Found an accessory step on eBay for $90 and figured "why not?" Showed up well packaged and in great condition. Mounted up super easily too.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...8e5943c23a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...d115192a53.jpg

Great build ! keep it up

Thanks! Will do!

So it turns out @longtallsally and @whowa004 were right (for now). The 2991 severe duty fan clutch is just too much. It was loud with the windows down and felt like it might be sapping power. Swapped in a 2781 heavy duty fan clutch yesterday. I only took it for a short spin around the neighborhood but it was much quieter and temps stayed right where they were supposed to. Of course, it's only in the low 60's here right now so we'll see how things go during our stupid hot summer. I have the severe duty on a shelf so I can swap it back in if needed.

She's running much better with the heavy duty clutch and temps are still perfect, running around 180 to 183 driving around. I gave her her first real wash and detailing today. We're going to brunch tomorrow and I wanted her looking good.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...92db2f25d9.jpg

Today's fun was replacing the air intake tube. This is what the old one looked like:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...436fb72c0b.jpg

I ordered the CARRS4x4 replacement tube from Rovers North. It's a great kit and super easy to install, took me all of 15 minutes. Their instructions say to remove the airbox completely, that's not necessary at all. I just removed the airbox lid, unplugged the hood (bonnet) switch, and then removed the two 10mm bolts securing the intake to the side of the engine compartment. It was then very easy to remove the old, fabric and wire tube. You replace the old, crumbling felt gasket with a new high-temp silicone gasket:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...9869388fe6.jpg

Then you just push the tube onto the airbox and tighten the worm drive, put the other end of the tube on the fender intake, re-attach it to the fender with the 10mm nuts, and then tighten that worm-drive. Put the lid back on the airbox and plug the hood sensor back in.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...cf1e533cdc.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...7ed7060640.jpg

I was going to replace the air filter too but no one near me had one in stock. My local O'Reilly's will have one tomorrow morning so I'll replace it then.

This afternoon the San Diego Land Rover Club is having their 25th anniversary cook out down at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay. We're taking the Ridgebacks which should be challenging. Stand by for pictures of Penny with other Rovers...

Attended the Land Rover Club of San Diego's 25th Anniversary BBQ briefly (had a family obligation). We took the Ridgebacks and Capt. A'hole promptly ran off and did a bunch of laps around the trucks and into traffic. Always fun. I took these pictures when we first got there. By the time we left I would estimate there were 15 Land Rovers and Range Rovers there, including three Discovery IIs.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...ef9b650267.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...26c340e424.jpg

The top section of my steering wheel was worn and nasty looking and since it's a major touch point while driving, it bugged me every time I drove it. Enter Extinct Motorsports and their leather dye and crack filler. LINK

I know it's designed for seats, which is what I got it for, but dayum if it didn't make my steering wheel look brand new!

The wheel before:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...20b2f3875b.jpg

And after "painting" it:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...ab5eb42136.jpg

Looks great!

So what happened to the rack you got?

The legs have some surface rust on them. I'm hoping to get some time this long weekend to hit them with a wire wheel and throw some paint on them. Once the legs are touched up the rack will go on and my mpgs will go down. :laugh: