Bilbo42

Hi to all. This is a continuation of my previous post. We got to talking about whether or not my 1974 Ltwt FFR had ever even had a radio kit in it so I took some quick pictures. I apologize for the quality. I had to climb under the tarp and shoot with a flash. The holes: One picture is of four holes in the cargo bed side wall (I'm not sure of its real name) just aft of the shunt box on the left side of the vehicle. I assume these are for an antenna of some sort? Next is a pic of the top of the right side wheel well in the cargo area just aft of the generator panel. I assumed these were for the radio operator's seat, but the way I look at what ruxy posted on the last thread, they may be too far foward for that seat. The next two pictures are of the right front fender showing holes I assume for TUUM box, antenna cable box and I don't know what else. Remember ths was in service from 1974 to 1997! The next is of the left fender showing my TUUM and the same other holes as the right fender. Any thoughts? Bil P.S. I don't know why but when I did Preview maybe only two pictures actually came up but it looks like you can click on the other three. 5 total. Bil

Thanks ruxy for posting that. I looked for a good description of one with the pictures and your is much better than I have found. I am going to post another thread about whether or not mine may have ever had the kit in it. I took some pictures and I do have some extra holes. Please look for my new thread. I want your opinions. I figured we could get some other people interested if I changed the title of this thread. Bil

Thanks to all. ruxy, I do like the earlier style of vent knob better than the later. Thanks for all the numbers and for the online sources!! Best regards, bil

Well. I'm learning some interesting stuff. One of the problems is that being from the States and never having had the pleasure of serving, I don't understand a lot of what I just read!! Great story AlienFTM but I'm not 100% sure what I read! Not your fault. Mine!! Fortunately, no salt problems that I can see--happily! And ruxy...seems that I did smell fish and chips the first time I sat down in it. I was wondering what the different functions that a Ltwt FFR MIGHT have been used in in the artillery. Probably not a gun tractor, definately a fish and chips runner, but what about a forward observation vehicle or something else that it would have been used in a combat role. I understand that the TA was involved with the BAOR role...what would it have been used fro in that theater? I wonder if 212 Battery was ever deployed to support the Army in any active theater? Would that have been on the B card if 13 FM 51 went somewhere? Again thanks you guys for all you time and effort in helping me understand all this!! Bil

I just read the thread about "Vehicle's of the Falklands War" and a couple of semi-related threads and it got me thinking. I have never been in the military (drafted in 1970 for Vietnam and failed the eye test) so I really don't know what goes on in a military unit particlarily a British artillery unit like say, 212 Battery RA (V) where my 1974 Lightweight FFR served from 1974 until 1997...as far as how their vehicles are used. In particular how might and I say might because I'm not sure we will know until someone gets a picture or remembers it,..how might my particular vehicle have been used? I understand from the B Card that it is inspected at particular intervals and may go from a Class 1, to or 3, I guess depending on reliability so I assume that may change its used from time to time. Any way, I have been asking some particular questions in th past couple of days...how about some speculation now or maybe they were used in very specific ways. And don't say garbage truck...I have already used that one :0) See B Card Bil

I really didn't think about it but you can see the type wipers I presently have in the picture. Bil

Ruxy...I swear I looked everywhere and put in every word combo I could. Good show mate! The bushings are pricing when you figure the dollar conversion. Wow, but I guess I need them. With reference to the mushroom knob, I may have described it wrong. It was from memory. Take a look at the pic and see if you still think it is the early one. Sorry for being misleading..maybe. This picture is an early one from right after I got my Lightweight. Bil

Thanks to all for the internet sites. Two other things that I cannot find. I may be calling them the wrong names.The first is the ventilator knob. The little knob that you pull up or push down to open the vent below the windscreen. I have one and need one. Kind of shape like a tall mushroom (sorry, I know that sounds stupid) and the other Item is the plastic bushing (you may call it a bush) that fits inside the upper and low hinges on the doors. There are two on each door. They may have originally been metal but mine are plastic. They are worn internally and the door hing pins are allowed to wobble inside and the doors don't fit as well as they should. Well, lets just say that new bushings would (might) make the doors fit a little better. :0) Any idea what they are called? Thanks again to everyone. I am making out my Christmas list and checking it twice!!!! Bil

Thanks so much. Yea, I have some of those safe places too. Too safe! Thanks for ther lead on John Craddock and if you come across the part number, that would be great. They are apparently not two different sizes then? My best, Bil

