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Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Want to build a truck at home? A few pointers.

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

Want to build a truck at home? A few pointers. I thought I'd offer some pointers to anybody thinking of doing a rebuild, I see comments all of the time of people wanting to, so here's a couple of things to consider... Please feel free to add to this, as I'm sure there's lots I'll miss or don't know about. Plan. It depends what extent of rebuild you want to do, chassis swap, chassis and engine swap, full resto, or from scratch. It's best to have a specific goal. I've wasted lots of time and lots of money on swapping and changing ideas, 'shooting from the hip' at what I want. If you've read my v8 90 build thread, it started as a bulkhead swap and took different paths over the build time. It was an impulsive buy and there was never the need for anything specific. Not the best idea! Have a specific plan, write down your needs, stick to them. Tools. If you're planning such a build, I expect you'll have a good selection already, so I'll miss the obvious hand tools. An engine crane is a must, though an engine stand is a luxury, but one of the most useful items I had were little trolleys. Go to your local tesco and at the side there'll be a stack of bread trays, all stacked on top of a plastic trolley with 4 castor wheels, speak to the manager nicely and suggest that some may go missing, better to ask first. These were great for putting the engine, gearbox and transfer box on, making them easy to move around....see lack of space!! Oil trays for emptying out fluids are a must. I bought a big plastic cement mixing pad from wickes, this was great for containing all the crap from degreasing the gearbox etc. you can quickly make a huge mess, try and keep it to a minimum. Large heavy duty axle stands and jacks are a must. An air compressor is useful, but not essential. An impact gun was useful, for the crank bolt when the engine was out ( the engine I rebuilt, but took out.... See plan/time/money wasted!). Trailers are essential, I got by without one (no space) though I used my friends trailers for collecting parts, chassis etc Space. My biggest issue. We are now looking to move house, for a bigger garage and space....I want to rebuild the 110, but it won't happen here. A 90 can be rebuilt in a generous single garage...I just did it. However, at one point, there was 2 rear tubs in the back garden and a new truck cab hidden amongst the furniture in the conservatory. There were 5 new wheels and tyres in there too, but the smell of rubber was too much for Mrs Greeni and they got put outside. A lot of time was spent juggling things around in the garage, tidiness is key. The trolleys were great, as I could store the gearbox etc in the garage, then when I wanted the space, I wheeled them outside. It depends on how you are, I know people have built trucks in their front garden, it's not something I'd want my neighbours doing, so i wouldn't do it to them. Time. This is a good one. I didn't strip and prime and paint the rear axle, as it would have eaten up a lot of time, now it's built I wished I had, little things like this, now niggle at me. I also now wish I had custom built a whole loom too, a skill I've since learned, because of the build. You have to live.....I have sacrificed many, many weekends over the past two years. The odd few hours in the evenings have been spent in there. The build has not taken over our lives, though it has had an effect. Weekends that were usually spent at the beach have been spent in the garage. Luckily and understanding partner helps a lot. I know many relationships have broken down over such builds. Money. See 'plan'. I've wasted a lot of money on the different directions.... 2 engines, 3 roofs, 4 sets of wheels, 3 pairs of seats, 3 pairs of doors etc. Of course, I've pulled money back by selling the old, but the hassle of selling stuff frustrates me...I still have an engine, roof, wheels. Anyway, work out how much you need, then times that by 3. Hidden costs are not normally factored in.... Hidden costs are things like hardware, I probably spent around £200+ on stainless nuts and bolts, £200+ on wiring, £300+ on hoses and connectors, £2-300 on oils. Sandpaper, paint, it all adds up, I have lots of the above left over and most of what I have bought, a standard build won't need. Tools also cost a lot, just the crimping tool for the battery cables was £80, plus the engine crane, stand etc etc... I hand rollered the 90, I didn't want it painted professionally, so that would add £2000 plus. Suppliers. I tried to use one supplier for parts, one for hardware, one for electrical etc, once they now what you are doing, they may offer you a discount for repeat business. It would be great to order everything at once, as shipping costs add up...that's a hidden cost. LRS and MUD helped me a lot. Do a build thread. It takes time, people rarely comment, it may inspire one person, though it mainly inspires yourself! Reading through my own makes me realise what I've been through already and makes me carry on! Skill. You don't need any. People aren't born as mechanics, you learn. I self taught...I rolled a RRC into my empty garage, bought some tools... (I didn't even know how to put a hacksaw blade into a hacksaw), stripped the body off to the chassis, shortened it and built an 80" Coiler trials motor.... There was no internet and forums then to ask for help. As a friend said, it's only nuts n bolts. Don't give up! You see many 'unfinished projects' for sale. That's because they may have not planned for any of the above... Run out of space, time, money, interest. Many times I've wished I hadn't started, but I'm mainly looking to do something next, once mine was complete. Enjoy it. It's a hobby, right? Last edited by GREENI on 27th Dec 2016 11:26am. Edited 1 time in total

27th Dec 2016 8:45am

GREENI Member Since: 22 Aug 2010 Location: staffs Posts: 10383	Sorry, that wasn't written well at all, but I hope it gets a couple of points across.
27th Dec 2016 8:52am

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

Greeni Like you I am moving home to one with a large garage or space for one to be built! We need space in the house for the two kids and 4 dogs we have but im looking forwards to finally having my own garage hahaha ive told my mrs that the criteria is space in house and GARAGE!!!! looking forward to my first rebuild indoors! after many winters freezing my ass off when I was younger! 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)

