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Anyideas



Member Since: 20 Dec 2015
Location: Kent
Posts: 63

V8 Soft Top in time for Summer (hopefully)!
I had sold my Puma 90 back in Sept 2017 I lasted almost a year before the itch for another 90 came back. My previous one was used as a daily and while I didn't mind it was replaced by an RRS which is perhaps better suited to what I need.

This meant my 90 could be a little less practical and I always loved the NAS Soft top, after reading a couple of threads on here I knew I wanted a soft top and I was going to be on the look out for a V8.

Enter this.


Click image to enlarge


An Early 90 factory soft top with 3.5 V8, Its previous owner had done a couple of small jobs to it, Exmoor Trim seat covers for front and rear (now for sale), new rear bench seats, new hood and some lights are now LED too.

That doesn't tell the whole story though as its in need of some attention to the bulkhead, footwells and Oh did I mention the rear cross member Smile


Click image to enlarge




Click image to enlarge


I'll upload the photos of the bulkhead and cross member when I can find them but the decision was quickly made to replace the whole chassis rather then just the cross member.

This is pretty much where I am now, the chassis was ordered before christmas and I have been busy acquiring parts.

Click image to enlarge


Everything will be replaced rather then re used.

The Plan is to re chassis, strip service and paint the axles, gearbox and clutch. Weld the bulkhead and footwell areas that need it, repair the OS front wing and replace 1 of the series doors as its to far gone.


Click image to enlarge


Once thats done its having a full re spray, colour still TBC although I am leaning towards a non metallic grey of some sort. I am going to be keeping the galvanised cappings as they are.

I've already sourced nearly new front seats and a new cubby box, I am going to get all the seats re trimmed in a fabric thats Water, Dirt and UV resistant as I am likely to be using it mainly with the roof and window tops off.

Attention will then switch to the dash area and under the bonnet but thats going to be after a summer spent hopefully enjoying it.

Sorry for the long post in advance. Very Happy
Post #676677 7th Jan 2018 6:46pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

United Kingdom 
I'll watch with interest Thumbs Up
Post #676684 7th Jan 2018 6:58pm
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Anyideas



Member Since: 20 Dec 2015
Location: Kent
Posts: 63

Thanks Greeni, I have read your (and CY88's) thread back to front and I have got a couple of ideas from doing so. Thumbs Up
Post #676689 7th Jan 2018 7:05pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

United Kingdom 
PM me if you need any help, always happy to help Thumbs Up
Post #676691 7th Jan 2018 7:06pm
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HK07



Member Since: 15 Dec 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 746

England 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Cairns Blue
Hk07
Sounds like a great platform to start from

Where is the chassis coming from? 2007 90 Puma - Love it - Best car I have ever owned.

1989 Ninety 200tdi - Love it - Second best car I have ever owned.

1951 80" Series 1 - Love it - Third best car I have ever owned.
Post #676702 7th Jan 2018 7:24pm
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Anyideas



Member Since: 20 Dec 2015
Location: Kent
Posts: 63

Chassis is coming from Richards.
Post #676714 7th Jan 2018 7:52pm
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HK07



Member Since: 15 Dec 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 746

England 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Cairns Blue
Hk07
Good choice - Alistair is a good guy.

And our chassis has been a joy to work with, everything has lined up exactly as it should. 2007 90 Puma - Love it - Best car I have ever owned.

1989 Ninety 200tdi - Love it - Second best car I have ever owned.

1951 80" Series 1 - Love it - Third best car I have ever owned.
Post #676727 7th Jan 2018 8:09pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7905

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
Going to be great!! Glad you're keeping the galv cappings! Thumbs Up James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers
Post #676746 7th Jan 2018 9:02pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10756

England 
Great project and i will be for sure watching with interest Thumbs Up 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.

Keeper.

Clayton.
Post #676765 7th Jan 2018 9:49pm
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mikeh501



Member Since: 07 Jan 2013
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1142

United Kingdom 
looks like its going to be great. watching with interest.
Post #676817 8th Jan 2018 9:02am
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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2526

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Of all the many engines fitted to Series and Defenders over the last 70 years the 3.5 V8 is by far the best. Very envious Mr. Green Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #676826 8th Jan 2018 9:53am
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Anyideas



Member Since: 20 Dec 2015
Location: Kent
Posts: 63

Thank you all, I've been busy sourcing new parts to hopefully make some swift progress once the chassis is ready. S/S Bolts and screws, replacement seals etc.

I'm going to replace the front bumper with a galvanized one, heritage style light surround and grill (from Brendan) and LED light will complete the front. I've gone with ox4x4 hinges for the bonnet and doors and the dual opening galv tailgate hinges from Purely Metal.

In my head I know what I want it to look like, now I just need to get it there.
Post #676836 8th Jan 2018 10:25am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8029

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
following with interest Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #676995 8th Jan 2018 8:52pm
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L90Andy



Member Since: 29 May 2014
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Posts: 717

United Kingdom 1997 Defender 90 300 Tdi ST Nato Green
Me too!
I'd be very tempted to put a V8 in mine that looks remarkably similar to yours in its current state.
Very nice indeed. Thumbs Up Instagram: l90andy

2006 Land Rover 90 TD5 CSW Silver Edition

My 1984 Ninety: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56071.html - SOLD!
My 2015 Defender: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic39625.html - SOLD!
Post #677027 8th Jan 2018 9:39pm
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CY88



Member Since: 05 Jan 2016
Location: Offshore
Posts: 255

1986 Defender 90 V8 Petrol ST Keswick Green
GREENI wrote:
PM me if you need any help, always happy to help Thumbs Up


Ditto! As you already have!

Look forward to seeing how things develop! 
FFRR Supercharged - Series One - Defender 90 V8
Post #677404 10th Jan 2018 12:12pm
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