Project Kermit 36: A Series Land Rover Full Restoration

We are near the finish now. In this episode I build the dashboard and get everything ready for an MoT test but first - uncocking a(nother) cock-up!
Chapters
00:00 Fog lamp
04:34 Heater ducting
09:39 Dashboard building
35:50 Door tops
40:27 Loadbay finishing
44:14 Fuel problem
54:51 Torquing up suspension, spacers and wheels
01:05:22 MoT test attempt
Project Kermit is a 1978 Land Rover Series 3 109 (long wheel base) which is being stripped right down and rebuilt with a 200tdi engine and a few other improvements. The other videos in the series can be found in this playlist: • Project Kermit: A Seri...
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[@blacksquirrel4008]

So great to see Kermit complete after all these years. It’s been a great series and thank you for taking me along.

[@BaggieReg63]

Fantastic job Max. The only bad thing is not having any more Kermit videos to look forward to.

[@mpersad]

Like so many other subscribers I have watched, in awe, as Project Kermit has progressed. From digging things out of the undergrowth, to sourcing parts around your property, to the stripping back to the bare metal, to all the rewiring and rebuilding the transmission, and then...your brilliant Grandad's help. This is the best of KZbin Max, it's been a pleasure to watch.

[@landroverihtractor1965]

I totally agree - this is KZbin at its best - a great build an inspiration for me to start my 109 rebuilt (stalled for 15 years) and great entertainment all round!!! Thanks for letting us follow along

[@paulburroughs1313]

Max, I don't think I've seen anyone with your technical and natural mechanical skills. Congratulations on this project. Long live Kermit! 👍

[@ianjoyce5120]

Rectangular hole to circular, it was like watching Apollo 13.

[@philthorpe4549]

A truly remarkable job Max, you have a truck for life. I've commented this before but I'm going to say it again: Thief proof the hell out of it! Even my raddled old defender is multi - protected, simply because they are so often nicked. It would be heartbreaking to lose it. I'd also do 'agreed value' on the insurance, Footman James are reasonable and you can get it inspected to prove condition. I'll say it one more time though, remarkable! ;)

[@maximusironthumper]

Yes indeed, in fact I've been doing so much research on Land Rover security there will likely be a video about it!

[@johnshaw4140]

Kermit looks incredible Max , you've got a truck there that will last a hundred years , bloody well done

[@Lemma01]

Have to add - the editing on this is next level - the pace is incredible, while never missing a key step, nor lingering longer than necessary -and the commentary is a delight. Bravo, Max!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you, editing this one took me a solid week so I'm glad it's appreciated!

[@MrBennyboyC]

Started watching this series without a series land rover and now I've owned one for just short of a year. Cant imagine not owning one now. Thanks for the inspiration Max.

[@maximusironthumper]

That's good to hear - I'm often told I've put people off owning one!

[@rogerwragg1492]

Dashboards take so long but yours is a superb end result. Looks so fit for purpose. Thoroughly enjoyed watching your endeavours. Thank you!

[@simonsi787]

It looks great Max. Only you would make a template of the template 😂.

[@maxwiz71]

I had my doubts when I saw the condition of that ply but it came out perfectly rustic 😊

[@jonny7491]

Your Land Rover and Fred Dibnah’s will go down in history.

[@robmidwales8513]

What an odyssey, well done! It's great to see some classy woodwork on the truck, thanks for taking the time to show how much effort is needed to take on such a project😎

[@cindyholton7234]

You make a topic I’m not interested in really interesting! You don’t go into nerdy details ~ just explain what you are doing. Congratulations Sir! Looking forward to seeing Mark and Grandad in the final video.

[@rolandpl1958]

A Superclean Dreammachine.

[@Wheelloader__]

Cool build Max. Kermit is a work of art. The only one of its kind anywhere.

[@SteHughes90]

What a fantastic series, you've done a wonderful job Max.

[@H70334]

Many thanks for the very entertaining films. I really enjoyed seeing the progress and the mistakes, but also the craftsmanship and inventiveness. Many happy and trouble-free years ahead for you and Kermit.

[@nicholasviney5975]

Kermit gets to travel again, happy trails

[@Lemma01]

Just have to compare your HVAC solution with that of our favourite mincing mates on Project Binky! Absolutely shows up the different ways of doing these things - Love 'em both!

[@willtricks9432]

Old Speckled Hen? Good choice, Subliminal suggestions like that work well, really fancy an ale right now.

[@TheDinnermoney]

Those angled door tops = style power

[@andyholmes7259]

What a nice and beautiful car you have built, good luck with the car and all the best for you

[@noiseache7720]

So, about that horse box. 🤔 ???????????????????????????????????????????????? Well done on completing Kermit Max. Thanks for all your efforts with the filming, editing etc, it's been great to follow along. 👍🏻

[@ablacknambercat]

So welding, painting, wiring, carpentry, body work all good, remembering to fill it with fuel and bring a VIN to MOT, that's the bit that was hard.

