introduction Newbie plasticbadger

[plasticbadger]

Hi, Rich here, I'm new to the forum. I've joined up as there seems to be a lot of information on here that may help me with my project.

 

So, I've been into Landrover's for a long time and got interested in the MOD equipment sales at Witham Specialist Vehicles. I went up there a few times and bought some wheels for my trailer etc. and I was amazed by how cheap the kit is direct, rather than through the many dealers who buy in bulk. It was time to get a new project, so I went bidding on a tender.

 

Then a strange thing happened and instead of buying a Landrover I bought a GMC based Tavern APV2, ex-Northern Ireland. It was extremely cheap, low mileage and I've always had a weakness for big Yank trucks. The problem is that the MOD remove the rear armoured body prior to sale, so the truck needed a huge amount of work.

 

I'm not really into military recreation, but I have worked on MOD projects for many years and like the hardware. So with this in mind I'm rebuilding my Tavern back to a semi-civilian spec using a RHD civilian pick up cab and drop side body. The armoured car features will be kept on the front end and I'm planning to re-paint it satin Nato green or black, so it will military 'themed' rather than a true restoration.

 

 

 

Now, I'm off the registration area to discuss registering the beast.

[Tony B]

Welcome Rich. That looks a fun toy, good luck with rebuild.

[airportable]

Welcome to the forum. I saw those trucks at Withams and woundered what folks would do with them. Please keep us all posted.

Andy.

[hebblemarine]

Hi there! I'm about to take the plunge with the Tavern, but I'm trying to do my homework first: how have you got on with your registration?? I've seen your other thread and the last time I looked there seemed to be a few ifs, buts and maybes... have you ironed those out??

 

I have had a similar idea for a rebuild, but was considering a fixed-side pickup bed, rebuild the cab to either have a front seat or maybe a second row of seats, keep the front end, keep the colour, call Autoglass just for fun, that kinda thing :cool2:

 

Been to see some and had a drive and they're the funniest vehicle I've seen! Not often that a vehicle leaves you with a smile on your face these days... hard to imagine, when you see the size of them that they're used as daily drivers in the States :shocked:

 

I'd love to see some pics of your rebuild and if you could email me some, that'd be great: hebblemarine@yahoo.com Also, I'd like to nosey at how you've done the doors, as I can't decide how best to do them if I take the plunge. Thanks, Charlie.