Air Drive Land Rover

Details: Category: Specialist Conversions; Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 November 2011 18:47; Written by Site Admin; Hits: 2698

Broom Wade (until 1969), Air Drive Ltd (1969-1975) and Raydel Engineering Ltd (1975 -on) constructed these (usually long wheelbase diesel) Series Land Rover conversions for use as road repair vehicles. A sizeable rotary vane compressor was fitted between the rear chassis rails under the load bed floor, with an access hatch set into the floor for maintenance. The exhaust system required modification to accommodate the compressor, since the compressor was fitted where the silencer would usually be. The compressor was driven from the centre power take off and controlled by a hand throttle. Other parts were fitted in the rear tool boxes, and two large compressed air connections exited at the rear through the left hand rear panel. Road drills and other air powered equipment could then be run from the compressor.

The Series II and IIa models converted by Broom & Wade were fitted with wing mounted headlights and a sloping steel mesh grille. The grille covered the compressor's oil cooler and is a feature of all Airdrive Land Rovers. The Oil cooler is fitted in front of the front panel, which has one of the uprights cut out. Behind this there is a Land Rover engine oil cooler, and then the engine radiator behind that. To draw enough air through this, a twin fan belt kit was fitted, with an 8 blade fan. Two large oil pipes run back under the front wings and along the chassis to the compressor.

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