the newsletter of the - Discovery Owners Club

the newsletter of the
Discovery Owners Club
Disclaimer Notice
Pre-amble
For the purposes of this disclaimer notice “Discovery Owners Club” and “Club”
are interchangeable and assumed to mean the same thing.
Advice Given
Any and all advice given in this publication or elsewhere is done so in good faith.
Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that any and all advice is accurate and
correct the Discovery Owners Club and those acting on it’s behalf cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of advice given and anyone acting on such advice
does so at their own risk.
Club Events
Any activities, in particular (but not exclusively) off-roading and green laning, are
undertaken purely at the participants own risk. All vehicles are to be suitably
insured and prepared for the activity undertaken. Participation in any club
organised event is on the understanding that safety is the responsibility of the
individual concerned.
Public Liability Insurance
The Club carries no insurance and therefore cannot protect its members or their
families and friends from any claim as a result of an accident. Members are
strongly recommended to take out suitable public liability insurance.
“Discourse” contact details:
Please forward any articles, advertisements, comments and suggestions for the
newsletter to Steve Goodfellow using the contact details on Page 5.
Inside This Issue
Topic
Editors Comments
Page
2
Chairman’s Welcome
3
Founder Members
4
•
Names, Postal Addresses, Contact Numbers, Email Addresses, Pen
pictures
Articles
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How to save money and create a sleeping space
Camel Trophy
A small addition for more space where it’s needed
The Discovery timeline
Camel Trophy 1991
Rights of way
Impressions Of The Pirelli Scorpion AT
Improvised engine immobiliser
Membership survey results
6
8
10
10
11
12
13
14
15
Club Diary
•
What’s on, where and when - not much to show (yet)
16
The Tail Gate
•
•
•
•
Club e-Groups list
Club Internet web site
Membership list
Next issue
17
17
17
18
We’re a bit short on content for this issue, as you might expect. By the time we get to
Issue 2, however, that will be remedied (I hope) and we’ll be able to include
commercial advertising, members’ ads and details on discounts with insurance
companies, dealers and parts suppliers. If you’ve got something taking up space in
the garage or garden then drop me a line with the details and I’ll include it for free
until it’s sold.
Watch this space!
Page 1
Editors Comments
In the beginning ... I’ve always wanted to begin something with those few words and
the start of the first newsletter of the Discovery Owners Club looks like the best
chance I’m ever going to get. Guess that’s another ambition out of the way.
So, here we are then, about eight weeks since I first contacted John to see if he was
serious about the Discovery Owners Club and to offer my help and we are over the
one hundred members mark and growing daily. As the newsletter editor I’m going
to try to bring you plenty of interesting things to read and see but as with all club
newsletters I’m gonna need your help too – unless you want to read my ramblings
page after page. We’re starting off this issue with contributions from Andy Smith
(another of the founder members) and Holger Gringmuth (our man in Germany).
Hopefully by the time the next issue goes to press I’ll be inundated with articles from
you all and won’t have to think about too much myself.
When the Discovery was first launched in 1989 it heralded a new era for Land Rover
and opened up a whole new experience for many people. Although the Range Rover
had been around for a good many years by that time it still wasn’t selling in large
quantities and the likes of Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and Jeep were getting to Land
Rover’s traditional buyers all over the world. In many ways the arrival of the
Discovery created the catalyst that turned an ailing business into the vibrant,
successful motor company that Land Rover is today. This good work was helped
along by the launch of the Freelander a few years back and the marque now has the
line-up it needs to continue to grow.
BMW’s decision to sell Rover came as no big surprise to many people in the car
industry. They were too small to stand the losses being made (reported to have been
£2million per day) so divesting itself of the UK operation made sound business
sense. The fact that Land Rover was also for sale came as a shock to most
commentators, especially after all the investment that had been made at Lode Lane.
Ford’s recent acquisition of the business heralds yet another era for the company and
we can but hope for a period of stability and growth from the new lords and masters.
By the next issue we’ll try to get an interview with some senior management at
Solihull to get the official perspective on this.
Okay, enough of my ramblings ... on with the show! Just before I do get out of the
way, I hope you approve of the name selected for the newsletter – “Discourse”. This
was suggested by Jonathan Richardson (member #50) and as a reward I’ll come up
with a prize for him – not sure what it’ll be yet, but it will be related to the Discovery
in some way. Thanks to everyone who took the time to send in their suggestions.