[@smays]

I lost track of the number of camera set ups and different angles in this video, which makes it so eminently watchable. I wonder if Max spends more hours in post production on the video than the actual work on the car nobody does this better

[@dustymiller7758]

Great work Max, truly a vehicle to be proud of and the knowledge of what you have done to that Landy will make it last for decades with care obviously. Well done.

[@MM7782]

For the rear lights wire guard you may want to check the bathroom soap holders at the local big box store. They make them in Al and stainless.

[@codepuncher]

37.10 Old Speckled Hen. Good man. I have a home brew recipe for that if you want.

[@boxingday11]

Hope you enjoy Kermit, you deserve to, I worked on the Defender production line and was there for the end of the run of vehicles,this brings back some memories.

[@sadie376]

I've missed quite a few of these episodes... The landy is looking great now! I'm surprised you made that (schoolboy error) mistake with the fog light, as you are clearly knowledgeable about vehicles, but it's easy to overlook small details with a project as major & long-term as this one. Well done!

[@sobosol2013]

Those windows are awesome 😎

[@SemenukTlovingprog]

Nice to see it's passed it's MOT and now back on the road! Congrats Max ace job

[@meganrosney287]

Must feel like you are just 1 step away from your mountain top, well done Max!

[@KHGrinderboy]

Brilliant Max, this series has been fantastic, some serious hard work that has paid off. Awesome.

[@AndyCallaway]

Well, that was quite a journey, but it was worth it.

[@marcduthie4327]

So awesome to see Kermit nearly finished. Its been a great series to watch. Marc from Australia 🇦🇺

[@spungletrumpet]

"Don't worry about this horse box, by the way!" 😀

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Just found ur chanal. Its great. Love all the making to suit.LD looks bril love colours

[@hippydavec]

I did the same with my mud shields and spaced them off 10mm and it works a treat, no crud sits against the footwell now. Great see how much its come along.

[@richardcoombes9491]

max well done its been a long haul but well worth the effort lovely to see the old landy on the road and im sure she sail through the mot

[@johncochrane2707]

Well done Max a great job and a great video series.

[@BrisCapri]

Great job as always; I particularly liked how the dashboard came together. My parents had a 9-seater for a while, it was great for lugging 4 kids about in; your work on Kermit has brought back memories of that.

[@steve-jackson]

What a fantastic project, here's to many years driving. I have to say your ingenuity is only surpassed by your ability and determination to finish the job. Well Done!

[@MapleMarmite]

It’s been epic - really great job, Max. Is Kermit not having the ‘sill’ panel that runs below the doors? The dashboard panels look great but I think a rustic looking Land Rover badge the same as you fitted on the rear end would finish off the dash on the passenger side and give it a factory look. Must be one in the brambles parts dept somewhere… 👍🏻

[@maximusironthumper]

My plan is to fit something a bit more substantial than the sill panels but that will have to be a future upgrade as I need Kermit on the road!

[@jackinthegreen1000]

Just picked my Landy up from Glencoyne. Awesome bloke

[@georgemobbs4413]

MAX ITS GREAT WHEN YOU CAN MULTI TASK A GOOD PROJECT WELL DONE ALL THE BEST

[@DRUMBAUN]

As usual, a great watch.

[@claresmith8438]

You have done a great job

[@FirdayNightMatt]

I'm glad to see this one come to fruition Max! It feels like a big achievement.

[@shelleymitchell7912]

wow that dashboard just wow

[@martinsmith2656]

I've loved seeing this project progress, and this film is wonderful.

[@ShedTV]

I have very much enjoyed this series. I first came across your channel when you were rebuilding the SWB and I've been an avid viewer of all your exploits ever since.

[@bowboysam]

You finished it before Project Binky 😁 And so will the next 500 Landy restorations.😁

[@alan-sk7ky]

And lets not mention Escargot...

[@jameswilksey]

Do we think the horse box will be Kermit's Escargot? Hehe.

[@rogergregory5981]

Done a great rebuild and still got it's character just refreshed Kermit is defo a head turner looks great your granddad's going to love it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@douglasgordon3530]

Well done, Max. Really enjoyed all the Kermit videos. Enjoy the use and adapt thinking. Long live Kermit 😊

[@crispinleslie]

++++++++++Great job Max . Inspirational.

[@lazylad8544]

It's been a bit of a slog, but you made it. Hope everything went OK. 👍👍

[@re-cyclops405]

Well done Max-great job. great series.

[@dreddwailing5505]

I think the fuel issue did you a favour in the long term as the mismatch on the threads would have cropped up eventually, usually on a long trip when it's raining.

[@davidjukes8298]

Fantastic job

[@greebo7857]

6:00. Yep. So much 3D printed stuff is done in PLA, Looks the part, easy to print, but goes soft in cars due to the heat. Often just the heat of the sun magnified by the glass.

[@greenbimoon]

Looking great

[@steamwally]

Max, you've absolutely nailed the build! Thanks for the excellent videos, I have very much enjoyed following the project. Enjoy!

