200 TDi shopping - your thoughts please

OK so I got me a sort of nice 200 TDi, 1991 H, Arles blue, ex-farmers vehicle that has been partly rebuilt over last 2 years. Loads of reciepts from Ripon Land Rover for things like Transfer Box, swivels, front prop shaft, etc., and loads of parts reciepts from the mechanic that was rebuilding it - not complete as he was "forced" to sell it quickly plus all the welding and replacement outriggers, waxoyling etc.

OK, so rear prop is on it's way out with a lot of play in UJ's and a bit of slack in diff, so is being replaced ASAP.

Came with a complete new set of barrel locks and spare key for the knackered door locks, but the front doors themselves are in need of attention. Should I repair doors, fit new locks and get replacement door cards, or get a set of Series clinch handle doors. If I get series doors, will the barrel locks fit them, or am I forced down the push button door route?

Is it worth shelling out for a set af stainless bolts and captive nuts from Stigs fasteners, or do I wander up to the Sodbury Sortout (5 miles from home) next month and see what I can get?

Seats are knackered, so do I get an exmoor trim kit, get some out of a scrapper, or fit some MG Metro (or similar) reclining seats?

Not putting a lift kit on at the moment as it has got new rubber bushes and Koni shockers, and will wait for them to get a bit of use first.

Steering guard and diff guards are on the list, and rock/tree sliders will be fabricated shortly. Tank guard prototype is awaiting being commited to steel

Greenway Machos are on order, along with wheels, so will have road set and off-road set.

Any other bits I should consider, as this is going to be used for moving bulky stuff around and trialling/playdays a couple of times a month

Was thinking about a trip to Twisted Performance next time I'm in Thirsk, but I need to save some pennies for that first

Seats - I had a pair of Rangie seats in my Defender & they were the mutts. Bonus is the runners are the same distance apart so the front mounting bolts line up already. I cut two lengths of 6mm bar drilled holes for the front bolts, mid bolts (seats) & rear bolts (old seat mounting holes), put 6mm spacers underneath the two lengths of bar (not sure why now, but there probably was a reason) & bolted the whole lot up.

Wouldn't worry too much about the recliney bit, unless you replace the loadbay bulkhead with a bar seats won't recline much anyways.

I saw quite a few Rangie seats at the last Sodbury (forgot it was next month!)

Only other thing I'd say is get it running sweet & enjoy it for a while before spending loads on stuff you think you want now, the list WILL change, it always does!

Marcus said:

Only other thing I'd say is get it running sweet & enjoy it for a while before spending loads on stuff you think you want now, the list WILL change, it always does!

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I know what you mean, the last one I bought was already tricked up apart from the rock/tree sliders (which we made anyway). Will sort the rear drivetrain and doors/locks out and take it one step at a time. Might limit myself to one treat a month

earlier series doors will fit but i would be mor inclined to stay with push button type. ifv they are rotten beyond repair start playing the lottery. i recently got quoted £350 a door. (take off 1999 90)

I recently bought a pair of mint take-off doors from an 06 plate vehicle (complete with leccy winders) for £250 delivered.
There are bargains out there if you look hard and long enough.