OK - the summary! If you are a regular on this forum then pat yourself on the back - I have had many vehicles over the years and been on many forums, but landcruiserclub.net has proven to be the friendliest and most informative of all. A really special thank you to Stumog, whom I met in the week and who loaned me an air bag jack; he was a great 'real world' gent with a vast knowledge of Landcruisers and expeditions.
So, this week myself and my ex RAC mechanic friend got my 80 running, serviced, checked and tested. It is boooked in for MOT next week. After sitting in a barn for 3 years I had to use a battery guarantee for one one the two main batteries (I always write the guarantee expiry date on the batteries) and buy a new leisure battery. But the rest of the 'stuff' worked. I love the way that I can so easily raise and lower the air suspension from the ARB compressor. I love the Seagul filtration system for the onboard 60L water tank, which is so good I peed in it and drank the output - having had assurances from Seagul!
Without any intention of being commercial, there are a couple of items that may be of interest to forum members. Firstly, I am taking out a CB unit and it comprises of the unit, microphone and two antennas. If anyone wants this for free then make contact. I would post it for cost, but the length of the roof based antenna makes it prohibitive - or I can just send the unit and the mike. I've also just listed on ebay, at £80 starting price, a bespoke built roof box that holds 4x jerry cans (included), a gas container and waterproof box for other stuff. If someone one this forum wants it then please make contact and I will pull the ebay ad if I get £50. Or, if it for a charitable, sponsorship, youth, or other good cause then it is free.
Roll on the 10th Feb when I get on the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry!!