Steve Goodfellow
Editor
[email protected]
Page 2
Chairman’s Welcome
Hello, I thought that I might be able to take the liberty of a few words in this first
Newsletter for our newly formed club. So far I have only been in touch with the vast
majority of you only by e-mail or letter, meeting about 10 in person, but already three
things are becoming very clear to me.
Firstly it’s the need that there is out there for this club. Many people have been
genuinely charmed by the all round practicality of the Discovery as a near perfect
mix of everyday car and superb off-road and towing vehicle. However until now
some tell me that they have had to put up with the stigma of not owning a ‘real’
Land Rover, we’re changing that from now on!
Secondly, it’s the diversity of our membership, from seasoned off-roaders and
caravanners who have been part of the Land Rover scene for years to owners (and
potential owners) completely new to any type of 4x4.
Finally, and most importantly, what has really bowled me over is your enthusiasm.
This club probably possesses more enthusiasm amongst you; it’s first 100 members,
than many bigger clubs have ever had.
We now have a club that has the potential to be not only the best club on the Land
Rover scene, but maybe one of the biggest as well. Go for it!
Remember:
A Discovery is for life, not just the school run.
John Capewell ([email protected])
Page 3
Founder Members
The following people are largely responsible for making this club a reality and
currently form the club committee:
John Capewell
Seasons, Porth-y-Green Close, Llanblethian, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7JR
Contact details: Work Tel.:
01446 752400
Mobile Tel.: 07850 405389
Email:
[email protected]
My wife and I share our life with 4 cats, 3 Land Rovers, 2 children and 1 dog. Strictly
speaking I don’t own a Discovery, it’s hers, but she lets me borrow it from time to
time. My passion has been a succession of series 2’s over the last 20 years, never a
series 1 or 3, always SWB and rag top. This has been joined by a soft spot for two
door Range Rovers, which has culminated in owning pre-production chassis no 8,
YVB 160H. We went shopping about 18 months ago for a LWB Suzuki Vitara to
replace our Fait Uno, which was very dead. After viewing a slightly tatty Suzy we
spotted G486 WAC, a black, V8, 3 door Discovery. Since this is one of the press
launch fleet (out of the 86 vehicles used, the whereabouts of precious few are
currently known) it had to come home and we’ve never thought about a Vitara
again! In my spare time I work for a cement company in South Wales.
Mike Duncalf
Beetham Cottage, Over Kellet, Carnforth, Lancs., LA6 1BS
Contact Details: Home Tel.:
01524 732128 (and fax)
Email:
[email protected]
I’m married with three sons. I was an engineer on the power stations until
privatisation caused large staff reductions; so I took my pension early and left. My
wife is a schoolteacher (so I’m not always available during school holidays). I’ve run
my own cars since I was 18 and done all the maintenance on them, including making
any specialist tools needed. In 39 years of this I have owned 63 cars, none of them
special in any way. They follow a pattern of choosing a suitable model and owning
several of them until they are no longer economic to run, e.g. 3 Morris 8s, 4 Austin
A40 Devons, 4 Rover P4s, 4 Austin Cambridges, 12 Land crabs (BMC 1800s), one exarmy SWB Land Rover series 2A, 5 Rover SD1 and currently 4 Range Rovers. The
next model will be a Discovery 200 Tdi. Why? – because it has to tow my caravan off
muddy fields; pull it up steep hills when we get lost; do at least 30 mpg solo and cost
less than £5000. Last year I took on the secretaries job for the Range Rover Register
and dealt with the enquiry from John about setting up a Discovery section of the
Register. The Register committee declined to do this because of their existing work
load and so I offered to help John set up an independent Discovery club.
Page 4
Andy Smith
31 Stanley Street, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1SX
Contact details: Home Tel.:
01484 384883
Mobile Tel.: 07970 506215
Email:
[email protected]
My job is working in NHS Mental Health Services and my main car is a Camel
Trophy Discovery ~ Team Holland ~ H807 LON .
My L-R Interests include the Discovery, a 1976 101 Vampire and 1972 109. I’ve just
got rid of a 1979 Lightweight which “her indoors” took an instant dislike to after
driving it in a monsoon and finding out it leaked a little. Mind you we did need rain
coats & wellies.
On the 4x4 activities side of things I do have a strong interest in the endurance side of
things (hence a small trip to Russia with a second CT Discovery). I do give my
Discovery quite a hard life off road, unfortunately the gearboxes, bits of engine and
bearing always give up before I do. After a couple of days ripping the ground up its
fix it, wash it and use it for work again.
