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looking for a good mechanic

mjones

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May 9, 2023
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great_britain
Hi folks
A big question
where do you take your pride and joy to be repaired ???
im in leicester and im looking for some work to be done on my old gal
and im not having much luck
all i get is ... its to big .. its to old
any help please ?? :)
 
As recommended before, Oliver Laws Motor Services Killamarsh Sheffield. He's a cruiser owner and worked on several 80's recently as recommended by myself. Everyone has been very satisfied with his work. I've used him myself for jobs I don't fancy or haven't had time to do.
 
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Hand brake is easy, Just a matter of adjustment lol
 
TBH any garage that says they can't work on these vehicles should be avoided anyway. Likely they have "part fitters" rather than mechanics. Any decent workshop can work on an 80 series.
 
Hi folks
A big question
where do you take your pride and joy to be repaired ???
im in leicester and im looking for some work to be done on my old gal
and im not having much luck
all i get is ... its to big .. its to old
any help please ?? :)
Did you find anyone? Having the same problem as you, I’ve got 98 Amazon no one in Leicester wants to know
 
I see their point of view in a way. Part of me is a clock maker. People say "can you have a quick look at my clock. All it is it just stopped". Trouble is when you take old stuff apart you never know what you will find.
 
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I see their point of view in a way. Part of me is a clock maker. People say "can you have a quick look at my clock. All it is it just stopped". Trouble is when you take old stuff apart you never know what you will find.
That’s everyone’s reply, “ don’t want to touch that, it will be like an open cheque book “
 
Bizarre. Never had an issue finding someone to work on any of our older stuff, including the 80 Series (though to be fair I do a lot myself anyway). Even the local diesel specialist (mostly works on modern commercial stuff) said he'd be happy to do anything on the 80 I don't fancy doing myself. Be worth you contacting local 4x4 clubs (any garage that works on Defenders can work on an 80 Series), also commercial/HGV service shops. I'd just avoid the big franchise places TBH.
 
Bizarre. Never had an issue finding someone to work on any of our older stuff, including the 80 Series (though to be fair I do a lot myself anyway). Even the local diesel specialist (mostly works on modern commercial stuff) said he'd be happy to do anything on the 80 I don't fancy doing myself. Be worth you contacting local 4x4 clubs (any garage that works on Defenders can work on an 80 Series), also commercial/HGV service shops. I'd just avoid the big franchise places TBH.
No bugger wants to know in and around Leicester, had a few nibbles and quotes, but after a few questions and a mention of AHC they realise they got the wrong shocks and “ I’ll get back to you “ ta ra
 
There are a lot of guides around, download the FSM and go at it. It really is straightforward, but dont try and do half the job.

There are a couple of tricks that are often missed, just put these in between the FSM instructions as you go.

Once you have removed the wheels and calipers mark the disc with reference to one of the studs, and you have cleaned inside and checked all shoe to backplate contact points and where they sit on their supports have been greased, and checking the cantilever on the differential case is well greased and moving freely, only now before refitting the disc get a good grasp on the direction to turn the adjuster wheel to expand and contract the shoes, now dab some typex or white paint on the adjuster, and on the bottom of the backplate, so much easier to align and see the adjuster when the disc is on. Now turn the adjuster until the brake disc just slips on, that is disc on no binding, remove disc and expand shoes, do this until the disc slips and off and rotates comfortably. Remember to align the marked hole and stud and fit the discs for the last time, now fit a couple of spacers on the studs on each side and put wheel nuts on top of them, no need to make them tight, just nip them up, only when both discs are secured operate the handbrake a few times, this ensures the shoes are taking up their correct position within the drum. The spacers and nuts do not allow the drum/disc to tilt stopping the shoes from moving correctly. Repeat the adjustment through the access hole but leaving the disc bolted in place, the white typex or whatever you used will help make this a speedy job, after each adjustment as you can feel or even hear the shoes touching the drum, return to the handbrake and operate it a few times, dont be to gentle here either. Now if you find one or both of the brakes are binding (not getting confused with the weight of the drivetrain) despite doing the above, it is possible the lining inside the handbrake cable is worn and binding, replace if need be. Whilst the book says '8 or 9' clicks at the handbrake, aim for six or 7. With the handbrake off the brakes should not be binding, an almost inaudible rubbing sound is ok.

This may seem a little laborious, but this is a system that works for me and my customers cars, the only time I clean and reset the adjustment is when the brake pads need replacing, between this period the handbrake works well. Many owners of automatics just use 'Park' as a handbrake, the result is often a seriously out of balance handbrake at test time.

On my opinion, the 80 is one of the really worthwhile 'hands on' vehicles to own, if you can read, then get your marigolds on and give it ago. :thumbup:

Regards

Dave
 
Hi folks
A big question
where do you take your pride and joy to be repaired ???
im in leicester and im looking for some work to be done on my old gal
and im not having much luck
all i get is ... its to big .. its to old
any help please ?? :)
Have you found anyone in Leicester?
 
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