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alpacaman



Member Since: 07 Mar 2016
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 160

United Kingdom 
Keep original or modernise?
While I'm separated from my 1989 LR90 pickup whilst working away, I've been thinking about what I start doing with it when I get back. The big dilemma I've got is whether, as I repair/replace things, I should keep it original (see pic below for current condition) or bring it a bit more up to date – even, is there a comprise between the two? I'm not one for unnecessary bling but I would like it to look good and well cared for, if you see what I mean.

It's well worn as you can see, but the chassis is good and it doesn't have the original engine (I may look at a 200/300 Tdi transplant next year).


Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge
Post #574389 30th Oct 2016 4:40pm
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Chris86



Member Since: 15 Jul 2014
Location: South Yorks
Posts: 788

United Kingdom 2005 Defender 110 Td5 USW Chawton White
You could go the other way with it?

If I happened across a reasonably original looking early-ish 90 is be very tempted to go a bit retro, Galv cappings, bumpers and probably try and find a set of banded restyled or get a set of standard rims done.

That's just me though!

Chris
Post #574393 30th Oct 2016 5:07pm
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williamthedog



Member Since: 29 Dec 2012
Location: south wales
Posts: 3441

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Tamar Blue
I would try to keep it as original as I could if it was mine Thumbs Up
Post #574394 30th Oct 2016 5:08pm
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alpacaman



Member Since: 07 Mar 2016
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 160

United Kingdom 
Chris86 wrote:
You could go the other way with it?

If I happened across a reasonably original looking early-ish 90 is be very tempted to go a bit retro, Galv cappings, bumpers and probably try and find a set of banded restyled or get a set of standard rims done.

That's just me though!

Chris


I'm not adverse to that idea. What are banded restyles though?
Post #574396 30th Oct 2016 5:13pm
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RoddyK05



Member Since: 08 Apr 2015
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 633

Scotland 2004 Defender 90 Td5 SW Yellow
I think he means banded Rostyle wheels. They are wheels cut in half and a steel band pieced in before they are welded back together. It's a means of widening the wheels. Rostyles were found on classic RRs and county model 90s and possibly more.


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Post #574403 30th Oct 2016 5:52pm
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JJ



Member Since: 18 May 2009
Location: Winchester
Posts: 932

United Kingdom 1987 Defender 110 V8 Petrol CSW Corris Grey
If the original engine has gone then to my mind so has the originality in the sense of it ever being a concours classic.

That does leave you free to do a subtle refurb with some tasteful updates. HR064 Hampshire and Berkshire 4x4 Response
Post #574406 30th Oct 2016 5:59pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10379

United Kingdom 
I just happen to have a set Whistle



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Post #574407 30th Oct 2016 6:01pm
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CarMan



Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1856

United Kingdom 
I share your dilemma alpacaman . . . . . . . . . . . and greeni there is no need for that please Bow down Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top (sold)
Post #574409 30th Oct 2016 6:03pm
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foxyred



Member Since: 16 Jul 2016
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 227

England 1994 Defender 90 200 Tdi HT Montalcino Red
Modernise without a doubt ! If your going to spend money on it why not have your view of a Defender, they have been updated since the series 1 so why stop ?
Post #574455 30th Oct 2016 8:50pm
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Zagato
Site Supporter


Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5012

United Kingdom 
I would keep it as it is Cool That would look more cool down Kings Road than a blinged up TDCI Wink

This was my old girl that was also a farm hack, I didn,t do anything to her kept all the dings and dents, my rear tub innards looked exactly the same as yours.

My 109 I used as a daily drive for three years. Used for work and very cool on the school run with the tilt and cab off!



Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated Mr. Green
Post #574459 30th Oct 2016 9:02pm
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Ellisboy



Member Since: 13 Oct 2013
Location: Deep South
Posts: 539

1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Epsom Green
Keep it original Thumbs Up

Stephen.
Post #574464 30th Oct 2016 9:25pm
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RED-DOT



Member Since: 29 Jun 2009
Location: stirling
Posts: 2363

Scotland 
Most buyers want a factory spec vehicle then ruin it with expensive tat. 99% of the public dont care and all the "labels" plastered over every accessory spoils the classless Icon that the Defender is.
Keep it standard and bolt or god forbid pop rivet nothing out of the world that is bling on to it. 2008 RS4 gone, 123d M Sport, and a Puma 90 XS..
Post #574476 30th Oct 2016 10:29pm
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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1629

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
I personally would keep it original, repair and replace as required. Land Rovers are one of the few vehicles which look good with a few dings and scrapes.
Post #574477 30th Oct 2016 10:32pm
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1763

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
Do whatever feels right!

Mine has led an exciting life and seen some abuse. I like it to look "good" but most of the dents and scrapes will stay. Equally I take good care of it, even wash it, and gradually modernise it to make it more into what I want.

Lighting upgrades, sound deadening etc. All make it more into what I want/need it to be!
Post #574478 30th Oct 2016 10:38pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2081

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
It's a nice looking working truck. Thumbs Up

The key here is to do what YOU like.

Personally, my view is try and keep it as original in looks/style as possible - sympathetic - certainly not the road to concourse.

That doesn't mean you can't enhance or attempt to address some of the well known issues as you go, it just means not making it look like something it clearly isn't if you know what I mean Confused

There are plenty of subtle upgrades that will improve its enjoyability (is that a word?) without losing its sense of identity.

Whatever you do - enjoy it Thumbs Up

PS I love the Rostyles Thumbs Up Thumbs Up Thumbs Up
Post #574503 31st Oct 2016 8:27am
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