sirhc

You can't exactly fill a CET with your mates and go for a blast around the field!

Belgian Spartan...

Other than the engine, the gearbox is the main part of the upgrade... And the expensive bit to engineer, hence why they are in short supply!

Mike, The Sturgeons are probably the same Spartans you've seen bouncing over the dunes, but the Milan turrets haven't been used in that role for years. In BATUS they were just used for training so they will have ripped the interior out and put some seats in the back, along with the LEP upgrade and bowman conversion. Chris

It's not just a question of how long it would last. The Diesel engine is slower revving so the diesel gearbox input module is geared differently to give the same top speed. I believe David Brown will convert a petrol one to a diesel for you at a cost of £58000. Chris

Here is Sabre 02FD69 on Operation Agricola 4 in Kosovo. I had this photo and some others from Kosovo when 02FD69 went through the tender sale in October 2006. I did try to buy it, to go with our Spartan 48AT14, which was also in Kosovo at the same time. I was outbid unfortunately, but I ended up buying 04FD31 from the few much better vehicles round the back instead. The vehicle in the background is 49AT37, and the one next to it was 03FD10. Both of which we ended up buying some years later.

My Sabre in Newark, selling poppies in 2011.

Not quite scrap, yet...

Scrap!

Here's the Spartan we're just starting work on. It needs a good service and a coat of paint, I have been trying to decide what colour it should be and I think I'm going to be boring and do it green and black!

Is this it? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Military-army-Fv432-Dip-stick-4588-/261278290062?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Other_Vehicle_Parts_Accessories_ET&hash=item3cd566508e

1965?

And a Peak Engineering turret too!

Petrol is probably not as easy to get going as if you need to clean points of plugs you've got to lean in though the hatch on the side. Try some big batteries and fresh fuel, hopefully it'll fire right up.

Petrol or diesel?

Here are some photos of the plastic fuel tank installation. A marine tank was used, and fitted with a 24V fuel sender unit I found online. It wasn't quite matched to the original gauge in the dash, a full tank showed as half full on the gauge, but it's better than having to guess! The main reason for doing this is the fact that the tank is around 400litres, which is a lot to try and keep full to stop condensation forming. When we got the vehicle we had no end of trouble trying to get the tank cleaned out, it was full of watery sandy mess. We started using Jerry cans fitted with the kind of adaptor used for running generators, but it is annoying not knowing how much fuel is in the can and having to stop after 10 miles to put a new can on, just in case. The tank fitted where it is means minimum modification work is required. We held it in place with CVRT stowage straps and Land Rover strap staples. You could very easily replace the aluminium plate we removed and go back to running the original tank if required. Chris

If you're worried about fuel consumption then you really should be looking for a different vehicle! I've never worked out what our petrol one used, but I don't think you are far off with the guesses. The plastic tank was filled up before going to W&P and that was the only time we filled it. The vehicle was sold soon after and it was still easily half full after driving to and from the low loader pick up and all the laps of the arena and show ground. We have a diesel one now and I doubt it will be any cheaper to run, but it's great fun to drive... Much nicer than a petrol one! Chris

It was the most disappointing tender for sometime in terms of parts or CES. I only bid on one thing and didn't get that either.

It looks like this.... (old photo, I'd have to dig it out to take more!) Chris

You know as much as I do!

I have the IR detector mast and all the internal boxes (no cables) for this system if anyone needs them! Chris

Try calling Johnsons and asking for Barrie. They sometimes have them. http://www.johnsonsofleeds.co.uk/

I think you need to look on eBay for 3.5" SCSI hard drives, find one which looks like it has the right connector and is fairly cheap. Another option would be to look up a computer fair and take it with you. I used to go to them a long time ago and remember there being second hand parts for older computers.

Bruce, Gearbox in first, then aligned the engine to match. I got laser cut shims made in different thicknesses and swapped them about to get it right . The engine had to go in and out about 3 times. Chris

Hi Ian, Nice to see you here! Chris