Steve Goodfellow
87 Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5JQ
Contact Details: Home Tel.:
0117 904 2526 (and fax)
Mobile Tel.: 07788 148024
Email:
[email protected]
I'm 45 years old, married with three children and two grand-children. My occupation
is Area Sales Manager for a company and I cover the south west of England and
South Wales, although for many years I worked all over the world. As an ex-soldier
I've had a long association with Land Rovers but never much liked the cramped
space and spartan comfort of the Series and Defender models. I clearly remember the
launch of the Discovery in 1989 and was wowed by the vehicle, promising myself I
would own one ... one day! It wasn't until May 1998 that I was able to make good on
that promise and purchase my first Discovery; a 1991 200Tdi. In September 1998 I
traded that for my present vehicle (a 1995 300Tdi) because of the high mileage I was
doing at that time as a consequence of using the vehicle for business purposes. I am a
member of North Somerset LR Club, with whom I enjoy non-damaging off-road
driving and attending shows and carnivals. The Discovery is my vehicle of choice for
all family outings and the seven seats are extremely useful when the grand-children
are with us – in fact you have to drag the grandchildren kicking and screaming into
the company car.
Page 5
How To Save Money And Create A Sleeping Space
To avoid any misunderstandings I have to say right at the start, that I had the
conversion done in the first place to enable me to benefit from reduced road tax and
car insurance for mobile homes and cars with a
weight over 2.8 tons that exist in Germany. The
whole conversion has been done in accordance
with German regulations for a change of purpose
from a private car to a mobile home, while
keeping the seating capacity of five. Therefore it
is not permitted to undo or take out the built-ins
or you lose the registration and with it the
cheaper insurance of the car. Under normal
circumstances a 4x4 in the 2.5 ton class will cost up to £ 1000 a year for road tax and
insurance combined. But after the changes I now save about £ 650 a year.
Having read about this conversion in an advert in an Off
Road Magazine and went to the Land Rover dealer in
Celle, a town 300 km away from my home in Berlin. The
conversion kit cost about £ 700 which includes all the
modifications to the car, the paperwork for changing the
registration, one day of time and a 600 km drive through
ice and snow – fortunately in the car best equipped to deal
with the conditions! The cars nett weight rose by about
100 kg, but this has not had any notable effect on
performance or driving stability.
The 8 - 16 mm plywood box construction (in Germany it’s
called "Multiplex" because it is made of many very thin layers crossglued to each
other making it very stable and low in weight) is self supporting and self stabilising.
Most of the construction seems to be glued together, fixed with dowels and a few
screws. The upper boards are fixed with hinge bands
(piano hinges - Ed) so they can easily be opened from the
top and are still able to support the weight of up to three
sleeping persons. It is screwed to the floor panel of the
car (screws can be seen in foreground of the picture of
the left box).
With a specially designed support the middle section
can be lifted up to form a table (take a look at the
pictures), but it’s impossible to sit at it. The leg and foot
space underneath is too small to use by even shorter
people than we are.
To use the full seat capacity of 5 while driving part of the bed can be taken off, folded
and stored behind the backrest of the rear seats (look at the pictures showing the
phases of the build and the table).
Page 6
The whole thing looks very simple and should be easy to copy. The cost will depend
on the prices of the chosen panel materials. I don't have any design drawings but the
principals are easy to see and it should not be a problem to come up with a usable
design.
I've kept the wood untreated, wanting to allow it to breath. The glue is water
resistant and I thought about a water repelling
prime coat too but gave up on the idea after
reading about the unhealthy odours and chose to
use the original load space mat on top of the
platform as a practical protection against fluids,
dirt, bruises and scars.
I don’t think it is suitable for heavy duty use, but
is perfectly adequate for use as a sleeping facility
instead of a (roof) tent. So far we have not had any problems going off road with it,
so I think it will be okay when greenlaning.
Because of its wooden construction, sleeping space can easily be cut back so as to
leave the front seats in the normal driving position, maintaining the ability to drive
off whenever you want to and, maybe, leave your
partner in bed.
With the front seats (in a 3 door) folded forwards
there is enough room to sleep even for three tall
people but it might get a little cramped if tall
means big too (you wouldn’t want to share with me
then – Ed).
Sleeping conditions rely on other circumstances
too. Parking in the sunshine means getting pretty
hot - even in the morning. You can keep it down for a while with the air conditioning
running, but this means running the engine too and this is most unlikely at a caravan
site.
In cold weather it can be heated like a caravan, using the engine heat (when its hot)
or an additional heater but with the same noise problems as with the air
conditioning. I think it'll need a lot of heat in the winter without the insulation of a
true mobile home.
