Looking to purchase an imported TDi - advice?
- Thread starter tonysmallframe
- Start date
Sorry to jump into someone else's thread, but didn't seem like I should start a new one to ask primarily the same thing.
What is the availability like for the recently legal Defender 110's (83-85) equipped with a 200tdi or 300tdi (I know those would have had to have been retrofitted at some point). And then the final kicker, how much does one in good mechanical condition usually go for (I know there would be a range). Cosmetics would be secondary.
R
What is the availability like for the recently legal Defender 110's (83-85) equipped with a 200tdi or 300tdi (I know those would have had to have been retrofitted at some point). And then the final kicker, how much does one in good mechanical condition usually go for (I know there would be a range). Cosmetics would be secondary.
R
bobtail4x4
Adventurer
I know a few people over here (UK) who are starting to build 90s in preperation for the 25 year rule coming in, they already build 110s on new galvanised frames, to whatever spec you need,
basically you pick the spec and what you want on it. they build it and ship it.
basically you pick the spec and what you want on it. they build it and ship it.
you should make the bulkhead and frame your primary concerns...what good is a 300tdi if the frame is rusted and the bulkhead is paper thin..
bobtail4x4
Adventurer
New or good reconditioned bulkheads are still about.
Fair enough, and I agree with you. Though I would include structural integrity in "good mechanical condition"
. Good point though, my experience with LR was with a '74 Series II I used to own that was in a dry climate and had a great frame and bulkhead. It had spent it's life in Alberta where there is not much humidity. What that lovely truck needed was something a bit more than the 2.25 l petrol sewing machine that it had. Combination of that engine with the gearing got me a top speed of maybe 80 - 90 kph. But I realize most LR's spend their time in different conditions and bulkheads and frames rot pretty fast on these machines..While the parts are available, I don't think most who are looking at these truck understand the amount of work it takes to rehab a rusted POS from the UK...not bashing the guy's importing them, you can find good trucks, but with the condition of some the NAS d90's and 110's, which are 10 YEARS newer, it's easy for your dream truck to turn into a money pit...
Rovertrader
Supporting Sponsor
If there is an always without exception, it is this: ALWAYS buy as much truck as you can from the start, as it cost gobs more to get a lesser truck up to par.
JSQ
Adventurer
I'll add this:
Buy the best cosmetic example you can find.
It's FAR easier to get a truck up to spec mechanically than it is to make a beater look decent.
Unless you're one of these people who thinks it's a badge of honor to drive around in a truck that looks like ********, while claiming that the vehicle has your heart and soul, I suggest you save yourself a lot of time and effort and get a clean one.
Getting your powertrain tip top is a pretty straightforward endeavor. Making your truck presentable is like wandering through a maze.
Buy the best cosmetic example you can find.
It's FAR easier to get a truck up to spec mechanically than it is to make a beater look decent.
Unless you're one of these people who thinks it's a badge of honor to drive around in a truck that looks like ********, while claiming that the vehicle has your heart and soul, I suggest you save yourself a lot of time and effort and get a clean one.
Getting your powertrain tip top is a pretty straightforward endeavor. Making your truck presentable is like wandering through a maze.
ren ching
New member
I suggest you come to our local happy hour. We do one once a month in Arlington. I usually have my tdi 90 there and you might see some others as well.
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23645
rgrds,
Dave
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23645
rgrds,
Dave
Maryland 110
Adventurer
The earlier trucks are actually superior in build quality. Heavier gauge body panels, galvanized cappings, doors not as prone to rust as the 90's vintage (especially the push button doors). All of the above were cut in quality to improve profitablity. On the NAS trucks there isn't even any primer separating the un galvanized steel tub capping and the aluminum panel (how frigging lame is that ?). I'm assuming you are making this comparison based on previous NAS Defender ownership. The rustiest Defenders I have seen are some of the 1993 NAS 110's that roll into East Coast Rover for restoration. I have yet to see a 83,84,85 import in anywhere near the poor condition of many of the US trucks.
I offer this information as someone who has owned many Defenders and worked on many more.
Viggen
Just here...
I am also interested in getting into a 110. Ive been looking and interested in a couple that are for sale but want to get up close and personal with a newer one. Ive got plenty of experience with the Series Rovers when they came into the shop that I worked at but nothing new ever came. My race bike (cycling, not motorcycling) ate up my budget last year, and time, but now I am interested in finding a good one. I live in NoVa so is there a regular meet other than the once a month?