[@alanlansdell7533]

Yep I made the same mistake when my "new" engine swap started smoking and running like poo half hour after I started it...... Fuel level was the last thing I checked.

[@terryroberts4589]

Hi Max, Just one thing I think would look nice on Kermit now would be black and grey number plates, Apart from that well done mate 👍

[@jamesmcneil6332]

Nice looking truck, Max

[@roberthayes9842]

Brilliant job👍

[@tobychristian4741]

Great work. You could add a starter button under the bonnet for ease of bleeding and future trouble shooting. Please hide some sort of cutoff for security, but don't show us. 👍

[@tomsawyer751]

Nice Jay, Max

[@ePowerUpClassics]

It's been a delight watching you over what seems years putting this old girl back on the road. Almost don't want you to stop 😂

[@huwalban]

What a stunning result. I am in complete awe with what you've done. One quick question though - when you were doing the dash and sat in the drivers seat, the steering wheel appeared very close to your torso. Heaven forbid if you had a front end accident, or even someone shunting you from behind but with the closeness of the steering wheel would you not be open to injury? Not a criticism at all and maybe it was the angle of the camera making it look closer than it really is.

[@MartsGarage]

All the hard work has paid off, Max. The truck looks great. It's a credit to you, and reflects the persistence you have shown in your approach to every part of the job. I've watched and enjoyed every part and will look forward to seeing the finale. Best regards to Grandad. Mart in Solihull.

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

I got a call a few years ago, from a neighbour who had just done an engine/box out for a clutch replacement on a disco series1. He got it all back together, but no drive and was exhasperated and out of ideas. We could hear that drive was getting through the clutch, and changes as selecting different gears. Then I said, put your foot on clutch, and pushed the transfer box lever into cog...... Classic case of needing to step away, or getting a fresh pair of eyes.

[@dodgybodger3124]

BIG 👍 Max. The time n effort you've put in to this project, is outstanding. 😉 I'm sure Grandad is so proud of you pal. 👍👍👍

[@DietrichLopan]

Watching this video made me realise that the rear fog lamp on my RHD series would not conform to the UK 1989 regulations. I'm in the USA so it doesn't matter, but I changed it today anyhow. 😁

[@edinguy9585]

Max , I notice you have a rear tub in your garden, what about a trailer for Kermit only if needed.

[@user-yx5tb6bl5w]

Fantastic job Max, i had a lot of bother with that type of door top my self, they dont like coming to bits do they. Thanks for the video

[@alanak3210]

A great job Max just wonderful now its rolling.

[@dragontattooee]

Every video I'm surprised, also in awe of, by your natural ingenuity and mechanical ability. Great to see Kermit up and running and may you have a long time with him

[@bluepigadventures]

Loving the series. I'm currently putting a series 2a carawagon back on the road.

[@striderpaul]

Truly amazing. I have watched this series all the way through, you have done a fantastic job. Well done Max, you should be very proud of the finished product.

[@scalewarmachines]

Well done Max, great job on the truck and a highly enjoyable watch. Can’t wait for the test drive and series finale.

[@kevinsimpson7114]

What a fantastic journey you have taken us on. Thank you for sharing this amazing project. Your skills and ingenuity are outstanding.👍🏻👌🏻

[@zenzen9131]

Totally awesome Max.

[@justenevans3175]

Bravo mate, bravo

[@chrislaf2011]

Great work Max! Maybe some "before and after" pictures of Kermit to wrap up?

[@brokenbritain9441]

Excellent Project but don't forget to change the colour on the V5 document and notify your insurance colour change it will save you a big headache in the future.

[@Grahame59]

I've been watching this from the first episode - your talents are amazing - but you've surpassed yourself with this dashboard! Way, way better than anything Land Rover ever offered and yet totally in keeping with the character of the vehicle. Fantastic!

[@patriot6251]

well, done.

[@SorryIwasntListening]

I'm 56 mins in and this is just great... I generally love nuts and bolts videos and your ingenuity in fabricating parts from basically nothing is exactly the sort of thing I like to see... wonderful stuff thank you.

[@twotone3070]

That dash looks great and a neat solution for the heater control.

[@philiprogers5772]

I've watched a lot of people start Landrover restorations, very few finish them so huge congratulations and as a bonus it looks ace.

[@doonthepan1290]

MANY THANKS, MUCH NJOYED.. GOOD LUCK HAPPY MOTORING AWAITS YOUR PLEASURES. ..

[@gallois3]

Inspirational! Especially that dash. And the simplest solutions… No need to cross our fingers for that MOT, all good!! Congrats for the vid

[@simonmercer9530]

Brilliant mate

[@johnmarshall2118]

Congratulations on this project well done and another great video

[@MJMC56]

Amazing project, well done! Hopefully many years to enjoy the finished article now :)

[@RealGuigsy]

What an amazing milestone for this project. I've been waiting weeks for this episode to be uploaded and certainly wasn't disappointed. Awesome work!!!