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Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Want to build a truck at home? A few pointers.
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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
I know a guy who has done quite a few restorations by working an hour and a half three to four nights a week. Even if he is really into the job he will down tools after an hour and a half... I have tried it and it does work on the longer boring jobs like paint\underseal removal. Don,t exhaust yourself physically or mentally is the idea of course, it keeps you fresh and motivated.

Another tip is to coat your new galvanised chassis in something prior to the build. Sounds obvious but many paint there chassis after they completed the build Confused Galvanising doesn't make it rot proof, it is only a sacrificial layer of zinc where wet mud for instance inside the box sections can rot through surprisingly quickly. Put on a permanent black layer of "paint" when new and it will last decades. E.g. Dinitrol, Chassis black, like POR-15 etc etc, don,t forget to etch prime if necessary. I used a commercial black paint used for galvanised farm structures on my Series II restoration, worked a treat Thumbs Up and it was free Wink
Post #763291 13th Mar 2019 9:14pm
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Kizmax



Member Since: 17 Dec 2020
Location: Clare
Posts: 10

Ireland 1993 Defender 130 200 Tdi HCPU Corris Grey
Well greeni that’s some great advice and nice to see you put in some about the work life balance , happy wife happy life is so true ,. I’m about to tackle a 1993 130 double cab hi cap
I’m Also trying to arrange the building of a 40x30 shed as my garage won’t take my hobbies
I’m also working on a rhd suburban
2 vintage Mitsubishi pajero s
A 1990 Ford transit ambulance
Now that I’ve written this down
I think I must be crackers
Happy Christmas all
Post #873893 20th Dec 2020 6:36pm
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LiftedDisco



Member Since: 17 Aug 2014
Location: Towcester
Posts: 354

 
So… just to bring this thread back to life, and without wishing to flout the generally accepted rule about ‘no IVA posts’, I thought I would offer my thoughts…

Many, many years ago, I decided I was ‘bored’ with a standard Discovery and had my mind swayed but the thought of building a Tornado. A what??? Basically, it’s a Defender style body, dropped onto a 100” wheelbase, in this instance a very sad looking (£400) Range Rover Classic chassis.

Suffice it to say, I stripped the donor vehicle to its’ very basics, sold panels and various components that recovered the original purchase price and then set off on an orgy of new bushes, bearings and components - I am now well acquainted with our postman…


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Due to the fact that I have taken 18” out of the back of the chassis, this has triggered a requirement to put the vehicle through an IVA test - a four-hour appointment with the man from the Ministry, armed with a clipboard and a slightly disconcerting frown…

A few silly issues and it’s due for retest in early May..

Best skill learned - Welding
Best tool bought - pillar drill, fabulous for fabricating brackets etc
What should I have done — stripped the engine etc out and then painted the whole chassis / frame
How long did it take - far longer than I wanted, but ‘normal’ life got in the way and, as a result, I’m still married and have seen the kids grow up
Why? Because I wanted a challenge!

Our daughter gets married in June and (subject to the retest and registration) wants it at the wedding - they are a mix of equestrian and off-road 4x4 race car fabrication (hence the photo on the future son-in-law’s ramp), so think it will be in good company!

Good luck to anyone doing a build or refurbishment…
Post #990106 23rd Apr 2023 7:47pm
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I Like Old Skool



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 814

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green
I have been looking at this thread for a couple of years now but never felt qualified to comment.
Now got my second driveway chassis rebuild under my belt and feel justified to say it's actually quite easy.....

Easy if you can be single minded, focused, determined, selfish (a little bit) and did I say focused? As has been said, you have to have a goal/ target in mind, setting off without one will lead you on a long and tortured journey with no end! Know what you want to achieve and stick to it.

Preparation is also important. In my two builds I did all possible repairs & servicing before the rebuild. This means the chassis swap is just that, with no time consumed rebuilding axles or doing timing belts etc. Once you have eliminated all the routine maintenance tasks you can crack on with the important stuff and the inevitable unexpected things that will always crop up once you start stripping down.

110 took around 6-7 weeks. Series 1 (arguably more difficult due to age and wrestling with a mixture of imperial bolt types) was actually quicker at only 5 weeks from starting the breakdown of a working vehicle to driving away the finished job.
Post #1042866 15th Aug 2024 10:37pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

United Kingdom 
I’d forgotten about starting this thread.
It’s nice to know people have added to it.

Rolling on 8 years..
The 90 is very much loved and used, though it’s only seen 17,000 miles.
It’s been used for:
Green lane picnics
Track day use
Scatter rallies
Classic car club treasure hunts
Occasional commuting
Comp safari marshalling duties
Trial bike transport
Sunny days out etc

There’s been few changes in eight years, mainly an upgraded auto box, dampers and (lots of) wheel changes.
It’s never let me down, not once.
It’s seen LOTS of other Land Rovers come and go on the driveway, but this will be parked ‘at the gates’ when I go!
Hopefully it keeps inspiring others.

Day 1 of being complete and running
(Later that day, the decision to ‘rag it’ was made.

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The day after it was Mot’d for the first time and a proud Mrs Greeni


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Various since!




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Post #1043515 22nd Aug 2024 5:56am
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Welshsurferdude



Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Newport
Posts: 2411

Wales 
Great post and great defender!

who did that soft top roll cage?

I am looking for a 90 to drive out to my holiday home in tenerife and retire it as a holiday car as the hire car costs have trebled and it's now justified to get a 90 there! at the moment the ex military wolf GS soft top is winning for the best bang for the bucks Smile Mr. Green 2008 Santorini Black 110 XS USW (Sold)

2015 Discovery 4.5 Black pack Firenze red XS

2008 Corris Grey 110 XS USW (sold)

2011 Santorini Black 110 XS USW (Sold)
Post #1043521 22nd Aug 2024 7:23am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

United Kingdom 
It’s a P and P Cages kit. Protection & Performance. Thumbs Up
Post #1043612 23rd Aug 2024 6:30am
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