pdXDisco
Observer
Hey all, I've been on here for a while, but never really shown my rig. It's not a full fledged "expedition" vehicle, but I'm trying to find the right balance between equipped and family capable. I'm about 60% there, but it feels like I'm always adding something new to my list of desired add-ons. Here's a brief history of my time of ownership, and some pics to share.
About three years ago, I was searching for a new Rover to replace my 1994 RRC LWB that had lost oil pressure. I was at an indoor archery facility with my son, we took a break to get some lunch when I saw this yellow XD from across the parking lot, I had to see it up close. I took a look at it, and while it was missing the roof rack, ladder, and XD seat covers, I thought it was awesome. The fact that it had the jump seats in the back blew me away (I have four kids) and on a whim, I put my phone number in the window (it was not for sale). Three days later the owner called and said it was good timing as they were starting to shop for a new car. She gave me some details and said I would get first dibs when they found a replacement. Neither of us were in a rush, so it worked out great.
About three months later, she gave me a call, and said that she had found a replacement (a hummer of all things!) and asked if I was still interested. I said I was, but wanted to know the price. Without completely giving it away, I could not believe how low she was asking, she said she'd rather it go to a Rover fan and since it saved her the hassle of listing it, she was willing to let it go for less than it was worth. I test drove it, couldn't believe how good of shape it was in at 113,000 miles and no kids. It had been in an accident early on, but was 10 years in her possession and well taken care of.
I immediately began to research the options for finding the rack, ladder, and all other XD parts that were missing. Shortly after taking ownership, I hit a deer at 50MPH on the highway. I couldn't believe it, I grew up in the country, and never hit a deer, and this was less than 10 miles from a major city.
She sat for a few months until we sourced a parts rig with a flat black paint job, clean bumper (with a weird winch plate) and a few other needed parts, including a ladder.
I went for a while like this, not thrilled about how it looked, but at least it was back on the road, and as my wife pointed out, it had character. It was actually featured on a website that critiques cars spotted around town, and I came across it randomly while searching for XD parts. Amazingly, people spoke like they were experts and said it wasn't a real XD because of some parts I had added for my family (side steps and a rear step for access), but it provided a good laugh.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/slideshow/curbside-capsule-land-rover-discovery-v8i-silly-or-serious/
Not too long after, we bought a white donor Discovery that had a brush bar, rook rack and some lights. Granted, it wasn't the low SD rack, but beggars can't be choosers, and we fixed the water pump and sold the white one shortly after.
A DiscoWeb forum member sold me some XD parts, the LR fog lights, XD seat covers, and XD spare tire cover, it was a happy day! It was finally starting to look like a proper XD, although there were still several bits that needed replacing or repair.
Shortly after the above snow fun, the transfer case started to whine. Fortunately, Will Tillery hooked me up with a replacement T-case, and after sitting for too long in my dad's barn, she was back on the road.
While she's not a fully kitted out expedition vehicle, she's a great rig for exploring, camping, and generally having some fun in the woods near home. Someday, I hope to take her on a proper overland trip, most likely to Alaska, but for now she's a great weekend rig, and I continue to enjoy the process of fixing and adding some new item that we "need". I've got a Warn XD9000 winch to install, need new springs, and would love to add a snorkel someday. :snorkel:
My best friend (in the yellow) and I after a day of exploring.
"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts!"
And, lastly here's a little video I made of my morning out in the woods doing a bit of exploring with my dog, Chester.
https://youtu.be/ptMgyAxOWn4
Thanks for reading, I'll be updating as they come.
Joey
About three years ago, I was searching for a new Rover to replace my 1994 RRC LWB that had lost oil pressure. I was at an indoor archery facility with my son, we took a break to get some lunch when I saw this yellow XD from across the parking lot, I had to see it up close. I took a look at it, and while it was missing the roof rack, ladder, and XD seat covers, I thought it was awesome. The fact that it had the jump seats in the back blew me away (I have four kids) and on a whim, I put my phone number in the window (it was not for sale). Three days later the owner called and said it was good timing as they were starting to shop for a new car. She gave me some details and said I would get first dibs when they found a replacement. Neither of us were in a rush, so it worked out great.
About three months later, she gave me a call, and said that she had found a replacement (a hummer of all things!) and asked if I was still interested. I said I was, but wanted to know the price. Without completely giving it away, I could not believe how low she was asking, she said she'd rather it go to a Rover fan and since it saved her the hassle of listing it, she was willing to let it go for less than it was worth. I test drove it, couldn't believe how good of shape it was in at 113,000 miles and no kids. It had been in an accident early on, but was 10 years in her possession and well taken care of.
I immediately began to research the options for finding the rack, ladder, and all other XD parts that were missing. Shortly after taking ownership, I hit a deer at 50MPH on the highway. I couldn't believe it, I grew up in the country, and never hit a deer, and this was less than 10 miles from a major city.
She sat for a few months until we sourced a parts rig with a flat black paint job, clean bumper (with a weird winch plate) and a few other needed parts, including a ladder.
I went for a while like this, not thrilled about how it looked, but at least it was back on the road, and as my wife pointed out, it had character. It was actually featured on a website that critiques cars spotted around town, and I came across it randomly while searching for XD parts. Amazingly, people spoke like they were experts and said it wasn't a real XD because of some parts I had added for my family (side steps and a rear step for access), but it provided a good laugh.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/slideshow/curbside-capsule-land-rover-discovery-v8i-silly-or-serious/
Not too long after, we bought a white donor Discovery that had a brush bar, rook rack and some lights. Granted, it wasn't the low SD rack, but beggars can't be choosers, and we fixed the water pump and sold the white one shortly after.
A DiscoWeb forum member sold me some XD parts, the LR fog lights, XD seat covers, and XD spare tire cover, it was a happy day! It was finally starting to look like a proper XD, although there were still several bits that needed replacing or repair.
Shortly after the above snow fun, the transfer case started to whine. Fortunately, Will Tillery hooked me up with a replacement T-case, and after sitting for too long in my dad's barn, she was back on the road.
While she's not a fully kitted out expedition vehicle, she's a great rig for exploring, camping, and generally having some fun in the woods near home. Someday, I hope to take her on a proper overland trip, most likely to Alaska, but for now she's a great weekend rig, and I continue to enjoy the process of fixing and adding some new item that we "need". I've got a Warn XD9000 winch to install, need new springs, and would love to add a snorkel someday. :snorkel:
My best friend (in the yellow) and I after a day of exploring.
"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts!"
And, lastly here's a little video I made of my morning out in the woods doing a bit of exploring with my dog, Chester.
https://youtu.be/ptMgyAxOWn4
Thanks for reading, I'll be updating as they come.
Joey