Sidewinder

Spending a bit of time today starting to tidy up the 432, I was up on the roof and started to wonder what all the various brackets/mounts/studs would have been used for and what equipment they would have secured. All the aerials and antenna mounts are pretty self explanitory. But what about the others? Also anyone have any ideas what these "homemade" triangular brackets would have been used for? I've taken them off now, but theres also evidence of something being cut off the top of the front glacis plate where the wading screen would bolt on. Whatever it was it was on the same side as the brackets just to the left of the lifting eye. Cheers,James

And to think all I found in mine today was some mouldy shreddies and discarded cigarette butts...

I found this recently as well. The outer road wheel pretty much just dropped straight off, but the inner one took a little more persuading. Just keep tapping it around the outside edge and it'll start to move eventually.

Standing on an upturned plank of wood with a 2" nail sticking out of it also makes your eyes water just a little as I found out last Thursday.. So when you next think something will only take a second and theres no point putting your safety boots on... think again.

I was going to strip it all down and convert it to a ' 432' version, but I can't quite bring myself to do it yet.. its in far too good condition to butcher for the sake of it, especially considering I've already got a 432 anyway. I'm about to try and get it road registered, so wish me luck! Yep, got Withams to thank for the bumps! Shame, its the only thing that lets in down in my opinion. James

I've currently got a 439 up for sale if your interested... all complete including all the radio gear, 12m mast etc.. starts runs and drives like a treat. Low engine hours and mileage. PM me if you want more details.

This all sounds very familiar, took about four phone calls over the past two days all fighting with the automated robot system to get a real person just to get a V55/5 form sent to me to register the 439. Even though I knew the forms I needed DVLA's finest still insisted on checking with the supervisor. "It is a bit of an unusual request sir, can I phone you back?" Roughly translated, I have no idea whats going on or what to do, so I'm going to hang up and let someone else deal with it.

Hello, James here from near Peterborough. I've currently got a FV439 and a FV432, although currently looking to reduce the collection slightly. Two is just a bit too much work for one person! Found lots of helpful advice so far on here, so cheers. Look forward to lots more, and who knows I might even be able to offer some advice myself!