The first thing that I mustered up the courage to attempt was to install a stereo in the monster, largely to drown out the scream of the gears and howl of the engine as I limped along the M11. I bought a cheapie stereo from the BX, and set about installing it, as well as some freebie speakers that a pal had donated. After a few hours and a brief shock, she was working. Hindsight would prove to me that I should not have wired it directly off the battery with no fuze, but live and learn.

The only other major "learning experience" that I had in the UK was after a 4-month trip to Bosnia I returned to find that I could not get the old girl in gear. She had been sitting out all winter and I was totally mystified. Fortunately, my bodgy neighbor told me to chock the wheels, put her in 4-wheel low, and slam her in gear. I was mortified, but also clueless on transmissions and clutches. I followed his instructions, closed my eyes, and slammed the lever into first. The banshee of the clutch screamed a terrifying noise, and she popped free! However, I bit my tongue when the truck climbed over the chocks and started moving...
The last thing on my list before I left the UK was to take advantage of the local LR folks, Nene Valley Overland in Petersboro. They sorted me out with some new swivel balls and gaiters, a new fuel tank, and brand new galvy roof rack...and it was worth every pence.