Comfortable sleeping means having to keep
moisture (created by normal breathing) at a low
level through air circulation. This can be done by
opening the windows, but then you'll need some
protection against rain and insects (my wife well
remembers the voracity of German mosquitoes – Ed).
Page 7
So far I have only achieved rain protection by installing "ClimAir" deflectors in the
front windows - I got them for half price at the auction the Simmonite Sisters held
two years ago at Billing. They are doing well so far, but after one year the windows
started making scraping noises because of the dust and gravel trapped in between
the deflectors and the window glass. I clean
them from time to time but scratches cannot,
obviously. be completely avoided.
The next thing we have to built are easy to put
up and to remove insect screens and sun
reflecting curtains. It'll improve sleeping
comfort and make staying in the car the whole
year round a possibility.
We like the opportunity to use it as an
overnight stay under certain circumstances, even though my wife and I have only
tested the sleeping abilities once in two years. The sleeping space used with "Therma-Rest" mattresses and sleeping bags proved good, being comfortable even for people
with XXL size (now we’re talking – Ed) like me. We certainly will use it again in the
future. Maybe in a lonely site in the Alps or near a seashore.
But if asked to choose, we still prefer the comfort of our caravan or the warm hearted
hospitality of so many beautiful bed & breakfast sites while travelling through the
countries of Europe.
Another good idea I saw with another German conversion owner was an aluminium
panel in the backdoor with a flap down shelf (made from the same material) with
spaces for a sink and a cooker. It looked very neat and practical in use when he
showed it to me at Billing in 1998.
Take care everybody !
Holger ([email protected])
Camel Trophy
After 19 years, 24 countries explored and 536 competitors, Camel Trophy has
continued to push the boundaries of adventure. Camel Trophy has progressively
grown in size and success but for all the developments one element has remained
unchanged - the event's essential spirit of international adventure.
For the international adventurers who have taken part, Camel Trophy has been a
step into the unknown. Not only have the teams encountered unimagined terrain
and extraordinary cultures, they have explored their inner resources - both mental
and physical. Whilst competition has always been important, it is the vivid memories
and shared experiences that last.
Page 8
The Philosophy
Say Camel Trophy and what comes to mind - dense jungle, barren deserts, towering
glaciers and exotic cities? Or do you think of young adventurers from all corners of
the globe coming together for the time of their lives? You might think about
snowboarding down a volcano at the end of the world, or riding some of the fastest
rapids on the planet. Or you might think about the adventures you can have on your
doorstep.
The truth is, you'd be right on all counts. Camel Trophy is more than the world's last
great adventure. It's about living your life as an adventure; defining your own limits,
setting your own goals and doing your own thing.
With a wide range of careers, interests, skills and beliefs, the people who take part in
Camel Trophy have one thing in common - a thirst for adventure and a One Life ~
Live It! philosophy.
The Event
The event is an international adventure competition combining mental and physical
challenges with teamwork and friendship. Every year, Camel Trophy sets new
challenges for a group of adventurers with a common desire to explore distant
countries and cultures. Teams plan their own strategies using a competition directory
which lists all the potential adventure locations. Each location has a different point
value according to the degree of difficulty in reaching it. A combination of sporting
equipment allows the teams to reach the locations and compete for the coveted
trophy.
But Camel Trophy is not just about competition. With meeting points along the
route, group activities and the Team Spirit Award, Camel Trophy is as much about
making new friends as it is about winning.
The Future
With Land Rover removing it’s support from Camel Trophy the style of the event is
bound to change. No other off-road vehicle supplier in the world can provide the
vehicles needed to compete in and support the competition in it’s traditional format.
Indeed the next Camel Trophy will see a change in emphasis towards water borne
activities and, for the purist, that will be the end of the event.
Over the years Camel Trophy has provided Land Rover with an internationally
renowned and respected shop window in which to display it’s products. Although it
was a costly exercise there can be little doubt that the sight of Solihull made vehicles
conquering some of the last, vast wildernesses of the world can only have boosted
the marque's reputation as the go anywhere vehicle. So what next? Land Rover
North America may have the answer in their TreK, but it’ll have to get tougher and
become international before it can replace Camel trophy as the premier challenge for
mind, body and vehicle.
Andy Smith ([email protected])
Page 9
A Small Addition For More Space Where Its Needed
Discovery driver; did you know that there is an important advantage to the manual
version that an automatic doesn't have ?
