Which Chassis???

I really enjoy my Disco as a toy but would love a Series Landy, but would like to create something with a modern flavour.

The first call would be to get a coil sprung chassis modified to take series body work. It would have to be a SWB but what is the best starting point?

RR / Disco 1 Chassis, shortened with new rear cross member to take tub (like on 4x4 is born) which will already have mounts for tdi engine gearbox etc,

or option 2, get a chassis from a 90/110 and shorten that to suit? Is it possible to fit series body work straight to a 90 chassis? only a couple of inches to lose somewhere??

finally option 3, buy a custom made replacement chassis ready to go.

The plan would be to use the running gear, engine, gbox axles etc from my current Disco if this pie in the sky project ever came off.

I'm not looking to create a tax free rip off and would like it done properly. My preference would be series 2/2a bodywork as I think they look the best personally.

Your thoughts please - good or bad

Dorset VogueSE said:

RR / Disco 1 Chassis, shortened with new rear cross member to take tub (like on 4x4 is born) which will already have mounts for tdi engine gearbox etc,

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Would be first choice for me, a cohesive package, known quantity, modified to suit the bodywork.

2nd would be Defender, but getting one with a good enough chassis/gearbox/engine package at the right price might be difficult and it'd still need shortening ... or the bodywork lengthening ... which might be a bit easier!

Starting with a rotting Disco would be a good place to start. You may well have to go with a custom floor/tunnel as the Disco box lever position is not ideally suited to the Series/Def interior layout.

RR / Disco 1 Chassis, shortened with new rear cross member to take tub (like on 4x4 is born) which will already have mounts for tdi engine gearbox etc

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If you go the Series/Def bodywork route you will also need outriggers for bulkhead and fuel tank.

Once the chassis is ready I think I would be tempted to get it shot blasted and galv'd or painted.

TBH putting a 200Tdi into an old Defender 90 will be a lot less work but wouldn't have the same satisfaction and you can 'tune' the build to your style/needs.


If you go ahead with this, talk to be about chassis shortening

Dorset VogueSE said:

RRC / Disco1 seem teh obvious choices as there are plently of rotted Discos about for pence. Have seen Chassis for less than £50.

That way I could do all the chassis mods and source other parts needed prior to breaking my Disco.

I know I need new outriggers fuel tank supports etc welded on, but will already have engine mounts in correct place and pwr steering box mounts etc.

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Is this instead of getting a 90 DV?

Most, if not all options will end up on a Q plate... So if you are going to do it, do a proper job!

Designa Chassis – Specialist Land Rover Chassis and Special Parts Fabricator