I know of 2 4 door land rover "defenders" here in town. I do not know the age, but I would assume they are 1970s era. are these rigs stout if left sitting? or do they die easily? Where can I read some more information on their drivelines, interiors, suspensions etc?
1970s land rover 4 door, been sitting a long time. Can it be brought back?
- Thread starter kojackJKU
- Start date
TravelinLight
Observer
They are giant erector sets and can be brought back depending on your mechanical ability and checkbook.
I would say the frame and bulkhead are critical as far as starting places. If these are shot then they are frame offs and the costs just go up from there.
I would say the D90 forum or the other defender forums from the UK would be the best place to start.
I would say the frame and bulkhead are critical as far as starting places. If these are shot then they are frame offs and the costs just go up from there.
I would say the D90 forum or the other defender forums from the UK would be the best place to start.
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
There are lots of clubs, websites and info out there to find. Don't search for "Defender" as that's not what you're looking at. Look around for "series Land Rover" or similar and you will be able to stumble upon lots of info.
No vehicle likes to sit so lets's get that off the table. Luckly, there are lots of parts available to basically build one from scratch if you wanted. Rovers North has good reference diagrams, Guns and Rovers is a good enthusiast site. Many others out there too.
No vehicle likes to sit so lets's get that off the table. Luckly, there are lots of parts available to basically build one from scratch if you wanted. Rovers North has good reference diagrams, Guns and Rovers is a good enthusiast site. Many others out there too.
The basic body panels are aluminium so don't suffer the rust problem.
Chassis and bulkheads are steel and can/do rust badly if left alone.
Both can either be fixed or replaced but at $$$$ cost.
Even though we are tripping over them in places here in the UK, a new chassis can be £500+ to over a £1000 for a galvanised one.
Plenty of parts suppliers around to cover the needs for them so both could be saved if you had the time, energy and money.
Chassis and bulkheads are steel and can/do rust badly if left alone.
Both can either be fixed or replaced but at $$$$ cost.
Even though we are tripping over them in places here in the UK, a new chassis can be £500+ to over a £1000 for a galvanised one.
Plenty of parts suppliers around to cover the needs for them so both could be saved if you had the time, energy and money.
It is and it isn't.
I have a few mates with Defenders, the ones from the 90s which are 93 and 94 models have galv chassis.
The 1990 one is on original chassis.
I would say you need to get a close look at them. If the bulkhead is rusty then they can be £500 to £1000 for replacements.
Then you need to check the running gear.
Can you get a few pictures of the cars in question with close up shots of the metal round the windscreen and where the doors bolt onto and a few under.
You can check with a hammer and screw driver.
I have a few mates with Defenders, the ones from the 90s which are 93 and 94 models have galv chassis.
The 1990 one is on original chassis.
I would say you need to get a close look at them. If the bulkhead is rusty then they can be £500 to £1000 for replacements.
Then you need to check the running gear.
Can you get a few pictures of the cars in question with close up shots of the metal round the windscreen and where the doors bolt onto and a few under.
You can check with a hammer and screw driver.
LR Max
Local Oaf
Probably rotted away and the owner still thinks they are worth a crap ton.
If the chassis has rot on it (look throughout the chassis) then you are talking about a full chassis replacement. If the chassis needs to be replaced, you are probably looking at a full rebuild of all the major systems. The interior is most likely trashed and even spartan, pieces are pricey.
Sounds like these would be good donors or parts trucks. Sorry to be a pessimist but I've seen too many "oh its been sitting but its fine" trucks that turn out to be huge basket cases. More common than the latter.
Right now a vehicle that had a title, but was rotted away...I'd probably pay $800. Maybe $1000 for a 109. No title, a lot less since its more work than its worth.
If the chassis has rot on it (look throughout the chassis) then you are talking about a full chassis replacement. If the chassis needs to be replaced, you are probably looking at a full rebuild of all the major systems. The interior is most likely trashed and even spartan, pieces are pricey.
Sounds like these would be good donors or parts trucks. Sorry to be a pessimist but I've seen too many "oh its been sitting but its fine" trucks that turn out to be huge basket cases. More common than the latter.
Right now a vehicle that had a title, but was rotted away...I'd probably pay $800. Maybe $1000 for a 109. No title, a lot less since its more work than its worth.
sydneyman
Observer
TravelinLight
Observer
If you buy them and they are 109s then start with the Guns and Rovers forum. Be careful of the frame off and bulkhead replacement path as they just get more expensive from there. "Since I am in there I may as well fix this,,, while I am at it we should replace this or it would be a shame to put back on a new frame...."
Famous last words to make a 8k project into 5 year and 30k in costs.
Famous last words to make a 8k project into 5 year and 30k in costs.
Colin Hughes
Explorer
Newfoundland Rover Register,#2 Holden St., Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland A 3H4 Contact: Kevin Burton. Kevin had a few Series trucks in NFLD. My friend bought one from him. Heck, maybe they are even his.