27th Dec 2016 9:02am

discomog Member Since: 09 May 2015 Location: Notts/Lincs Border Posts: 2529

Thank you Greeni, I really enjoyed reading your post. I hope it helps those members thinking about a possible rebuild as it does take up a lot of (precious) time and space. I rebuilt a Ferguson TE20 tractor some years ago in a large double garage and as Greeni says it's amazing how much space is taken up with parts and wheels and tyres etc. I started this rebuild without any planning, it just grew like topsy so well worth taking his advice and starting with a plan. I also dismantled the body of a Morgan 4/4 to paint the various bits that Morgan "forgot" to paint when they built it and again you cannot believe how much room a small sports car takes up when stripped. Many of my classic car friends have done complete rebuilds on various basket cases and every one of the rebuilds seems to have taken over their lives for a few years. My advice like Greeni is think long and hard before setting out on what will be a time consuming adventure. Defender 90XS SW Mini Countryman Cooper S Morgan Plus 8

27th Dec 2016 9:07am

Pilgrimmick Member Since: 16 Nov 2015 Location: Highlands Posts: 582	Top tip, DO NOT keep a list of costs, it will keep you awake and lead to divorce if it gets into the wrong hands! 80" 1948 Lightweight V8 Bowler Tomcat 130 Station wagon 90 300tdi (Santana PS10 pick up) Range Rover L322 (Ful fat)
27th Dec 2016 9:32am

roel Member Since: 08 Aug 2009 Location: Lelystad Posts: 2039	Remember even if you make a plan, it will cost you twice as much and three times the planned time. Or was it the other way around. Still I did it twice.  Roel 1984 90 2.5 na Diesel - RR V8 (1994-2001) 1997 Camel Trophy Discovery 300TDI (2001-2009) 2005 G4 Discovery III 4.4 V8 (2008-2018) It's gone but it still hurts. 2003 90 Td5 (2009-now)
6th Jan 2017 8:32pm

Mo Murphy Member Since: 01 Jun 2008 Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts Posts: 2244

You eventually will resent the amount of money and time the rebuild is taking and consequently your motivation will nose dive. Walk away from it for a couple of weeks, do something else. Return to it when your motivation returns. This is the point where many rebuilds get sold on so take a break, reintroduce yourself to the Mrs, build some flat pack furniture but stay away from the rebuild ☺ Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen. 50 Shades of Pennine Grey

16th Nov 2017 1:16pm

ian series 1 Member Since: 17 Nov 2014 Location: south Posts: 3127	^^^ Well said!  80" 80" 86" 88" 90" Wanted, Forward Control Anything considered.
16th Nov 2017 2:14pm

under_rover Member Since: 02 Apr 2013 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 151

Great advice there Greeni . A plan from the outset is a definate, well certainly before you set to and rip your truck into bits Space is one I'm struggling with, but it does make you keep tidy. Time is everyones nemesis, but every little task you manage is a step closer and it keeps the project moving. Be methodical, it does impact on time in the short run, but it's too easy to set too and forget what came from where. And have fun, you're spot on with that one Greeni. I'll shortly be starting a rebuild thread on a 300 90 , so watch this space

16th Nov 2017 2:49pm

Stacey007 Member Since: 25 Sep 2015 Location: Cheshire Posts: 3754

I have a spreadsheet of parts I'm buying for the Serie III... then a folder of the receipts... However ALL boxes get delivered to work I've cleaned out the garage I'm using and had a grand sort out. I have also recently installed lighting and a tool rack x 2 along with a yet to be fitted rack with little tubs for washers, bolts, etc Your right keeping the work space tidy is a good point. Makes you feel better also knowing you can find a tool etc easily when needed. My Area has already been taken over doing up a toy lander but handy I have the room and bits to do it ooh and don't forget..... Click image to enlarge

16th Nov 2017 3:06pm

Slideywindows Member Since: 09 Sep 2016 Location: North Essex Posts: 1283

My two pennorth: Before even thinking of a major rebuild, ask yourself the following questions and be honest with the answers: What do I spend my spare time doing now, that I am happy to give up for the next year or two? Will I miss doing it? Am I likely to change job in the next year or two? Am I likely to move house in the next year or two? Will I have children or will their circumstances change in the next year or two? Will I get divorced in the next year or two? You really need a clear "no" to these questions, before you start romanticising about that super rebuild you are going to do. Otherwise, life will get in the way.

16th Nov 2017 9:39pm

B4Lamb Member Since: 21 Mar 2015 Location: Abergavenny, Wales Posts: 233

Re: Want to build a truck at home? A few pointers. GREENI wrote: ......Suppliers. I tried to use one supplier for parts, one for hardware, one for electrical etc, once they now what you are doing, they may offer you a discount for repeat business. It would be great to order everything at once, as shipping costs add up...that's a hidden cost. LRS and MUD helped me a lot. ....... I am trying to find a supply source for wiring loom connectors in the engine compartment. I've drawn a blank so far. Any ideas? "You are never to old to learn something new"

17th Nov 2017 8:09pm

GREENI Member Since: 22 Aug 2010 Location: staffs Posts: 10383	Try tornado Ecu guy, he's currently doing GEMS harnesses. Though I mostly used Vehicle Wiring Products.
17th Nov 2017 8:29pm

B4Lamb Member Since: 21 Mar 2015 Location: Abergavenny, Wales Posts: 233	Okay Thanks Green  "You are never to old to learn something new"
17th Nov 2017 8:44pm

B4Lamb Member Since: 21 Mar 2015 Location: Abergavenny, Wales Posts: 233	Okay Thanks Green  "You are never to old to learn something new"
17th Nov 2017 9:15pm

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