Look at the ashtray in the dashboard in front of you. Did you realise that it will fit on
either side of the air and heating control panel ? If not, try it. Remove the blank for
the missing buttons for the cruise control
(which you don't have in a manual Discovery)
by pulling it gently towards you. Then take out
the tray where it usually fits and push it in the
new space just like you would do in its original
place. Look how fine it works.
Now you know what will follow !
Buying a genuine ashtray in an aftersales
market, like I did at Billings (costing £ 3) - this
will start a new era of peace in the front seats of your car. No more fighting for the
use of the "one and only". One little drawer for every seat is now required to be
politically correct ☺
Take care and have fun everybody !
Holger ([email protected])
The Discovery Timeline
Most Discovery (indeed most Land Rover) owners can tell you that the vehicle was
launched in 1989 but few can lay out the chronology of the changes that have
happened in the intervening years. Let’s see if we can outline the major milestones in
this remarkable vehicles history –
1989
Launched at the Geneva motor show.
Available to the public with 2.5 ltr 200Tdi and 3.5ltr V8 carburettor
engines in 3 door format
1990
5 door format and 3.5ltr V8i engine introduced
1993
2.0ltr Mpi engine introduced (withdrawn in 1997)
1994
“Facelift” model launched with 2.5ltr 300Tdi diesel and 3.5ltr V8i petrol
engines
1998
Series II launched with 2.5ltr Td5 diesel and 3.9ltr V8i petrol engines
There have been many more dates in the history of the Discovery with special
editions, commercial vans and the like being introduced and hopefully we’ll have
more detail on some of these in future issues. If there’s something you’d particularly
like to see covered, or feel able to write about yourself then please feel free to do so.
Steve Goodfellow ([email protected])
Page 10
Camel Trophy 1991, Tanzania to Burundi
For 1991, Camel Trophy returned to the African continent for the first time since the
1983 event, and only for the second occasion in the event's twelve year history.
Camel Trophy ~ Tanzania-Burundi '91 was significant not only because it crossed the
border between the two countries, but also for its record entry
of seventeen nations with newcomers to the event, amongst
them Poland.
The route retraced the trail of the famous Scottish explorer
David Livingstone, who led a successful quest to discover the
source of the Nile in the l9th Century. The convoy route of
1,600km traversed some of the most dramatic and spectacular
scenery, teeming with precious and endangered wildlife, as it
made its way from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Bujumbura in
Burundi. With the belated advent of the rainy season,
many of Tanzanian tracks, particularly those through the
areas of "black cotton soils", became treacherous
quagmires. Progress was slowed dramatically and the
incessant whine of winch motors even drowned out the
sounds of the African bush.
At the end of this Camel Trophy, during which sleep was a particularly rare
commodity, the Austrians won the "Special Task Award", while the Turkish team
consisting of Menderes Utku and Bulent Ozler won the "Team Spirit Award" as well
as the overall Camel Trophy.
H 807 LON was used by Team Holland
Vehicle Modifications
For use on the event the vehicle was modified in the following way: Front bumper mounted winch
Extra recovery tow points
Under-body protection plates
Stiffer springs
Second vehicle battery fitted under the bonnet
Snorkel and high axle breathing pipes
Full internal roll cage
Heavy duty roof rack which bolts through the
roof to the roll cage
Rally computer
Recovery tools
Hand tools strapped to the roof rack
And other smaller modification
Andy Smith ([email protected])
Page 11
Rights Of Way
In July of last year the Government issued a consultation paper entitled “Improving
Rights Of Way in England and Wales”. This document detailed the Government’s
proposals for the future of the nations’ rights of way network with the stated
intention to “strengthen and develop the rights of way network to enable it to
respond to the changing requirements of recreational use and the needs of land
managers”. A lofty and complex set of aims; some might even say they are at odds
with themselves. The consultation paper invited comments from individuals and
organisations on twenty proposals highlighted for legislation, with the claimed
intention to use the responses in deciding how to take the legislation forward. The
DETR has published a summary analysis of the responses.
There were a total of 1934 responses to the consultation document. The DETR have
combined each response into twenty categories of respondent; including cyclists,
horse riders, walkers and motor vehicle drivers. By far the largest category was
defined as Recreational User – Motorised Vehicle, which accounted for 530 responses
(or 27% of the total). The next largest group was horse riders (18%), followed by local
authorities (12%) and walkers (11%).