I probably should have posted this on the "Stupid Question " part of the forum but since I am new to working on certain parts of my rover...it might not be real stupid. I need new rubber on my windshield wipers. I figured how to take off the blades by lifting the little tab with a srcew driver and pulling outward. According to my Rovers North Land Rover's Owners Guide, which is a fancy name for their spare catalog, thy call the straight arm kind like I have -the new model as opposed to the arm with the hook on the end. Anyway, when I got them off, I noticed that they were different lenghts...and you guessed it....I didn't pay attention to which came from where. Question-are they supposed to be different lenghts (rubbers are 9 3/4" and 10 3/16" when lying flat). The acual rubber blade holders appear to be of slightly different designs but basically the same. The holders (which I guess you could slide new rubber into if just the refills are still available) are 9 3/16" long and 9 13/16" long respectively when lying flat). I probably have two different size blades because maybe just one needed to be replaced at some time in the past. What size should I have to be standard and if anyone has a Land Rover part number that I can look up on the net or order from, I would be greatly appreciative. Also, is there a couple of Land Rover internet parts shops that you guys regularily use as I need to get a couple of other smaller parts. best regards, Bil

I knew this discussion was going to prove productive. I did read the above and while I admit to a yawn or two I did get reminded that I need to get new wiper blades and a couple of other parts. Question: I see "Screen wiper blade- PRC 1330" on the Parts list. Being in the States when I say I want a Land Rover part, the people at the parts house eyes begin to glaze over, then when I say for a military land rover they turn and begin to walk away and when I say that it is a 1974, they say "NEXT"!!! First question is I was wondering if the replacement blades for a Lightweight Series III are the same as for a civy Series III and next whether they are or not, what internet parts house(s) do you guys use most often? I know you probably have four or five vehicles for spares just around the block, but if you have to use the net, where do you go? I need a couple of small parts that really will not weigh much so shipping probably will cost slightly less than my next hernia operation, so, I might, be able to afford it!! Best regards, Bil

Yea that may be overload. You were probably about to blow a fuse!! I am a BIG WWII aircraft fan and I went to the the Dayton, Ohio annual airshow which is the largest in the country as far as WWII aircraft. It was hard to enjoy because I couldn't spend enough time looking at something because I was afraid I would miss something. The closest I have ever had to what you were talking about was when I was 15. I went in an army suplus store and there were barrels of BRAND NEW German mausers. I bought one on time paying about $2 a week until I had paid my $20. I wish I had bought all he could get. I don't think they had ever been fired. At least the one I got had not. Great stories! Thanks for all your help. See attached pic I found last night. Best regards, Bil Caption: "Ground crewmen prepare to extend the nose ramp of a Military Airlift Command C-5B Galaxy aircraft in preparation for offloading British LAND ROVERS at Grootfontein Logistics Base. The equipment will be used by Finnish United Nations troops which will act as a peacekeeping force in Namibia. Camera Operator: MSGT BILL THOMPSON Date Shot: 8 Apr 1989 "

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramble. I am in the States and I purchased the only two Lightweights I have ever seem in real life so I don't have much of a base of comparison other than the internet or books like the one Mark Cook did.. The first was also a 1974 but not an FFR. I had to sell it a few months ago. I agree with you that they are many variations of different things throughout the years. A lot of times I really don't understand if things were a real change or I am just seeing a picture of something someone has cooked up. Or, if it was a real change, why they made that change. When you throw in the many years of production, years of service, location of service, regular Army or TA, branch of service, 12/24 volt, and maybe after MOD modifications, ..like I told Andy..I stay confused!!!!! Now I only have one actual example to look at but thank goodness, it has not been messed with too much. You guys who have actually seen or maybe owned a number of Lightweights are really a wealth of knowledge to me and discussions like this one a real help. I hope I have not bored to many of you. Best regards, Bil

I may have figured it out. Bear with me please. Mine is 13 FM 51 and it is an FFR too. It is a 1973/74 according to Mark's book. It was in service with 212 Battery in Scotland from 1974 until 1997. I don't think the wiring has been fooled with either from what I can see but I am certainly not as familiar as you guys are. It has white over amber and when I click my blinker the amber blinks!! Seems to me that if it was a reg change to change positions of the colors for some yet to be known reason , they would not go back and rewire very many, if any. Maybe after a certain date they decided for that unknown reason to swap postions-white went from top to bottom and amber to top! I think it was a reg change somewhere in 1975/6 and what contracts were underway affected the timing too. hERE'S WHERE YOU HAVE TO BEAR WITH ME! In Mark's book, the ad on p.46, has white over amber; p.48 28 FK 68 (1971 GS LHD) white over amber; p.59 28 FK 19 (1971 GS) white over amber;p.62 61 FK 11 (1971/2 FFR) white over amber; p.64 65 FK 13 (1972 GS) white over amber; p.91 46 FL 25 (1972/3 GS) white over amber;p.94-95 1972 series Station Wagon 27 FL 13 and WA 25 (early SIII) both have white over amber; then the ad for the 1/2 Land Rover on p. 97 comes along with... you guessed it...AMBER OVER WHITE!!!! It is on 20 HF 07 which if it is not a made up number for the ad is for a 1979 FFR; next page 98 has two rovers, both white over amber- one a Royal Navy SIII CL and then a 1972/3 GS Lightweight; the first amber over white in the book other than the ad showing the 1979 vehicle is p.104 a 1979 LW; then p. 105 15 FM 50 white over amber 1973/4; then 17 HF 64 amber over white a 1979; I'M SEEING A TREND HERE GUYS!!! OK, I went through the rest of the book and with only two exceptions, the Gurka vehicle P.123 41 KC 50(1984) but that is foreign service and the p. 157 27 GJ 73 a 1977 with the Military Police probably in out of country service as it is LHD were the only two Lightweights I saw that were later than 1975/6 and then depending on when the regulation hit in MOD contract number WV11733. Andy, that would make yours follow the theory for the date-amber over white. Chris, I don't know about yourS under the theory. Was it in foreign service at some point? Do you know the original registration number? I don't know guys but it seems to fit at least according to the registration numbers on the photos I saw! Any thoughts? Thanks to all for the interesting info. Bil

