Although as a business we do not undertake restorations or repairs. I personally have undertaken restorations of my own vehicles for my own use.

This SWB series 3 was affectionately known as 'DEXY'. It came to be as a non-runner; it had been stood up for a few years in somebody’s back garden. Originally a hard top, it was converted to safari roof and estate sides some time in its history. We believe that at the same time it was re-painted in NATO sand.

Originally bronze green I wanted to recommission the vehicle to run on the road again. We started with the engine, a 2.25 diesel. A new battery and a few new cables and it started up and seemed to run fine. But after a little while it was evident that water was entering the bores, as the exhaust was steamy.

The roof had been severely damaged at some point, which I was disappointed about, as the safari roofs are difficult to come by. For this reason we decided that a truck cab would be an ideal body type for Dexy.

A replacement engine was sourced this time a military petrol, it was fitted and new fuel system was installed. The front bodywork was put back on

The suspension was very tired and the rear springs were very weak, so the decision was made to fit a full set of brand new parabolic springs and standard dampers. The road handling was good, comfort was increased and the height of the vehicle was back to how it should be.

The vehicle took a lot of time to prepare for re-spray, as it had been brush painted in matt paint. Once it had been sanded down and smoothed off with wet and dry. Two coats of zinc-phosphate primer were laid down. After this it smoothed off and cleaned before applying 3 coats of the bronze green gloss.

The vehicle was put back together and galvanised parts such as cappings and rear steps were treated and painted. A new bumper, defender door mirrors and some new tyres set the vehicle off and it ran a treat.