Of the twenty major proposals contained in the consultation document it was No. 2 –
the reclassification of all RUPP’s as Bridleways – which was of most concern to offroad drivers. This proposal also elicited the most responses – some 1504 – with more
than one third being from vehicle drivers. 77% of the responses to this proposal were
against its proposition. 495 respondents provided alternative proposals of which 402
supported the idea of upgrading RUPP’s to BOAT’s instead. It will be interesting to
see if the Government takes any notice of the weight of opposition against this
proposal.
Proposal No. 13 concerned giving local authorities the power to close rights of way in
order to prevent persistent criminal activity. This proposal was seen by many as
being potentially open to abuse with 67% of the 704 respondents firmly against.
Rather surprisingly (I think) was the opposition to this proposal from walkers and
local authorities themselves. Providing local authorities with the power to close
specifically vehicular rights of way was also the subject of Proposal No. 16, and here
we have a potential get-out clause for the government. Of the 588 respondents to this
proposal some 49% were in agreement – the largest two dissenter categories being
horse riders and vehicle drivers.
A full copy of the report, entitled “Improving Rights Of Way In England And Wales
– Summary Analysis Of Response To Consultation Paper March 2000” can be
obtained free of charge by calling the DETR free literature department on
0870 1226 236. The front cover of the report is a montage of countryside users in
picturesque settings; walkers, horse riders, cyclists ~ but not one motorised vehicle ~
and that despite providing more than one quarter of the responses! Make of that
what you will.
Steve Goodfellow ([email protected])
Page 12
Impressions Of The Pirelli Scorpion AT
At long last the 100% road tyres that have adorned my Discovery since I purchased it
in September 1998 have finally worn out. Whilst they (General Ameri550 AS) were
excellent on the road they were “of dubious benefit” off it. Their demise was finally
sealed during a trip to the South of France in November last when a combination of
deep flood water (in and around Perpignan) and deep snow (in the Pyrennes) in just
a few days showed their limitations to the full.
So, with a spring in my step and my flexible friend in my wallet, I set out to find
some nice new tyres. Initially I tried to locate some BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA KO ~
the new version they’ve been advertising since September 1999 ~ but no-one in the
tyre trade had even heard of them. A couple of ‘phone calls to Goodrich’s importers
revealed that they weren’t expecting to have any in the UK until February 2000. At
every tyre emporium I visited they recommended something different ~ Goodyear
Wranglers, Goodrich Track Edge and Mud Terrain being the most popular
recommendations. Call me cynical if you like, but these also happen to be the most
expensive tyres ~ coincidence? I think not!
Fed up with listening to so-called experts tell me what I wanted for a vehicle which
all of them admitted to never having driven, inspired me
to use my favourite research tool to find the right tyre.
Logging onto the Internet I found several hundred sites
concerned with tyres for off-road vehicles and so began
the lengthy process of downloading data sheets and
price lists. Finally, I had my choice down to two major
contenders ~ the existing BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA
and Pirelli Scorpion AT ~ chosen to suite my needs for
both on and off-road use. So began a marathon
telephone session to find the best price and delivery
resulting in my local Tyre-Mart (500m away from home)
getting my business. £94 each, including fitting and
balancing with next day delivery. Oh yes, they’d order
five tyres for me and if I didn’t like the look of them then
I didn’t have to have them either ~ now that’s what I call service ☺
Since having them fitted just before Christmas I have driven several thousands of
miles on them. Most of this has been on the road, with a high proportion of nonmotorway work and some off-roading ~ but nothing too strenuous. So far they have
behaved impeccably, with excellent road manners in all conditions (dry, damp, wet,
snow and ice), reduced road noise at motorway cruising speeds and with noticeably
more traction and control off-road. One criticism I do have is that the side walls are a
bit soft and running them at the recommended pressures gives indifferent handling.
Increasing the pressures by about 5psi makes a huge difference. My first impressions
of these tyres are excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone
looking for a good 50/50 combination tyre.
Steve Goodfellow ([email protected])
Page 13
Improvised Engine Immobiliser
During a recent discussion about car crime the subject of simple vehicle immobilisers
was brought up and this might be of interest to some of us. No matter what security
system you have fitted, the sound of a car alarm goes unheeded in most cases
meaning that the thief can either steal items from inside the vehicle or the vehicle
itself completely unhindered by the general public.
Stopping someone from stealing items from inside the vehicle is best achieved by
hiding valuables out of site, either in the boot or the glove box. Rather more difficult,
however, to hide a vehicle the size of a Discovery so you have to think about ways to
prevent the thief from making off with your pride and joy. Steering locks have
limited effect and a professional thief will deal with one in seconds, likewise the
(normally) yellow coloured devices designed to clamp to the steering wheel or
gear/hand brake lever. For some vehicles there are devices which link all three
pedals together making it impossible to drive the car away and these appear to be
quite effective but I’ve not seen them advertised for the Discovery.
