MOD Defender WOLF Project

Hi All,

New to the site and would like to introduce myself. I have a Range Rover Sport L320 as a family car and am looking at the moment to possibly purchase an MOD Wolf 90 from auction as a base project car and essentially convert one to civilian spec.

The MOD WOLF's come with either a fibreglass roof or soft top which I plan to remove and fit the civilian aluminium roof, side panels and rear door.

They have an internal roll cage which I would plan to modify so that it remains, i.e. cut down and modified to suit the lower roof profile.

I plan to fit forward facing rear seats in the back (is this possible?)

I believe that the WOLF's are 24v and differ from the civilian models and that they have reinforced axles and chassis.

Does anyone have any experience of carrying out what I propose to do and indeed if it is worth doing in terms of costs vs buying a low mileage 300TDI which itself will probably prove difficult and more costly.

My main reason for buying a WOLF is cost as I believe that they can be purchased quite cheaply from auction and I am also looking for a project.

I am very mechanically minded (plumber to trade) and am very confident to take on the work myself with the exception of a re-spray.

Can the majority of the parts on a WOLF be changed out for civilian parts? i.e. I would not have to seek WOLF parts specifically?

Lastly, what would the value of a converted WOLF be on the open market once the conversion was completed, more or less than a civilian model with the same mileage?

Many thanks

Pete

Pete, welcome to LandyZone,

My best recommendation here would be not to try to convert a Wolf to a civilian type Defender. Simply, any conversion/rebuild always costs more money and especially time to convert/rebuild, than simply buying a readily available civilian Defender...afterall, it's not as if there's a shortage of Land Rovers on the market. Generally, Wolf/Military Defenders are highly sort after and only seem to be gaining in value...and properly looked after Wolf Defenders hold their value very well. Low cost/below market value Wolf's are normally a pile of cr*p and most military Land Rovers have led a very hard life, often a much harder life than their pampered civilian equivalents.

So maybe think, do you want a Land Rover because it's a Land Rover...or, do you actually want a Military Land Rover or a Civilian Land Rover? They're very different.

ps when selling a Wolf to civilian conversion many prospective purchasers will be put off because it's not 'original' - this despite some parts of the chassis are of thicker steel construction.

eta, of course I could be talking a load of old horse poo - in which case, do what you want with your hard earned squidlets

Hi V8250,

Thanks for the information which really does help with my decision making.

Civilian it is then and so begins the search.....Clean 90 300 TDI's seem to be very rare and I can see the search possibly heading down the route of a TD5.

Thats a very nice looking truck you have may I say, love the exterior cage and bonnet mounted spare.

Thank you re' the Ninety...she is now after spending 14mths and a pile of wodge refurbishing the old girl. Re' 300tdi or TD5? Personally, I'd go for a 300tdi as there's much less to go wrong...of course others will say TD5. One advantage of the 300tdi is that a good number of earlier Defenders have been converted [if not original] and some have had a lot of money thrown at them [new chassis, engine. 'box, bodywork etc.,] so it's worth spending the little bit extra up front rather than a small fortune on previous owners **** ups.

Sounds like a lot fo work, looks great. Where did you get the roll cage from? The thing is that clean 300 TDI's are very expensive. Back on topic of the WOLF's, how different is the 24V set up or it is purely certain circuits of the vehicle that are 24V, that is to power the radio equipment?

A LOT of the wolf parts and all the electrial systems are wolf specific, they are quite a different beast compared to a civilian LR - it isn’t just a case of taking out and replacing with ‘civilian’ stuff. The entire thing is 24v - both vehicle systems and radio systems (if fitted) and the 2 are quite integrated.

As for cheap, a decent wolf in good condition is more expensive than the civilian equivalent (300tdi) tbh.

Hi Flat,
Thanks for the response. I think I'm more than convinced now.
Pete

Why do you want to convert it to civilian 12v spec? Arguably the 24v is a superior system and more reliable.

as for the roof, a soft top is not an issue all year round tbh, but the fibreglass roof is quite good, what are your reasons for wanting to change to a plain Jane civilian roof? For windows or something?

tbh re: a 90, and I don’t know how big your family is but 4 up in a 90 with front facing rear seats doesn’t leave room for any luggage. It’s passengers OR luggage, but not both. A 90 is actually quite small, inside compared to the outside, it’s like a reverse tardis!

If you are thinking of doing family trips in it a 110 would suit better from a ‘fitting people and stuff in’ point of view.

110 wolf are just 2 seats pickups really, no side rear doors, just the rear tailgate door.

a civilian 90 or 110 300tdi, unmolested and original will be out there and would probably be a better vehicle imo.

Of you want a wolf because it is a wolf, then embrace it and go for it, but converting it would devalue it IMO and wouldn’t be easy or cheap to do.

@SPLRover , as per @flat, there's always more to think of with Land Rovers than meets the eye...

• If wanting space for family use go for a 110. 90's are quite tiny in rear.
• If wanting an MOD Landy, why not a good quality low mileage 12v GS model? There are plenty out there.
• Soft Tops really are very practical - the canvas/tilts come in all sorts including with windows [like mine] + a fume curtain is very useful, not only for fume control...but also for keeping a Landy's feeble heater heat in the cockpit + they're lots of fun to roll up for Spring/Summer/Autumn [and Winter...!] driving. For me they give an added driving experience not present with a Hardtop/County et al. Though this reduces their security levels...my view here is, don't leave valuables in the back; unless off road touring in Monaco
• Personally, I think Wolf's are overrated and have false cache...unless an owner wants all the exclusive elements of an MOD Wolf.
• Many go for the "Wolf look..." adding original/aftermarket Wolf wheels [they do look good...but they really aren't needed] though I've fallen for this "look..." and have an original full set + 60mm studs.
• Re' roll cage, mine's a proper welded to chassis Safety Devices jobbie - be careful of the lower cost cages that only bolt to the upper body, they're a waste of time/money as a Landy body is made of tin [aluminium alloy] http://www.safetydevices.com/expedi...90+Ninety-1983-1990-3-door-Hard+Top/261/1775/

So lots to think about...but that's part of the fun when searching for a new toy...

Ps it's great to bring the family along on this new toy journey...their input can be really important for all to enjoy/share