MARTIN CROSS

PM sent. M

Thanks. Mine is taxed as private HGV and registered as a motor caravan. M

Hi I am now totally confused. I went to LEZ website and put in my registration and it said my vehicle was compliant. However, when I put in the vehicle details it says it is not! Does anyone understand please? Thanks, Martin

Hi When I was taking my Ex First Gulf War 101 ambulance (just after war ended).for its MOT with no plates etc I saw a policeman who simply saluted! Martin PS Happy New Year to all.

Hi Can't wait for the official news. Will be very sad to say goodbye to the old site as we had attended every show since it started there. Also a bit worried about the route to Folkestone. A lot further by Motorway or a horrible drag along the A259. M

Hi 12 seems a bit low unless you are heavy footed. I recall I used to get about 20 from my lightweight and about the same from my Rover Saloon (80) which had the same engine. My 110 V8 did about 12 when towing. The carbs can be problematic and can leak. I once bought a lwb and found it would only run with the choke out. It had been fitted with a brand new (Indian?) carb and further investigation showed that the float bowl was full of swarf and this was blocking the main jet! Have you looked at plug colour?Is the choke going fully off? Hope this helps, M

Hi So sorry to hear that. A few on ebay under Rover 2.25 engine but unknown quantities.Would it be worth going diesel? Speedy Spares may have something 01273 417889. Or try Ian Hughes 01243 572441 or Drop Zone (0)1798 831 955 or Allens 01273 584987 Best of luck Martin

So do I! Stands a good chance of 'survival' as 'Madam' likes it! As I said , it's a compromise but opinions so far have been positive. We plan to do as many shows as possible both military and more general ones. Let's hope the weather next year is kinder to the organisers. M

In the absence of a suitably qualified youngster.....................

Hi The body is a complete box resting on treated roof battens so that any water can run away and not be trapped. It is bolted down onto the edge of the flat bed through pre existing holes.It was suitably treated before installation but was built in situ so it is not de-mountable but it is removable. I had not considered axle twist as we are not intending to 'off road' any more vigorously than conditions encountered at Beltring. All of the panel joints were bridged between thinner ply and glued and screwed.There is a 2 x 2 inch skeleton within the body running down each of the four corners and around each end. When the roof was fibre glassed the side joints (2 each side) were reinforced. So far we have done about 600 miles over some very bumpy roads with no obvious ill effects. The caravan was badly water damaged and literally fell apart as soon as we attacked it.This greatly simplified the work as they are made from the inside out so it was a lot easier to get at what we wanted.All of the kitchen units were salvaged also overhead cupboards (but cut to fit a flat rather than curved ceiling), we also used the bed/table/seats and only used bathroom bits from another van as they suited the space better.We also used several windows and the door. The remainder was stripped of useful pipework and wiring and also the legs and wheels. The chassis was in fact cracked so it and the aluminium skin were weighed in as a bonus for the builder. The only decent bit of wood was the floor and this now covers a wood pile! Obviously it is not as strong as a metal box but it is reasonably light and ,most importantly, it is nice to be in. I do appreciate that it is not 'military' but several people have asked if it was a radio body and it is similar.Ultimately, we have compromised on this aspect but it makes the exercise worth doing. We did not want to live in a claustrophobic box and felt that it would have been equally expensive to obtain and convert a comms body.l M

Hi We have just finished a Unimog conversion. We used 12mm marine ply excepting rear panel that was 18mm. The roof was then fibreglassed for access and weather proofing. Painted with colour matched (to truck) B & Q emulsion. We bought a caravan and stripped all the insides so essentially the whole lot was made to measure. All low energy lighting with solar charger which can also top up the vehicle batteries. Un lined except for roof.The body is quite warm with no heating system. Total cost of body about £2500 . I will try to post pics when suitably qualified youngster around!

Hi Thanks for that.I will call them tomorrow. I think it;s because the vehicle has been standing for a few months while we built the body.It was fine when it was delivered. Thanks again, M

Regret failed MOT due to brake problems. Was fine when we left but on way had to stop as brakes (front) were squeaking/binding and we were losing air too. I stopped and joggled handbrake and pumped footbrake and this seemed to help as the air pressure built up again. When we arrived the front hubs were warm and there was a yellow warning light on.A bit like the brake symbol but with an exclamation mark.Pressure was showing OK and the red light was not on. Please can anyone help as I need to know exactly what the warning lights mean.I know the red ones! Please can anyone also help with a lubrication chart or any other maintenance paperwork. Thanks, M

Hi U1300L 1981. Regret no pics yet. M

Hi I have just got a Mog and built a 'cabin' on the back. I wanted to know what these vehicles were used for so that I can get some photos,especially of any loads etc. The truck has 'Marineflieger' on the windscreen and I can make out the anchor symbol under the paint on the rear tailgate.I imagine it might have been search and rescue or similar. Please can anyone help. Thanks, Martin

Hi I had a similar problem with my M35 as a previous owner had bypassed the first filter (under the genny) and substituted an inline one. These let water through so I had about a pint in the secondary. I put the first one back into circuit, changed all the filters (Marltrax) and removed and wiped out the tank. All OK now. If you are using 'waste' contaminated fuel it is best to filter and water trap it before it goes into the tank. When this is drained from customer's cars you are getting all their dirt too. I have a set up using a pointless pump and a tank filter bought on ebay. Good luck, Martin

Hi I fitted a bed settee,cooker,sink ,cupboard and table into my hard bodied Reo.Now working on shower cubicle. M

I just feel sorry for all the people who moved there when Oxford became too violent! M

I was very sorry to learn that last year we 'lost' ,John,'Mad', Milton. I met John in the late 80's when I bought his DUKW. I had 20 minutes on an industrial estate, and then, 'the M4's over there Boyo'! Later he had it back and fitted an enormous diesel. He took us out at Weston and I am sure we could have pulled a water skier! I believe she then went back to the States. He was a brilliant engineer and enthusiast, owning and restoring many vehicles. It was a real privilege to have known him. RIP John. Martin

Hi Trust not and ye shall not be ripped off! M

Hi Not too sure if there is any connection with 'Battle Orders' whom I believe are still in Eastbourne. In the alternative, Drop Zone at Bury (Sussex) may be able to help. Martin

PM sent. Martin

Hi Selling my Reo M35. It has a 'hard' body for camping in. Whistler and winch. Just changed all filters and oils. Reversing cameras. PM me if you are interested as it has to go! Martin

I am thinking of buying one of these. They use a 6 cylinder petrol engine of about 2500cc. I was wondering about the practicality of transplanting a Land Rover 200TDI,possibly with gearbox and transfer case. Has anyone done this or re-engined one of these? Thanks, Martin

Hi Thanks very much. Martin