Possible Purchase??

Hi guys, im still on the lookout for a defender, and i went to view one today, Shes a 110 hi-cap, 1997, 111000 miles 300tdi.

The plan is to build a tray back so theres a lot of work that will be done, therefore ive been looking for a rough enough on that i can start from scratch with.


chassis:

From the pictures you will see the worst areas of rust, front and back outriggers, and rear crossmember. The rear of the chassis is warped (see picture) due to a serious amount of rust, however i will be cutting off the back of the chassis and putting in a winch mount, similar to devons one:

2 - Starting the build

Can anyone give me an idea as to whether this chassis is savable? and if there are patch kits or the likes that will work??

Engine:

Sounds good when its running, it takes a good bit to start it though, the guy reckons its glow plugs or a fuel filter, theres a small bit of white smoke on start up but looks ok after. Any thoughts on the sluggish startup?

Gearbox:

All fine except its quite a bit loose for 5th and reverse, should i be worried??


So basically im asking for advice on how much work im looking at with the chassis, is the engine/gearbox fooked? and how much could i expect to sell the rear tray and front wings/grille/ bumper for?

Oh and also, how much would you pay for it as is??

Thanks

Looking at the chassis, I'd want to strip it down, blast it and then examine it. I bet there is some hidden rot elsewhere. Depending on the price and your budget you could buy a galv chassis and rebuild it in you fashion.

What condition is the bulkhead in?

If your happy with the engine then it could just be what you're looking for.

Is it MOTed?

The inside doesn't look too good.

The price will be contentious - £1k - £1.5k

Stripping it down and blasting it would be the plan alright, then paint it, i am capable of doing the welding involved but it would only be worth my while getting this if it is going to be a repair rather than replace situation, i wouldnt want to spend more than €300 give or take doing work to it.

Bulkhead looks ok, only surface rust.

its not in the uk, but it doesnt have the irish equivilant either.

any thoughts on the engine or gearbox?

also, the power steering was gone....