number of years.

Upon my arrival i noticed that some wonderful oppertunists had taken it upon themselves to remove the tail lights indicators and wiper blades and arms. Inside they had also taken the seat runners. I also found that at some point since my last visit someone had tried to remove the solenoid and starter motor but without success.

So after a small amount of work on the engine and a little old school investigating within the electrics. I managed to get a trickle of power through the system.

After that was done it was time to attempt a start. After a few attempts the engine turned but no start. I then decided i best check the fuel was flowing. So i began by bleeding the fuel system and priming the fuel pump a quick spray of easy start for an extra kick and the attempts began again.

Sadly the previous attempts had drained the battery and the booster pack i was using was deminishing quite rapidly. So the only result i could get out of it was a couple of turns from the engine a little cough/splutter and then power drained and the turns slowly but surely got slower and slower.

After all of that i accepted defeat for the day and thought i would have a little better look around considering the weather was for once warm, dry and sunny.

i looked more in depth at the chassis rot and found that the rear x-member is well and truely dead and its supports have seen better days but are just salvagable. Meaning i will need a new x-member witht he supports. There is also a few small patches required but nothing major (will give me good practice before i attempt the x-member repair). After that its just a strip down of all the old chassis seal and a re-paint and re-coat of sealant.

I have also found a few patches of rust that need attention on the under side of the bonnet, but again nothing major.

I am also able to confirm the milage (only because its the first time i have looked at it and remembered to take a photograph) 72,497 Miles.

Vehicle History

In the search for the history of 35-AJ-20 i emailed the Research department of the RAF Museum.

This was the best first course of action to take considering the vehicle is ex-RAF according to the 'AJ' in its registration.

I gave them the Chassis number and Military Registration number and within a few days recieved an email with a copy of the history card for my vehicle, free of charge.

If they have more information they will sometimes ask for your address to post via snail mail. If this happens they may sometimes ask for a donation.

This is the history card i recieved for my vehicle shows not the most varied and exciting history a service vehicle could have, but its better than being sat in storage all its life on reserve stock.

From what i can understand it was recieved by Ashchurch Depot on 3rd November 1978 from Land Rover. It was then transfered to RAF Leuchars on the 15th March 1979. It was then moved to another section at RAF Leuchars on the 26th October 1979. Finally being put up for auction on the 30th October 1986.

Since then my vehicle has had 5 previous owners in civilian life all across the UK. Myself being the 6th and unexpectedly return it to its original operating station during its working RAF life, RAF Leuchars.

Current Vehicle Condition

Have been again to view the candidate vehicle and asses its current condition.

After viewing its condition and doing a little research. i have come to the conclusion that it looks worse than it actually is.

The chassis is mostly sound with the only major problem being the replacement of the rear cross member. The only minor problem/work required being the replacement of the chassis protective sealer coating.

The rest of the body is sound and water tight with only a few age related rusting issues (such as bulkhead etc).

There is minor rust in the footwells and general surface rust in various places around the vehicle.

The engine is in a decent condition especially for the age of the vehicle, the only main concern is the gearbox/transfer box. There is a wooden stake holding the ratio lever in the high range as it seems to pop out during normal use.

Other than the above areas, the rest of the vehicle is purely minor cosmetic problems. I believe once the vehicle has been given a good wash down a few more areas of work will arise but hopefully nothing frightening.

The Begining

The plan is to restore an Ex-MOD Series 3 Land Rover 109" GS and convert it into an RAF EOD  response vehicle.

By this i plan to use the Royal Engineers EOD and Royal Air Force EOD Land Rover vehicles as a model.

The proposed candidate for the restoration and upgrade Ex-RAF Series 3 109" GS (35 AJ 20):