Project RISTA: 109 IIA Build

[Antichrist]

I think you'll find that the Rover community is coming around to the concept of modified Series rigs.

I don't think it's a matter of modifications to a series Rover. It sounds like the thoughts are more around massive modifications to one of a very limited number of US spec 109 regulars (200 imported, but probably a lot fewer than that still in existence).
88's and 5-door 109's were an dime a dozen relatively speaking.

Personally I like to see Series Land Rovers kept mostly stock, but as you say, it's his own Rover he can do what he wants.
I'm sure there are those who would frown on my plan to put a 200Tdi in one of my 109's.
But I'm not going to loose any sleep over either.

Edited for clarity

 

[TeriAnn]

I don't think it's a matter of modifications to a series Rover. It sounds like the thoughts are more around massive modifications to one of a very limited number of 109 regulars (200 imported, but probably a lot fewer than that still in existence).
88's and 5-door 109's were an dime a dozen relatively speaking.

It is the rarity of the US spec 109 regular and maybe a touch of guilt that got me wondering if a substitute could be made so that both parties ended up with a 109 regular that they could be happy with.

A touch of guilt but absolutely NO remorse as my truck was the last rust free US spec 109 regular that anyone would want to restore to show room stock when I purchased her. Already too many things not original and too many parts missing with the rest of them worn out.

Currently:

1960 109 regular converted into a Dormobile. 3 built in fuel tanks, 15 gallon built in water tank, built in propane & air tanks, on board air.

1968 Ford 302 engine with 1991 Mustang fuel injection, T-18 gearbox (soon to be NP435 gearbox) Series transfercase with Ashcroft high ratio kit, Rear Salisbury with special hardened axles & drive flanges, ARB. Front Rover axle housing with Seriestrek 24 spline front axles & truetrac front diff & stonger 4.75:1 R&P, custom prop shafts with longer slip joints & high angle U joints, front disc brakes & Scout II power steering.

Not quite stock either.

 

[Antichrist]

It is the rarity of the US spec 109 regular

Right, that's what I meant.

 

[Yorker]

Your Rover, so you do whatever you want with it. Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky...
The big thing is that you're happy with it in the long run.

Exactly-That is all that matters. His build needs to meet his needs and please him. I mean come on it isn't like he is stuffing a 350 and 700r4 into an Auburn 8-88 roadster...

Obviously this truck has been up for sale in the past, if someone wanted to buy it to "protect" it they should have done so. If someone finds North American spec 109 regulars are so desirable and is offended to see such a sacrilege then let them offer the ammount of money required to make it worth his while to change course and sell.

I get kind of cranky every time I see a nice Willys MB with a v8 stuffed into it but hey- I could have bought it, I didn't, oh well... get over it.

 

[Alaska Mike]

My big thing is that the number of old Rovers that sit rusting away in fields instead of being used in loved is minimized. If that means it has to be modified a little to be suitable for modern use, I'm not going to cry to much. The unused parts can go to keep another Rover alive. It's a circle of life thing. Hakuna matata.

That NV4500 is a good call. With all of the various levers in the cab, you would have thought you were driving a Unimog.

 

[James86004]

Obviously this truck has been up for sale in the past, if someone wanted to buy it to "protect" it they should have done so.

I agree with you, but in this instance, Keith is willing to put his money where his mouth is. He wants to buy it now, and he also tried to buy it several years ago, when it was on West Coast British's lot. It had been sitting on WCB's lot for a long time, and when Keith expressed an interest, WCB tried in vain to contact the owner.

On the other hand, it is JKrawler's truck, who can do whatever he wants with it. I am not at all sure what I would do in his shoes, because I have a somewhat rare vehicle too and it is often a difficult decision I have to make about what I need to do to keep it on the road, useful and practical. I know if the Euro 6 engine ever blows up, it would be very expensive to rebuild, so I would at least be thinking about engine swaps myself.

 

[indiana67]

Your Rover

All,

I didn't want to start a war or make JKrawler feel like he's not welcome, heck I'm new to the Expedition Portal. I was just looking for a 109 PU in original condition. It's JKrawler rig and his decision to do what ever he wants, I'm cool with that.

We can have a difference of opinion and remain on good terms. Everyone sees things in a different light. My angle comes from owning a house that was built in 1875, sure I own it, but I look at myself as the care taker. When she needs repair I save everything possible, when something is rotted completely away, I search the old house graveyards for the exact piece. When I can't find what I need, I have it milled from redwood just like the original piece. Its more expensive to do it this way, but if I sell her, I want to pass her on better than I found her. There are plenty of historically incorrect past owners repairs to fix, but that's my choice. This is just my opinion and nobody has to own it.

Have fun on your rebuild and I hope to see you on the trails.

Cheers,

Keith

 

[taoseno]

Looks exactly like my truck...............'66 109" Regular

 

[JKrawler]

Thanks for everyones opinion, It's good to get different perspectives. I also kind of wanted to let this one play itself out a little, it's a sensitive subject. I knew going into this that this was going to be unpopular with some folks so I apologize to them for knowingly getting them riled up. Keith, thanks for being cool with the difference of opinions I really appreciate it.

Moving on though..
Alaskamike were on the same page as far as not going too 'jeep' with it, thats a great way to say it. Where going to try and make it look like nothing was done to it, only an enthusiast will be able to tell what's been done, aside from sitting slightly taller w/ larger tires and the v6.

Its a tough call with the transmission! The 3550 should be fine, but I know the 4500 will be. I know someone who's in a pinch and could really use the 3550 to replace the ax5 in his dd.. so I think I'm gonna sell it to him and find a rebuilt 4500. Kind of works out best for the both of us.

 

[Yorker]

Have you read this thread?
https://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8835
http://classicbroncos.com/NV3550.shtml
Might give you some ideas.

 

[Viggen]

My big thing is that the number of old Rovers that sit rusting away in fields instead of being used in loved is minimized. If that means it has to be modified a little to be suitable for modern use, I'm not going to cry to much. The unused parts can go to keep another Rover alive. It's a circle of life thing. Hakuna matata.

Not a Rover owner (yet) but a British car owner with 2 MGs (a 72 BGT and a 58 MGA) and I like what he is doing. Some dont like the powertrain I have ready to go into the MGA (2.0 Ford Zetec and Mustang T5 to a 8" Ford rear) because its not "original." To that I respond that it will make it infinitely more usable and enjoyable for me creating an opening for me to drive it more than on "show days or Sunday cruises." I understand the argument to keep things original but whats the point? If a more modern, usable drivetrain is the difference between the truck sitting and moving occasionally and being used as the LR designers meant (utility and wanderings), I see nothing wrong. The average person is going to see and be impressed by an antique rig being used and possibly be inspired to purchase one of their own, thus adding one more to the fold. I say that he has a good plan and should keep building a truck that he has had in his family for years for his use, purpose and enjoyment.

Ill keep watching this with genuine interest.