I stay confused Andy!!

OK. I'm still confused. As to the front location, I see period adverstisements and period military photos of the Series III with the amber on top and the white/clear underneath and also the same reversed with amber on bottom and white /clear on top. The photos and ads that I see may not be factory fresh but as for the period photos, they are "in service" photos and I would think that the ads would portray the arrangement of the colored lens correctly. So why both ways? I think the Series III User Manual I have is a correct copy of the military manual but I am not sure. Can anyone quote how they should be from a Series III Lightweight Military Users manual. I guess this could be stated another way...which color is intended to blink. I thought it was the amber color. For the amber color to blink when it is on top, every vehicle we see on the net that has the amber on top would have to be wired differently than if it is on bottom???? I could see the lens just getting rearranged by accident but for every vehicle that has amber on top to be wired differently than ones with amber on bottom....weird!! What are your thoughts? Bil

Yea, thanks! It is a shame they have their name across it. It seems weird that that is the only one we can find. Thanks again, Best regards, Bil

I have just recently been able to get back to fooling with my Lightweight. I showed it at an airshow in my city last weekend and I got an unexpected question about the location of the side lights and the turnlights. I put together a notebook from pictures of different lightweights from the internet and wrote a history about my particular Lightweight. Well, one guy looked at the photos and looked at mine and said, "why do some have the amber lights above the white/clear lens and others are reversed"? I couldn't answer his question. I had pictures of them both ways in the notebook I developed. Mine has the white over the amber. Mark Cook's book has them both ways too. I'm talking about a Series III here. I looked at my Military Land Rover Series III (Lightweight) User Manual and it says the following: Turnlights Paragraph 235. The front turnlights are mounted in the front wing panels below the side lights at the outside edge of the front wing. The rear turnlights are situated on the rear body above the stop/turn lights. Paragraph 242 says side lights have white, rear lights red and turnlights amber lens. If you look at the cover of Mark's book, it shows amber over white?????? Color me confused!!! Can anyone help here? Thanks, Bil

Hi everyone. I finally have a chance to show my 1974 Lightweight FFR this weekend and I have been trying to put together a notebook with some of the history of the vehicle, some history of lightweights and info about the unit it served with-212 Battery Royal Artillery (V) in Scotland. I have found unit symbols from the 212 Battery all the way up to and including 2nd Division but I can't find one for 105 Regiment Royal artillery (V)! What I mean by symbol is the unit's flag or insignia. Any ideas where I can get a picture I can copy of the insignia? Best regards, Bil

Hi Nige. I have come to believe that the pipes affixed above the windscreen and the side windows were for snow blind and/or camo. I have traced the lightweight back to all but the first owner after demob and they all say the pipes were already there. I have tried to contact the 212 about this and they have not answered. Mine was based with the 212 Battery RA (V) in Scotland for its military life. Good luck, Bil

Pedrfect. Thank you guys so much. This really helps. Cheers, Bil

That is exactly what I mean!!!. Can someone tell me how to show 212 Battery which was the third battery of 102 Reg RA. Then if the symbol needs to show further it would be of 51 Highland Brigade 2 Division. MANY Thanks, Bil

Hi. Can someone point out a site that I can go to that will give me current British military (army) map symbols. What I mean is like the rectangle with the X inside it with Roman numerals over it. Something like that. I am interested in division , brigade, regiment, battery etc with what the symbols and the different numbers mean, with particular reference to Royal Artillery. Also, if someone knows the answer to this: for a Scottish vehicle at the battery level in the TA, would it be more likely to sport the St. James cross or possibly its division crest, or the Scottish brigade lions crest or the battery crest on the front of its wing on the RH side? Thanks, Bil

In respose to fv1620, I am shooting to portray 1974 to say 1976ish. Not a real reason for that. I could portray anything in the period that used puntees (?), and pattern 58 web gear as I am getting those. Bil

What are some of the markings that would appear on the outside of a Land Rover that served with the Royal artillery (TA) during that period and where would they be located? For example, would there be regiment or battery markings, troop signs, radio call signs, branch of service signs,what else? Thanks, Bil