Diesel engines with a fuel distribution pump, however, can be fitted with a simple,
improvised, immobiliser which should defeat even the most experienced thief. Those
of us with Tdi engines will, at some time or another, experience apparently
inexplicable losses of power or the refusal of the engine to start. Talk to an
experienced Land Rover mechanic and he will immediately point you to the fuel cutoff solenoid wire. This is a single white wire that connects to the solenoid via a spade
connector which, over time, corrodes and wears until the connection is broken and
the valve shuts. Sometimes this happens for just a few seconds before vibration reconnects the circuit but in really bad cases it can take many minutes to sort itself out.
This simple circuit gives us an ideal place to insert an immobiliser. One suggestion,
which has been implemented and proven to work, is to break into the wire going to
the solenoid and feed it through a redundant switch on the dashboard (say an
unused fog lamp switch) so that when the switch is in the (what would appear to be)
off position the circuit is broken. A thief getting into the vehicle is then presented
with a dash board on which all the switches are off but the engine won’t start. The
thief is likely to start looking for hidden switches but is unlikely to start pressing
dash board buttons for fear of attracting attention to himself. I’m sure a variation on
this theme could be used for other diesel and petrol engines too. If anyone has ideas
for immobilising petrol engined or Td5 Discovery’s then perhaps you’d get in contact
and we can include another article in the next newsletter.
Steve Goodfellow ([email protected])
Page 14
Membership Survey Results
You will remember that when you received your membership application form there
was a survey with it. Those of you who generously completed and returned it may
be interested in the results ... so here they are.
Our statistical genius took the various responses and multiplied them using a
grading of 0 to 3, so 75 in the “Mad Keen” column for green laning trips means that
25 members ticked that column on the survey form. Simple ~ yes I know I am.
Thanks go to Andy’s better half, Ros Palmer, for here time and effort in compiling
the results.
ACTIVITY
(0) TOTALLY
IRRELAVENT
(1) TAKE IT
OR LEAVE
IT
(2) YES
PLEASE
(3) MAD
KEEN
TOTAL
SCORE
Discount schemes (parts/services/insurance)
1
66
78
145
Newsletter
Technical 'how to' articles/information
Green lane trips
2
4
14
80
74
28
54
51
75
136
129
117
Buying & selling opportunities
19
64
30
113
Mutual assistance (from tea & sympathy to tow
off a motorway?)
Non damaging driving competitions
Organised off-road (pay & play)
Camping/caravanning weekends
Family Orientated activities
Special vehicles/more show than go!
Serious off-road activities
Club meetings local & at shows
Drinking/Eating/Dancing/Prize giving
Foreign Expeditions
Walking
Fun Days (clay pigeon/quads/trips)
Photography
Mountain Biking/Cycling
CB Channel
Dealer feedback
Golf
Email query 'ask all a ?'
Special tool hire scheme
Visiting places of interest
Factory visits
Land Rover Experience
9
76
27
112
12
13
14
12
33
24
36
40
48
62
30
26
18
8
8
9
6
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
63
57
39
24
12
15
9
6
3
111
110
101
98
75
65
27
14
11
9
6
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Page 15
Anyway, being the supremely clever people that we are we’ve also converted the
data into a chart, because I find that easier to understand.
ca
ni
ch
(fr
om
te
a
Te
M
ut
ua
la
ss
is
ta
nc
e
D
is
co
un
ts
ch
em
es
l 'h
(p
ar
ow
ts
to
/s
'a
er
vi
rti
ce
s/
in
su
ra
n
N ce)
e
cl
es ws
& Buy
sy
/in le
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t
m ng
G for ter
&
p
N
se ree ma
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ag
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O
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va
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p
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)
m tat
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Se or
C
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s
u
a
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D
rin b m iou sho ctiv
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ki
of w t itie
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/E ing f-ro han s
at
ad
s
g
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l
g/ oca ac o!
D
l
an & tivit
ie
at
ci
s
n
Fu
Fo g/P sho
n
w
riz
re
s
D
ig
ay
n eg
s
Ex ivi
(c
pe ng
la
y
di
pi
tio
ge
n
on
W s
a
/q
ua lkin
M
d
g
ou
Ph s/tri
nt
ai
ps
o
n
t
Bi ogr )
ki
ng aph
/C y
C yc
D B C ling
ea
ha
le
r f nne
Em
ee
l
db
a
Sp il q
ac
k
ec ue
ry
i
Vi al t
'
o ask Gol
si
tin ol
al f
h
g
pl ire l a ?
ac
s
es che '
m
of
La
in e
nd
Fa ter
R
ov cto est
ry
er
Ex vis
pe its
rie
nc
e
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Ros Palmer and Andy Smith ([email protected])
Diary Of Events
As you might expect this is a little bit light on events at the moment. If anyone has
anything to add for later in the year then please let me know.
