Patching the patch

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When they started the restoration of my Land Rover it was with the intention of putting a soft top on it since the prospective owner lived in southern California. Near the end of the restoration I asked about putting a hard-top on the truck and they found one. (During the warm summer months, I’ll switch to a soft top)

Following a recent power-wash, Mr. Wolf noticed more water the cab than he thought should be there and concluded it was coming from a mystery patch over the passenger side of the cab.

Fix A would involve some hours and additional expense. Fix B is putting some “grey goop” on the patch and worry about it later if water is still getting in. This “escape hatch” is part of the main roof and not in the “safari top” so it’s unlikely water would ever be pouring in.

Door Lock Fun Fact

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If I understood Mr. Wolf correctly, the three doors on my truck can all be locked from the outside, but not from the inside. Which means I can stop worrying about locking myself inside the truck. On the down side, car jackers won’t have to come up with elaborate ruses to get me to unlock the doors. They just yank it open and drag me out.

Radiator Muff

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We’re finally entering the farkle phase of the Land Rover project. According to the Urban Dictionary “The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of “function” and “sparkle”, hence, farkle. Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles (also spelled farkel), to customize their machine.” Today Mr. Wolf added a grill muff to my truck.

From the Rovers North website: “Dramatic increase in your heater’s output, quicker warm-up, reduced engine stress. In the snow-belt, this simple accessory will make a big difference in a Land Rover’s winter performance. By controlling the airflow through the radiator in freezing weather, the engine can run at its optimum operating temperature. This means reduced engine wear and increased heater output. We have developed this radiator muff exclusively for our customers and we believe it is the finest one you will find. Made of heavy Cordura® Nylon with sturdy fasteners for a secure fit and long life.”

I’ve seen these on big trucks and even recall seeing people attach a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. So they must work (or Mr. Wolf wouldn’t have brought it up). Only $50 and the small (2.25 liter) diesel engine in my truck doesn’t like the cold. As for heating the cab of the truck… imagine a large dog breathing on your feet.

UPDATE: I’ve moved this post up from last week to use the new photo. The Spanish license plate adds a touch of Euro-exotica and the Santana badge proclaims my pride the in Spanish heritage of my truck. Olé!