TYRO Trial
July 9th at Abbots Bromley (Staffs)
Courtesy of the Staffs & Shrops Land Rover Club members are invited to attend and
take part in a TYRO trial. For the uninitiated, a TYRO is intended for standard road
vehicles and is, therefore, completely undamaging. This particular course has been
set out by Allan Dawson (member #64) using his Discovery. Those wanting more
details can contact Allan at Rover’s Land, Ladydale Close, Leek, Staffs, ST13 5SE.
Land Rover International Show
July 21st – 23rd at the Billing Aquadrome (Northants)
We have a 30’ x 30’ pitch in the clubs area. Mike will be pitching his caravan and
awning on the stand and we’ll have Andy’s CT Discovery on display too (maybe
more if space permits). There will be a bar-b-que on Saturday evening so bring your
barbie and bangers (partner’s, beer, dogs and children are optional). If you’re
thinking of going give James Law (member #13) a call on 01788 810186.
Page 16
All Rover Weekend
August 26th – 28th at The Town & Country Festival (Stoneleigh, Warwickshire)
If anyone wants to come and visit us then feel free. It promises to be a fantastic
weekend.
Peak District Treasure Hunt
10th September. Meet up in the Tesco Superstore car park just off Jct. 29 of the M1.
30 – 40 miles of navigating and generally having a good time and finishing up at a
public house. Bring the family and friends. Contact Ian Rice (member #15), the
organiser, on 01909 721665 or email him at [email protected] to signal your
intention to take part. There will be a small entrance fee of £5 per vehicle to cover the
cost of prizes (unless anyone can manage to prise some out the hands of their local
dealers).
Suggestions for other events would be welcome.
Club e-Groups List
Andy Smith has set up an e-Groups list for club members. This is an Internet chat
room area where members can ask questions, raise topics and generally
communicate with each other. As this club has been established almost entirely over
the Internet and so many members have email addresses the setting up of the chat
room should prove to be one of our better ideas.
If you want to be registered as a member of the chat room then please email Andy on
[email protected] and he’ll sort it out for you.
Club Internet Web Site
Andy Smith and Robin Davies (member #18) are working on our web site, which
they
hope
to
have
operational
shortly.
The
URL
is
http://www.discoveryownersclub.com and those of you with Internet access are
asked to keep an eye on it and pass on suggestions, comments and details of any
technical problems to them once it’s up and running.
Membership List
It has been suggested that we publish a list of members in each copy of the
newsletter. The information included would be your name, town or city where you
live, contact telephone number and whether you can provide assistance to other
members (e.g. towing off local motorway, tea and sympathy, etc.). In addition to
maybe providing a service to other members it would give everyone an idea of
which other members live locally and might encourage local meetings or get
togethers.
An example of the information that would be included is:
Steve Goodfellow
Bristol
0117 904 2526
breakdown assistance, tea & sympathy
Page 17
If you object to this information being given about yourself then please contact me
before the end of September so that I can take your name off the list. If I don’t hear
from you I’ll assume it’s okay to include you in the list. You can telephone, fax, write
or email (see page 5 for contact details).
The Next Issue of Discourse
Okay, that’s all for number one ~ sure to become a collectors item and gain me fame
and fortune. I don’t think! The next issue will be hitting your door mats at the end of
September so the closing date for items to be included has to be Sunday 17th
September. If you have something then please (pretty please) let me have it before
then.
Space Filler
Sorry, but I just had to fill this space. Here’s a picture of my Discovery getting it’s
wheels muddy on Salisbury Plain. Sorry about the quality of the picture, but it was
extracted from the
middle of a 6x4
which had other
vehicles in it.
The
Discovery
below belongs to
Alan
Morris
(member #80)
who came on one
of the Salisbury
Plain
trips
I
organised
for
some Land Rover
friends ~ sorry
Alan
I
just
couldn’t
resist
this, and it is one of
my
favourite
photo’s.
Now there’s a good
idea! Send me a
photograph of your
pride and joy (or
your
Discovery)
and I’ll print them
in the newsletter.
Page 18